Innovative Research Award

Manjun Guan is a graduate researcher at Sichuan University of Science and Engineering specializing in carbon quantum dots (CQDs), fluorescence sensing technologies, and intelligent food safety monitoring systems. His academic work focuses on the development of portable sensing platforms integrating nanomaterials, smartphone-assisted analysis, and machine learning approaches for real-time chemical detection and spoilage monitoring applications.[1] His research focuses on solvent-engineered carbon quantum dots (CQDs) for ethanol detection and seafood spoilage monitoring, integrating intelligent sensing technologies with practical and low-cost food safety applications.[2]

Abstract

The research activities of Manjun Guan focus on the development of functional carbon quantum dots for intelligent food safety monitoring systems. His work integrates fluorescence sensing, solvent engineering, smartphone-assisted analysis, and machine learning technologies for practical chemical detection applications. The developed dual-mode sensing framework enables ethanol detection in beverages and dimethylamine monitoring for seafood spoilage analysis using CQD-based fluorescent materials. The research additionally explores intelligent packaging systems with visual spoilage feedback and scalable fabrication strategies suitable for translational application in food safety management.[2]

Keywords

Carbon quantum dots; fluorescence sensing; food safety monitoring; intelligent packaging; smartphone detection; dimethylamine sensing; ethanol detection; CQDs; machine learning-assisted analysis; portable analytical systems.

Introduction

Carbon quantum dots have emerged as effective fluorescent nanomaterials for portable food safety analysis, and Manjun Guan has contributed to dual-functional CQD systems for beverage detection and seafood spoilage monitoring.[3]

His research combines material chemistry, analytical sensing, and digital monitoring approaches. The integration of smartphone-readable test strips and machine learning classification frameworks demonstrates an interdisciplinary methodology that connects laboratory-scale sensing systems with practical field applications. These contributions are aligned with current scientific efforts directed toward intelligent food quality assessment and scalable monitoring technologies.[2]

Research Profile

Manjun Guan is a second-year Master’s candidate at Sichuan University of Science and Engineering under the supervision of Prof. Mingtian Li. His research is associated with the Material Corrosion and Protection Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province and focuses on functional CQDs for food safety and intelligent sensing applications.[1]

• Research specialization in carbon quantum dots and fluorescence sensing technologies.
• Development of smartphone-readable analytical platforms for food safety monitoring.
• Research integration involving machine learning-assisted chemical analysis.
• Participation in collaborative CQD sensor and intelligent packaging research projects.
• Published first-author papers in Food Chemistry, Dyes and Pigments, and ChemNanoMat.

Research Contributions

A principal contribution of the research involves the development of a solvent-engineering strategy enabling the synthesis of multiple functional CQDs from identical precursor systems. This approach supports dual-target sensing functionality for ethanol detection and seafood spoilage monitoring, addressing limitations associated with conventional single-analyte sensing systems.[2]

The DIW-CQDs system enabled smartphone-based ethanol detection, while FA-CQDs supported seafood spoilage monitoring through fluorescence sensing and machine learning-assisted analysis.[2]

Additional research contributions include the development of CQD@PVA intelligent packaging films capable of reducing fruit weight loss while simultaneously providing visual spoilage indication. These systems were designed with consideration for low-cost fabrication and potential industrial scalability for practical food packaging applications.[4]

• Development of dual-functional CQDs using solvent engineering strategies.
• Creation of smartphone-assisted fluorescence sensing systems.
• Machine learning-assisted analyte classification framework.
• Research on intelligent packaging films for spoilage monitoring.
• Investigation of scalable low-cost sensing material fabrication.

Publications

The publication record of Manjun Guan includes peer-reviewed articles in chemistry and nanomaterial-related journals focusing on fluorescence sensing systems, CQD synthesis, and intelligent food monitoring applications.[2]

• Guan, M. et al. Research article published in Food Chemistry concerning CQDs-based dual-mode sensing systems for ethanol and food spoilage monitoring.
• Guan, M. et al. First-author publication in Dyes and Pigments relating to fluorescence sensing and functional nanomaterial applications.
• Guan, M. et al. First-author publication in ChemNanoMat examining CQD synthesis and sensing technologies.
• LI Kuan, FAN Wen-lin, G Man-jun, W Gui-long et al. “Preparation and Applications of Pomegranate Juice CQDs for Iron Ion Detection and Antibacterial.” Journal of Instrumental Analysis. DOI: https://www.fxcsxb.com/en/article/doi/10.12452/j.fxcsxb.25121704/

Research Impact

The research conducted by Manjun Guan contributes to the growing field of intelligent food safety monitoring through the integration of nanomaterials, portable sensing systems, and computational analysis techniques. His work demonstrates the feasibility of combining fluorescence-based CQD sensors with smartphone platforms and machine learning methods for practical real-world applications.[2]

The developed sensing systems were validated using multiple commercial beverage samples and seafood spoilage monitoring conditions, demonstrating translational potential for industrial implementation. Additionally, the low-cost fabrication characteristics of the intelligent film systems support scalability and broader accessibility for commercial food packaging applications.[4]

His research output includes publications in journals indexed within recognized chemistry and materials science categories, with citation activity accumulating following publication during 2025–2026. Patent-related work associated with formaldehyde-removing CQD materials additionally reflects ongoing translational research development.[5]

Award Suitability

The academic profile of Manjun Guan demonstrates sustained engagement in innovative nanomaterial research and interdisciplinary food safety technology development. His work combines chemistry, analytical sensing, intelligent packaging, and machine learning-assisted analysis within a unified research framework focused on practical monitoring applications.[2]

The development of dual-functional CQD systems, smartphone-readable sensing platforms, and intelligent spoilage-monitoring materials reflects original research activity with potential industrial relevance. His publication record, collaborative laboratory research, and ongoing patent-related work support consideration within the framework of the Innovative Research Award and related scientific recognition categories.[5]

Conclusion

Manjun Guan has contributed to research involving carbon quantum dot-based sensing technologies and intelligent food safety systems through interdisciplinary work integrating chemistry, fluorescence sensing, machine learning, and smartphone-assisted analysis. His published studies and ongoing innovations demonstrate continued engagement in the development of practical analytical technologies for food quality monitoring and intelligent packaging applications.[2]

External Links

• ORCID Profile
  
• Scopus Author Profile
  

References

1. Elsevier. (n.d.). Scopus author details: Manjun Guan, Author ID 60003499000. Scopus. https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=60003499000
   
2. Guan, M. et al. (2026). “Preparation and Applications of Pomegranate Juice CQDs for Iron Ion Detection and Antibacterial.” Journal of Instrumental Analysis. Journal of Instrumental Analysis. DOI: https://www.fxcsxb.com/en/article/doi/10.12452/j.fxcsxb.25121704/
3. Guan, M. et al. (2025). Research relating to fluorescence sensing and functional carbon quantum dots. Dyes and Pigments.
4. Research collaboration under the Material Corrosion and Protection Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province concerning intelligent packaging films and CQD-based monitoring systems.
5. Patent Application CN2024118259300. Formaldehyde-removing Al(OH)3-supported CQDs material, gel & preparation method. Filed 12 December 2024.