Advances in terahertz solution-phase sensing for food analysis: Principles, metamaterial-enhanced microfluidics, and...

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Spectroscopy
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is valuable for food analysis due to its ability to probe molecular vibrations.
• Strong water absorption in liquid foods poses challenges, limiting sensitivity and causing matrix interference.
• Existing methods struggle with trace contaminant detection in complex food matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in THz sensing for liquid food analysis.
• To highlight strategies for overcoming water absorption and matrix interference.
• To focus on food-specific applications and future implementation.

Main Methods:

• Examination of fundamental THz sensing modes.
• Review of metamaterial-enhanced platforms with microfluidic integration.
• Discussion of functional materials for water absorption mitigation.

Main Results:

• Microfluidic confinement, metamaterial enhancement, and hybrid architectures improve THz sensitivity in aqueous systems.
• Emerging food-specific applications demonstrate potential in authentic samples.
• Current reliance on model solutions is noted, with a need for real-world validation.

Conclusions:

• Advanced THz sensing techniques show promise for sensitive and specific liquid food analysis.
• Multimodal sensing, microfluidic automation, and AI are key for future development.
• These advancements can lead to regulatory adoption and practical use in food quality control.