Nano-engineered eco-friendly materials for food safety: Chemistry, design and sustainability

The sensitive detection, extraction and analysis of organic compounds such as pharmaceuticals as contaminants in food is very crucial. For this purpose, the effective utilization of sustainable nanomaterials is a promising strategy that combines the benefits of sustainability principles with nanotechnology to ensure the quality and safety of food products. Eco-friendly nanomaterials are distinguished by their exceptional properties, including sustainable synthesis, minimized ecological impact, and production from renewable or waste resources (e.g., cellulose, chitosan, lignin). This review paper elucidates the latest advancements and emerging trends in the development of eco-friendly nanomaterial-based sensor and extraction platforms for the efficient detection and removal of antibiotics as organic contaminants from food samples. The introduction section briefly outlines the significance and benefits of nanomaterials in the construction of sensor platforms. Subsequently, green methodologies for the synthesis of nanomaterials are discussed. Then, the paper progresses with various applications of eco-friendly nanomaterial-based sensor platforms and separation systems towards antibiotic contaminants in food samples. The final section offers conclusions and future perspectives. [Display omitted] •Eco-friendly nanomaterials enable sensitive antibiotic detection in food.•Green synthesis methods reduce environmental impact using renewable resources.•Eco-friendly solvents ensure safer nanomaterial production for food safety.•Future research targets scalable production and commercial nanomaterial platforms.