Advanced electrochemiluminescent approaches for contaminant detection in food matrices using metal-organic framework composites

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly valued for their electronic and optical capabilities in food sample analysis. Implementing MOF-based sensors is crucial for public health safety. This review centers on electrochemiluminescence (ECL) MOFs for monitoring food samples, highlighting signal changes from combining MOFs with Ru(bpy)₃²⁺, TPrA, nanomaterials, and biomolecules. It systematically reviews the development, mechanisms, signal pathways, and findings related to ECL MOF food sensors. Notably, immobilizing ZIF-8 and various metals with transducers like gold nanoparticles enhances ECL signals, enabling effective monitoring across media types. Moreover, MOFs excel in co-reactant processes, resonance energy transfer, and catalytic redox reactions for detecting analytes in food, presenting opportunities for advanced sensory analysis and the creation of cost-effective, sensitive signal transducers for food safety and quality control.