Advances in 3D printed sensors for food analysis

Food quality control is of utmost importance for human safety and health, requiring efficient and reliable analytical methods for food analysis. The advantageous features such as versatility, simplicity, reproducibility, accuracy, and relatively low cost have enabled 3D printing techniques to be employed in the design of portable sensors for the detection of varied food contaminants. This review aims at discussing recent advances in the use of 3D printing technologies for the design of sensing platforms and providing comprehensive insights into the application of such platforms for the detection of food contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, pathogens, mycotoxins, spoilage, allergens and adulterations on food as well as for the food flavor analysis. We focus on two points: 1) an overview of the most explored 3D printing technologies and transduction sensing mechanisms, and 2) the current state-of-the-art 3D printing for the preparation of sensors for monitoring food safety and quality. Emphasis is also placed on the development of hand-held and consumer-friendly 3D printed sensors, while challenges and obstacles that must be overcome to enable their practical application in food safety control along the food supply chain are also summarized. •Emerging 3D printed (bio)sensors for food analysis are critically reviewed.•3D printed devices operating under distinct transductions mechanism are presented.•Emphasis is given on sensing devices for food quality and food safety analyses.•The limitations and future perspectives for 3D printed food sensors are discussed.