Application of Gold-Nanoparticle Colorimetric Sensing to Rapid Food Safety Screening

Abstract

Due to their unique optical properties, narrow size distributions, and good biological affinity, gold nanoparticles have been widely applied in sensing analysis, catalytic, environmental monitoring, and disease therapy. The color of a gold nanoparticle solution and its maximum characteristic absorption wavelength will change with the particle size and inter-particle spacing. These properties are often used in the detection of hazardous chemicals, such as pesticide residues, heavy metals, banned additives, and biotoxins, in food. Because the gold nanoparticles-colorimetric sensing strategy is simple, quick, and sensitive, this method has extensive applications in real-time on-site monitoring and rapid testing of food quality and safety. Herein, we review the preparation methods, functional modification, photochemical properties, and applications of gold nanoparticle sensors in rapid testing. In addition, we elaborate on the colorimetric sensing mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of colorimetric sensors based on gold nanoparticles, and directions for future development.

Persea americanaseed extract mediated gold nanoparticles for mercury(ii)/iron(iii) sensing, 4-nitrophenol reduction, and organic dye degradation

“…[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] It is worth mentioning that most of the researchers have reported the detection of heavy metal ions based on colorimetric approach due to simplicity and cost effectiveness where the outcome can be observed by the naked eye. 9,10 Although they are widely used, we still need to study an eco-friendly approach for sensing of heavy metal ions. 7,8,[18][19][20][21][22] To overcome these drawbacks, here we propose an alternative sensing probe with avocado seed extract.…”

Using millimeter‐waves for rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria in food based on bacteriophage

“…The proposed sensor analysis time (20 minutes) is comparable to the time reported in the other rapid methods . Although some of the nanotechnology‐based methods reported in Table for comparison can detect the presence of the bacteria in 1 to 5 minutes, the major advantages of the biosensor we proposed over the other rapid techniques are the simplicity of the design and the low cost of fabrication in addition to the highly electivity of bacteriophage while maintaining a rapid response (20 minutes).…”

“…To increase sensitivity and shorten testing time for food samples, several types of biosensors have been proposed using nanotechnology, the best of which are optical‐based sensors. Several optical sensors were proposed based on colorimetric, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, and plasmonic signal detection . These systems can provide reliable results in few minutes, but many of these systems are expensive, toxic (needs special handling), and/or complex in design, fabrication, and testing.…”

“…Several optical sensors were proposed based on colorimetric, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, and plasmonic signal detection. 11,[20][21][22][23] These systems can provide reliable results in few minutes, but many of these systems are expensive, toxic (needs special handling), and/or complex in design, fabrication, and testing.…”

2-LED-µSpectrophotometer for Rapid On-Site Detection of Pathogens Using Noble-Metal Nanoparticle-Based Colorimetric Assays

“…On the other hand, non-crosslinking aggregation describes a controlled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) interaction using the ability of noble-metal nanoparticles to interact without actual bond formation [10]. Other studies investigate anti-aggregation or de-aggregation assays [11].…”