Innovative applications of quantum dots-based surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for food safety detection.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a fingerprint-type, and nondestructive testing technique that has advantages for testing of hazardous substances in food. However, conventional substrates limit their practical applications due to their high cost, complex preparation, and poor selectivity. Quantum dots (QDs) are emerging as ideal SERS substances, gradually attracting the attention of researchers in the field of sensing. They address the challenges of poor stability and selectivity in SERS technology. The rational design and construction of QDs-SERS substrates are particularly well-suited for detecting hazardous substances in complex food matrices. Despite these advancements, a comprehensive review on the integration of QDs in SERS for food safety applications is still lacking. This review summarizes the recent progress in SERS for detecting food safety hazards, focusing on four key areas: pesticide residues, illegal additives, foodborne pathogens and heavy metal ions. SERS enhancement mechanism and the unique properties of QDs are introduced. The design strategies and application potential of QDs-based SERS substrates in food safety detection are highlighted. Finally, the limitations and future directions of QDs-based SERS substrates in food safety detection are critically discussed.