Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) as a powerful and trending analytical tool for in situ food samples analysis: A comprehensive review of application- State of the art

Elemental analysis using the ppXRF (portable XRF) spectrometer is non-destructive, rapid, green, and low cost, and is suitable for different types of samples (solid or liquid). The use of pXRF for food product analysis is a promising and desired way to detect and fingerprint elements, taking into account the speed, convenience, and precision of food analysis as low-persistence samples. We focussed on the assessment of available studies with special emphasis on analytical aspects: calibration strategies, the operating mode of the pXRF device, LOD, LOQ, linearity, etc. This critical review could open up real opportunities and inspiration for food toxicologists to validate the reputation of pXRF in food elemental analysis. In this review, we suggest solutions that can improve the quality and reliability of future food research using pXRF for the in situ analysis of different types of food samples (solid and liquid). In addition, we have included a review of known pXRF spectrometers and issues related to analytical calibration strategies that can be successfully implemented in pXRF measurements for food analysis. & COPY; 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Automated summary

Elemental analysis using the ppXRF (portable XRF) spectrometer is a non-destructive, rapid, green, and low-cost method suitable for different types of samples. It has promising applications in food product analysis, providing speed, convenience, and precision for low-persistence samples. This critical review assesses the available studies on the analytical aspects of pXRF, such as calibration strategies, LOD, LOQ, linearity, etc., and suggests solutions to improve the quality and reliability of future food research using pXRF.