Nanoparticles based nanosensors: Principles and their applications in active packaging for food quality and safety detection

Recent developments in nanotechnology-driven intelligent and active packaging materials have led to increased safety and contamination recognition in real-time and low cost compared to laborious, time-consuming and expensive conventional methods. Nanoparticle-driven nanosensors play a vital role in qualitative and quanti-tative estimation of change in environmental and microbial infestation at food manufacturing, processing storage and facilities, thus protecting the interest of all stakeholders, from manufacturers, processors, retailers, and consumers to government agencies. On the other hand, the migration of nanoparticles in the food matrix raises concerns about health risks associated with the toxicological behaviour of migrated nanoparticles. This review is focused on nanoparticles driven nanosensors for applications in packaged food safety and quality.