Applications of Micro- and Nanofluidics in the Food Industry

Micro- and nanofluidics applications in the food industry represent a very interesting example of a multidisciplinary approach for development, involving engineering, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, microbiology, nanotechnology and biotechnology. Initially mutuated from semiconductor industry, these technologies are designed to manipulate small volumes of fluids. They are gaining momentum year after year and today they cover a wide range of applications, from real-time and on-site analysis for food safety to food processing and microstructuring. In this chapter the physical bases of microfluidics are introduced and a review of applications in the food industry is provided, illustrating successes, perspectives and challenges.