Smart Sponges for Food Safety: The Rise of MOF Sensors

Food safety is a big deal. Harmful substances called mycotoxins can sneak into food. They cause health problems and cost a lot of money. Detecting them is tricky. Old methods are precise but need lots of prep work, fancy tools, and experts. This is where metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) come in. MOFs are like tiny, super-absorbent sponges. They have big surfaces and can be tweaked to fit different needs. MOFs are being used to make sensors. These sensors can spot mycotoxins in food. They work in different ways. Some use light, others use electricity. Some even change color. But there are still issues. These sensors need to be tougher and smarter. They should not get confused by other stuff in food. The future looks bright. MOFs could be the key to safer food. But more work is needed. Scientists need to make them better and easier to use. They also need to find ways to make these sensors available to everyone. This way, we can keep our food safe and sound.