Research for Food Contact Materials and Sensors Based on Nanomaterials

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 August 2025 | Viewed by 803

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Interests: spectral detection technology and new sensing instruments; digital agriculture and intelligent equipment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent trends in the circular economy and nanotechnology include novel and innovative applications in the food processing and preservation sector, which is rather recent compared with their use in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Nanomaterials and nanostructured materials are being used in various sectors of food sciences, such as nanosensors, new packaging materials, and encapsulated food components. Nanomaterials such as nanoclays, natural zeolites, mesoporous silicas, silver, copper, activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, carbon quantum dots, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, copper oxide, and magnesium oxide are some of the most frequently used in food packaging systems to improve the mechanical and barrier properties and enhance antimicrobial activity.

Nanostructured systems in food include nanomaterials, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, microemulsions, and polymer nanocomposites. These materials enhance solubility, improve bioavailability, facilitate controlled release, and protect bioactive components during manufacturing and storage.

With this Special Issue, we hope to explore the application of nanotechnology in food safety by utilizing the latest advances in the related fields of nanosensors/nanofabrication technologies/nano-filtration membranes/nano-catalytic technologies in order to promote the relationship between food quality and safety and human dietary health. This Special Issue aims to contribute to quality and safety in the food industry by promoting interdisciplinary discussions and exchanges.

Prof. Dr. Pengcheng Nie
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • functional nanomaterials
  • nanoscale identification
  • contaminant monitoring
  • novel analytical techniques
  • rapid detection device
  • food quality and safety

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 3340 KiB  
Article
Stripe-Patterned Al/PDMS Triboelectric Nanogenerator for a High-Sensitive Pressure Sensor and a Novel Two-Digit Switch with Surface-Edge Enhanced Charge Transfer Behavior
by Chung-Yu Yu, Chia-Chun Hsu, Chin-An Ku and Chen-Kuei Chung
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(10), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15100760 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 383
Abstract
A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) holds significant potential as a self-powered pressure sensor due to its ability to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The output voltage of a TENG is directly correlated with the applied pressure, making it highly suitable for pressure sensing [...] Read more.
A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) holds significant potential as a self-powered pressure sensor due to its ability to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The output voltage of a TENG is directly correlated with the applied pressure, making it highly suitable for pressure sensing applications. Among the key factors influencing TENG performance, the microstructure on the surface plays a crucial role. However, the effect of surface microstructure on charge transfer behavior remains relatively underexplored. Here, a stripe-patterned rough TENG (SR-TENG) fabricated by laser ablation and molding is proposed. The stripe-patterned rough surface exhibits excellent deformation properties, allowing for more effective contact area between the tribolayers. Additionally, the localized surface-edge enhanced electric field at the stripe boundaries improves surface charge transfer, thereby enhancing overall output performance. The SR-TENG achieved an open-circuit voltage of 97 V, a short-circuit current of 59.6 μA, an instantaneous power of 3.55 mW, and a power density of 1.54 W/m2. As an energy harvester, the SR-TENG successfully powered 150 LEDs. A linear relationship between applied pressure and output voltage was established with a coefficient of determination R2 = 0.94, demonstrating a high sensitivity of 14.14 V/kPa. For practical application, a novel self-powered two-digit pressure switch was developed based on the SR-TENG. This system enables the control of two different LEDs using a single TENG device, triggered by applying a light or hard press. Full article
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17 pages, 7805 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Characterization of Polyaniline/Carbon Nanodots: Electrochemical Sensing of Alcohols for Freshness Monitoring for Application as Packaging Materials
by Shaila Jackson, Mary Taylor, Rajeev Kumar, Amit Kumar Shringi, TinChung Leung and Ufana Riaz
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(8), 593; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15080593 - 12 Apr 2025
Viewed by 279
Abstract
The increasing demand for innovative, sustainable, and functional food packaging solutions has led to the exploration of polyaniline (PANI) and carbon nanodots (CNDs) as promising materials for smart packaging. This study investigates the potential of PANI/CND composites for electrochemical sensing of alcohols, a [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for innovative, sustainable, and functional food packaging solutions has led to the exploration of polyaniline (PANI) and carbon nanodots (CNDs) as promising materials for smart packaging. This study investigates the potential of PANI/CND composites for electrochemical sensing of alcohols, a key indicator of spoilage in food products. By leveraging the unique properties of PANI, a conducting polymer, and the fluorescence and electrochemical activity of CNDs, we propose a dual-function smart packaging material capable of real-time monitoring of alcohol levels, which are often released during the fermentation or degradation of food. The integration of PANI with CNDs enhances the material’s sensitivity and stability, offering a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and responsive solution for freshness and spoilage detection. The electrochemical sensing mechanism allows for rapid, non-destructive testing, providing consumers and food producers with an efficient tool to assess product quality and safety. This work paves the way for the development of intelligent packaging systems that can not only detect spoilage but also actively contribute to food preservation, reducing waste and improving food safety. Full article
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