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Microfluidics in Intelligent Fresh Produce Preservation and Detection: From Precision Sensing to Active Delivery
Min Huang1,2, Qunang Zhang1, Wuhan Chen1
1School of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, China.
Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety
|July 20, 2026
Summary
Microfluidic technology offers intelligent solutions for fruit and vegetable preservation by enabling rapid spoilage detection and precise delivery of protective agents. This approach enhances food safety and sustainability, moving towards digital quality management.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Biotechnology
- Food Science
Background:
- Postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables significantly impact global food production and sustainability.
- Conventional preservation methods are often inefficient and lack real-time monitoring capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of microfluidic technology in postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables.
- To highlight microfluidics' dual role in sensing and precision delivery for enhanced food quality.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of microfluidic technology's functionalities in food preservation.
- Analysis of microfluidics as a sensing platform for spoilage detection (microorganisms, biomarkers, pesticides).
- Evaluation of microfluidics as a precision delivery system for controlled release applications.
Main Results:
- Microfluidic technology enables highly sensitive, rapid, and in situ detection of spoilage indicators.
- It facilitates the fabrication of intelligent carriers for controlled release of preservation agents.
- Microfluidics provides capabilities for both precise detection and controllable delivery, enabling digital and precise postharvest management.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic technology presents a transformative approach to fruit and vegetable preservation.
- Challenges in manufacturing and integration exist, but future advancements with novel materials and AI show great promise.
- This technology is key to advancing postharvest quality control and reducing food waste.
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