Application Progress of Carbon Quantum Dot Composites in Fluorescent Detection of Food Safety

Abstract

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials due to their unique optical properties, excellent biocompatibility, and cost-effectiveness. This review highlights recent advances in CQD-based composite materials and their applications in fluorescence detection, particularly in food safety. Combining CQDs with diverse materials enhances their fluorescence performance, stability, and selectivity, enabling the sensitive detection of various food contaminants. CQD composites offer significant improvements over conventional methods, including lower detection limits, faster response times, and broader applicability. Key areas of focus include the detection of pesticide residues, veterinary drug residues, heavy metal ions, and pathogenic bacteria in complex food matrices. Advanced doping and hybridization strategies, such as heteroatom incorporation, further optimize their optical and chemical properties. These innovations address critical challenges in food safety monitoring, paving the way for more effective and accessible detection technologies. Future developments in CQD composites are expected to expand their applications, ensuring enhanced food quality and public health protection.