Nanomaterial-based electrochemical sensors for phenolic antioxidants in foods and beverages: From design to device translation

Nanomaterial-enabled electrochemical sensors are nearing the performance and practicality needed for routine, on-site monitoring of phenolic compounds in foods and beverages. Advances in nanomaterial dimensionality and hybrid architectures, from atomically doped nanoparticles and zero-dimensional clusters to two- and three-dimensional porous frameworks, have enhanced electron-transfer kinetics, expanded electroactive surface area, and enabled more selective surface chemistries. These gains align with progress in molecular recognition using enzymes, aptamers, molecularly imprinted polymers, and permselective antifouling coatings, as well as electrode-engineering strategies that translate nanoscale activity into reliable printed-electrodes. Although laboratory detection limits are often impressive (micromolar to low-nanomolar in controlled media), challenges remain in reproducibility, shelf life, and performance in complex matrices such as wine, olive oil, and fermented foods. Closing these gaps requires integrated solutions that unite printable, stable nanomaterial inks with simple on-cartridge sample conditioning, modular recognition layers, and robust on-board calibration and data-handling routines. To enable practical deployment, we propose a development pathway focused on scalable manufacturing and quality control of nanomaterial inks and electrodes, harmonized validation against chromatographic reference methods, durable antifouling and self-cleaning strategies, and an ecosystem approach that uses smartphone connectivity and cloud analytics to convert electrochemical signals into traceable, defensible decisions for industry, regulators, and consumers. © 2026 Elsevier Inc.