Machine learning-enhanced electrochemical sensors for food safety: Applications and perspectives

Abstract

Background

Food safety is a critical global concern that directly impacts human health and well-being. Electrochemical sensors have garnered considerable interest for detecting contaminants in food due to their sensitivity and selectivity; however, issues such as sensor instability and electrode fouling limit their effectiveness. The integration of machine learning (ML) into electrochemical sensing offers a transformative approach, enhancing sensor performance, stability, and data processing capabilities while enabling real-time monitoring.

Scope and approach

This review succinctly explores the use of ML-enhanced electrochemical sensors specifically for food safety applications. Initially, various ML algorithms applicable to electrochemical sensor technology for food safety monitoring are discussed. The review then highlights the application of ML-enhanced sensors in detecting food-related contaminants, such as pesticides, pharmaceutical residues, heavy metals, microorganisms, artificial dyes, and phenolic compounds. Finally, it addresses the challenges and future prospects in advancing electrochemical sensors for food safety, emphasizing the potential of appropriate ML algorithms to improve in-situ food safety monitoring.

Key findings and conclusions

The integration of ML with electrochemical sensors improves their sensitivity, selectivity, and stability, addressing issues like electrode fouling. ML algorithms such as support vector machines, artificial neural networks, and random forests effectively detect food contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and microorganisms. ML also enables real-time data processing for quick, accurate detection of trace-level contaminants. However, challenges remain in sensor calibration, data reliability, and the need for high-quality training datasets. Future research should focus on enhancing sensor robustness, refining ML models for improved accuracy, and advancing the commercialization of ML-enhanced sensors for food safety monitoring.