Recent Advances in Microfluidics-Based Electrochemical Sensors for Foodborne Pathogen Detection

Abstract

Using pathogen-infected food that can be unhygienic can result in severe diseases and an increase in mortality rate among humans. This may arise as a serious emergency problem if not appropriately restricted at this point of time. Thus, food science researchers are concerned with precaution, prevention, perception, and immunity to pathogenic bacteria. Expensive, elongated assessment time and the need for skilled personnel are some of the shortcomings of the existing conventional methods. Developing and investigating a rapid, low-cost, handy, miniature, and effective detection technology for pathogens is indispensable. In recent times, there has been a significant scope of interest for microfluidics-based three-electrode potentiostat sensing platforms, which have been extensively used for sustainable food safety exploration because of their progressively high selectivity and sensitivity. Meticulously, scholars have made noteworthy revolutions in signal enrichment tactics, measurable devices, and portable tools, which can be used as an allusion to food safety investigation. Additionally, a device for this purpose must incorporate simplistic working conditions, automation, and miniaturization. In order to meet the critical needs of food safety for on-site detection of pathogens, point-of-care testing (POCT) has to be introduced and integrated with microfluidic technology and electrochemical biosensors. This review critically discusses the recent literature, classification, difficulties, applications, and future directions of microfluidics-based electrochemical sensors for screening and detecting foodborne pathogens.

Keywords: electrochemical; food safety; microfluidics; nanotechnology; pathogens; sensors.

Figure 1

Fundamentals of microfluidic devices.

Figure 2

Classification of point-of-care-testing (POCT) microdevices.

Figure 3

Working mechanism of a biosensor.

Figure 4

Classification of various biosensors based on their bioreceptor element and transducing component.

Figure 5

Schematic representation of electrochemical biosensors as (A) a benchtop instrument and (B) handheld device.

Figure 6

Overview of microfluidics-based electrochemical biosensors for detection of foodborne pathogens.

Figure 7

(A) Schematic of the screen-printed paper-based aptasensor for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes [90]. (B) Schematic representation of the LOC device optimized for the detection of GLRaV-3 and GFLV [140]. (C) Scheme of the proposed algal/CB-SPE cytosensor [141]. (D) Microfabrication procedure for platinum interdigitated electrodes on SiO₂ wafers [142].

Figure 7

(A) Schematic of the screen-printed paper-based aptasensor for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes [90]. (B) Schematic representation of the LOC device optimized for the detection of GLRaV-3 and GFLV [140]. (C) Scheme of the proposed algal/CB-SPE cytosensor [141]. (D) Microfabrication procedure for platinum interdigitated electrodes on SiO₂ wafers [142].

Figure 8

Detailed SWOT analysis of microfluidics-based electrochemical biosensors.

Figure 9

Future directions of microfluidic electrochemical biosensors within sustainable food safety applications.