Translating Food Biosensing into Practice: Smart Packaging, On-Site Analytics, and AI Integration

The global food system encounters increasing challenges from contamination threats, necessitating innovative monitoring technologies to guarantee safety and quality. This review investigates novel precision monitoring methodologies, emphasizing sophisticated biosensing technologies, intelligent packaging systems, molecular docking, and AI-integrated platforms. Biosensors utilize electrochemical, optical, and thermal transducers for the swift, on-site identification of contaminants, toxins, and allergens, surpassing conventional methods in both speed and accessibility. The incorporation of intelligent packaging improves real-time quality assurance, while molecular docking determines contaminant interactions to improve sensor design. Advancements in AI and machine learning enhance predictive analytics and traceability, meeting intricate supply chain requirements. Nonetheless, obstacles such as matrix interference, sensor stability, and regulatory deficiencies remain. Future directions highlight nanotechnology, biodegradable materials, and defined standards to improve scalability and sustainability. These breakthroughs will continue to transform food safety, minimize waste, and enhance global health equity, thereby revolutionizing the food industry for a sustainable future.