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Advanced Analytical Technologies and Biosensors for Food Safety and Antimicrobial...
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Advanced Analytical Technologies and Biosensors for Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance Detection

A special issue of Foods (ISSN 2304-8158). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Analytical Methods".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2025) | Viewed by 7495

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Júlia Magalhães

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
REQUIMTE/LAQV, Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Interests: analytical chemistry; eectroanalysis; biosensors (DNA-based, enzymatic, immunosensors, bacteriophage-based); nanomaterials; isothermal DNA amplification; rapid foodborne pathogen detectio; antimicrobial resistance; food safety
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in foodborne pathogens poses a serious public health threat, complicating efforts to ensure food safety and requiring advanced technologies for effective risk assessments and its mitigation. This Special Issue focuses on the latest developments in analytical technologies and biosensors designed to improve the detection of AMR in food systems.

Its key topics include cutting-edge sensor platforms, such as electrochemical and optical sensors, microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip systems, and portable diagnostics, which can all be tailored for the rapid on-site detection of AMR pathogens and resistance genes. Molecular diagnostics like PCR, isothermal DNA amplification, and CRISPR-based assays are highlighted for their precision in identifying specific AMR genes within complex food matrices. These techniques, when combined with biosensing platforms, enhance the sensitivity and specificity of bacterial detection, providing early warnings to prevent the spread of resistant strains.

Innovative nanomaterials, including graphene and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), are being explored for their ability to lower detection limits and enable the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens. Smart packaging and portable sensors capable of real-time AMR monitoring are discussed as essential tools for managing risks throughout the food supply chain. These advancements in molecular biology and sensor technologies are critical for the rapid detection of AMR and effective mitigation strategies, ultimately supporting enhanced food safety practices and public health protection.

Dr. Júlia Magalhães
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Foods is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
  • foodborne pathogens
  • biosensors
  • molecular diagnostics
  • electrochemical sensors
  • microfluidics
  • CRISPR-based assays
  • nanomaterials
  • real-time monitoring
  • food safety

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 3925 KB  
Article
Ratiometric Fluorescent Probes Based on Isosteviol with Identification of Maleic Acid in Starchy Foods
by Xinye Qian, Chunling Zheng and Fang Zhang
Foods 2025, 14(9), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14091541 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 919
Abstract
The rigid saddle-shaped framework of isosteviol provides a unique host–guest recognition cavity. For the first time, we have utilized isosteviol to construct fluorescent probes 4 and 5, achieving highly selective recognition of maleic acid and fumaric acid. The experimental results indicated that neither [...] Read more.
The rigid saddle-shaped framework of isosteviol provides a unique host–guest recognition cavity. For the first time, we have utilized isosteviol to construct fluorescent probes 4 and 5, achieving highly selective recognition of maleic acid and fumaric acid. The experimental results indicated that neither probe 4 nor probe 5 exhibited significant fluorescence changes when exposed to fumaric acid. However, both probes demonstrated distinct ratiometric fluorescence responses upon interaction with maleic acid. For maleic acid, probes 4 and 5 showed detection limits of 4.14 × 10−6 M and 1.88 × 10−6 M, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and 1H NMR spectroscopy revealed that probes 4 and 5 formed stable intermolecular hydrogen bonds with maleic acid, contributing to the observed changes in fluorescence signals. Furthermore, maleic acid was successfully detected in starch-rich dietary samples, including potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn, utilizing the sensing capabilities of probes 4 and 5. In conclusion, probes 4 and 5 hold significant potential for the development of fluorescence-based recognition systems for fumaric acid and maleic acid. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analytical Technologies and Biosensors for Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance Detection)
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Review

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22 pages, 936 KB  
Review
Research Progress on the Application of Upconversion Nanoparticles in Heavy Metal Detection in Foodstuff
by Zhiqiang Chen, Kangyao Zhang and Ye He
Foods 2025, 14(23), 4144; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14234144 - 3 Dec 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1324
Abstract
Heavy metal contamination in foodstuff poses a serious threat to food safety and human health; therefore, the development of toxic heavy metal detection methods is crucial. However, lots of these methods, based on traditional nanomaterials, have unavoidable limitations, such as high instrument cost, [...] Read more.
Heavy metal contamination in foodstuff poses a serious threat to food safety and human health; therefore, the development of toxic heavy metal detection methods is crucial. However, lots of these methods, based on traditional nanomaterials, have unavoidable limitations, such as high instrument cost, complicated operation procedures, or a long analysis time, which restrict their wide application in heavy metal detection. This review aims to conduct a systematic overview of major analytical methods using novel upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) for assessing heavy metal ions in complex food matrices in the context of food safety and show their potential application prospects when combined with big data and artificial intelligence. Due to their unique optical properties, good bio-compatibility, and tunable interfacial chemistry, UCNPs have shown significant detection advantages in the field of food heavy metal analysis. The review summarizes the progress of the application of UCNPs in heavy metal detection in food. Despite the development of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, and the continuous optimization and improvement of its own design, the wide application of UCNPs in food safety detection still has great potential for further development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analytical Technologies and Biosensors for Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance Detection)
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35 pages, 4906 KB  
Review
Recent Developments on Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes Detection Technologies: A Focus on Electrochemical Biosensing Technologies
by Keletso Eunice Ipeleng, Usisipho Feleni and Valentine Saasa
Foods 2025, 14(23), 4139; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14234139 - 2 Dec 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1659
Abstract
Foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella species and Listeria monocytogenes are leading causes of foodborne illness outbreaks worldwide, posing significant public health and economic challenges. For years, culture-based methods and culture-independent methods have been widely used for pathogen detection; however, their limitations have become [...] Read more.
Foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella species and Listeria monocytogenes are leading causes of foodborne illness outbreaks worldwide, posing significant public health and economic challenges. For years, culture-based methods and culture-independent methods have been widely used for pathogen detection; however, their limitations have become increasingly apparent, i.e., longer turnaround times, and they have lower specificity and selectivity. Recent innovations in molecular, immunological, spectroscopic, and biosensing technologies offer promising alternatives for rapid, sensitive, and on-site detection of these pathogens. In this review paper, we provide an overview of the conventional and emerging detection technologies for Salmonella species and Listeria monocytogenes in food matrices, and their limitations. Emphasis is placed on electrochemical biosensors for L. mono and Salmonella detection and their integration in food testing and monitoring. Finally, we conclude and discuss the future perspectives of electrochemical biosensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analytical Technologies and Biosensors for Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance Detection)
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Other

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14 pages, 447 KB  
Systematic Review
Meat Adulteration in the MENA and GCC Regions: A Scoping Review of Risks, Detection Technologies, and Regulatory Challenges
by Zeina Daher, Mahmoud Mohamadin, Adem Rama, Amal Salem Saeed Albedwawi, Hind Mahmoud Mahaba and Sultan Ali Al Taher
Foods 2025, 14(21), 3743; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14213743 - 31 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2308
Abstract
Background: Meat adulteration poses serious public health, economic, and religious concerns, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions where halal authenticity is essential. While isolated studies have reported undeclared species in meat products, a comprehensive [...] Read more.
Background: Meat adulteration poses serious public health, economic, and religious concerns, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions where halal authenticity is essential. While isolated studies have reported undeclared species in meat products, a comprehensive regional synthesis of prevalence, detection technologies, and regulatory responses has been lacking. Methods: This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception to 15 September 2025 was conducted using controlled vocabulary (MeSH) and free-text terms. Eligible studies included laboratory-based investigations of meat adulteration in MENA and GCC countries. Data were charted on study characteristics, adulteration types, detection methods, and regulatory context. Results: Out of 50 records screened, 35 studies were included, covering 27 MENA/GCC countries. Prevalence of adulteration varied widely, from 5% in UAE surveillance studies to 66.7% in Egyptian native sausages. Undeclared species most frequently detected were poultry, donkey, equine, pig, and dog. Molecular methods, particularly PCR and qPCR, were most widely applied, followed by ELISA and spectroscopy. Recent studies introduced biosensors, AI-assisted spectroscopy, and blockchain traceability, but adoption in regulatory practice remains limited. Conclusions: Meat adulteration in the MENA and GCC regions is localized and product-specific rather than uniformly widespread. Detection technologies are advancing, yet regulatory enforcement and halal-sensitive verification remain fragmented. Strengthening laboratory capacity, harmonizing regional standards, and investing in portable biosensors, AI-enhanced spectral tools, and blockchain-based traceability are critical for consumer trust, halal integrity, and food safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Analytical Technologies and Biosensors for Food Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance Detection)
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