Recent Advances of Metal-Organic Frameworks-Based Sensors for Food Safety and Environmental Monitoring

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are versatile porous materials increasingly used in sensing for food safety and environmental monitoring, where on-site detection is critical. Compared to traditional methods, MOF-based sensors offer higher surface areas, tunable pores, abundant active sites, and versatile functionalization, significantly enhancing sensitivity and selectivity. This review systematically covers recent advances in MOF-based sensors, focusing on their physicochemical properties, synthesis routes, and functional modifications. It explores how pore architecture, metal nodes, and organic linkers influence sensing performance, and discusses applications in detecting chemical contaminants, spoilage indicators, and hazardous environmental gases. Emerging trends such as multifunctional integration, portable devices, and intelligent sensing systems are also highlighted. A dedicated section addresses the trade-offs in sensor selection to guide platform choice for specific analytical needs, while another examines scientific limitations, practical advantages over conventional materials, and translational challenges. Despite notable progress, issues persist regarding long-term stability, reproducibility, scalable manufacturing, and user-friendliness. Future research should prioritize material robustness, standardization, and the incorporation of advanced technologies to facilitate real-world deployment. Overall, MOF-based sensors represent a promising frontier for next-generation analytical tools, with substantial potential in smart packaging, environmental surveillance, and sustainable sensing systems.