Modern Analytical Nanotechnologies for Beverages Quality Control

Abstract

Consumer expectations concerning the quality of beverages are more demanding nowadays. The determination of chemical and biological contaminants, whose concentrations are regulated by international standards, is one of the most important aspects of the quality of beverages. Additionally, the control of quality standards during all stages of the manufacturing process guarantees reliable products. Therefore, the analytical and sensorial quality control during production and distribution of beverages is being increasingly required and needs highly sensitive and reliable analytical methods. Application of nanotechnology based on novel materials is a powerful strategy to improve the performance of analytical methods. Moreover, nanotechnology could be integrated into operational processes or packaging to sense pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants. This chapter describes the different types of nanomaterials applied to the beverages quality control, their synthesis, manufacturing and characterization. Furthermore, state-of-the-art and future developments on nanotechnology applied to the chemical analysis involved during beverages production are discussed. Thus, colorimetric and electrochemical sensors, analytical sample preparation, chromatographic separations, etc. are evaluated. Likewise, nano-sensors used for packaging are also presented. Finally, the chapter provides future prospects and trends regarding the use of novel nanotechnology and nanomaterials for quality testing in beverage industry.