The development of rapid, sensitive, and portable contaminant detection methods

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the stated challenges and future work and stated research gap of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 2025 and 2026, spanning 3 journals. Those papers have been cited 149 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 3 representative gaps

• Electrochemical biosensors for food spoilage, quality monitoring, and food safety: recent advances, sensor performance, and smart packaging integration (2026) · Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems · cited 4× · doi

  One of the challenges is the development of sensitive and selective biosensors that can detect various spoilage indicators and contaminants in complex food matrices. Another challenge is the integration of electrochemical biosensors with smart packaging and their potential for real-time food quality monitoring. The paper also mentions the need for reliable and user-friendly technologies that can be used on-site for rapid detection of spoilage and contamination.

  generalstated challengesevidence 5/5
  Keywords: one challenges development sensitive selective biosensors detect various
• IoT-Enabled Biosensors in Food Packaging: A Breakthrough in Food Safety for Monitoring Risks in Real Time (2025) · Foods · cited 141× · doi

  IoT-enabled biosensors in food packaging are a promising concept for offering food safety and quality for packaged foods. By combining biosensors with the connectivity of the IoT, these packaging technologies will be able to convey insights to stakeholders, from producers to consumers, regarding standards of food safety and transparency. Despite this promising progress, many challenges of IoT-enabled biosensor-enhanced food packaging remain for widespread adoption. One key challenge is the high cost of developing IoT connectivity with the biosensor, which needs to be controlled for the food packaging market. Research and development through academia and industry collaboration are required to overcome these challenges. Furthermore, addressing regional disparities in infrastructure and consumer awareness is needed to expand the reach of these technologies to underserved markets. As many engineering technologies and nano-molecules, e.g., blockchain, robot, and automation, have emerged and are being used along with sensors and actuators in the agricultural and food sectors, opportunities for such innovation can be used to impact the capabilities of IoT-enabled biosensors and create a way that not only ensures food safety but also engages consumers. By creating a multidisciplinary approach, IoT-enabled biosensors need to be safer, more efficient, and sustainable for the global food system. The IoT-enabled biosensors could alternate traditional packaging systems to improve food safety, supply chain management, and consumer interaction. Progresses in nanotech- nology, bioengineering, and material sciences are expected to produce more sensitive, accurate, and durable biosensors. Using emerging technologies, such as artificial intelli- gence (AI) and machine learning (ML), will improve data processing, allowing for better decisions on storage and distribution. Expanding the accessibility of IoT-enabled biosensors to underserved and small-scale producers is another critical priority. Developing affordable, easy-to-use systems for local needs will democratize the benefits of this technology, helping to ensure food safety and reduce losses in regions with limited resources. Collaboration across industries, governments, and academia will be vital in addressing global challenges such as food insecurity and climate change. By leveraging the synergistic potential of multidisciplinary research and cross-sector partnerships, IoT-enabled biosensors in smart food packaging have the potential to evolve into a cornerstone technology for achieving sustainable, resilient, and equitable food systems in the 21st century and beyond. Foods 2025, 14, 1403 15 of 18 Author Contributions: Writing—original draft preparation, A.S.; writing—review and editing, A.S., A.H., L.W., K.M. and M.A.; conceptualization, A.S., A.H. and K.M.; investigation, L.W. and M.A.; resources, A.S.; visualization, L.W.; supervision, L.W. and K.M.; project administration, A.S.; funding acquisition, A.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. Funding: This research was funded by USDA-ARS (Grant No. 58-6066-2-039). All support and help were highly appreciated; however, only the authors are responsible for the opinions expressed in this paper and for any possible errors. Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable. Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable. Data Availability Statement: No new data were created or analyzed in this study. Data sharing is not applicable to this article. Acknowledgments: The authors thank the Food Safety and Packaging Laboratory, Alcorn State University (Lorman, MS, USA) for the technical support in performing the research. Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

  generalfuture workevidence 5/5
  Keywords: food biosensors enabled packaging safety technologies authors challenges systems statement applicable promising foods connectivity producers
• Sustainable Nanotechnology Approaches for Rapid Food Contaminant Detection and Future Food Safety Systems (2026) · Nanomaterials · cited 4× · doi

  The paper identifies a gap in the development of rapid, sensitive, and portable contaminant detection methods. There is a need for more effective prevention, monitoring, and response strategies for foodborne diseases. The integration of nanosensors with smart packaging and Internet of Things platforms is an area that requires further research.

  generalstated research gapevidence 4/5
  Keywords: paper identifies gap development rapid sensitive portable contaminant

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