Magneto-Photocatalytic Nanoplatforms for Next-Generation Food Systems: From Active Packaging and Green Processing to Ultrasensitive Detection

Abstract

Magnetic TiO2-based photocatalysts (M-TiO2) have attracted increasing attention as multifunctional materials for food applications, combining photocatalytic activity with magnetic recoverability. Their potential spans active packaging, sustainable processing, and rapid contaminant detection. This review discusses recent advances in synthesis, functional mechanisms, and application performance of M-TiO2 systems, emphasizing the translation from laboratory-scale achievements to practical food environments. While enhanced antimicrobial activity, pollutant degradation, recyclable operation, and sensitive sensing have been widely reported, most studies remain confined to simplified model systems. Performance in real food matrices is often influenced by complex physicochemical factors rarely considered during evaluation. Concerns regarding nanoparticle migration, long-term biosafety, large-scale production, and regulatory acceptance continue to limit industrial implementation. Emerging approaches including green synthesis, surface engineering, and data-driven design，may help address these challenges. Unlike previous reviews focused solely on TiO2 photocatalysis, M-TiO2 offers three distinct advantages: efficient catalyst recovery via its magnetic core, a TiO2 shell that serves as both photocatalyst and protective barrier for immobilized biomolecules, and analyte preconcentration for enhanced detection sensitivity. Together, these features position M-TiO2 as a platform technology rather than an incremental improvement, highlighting key directions for developing safe, efficient, and practically applicable magneto-photocatalytic platforms for future food systems.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Food Reviews International, 2026 · DOI ↗