A ratiometric fluorescence platform for on-site screening meat freshness

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Meat freshness is critical for food safety and public health.
• Current methods for assessing meat freshness are often time-consuming or require laboratory equipment.
• Simple, on-site detection methods are needed for real-time food quality monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a ratiometric fluorescence platform for rapid, on-site detection of meat freshness.
• To synthesize and optimize benzothiazole-based fluorescent compounds for detecting meat spoilage biomarkers.
• To create a portable, smartphone-adaptable system for visual meat freshness assessment.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of benzothiazole-based fluorescent compounds (BM, BHM, BTH).
• Optimization of the BTH compound for high sensitivity and selectivity to cadaverine (Cad) and putrescine (Pte).
• Fabrication of portable test strips and a smartphone-based fluorescence detection device.

Main Results:

• The optimized BTH compound showed a fast response (<15 min) and high sensitivity (LOD = 70 nM) to Cad.
• Portable test strips provided visible color and fluorescence changes for Cad and Pte detection.
• The smartphone-based device enabled on-site monitoring of Cad and Pte in meat samples within 5 min.

Conclusions:

• BTH-loaded portable test strips offer a low-cost, high-contrast, and fast-response solution for meat freshness monitoring.
• The developed smartphone-adaptable fluorescent labels are effective for detecting spoilage biomarkers in real meat products.
• This technology empowers consumers and stakeholders to quickly assess meat quality and ensure food safety.