Biosensors for detection of pesticide residue, mycotoxins and heavy metals in fruits and vegetables: A concise review

Consumer concerns and government regulations focused on the safety of fruits and vegetables dictate the need to analyze various food contaminants of concern. Major contaminants include pesticide residues, mycotoxins, and heavy metals. The most significant global challenge is their prompt detection in fruits and vegetables (conventionally grown/organic produce). Foodborne outbreaks are detrimental to the economy and public health both nationally and on a global scale. The scope of the study is to analyze and summarize advanced techniques like immunoassay and advances in biosensors for the detection of food contaminants so that the impact of the latter can be minimized. The preferable techniques for pesticide residues, mycotoxins, and heavy metals detections are outlined, along with their merits, demerits, and future recommendations to ensure adequate quality control measures. The Ag and Au-based biosensors and quantum-dot-based biosensors, especially lateral flow immunoassay, have shown fast and on-spot detection of pesticides and mycotoxins, respectively. Whereas, for heavy metals, electrochemical biosensors are recommended. Biosensors are found highly sensitive, specific, simple, and user-friendly. The higher cost of advanced biosensors, single-time use, and specificity to few contaminants limit their use. Nanotechnology interventions can increase biosensor performance, leading to more economical and productive detection of food contaminants. A comprehensive and efficient approach that can quickly identify multiple food contaminants while being cost-effective and userfriendly is the need of the hour.