Contaminant sensors: nanotechnology-based contaminant sensors

The remarkable properties of nanomaterials, such as their unique electrical, optical, and chemical properties as compared to macromaterials, make them ideal candidates for sensor design. Nanosensors offer unique advantages such as high sensitivity and accuracy, quick response, direct localized detection, and enhanced sensing surface area, which can be easily functionalized. Detection of contaminants in the food industry not only ensures safe storage and transportation within the sell-by period, but also reduces potential health risks involved due to presence of pathogenic microorganisms and the associated toxins. Additionally, contaminant sensors can be used to detect banned dyes and adulterants, pharmacological residues, such as antibiotics and hormones, and allergens. Advancements in the field of food nanosensing including novel nanosensory approaches called e-nose and e-tongue, lab-on-chip nanotechnology-based pathogen sensors, surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based sensors and aptamer-based sensors are discussed along with their current and potential applications