Abstract
The use of nanotechnology-derived products in the development of sensors and analytical measurement methodologies has increased significantly over the past decade. Nano-based sensing approaches include the use of nanoparticles (NPs) and nanostructures to enhance sensitivity and selectivity, design new detection schemes, improve sample preparation and increase portability. This review summarizes recent advancements in the design and development of NP-based sensors for assessing food safety. The most common types of NPs used to fabricate sensors for detection of food contaminants are discussed. Selected examples of NP-based detection schemes with colorimetric and electrochemical detection are provided with focus on sensors for the detection of chemical and biological contaminants including pesticides, heavy metals, bacterial pathogens and natural toxins. Current trends in the development of low-cost portable NP-based technology for rapid assessment of food safety as well as challenges for practical implementation and future research directions are discussed.
Highlights
Food safety remains a major concern worldwide
This review summarizes recent advancements in the design and development of NP-based sensors for assessing food safety
A sensor design by integrating magnetic nanobeads for detection of organophosphate insecticides using acetylcholinesterase was demonstrated on screen printed carbon electrode surface [80]
Summary
Food safety remains a major concern worldwide. The presence of unsafe levels of chemical and biological toxins in food represents a serious threat to the safety of the food supply and public health. Several types of enzyme-based and bioaffinity assays have been reported as alternatives to conventional analytical instrumentation [3,4,5,6,7], albeit with few examples of food safety applications [8,9,10,11]. Colorimetric [17] and electrochemical [18] detection systems have already been integrated with low-cost platforms such as patterned paper enabling on-site analysis These portable, low cost and user-friendly sensors have been developed as alternative to conventional analytical methods for point of care medical diagnosis [19], environmental monitoring and food quality control [20]. Application of screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) as a portable platform in electrochemical sensors for environmental monitoring and food quality control have been extensively reported [21]. Selected examples the from literature on NP-based detection schemes, operational parameters and applications for measurement of food contaminants, as well as challenges for practical implementation and future research directions are discussed
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