Journal of Agricultural Engineering

Food industry is more concerned with safety and quality control because of raising consumer awareness and strict regulatory standards. Strip-based sensors have surfaced as handy kits for evaluating food quality and detecting contaminants, and pathogens. These strip-based sensors offer instant, cost-effective, and user-friendly solutions for food products. This review article explores various types of strip-based sensors using colorimetric, electrochemical, and fluorescent, and highlights their principles, materials, fabrication methods, and detection techniques. Advances in materials science have enabled application of paper-based, polymer-based, and nanomaterial-enhanced substrates, improving sensor performance and reliability. Fabrication techniques, including various printing methods and assembly processes, are discussed to illustrate the evolution in the fabrication of cost-effective and scalable sensor strips. Despite their promise, challenges remain in sensitivity, specificity, and stability. Future directions include use of nanotechnology, multifunctional sensors, and Internet of Things (IoT) integration for real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making. Strip-based sensors represent a transformative approach to food safety and quality control with substantial effects on future of the food industry.