Research progress on the application and mechanisms of carbon-based zero-dimensional nanomaterials in the preservation of agricultural products: A review.

Postharvest loss of agricultural products is a challenge for global food supply chains. Traditional preservation methods often suffer from chemical residues, environmental pollution, or quality deterioration. Carbon-based zero-dimensional nanomaterials, especially carbon dots (CDs), have emerged as promising alternatives because their nanoscale size, high specific surface area, and abundant functional groups enable microbial membrane interaction, free-radical scavenging, and stimulus-responsive optical signaling. Bibliometric analysis identifies CDs, including carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs), as hotspots. CDs exert antimicrobial effects via physical disruption, ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation, and metabolic interference; exhibit antioxidant activity through electron transfer and nanozyme-like activities; and possess UV-blocking, ethylene-scavenging, and freshness-indicating capabilities. They are integrated into packaging films, edible coatings, preservatives, and indicator labels to extend shelf life. However, challenges remain in large-scale production, long-term biosafety, and environmental fate. Future efforts should emphasize biodegradable material design, standardized safety assessment, and industry-academia collaboration to accelerate translation.