Applications of Carbon Dots in Food Safety: A Comprehensive Review

Carbon dots (CDs) have come to be considered as an increasingly varied set of nanomaterials possessing exceptional optical, chemical, and biocompatibility properties. Due to their tuneable fluorescence, notable quantum yield, water solubility, and environmentally friendly synthesis, they are superb contenders for numerous applications within the field of food safety. Over the last decade, CDs have become successfully utilized for the detection of heavy metals, antibiotics, pesticides, and food-related pathogens, as well as in the production of sophisticated food packaging systems. This review provides an integrative survey of the most recent advances relative to the application of carbon dots towards food safety, focusing on their synthesis methods, sensing processes, analytical prowess, and field applications. Furthermore, it discusses the aspects of toxicity, sustainability, and future challenges associated with industrial implementation. Through the integration of food science and nanotechnology through CDs, the latter represents an emerging avenue towards ensuring food security worldwide and promoting the health of consumers.

Keywords:

Carbon dots , Food safety , Fluorescent sensors , Heavy metals , Pathogens , Smart packaging , Nanomaterials