Innovative Advances in Colorimetric Sensor Array Technology for Food Safety and Quality Assessment: An Updated Comprehensive Review
Muhammad Bilal, Muhammad Asim Shabbir, Waqar Iqbal, Samee Ullah, Muhammad Asim, Muhammad Arslan, Faryal Shaukat, Zhihua Li, Xia Sun, Xiaobo Zou
Abstract
The demand for fast, reliable, and cost-effective food safety assessments has increased significantly, driven by concerns from public health authorities and consumers. Traditional methods, like molecular and genetic analyses, offer high accuracy but are often limited by long processing times, high costs, and scalability issues, which restrict their use in various settings. In response, Colorimetric Sensor Array (CSA) technology has emerged as a promising solution, offering rapid, sensitive, and affordable detection. CSA works by generating distinctive color patterns through chemical reactions in sensor elements, which serve as visible indicators of contaminants such as pathogens, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Recent advancements in CSA, particularly through the use of nanomaterials and machine learning, have improved detection accuracy and addressed challenges like signal variability and complex data interpretation. CSA’s versatility extends beyond food safety, with applications in detecting spoilage, hazardous substances, and environmental pollutants. This technology has proven valuable not only in food safety monitoring but also in environmental health fields. Moreover, innovations in CSA design, sensor materials, portability, and real-time monitoring have expanded its practical use, making it a viable tool across various industries and environments, enhancing its potential for real-world application.