Advancements in small molecule fluorescent probes for the detection of formaldehyde in environmental and food samples: A comprehensive review.

Journal: Food chemistry
Published Date: Mar 26, 2025

Abstract

Formaldehyde (FA), a hazardous substance with carcinogenicity and mutagenicity, necessitates sensitive and accurate detection methods for protecting public health and the environment. While numerous reviews have explored FA fluorescent probes, the current literature predominantly emphasizes biological systems, leaving a gap in addressing FA's roles in environmental monitoring and food safety. This review discusses recognition mechanisms for FA detection, including 2-aza-Cope rearrangement, methylenehydrazine reaction, formimine formation, and other mechanisms. Furthermore, this review underscores the practical applications of these probes in real-world contexts, namely their incorporation into test strips, hydrogels, and membranes for environmental monitoring and food safety. Moreover, this review highlights future directions for developing intelligent detection systems that combine fluorescent probes with data processing algorithms and artificial intelligence technologies. By synthesizing the current knowledge in this area, this review aims to stimulate future research and advancements in FA detection technology, ultimately contributing to improved environmental management and public health protection.

Authors

  • Pengfei Wang
    Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
  • Minggui Gong
    College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Food Green Processing and Safety Control, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, PR China. Electronic address: gongminggui@163.com.
  • Rui Zhao
  • Zhaozhou Li
    College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Food Green Processing and Safety Control, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, PR China.
  • Huaibin Kang
    College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Food Green Processing and Safety Control, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, PR China.
  • Ying Hou
    Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
  • Wenfen Zhang
    Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China; Food Laboratory of Zhongyuan, Luohe 462000, PR China.
  • Huawei Niu
    College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Food Green Processing and Safety Control, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, PR China; Green Catalysis Center, and College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China. Electronic address: niuhw0816@126.com.
  • Shusheng Zhang
    Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Markers, College of Medicine, Linyi University, Linyi 276005, P. R. China.

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