SERS Sensor Integrated in Stretchable and Antimicrobial Wrapper for Food Quality Monitoring and Preservation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Food Science

Background:

• Traditional food monitoring methods are often destructive and time-consuming.
• The wellness era demands advanced, real-time, and non-destructive food quality and safety assessment.
• Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing presents a promising solution for sensitive, rapid detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a nanostructured SERS sensor integrated into a stretchable and antimicrobial wrapper (NSSAW) for smart food monitoring.
• To enable on-site, non-destructive detection of food's nutritional content, freshness, and toxicants.
• To prevent microbial growth and enhance food preservation through integrated antimicrobial properties.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of NSSAW using nanoimprint lithography, nanotransfer printing, and electrospinning.
• Incorporation of Au nanostructure array with Ag nanoparticles for SERS hotspots.
• Loading of curcumin into composite nanofibers for elasticity and antimicrobial effects.

Main Results:

• Successful detection of purines, proteins, and lipids in various food samples (salmon, TVP, beef, pork).
• Detection of carotenoids and thiram in oranges.
• Demonstrated monitoring and delay of spoilage progression via bacterial emission tracking.

Conclusions:

• NSSAW provides a versatile platform for smart food monitoring and preservation.
• The developed sensor wrapper can replace conventional food packaging, improving safety and quality.
• NSSAW contributes to enhanced food safety and quality in the modern wellness era.