Recent progress of quantum dots for food safety assessment: A review

The escalating demand for rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective methods for food safety evaluation has led to the exploration of innovative analytical techniques. This year, Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to exploring of the quantum dots (QDs), which have emerged as promising tools for the real-time detection and quantification of various contaminants, including pathogens, heavy metals, and pesticides. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the advancements in the application of QDs for food safety. We discuss the unique optical properties of QDs, such as tunable fluorescence and high photostability, that make them advantageous over traditional fluorescent markers. The review delves into the various functionalization strategies that impart specificity and selectivity to QDs, enabling them to target a wide range of contaminants. We also address the critical challenges that currently impede the widespread adoption of QD technology in food safety, such as potential toxicity, high cost of production, and issues related to stability and interference. Moreover, the review touches upon future perspectives in the application of QDs for food safety. By presenting an integrated overview, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and professionals seeking to understand the potential and limitations of QDs in food safety areas. •Nobel Prize-recognized quantum dots (QDs) offer revolutionary real-time detection of food contaminants.•QDs boast advantages like tunable fluorescence and improved specificity through functionalization.•Challenges for QDs include potential toxicity, production costs, and stability concerns in food safety.