Nanosensing technologies for PFAS detection in food and agricultural systems

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose a significant ecological and health risks due to their stability, bioaccumulative nature, and toxicity. Rapid, sensitive and cost-effective detection remains a major challenge. Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of nanosensors as versatile platforms for PFAS detection in water, soil, and food matrices. This review evaluates the current status of nanosensing technologies for PFAS and their potential for application in agro-food matrices. We discuss nanomaterials-based sensors employing optical, electrochemical and surface enhanced Raman detection, along with developments in data analytics and their integration into agro-food monitoring and precision agriculture. These approaches demonstrate the unique capabilities of nanosensors in achieving high sensitivity, cost-effectiveness, and field deployability. Finally, the review outlines key challenges, research gaps, and future directions for translating nanosensing technologies from proof-of-concept to real-world applications, enhancing monitoring and management of PFAS contamination across environmental, food and agricultural systems.