ABSTRACT
Food safety is a major concern from a public health perspective to prevent foodborne illnesses and food intoxication. Nanomaterials have made the detection of biological and chemical contaminants and toxins easier by increasing sensitivity and signal transduction in biosensing. This chapter deals with the use of nanotechnology in improved biosensing and its application in food sectors. It reviews the use of nanobiosensors for the detection of foodborne pathogens, fungal and bacterial toxins, adulterants, and unintentional contaminants such as pesticides. The chapter discusses the recent developments and challenges of nanobiosensor application in food safety. Nanomaterials have been used for developing biosensing platforms to improve the detection of foodborne pathogenic bacteria in a way that is rapid and cost-effective. Disposable and highly sensitive nanosensors using ZnO NPs have been used for the detection of chlortoluron herbicide. The ability of the herbicide to inhibit tyrosinase activity has been taken advantage of in designing the sensor.
