Recent Advances in Biosensor Technologies for Meat Production Chain

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Biosensors integrate biological elements with transducers for sensitive biomolecule detection.
• Increasing demand for food safety, quality, and fraud detection in the meat industry drives biosensor application.
• Biosensors monitor pathogens, contaminants, antibiotics, hormones, and metabolites throughout the farm-to-fork continuum.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state-of-the-art in biosensor development for meat safety and quality monitoring.
• To highlight the challenges and opportunities for prospective biosensor applications in the meat industry.
• To provide an overview of advancements enhancing biosensor utility in real-time monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on biosensor technology and applications in the meat industry.
• Analysis of advancements in micro/nanotechnology, microfluidics, and wireless communication for biosensor enhancement.
• Examination of biosensor integration with IoT, blockchain, AI, and ML for data management and analytics.

Main Results:

• Biosensors provide rapid, specific detection of a wide range of analytes in meat, including pathogens, contaminants, and adulterants.
• Technological advancements have improved biosensor sensitivity, portability, and suitability for on-site field applications.
• Integration with digital technologies (IoT, blockchain, AI/ML) enhances data management, traceability, and risk assessment.

Conclusions:

• Biosensors are crucial for ensuring meat safety, quality, and authenticity, enabling early interventions and reducing health risks.
• Despite challenges in scalability, matrix complexity, and regulatory approval, biosensors hold significant promise for routine use in the meat industry.
• Continued development and integration of biosensors with advanced technologies will foster transparency, consumer trust, and industry accountability.