Revolutionizing Food Safety with Quantum Dot–Polymer Nanocomposites: From Monitoring to Sensing Applications

Abstract

The present review article investigates the prospective utilisation of quantum dot–polymer nanocomposites in the context of ensuring food safety. The text pertains to the advancement of nanocomposites, encompassing their distinctive optical and electrical characteristics, and their prospective to transform the detection and perception of food safety risks. The article explores diverse methodologies for producing nanocomposites and underscores their potential utility in identifying impurities, microorganisms, and harmful substances in food. The article provides an overview of the challenges and limitations associated with the utilisation of nanocomposites in food safety applications, encompassing concerns regarding toxicity and the necessity for standardised protocols. The review article presents a comprehensive examination of the present research status in this area and underscores the potential of quantum dots–polymer nanocomposites in transforming food safety monitoring and sensing.

Photoluminescence from Two-Phase Nanocomposites Embedded in Polymers

“…The interdisciplinary nature of nanotechnology allows for the manipulation and design of materials at the atomic and molecular levels, opening new possibilities in fields such as information technology, environmental science, medicine, food safety, agriculture, and more [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Semiconductor QDs, being a pivotal class of materials, hold significant promise for various nanoscale applications owing to their unique structural, optical, and electrical properties [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. The distinct characteristics of semiconductors make them particularly exciting for researchers and engineers working on nanoscale technologies.…”

“…Nanotechnology has emerged as a groundbreaking field with diverse applications across various disciplines [1]. Among the nanoscale materials, quantum dots (QDs) hold a special place due to their unique properties [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. The convergence of physics, materials science, chemistry, and biotechnology at the nanoscale has paved the way for the creation of novel materials exhibiting properties markedly different from their bulk counterparts [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].…”

“…The convergence of physics, materials science, chemistry, and biotechnology at the nanoscale has paved the way for the creation of novel materials exhibiting properties markedly different from their bulk counterparts [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. In physics and material science, QDs primarily explore the behavior of electrons and photons at the nanoscale, whereas in chemistry, this they are associated with colloids, micelles, polymer composites, and similar structures [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. The interdisciplinary nature of nanotechnology allows for the manipulation and design of materials at the atomic and molecular levels, opening new possibilities in fields such as information technology, environmental science, medicine, food safety, agriculture, and more [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12].…”

“…In physics and material science, QDs primarily explore the behavior of electrons and photons at the nanoscale, whereas in chemistry, this they are associated with colloids, micelles, polymer composites, and similar structures [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. The interdisciplinary nature of nanotechnology allows for the manipulation and design of materials at the atomic and molecular levels, opening new possibilities in fields such as information technology, environmental science, medicine, food safety, agriculture, and more [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. Semiconductor QDs, being a pivotal class of materials, hold significant promise for various nanoscale applications owing to their unique structural, optical, and electrical properties [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12].…”

“…It is noteworthy that the applications of nanotechnology in fields such as information technology, medicine, and energy continue to evolve as researchers uncover new possibilities and refine existing technologies [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. The ability to engineer materials at the nanoscale has not only opened avenues for innovation but has also raised important considerations related to safety, ethics, and environmental impact, which researchers and policymakers need to address as the field progresses.…”