Nanomaterials for sensing and biosensing: applications in agri-food diagnostics.

Nanotechnology has a wide scope in various fields as an interdisciplinary science and provides innovative tools in the medical, industrial, agricultural, and food sectors. The unique properties of nanomaterials as compared to the conventional bulk materials because of their small size in the nanoscale have attracted researchers to explore their potential, especially in agriculture and food diagnostics. With the increasing concern over the protection of agricultural products from various threats and to increase agricultural yield, nanotechnology has proven to be an essential tool. The earlier detection of the adversely affecting factors like pathogens, undesirable chemicals, and adverse soil conditions can help in treatment well in time and prevent the undue loss of agricultural yield as well as adverse effects on the environment. Likewise, safe and contamination-free food products are the demand in the food industry not only for enhancement of shelf life of products and maintenance of nutrient quality but also for consumer satisfaction and health. Various nanomaterials have been used to sense these factors to provide eco-friendly and economic diagnostics. In this study, applications of various nanomaterials in the agriculture and food industry have been reviewed in terms of their use as nano-based sensors and biosensors to diagnose soil conditions, soil nutrients, pesticides, and pathogens in plants and food products. In addition, the role of nano-based sensors and biosensors in detecting the presence of various adulterants including heavy metals and other contaminants has also been summarised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]