Smart biosensing packaging and artificial intelligence-integrated edible sensors for detecting shelf life: a paradigm shift in real-time food safety monitoring
摘要
Ensuring food safety and quality across increasingly complex global supply chains remains a major challenge, as conventional monitoring systems are largely reactive, labor-intensive, and inadequate for real-time risk assessment. This review critically examined recent advances in smart biosensing packaging and artificial intelligence (AI)-integrated edible sensors as next-generation solutions for dynamic, non-invasive food safety monitoring. Smart packaging systems incorporate functional materials, including biopolymers, nanocomposites, and natural pigments embedded with biosensors capable of detecting key spoilage indicators such as pH variation, VOCs, microbial activity, and temperature abuse. Edible sensors, fabricated from food-grade materials using advanced techniques such as 3D printing and inkjet deposition, enable in situ monitoring within the food matrix. Importantly, their real-time feedback capabilities are achieved through practical detection and communication interfaces, including colorimetric responses analyzed via smartphone imaging, fluorescence-based optical readouts, and integration with near-field communication (NFC) or radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems for wireless data retrieval. These mechanisms bridge the gap between sensing and actionable interpretation without compromising product integrity. The integration of AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms further enhances system performance by enabling predictive analytics, automated shelf-life estimation, and early contamination detection. This convergence supports intelligent, adaptive food safety systems aligned with sustainability, transparency, and precision monitoring. However, challenges related to sensor calibration, regulatory validation, data governance, and cost scalability remain significant barriers to industrial adoption. Future developments are expected to integrate blockchain-enabled traceability, biodegradable electronics, and AI-driven supply chain optimization. Overall, this review highlights the transformative potential of these technologies in establishing a resilient and intelligent food safety ecosystem.