Optical biosensors for the detection of foodborne pathogens: recent development and future prospects

Rapid detection of foodborne pathogens is crucial for protecting food safety and minimizing economic losses. Optical biosensors recognize and quantify pathogenic bacteria through various optical signals, and have shown their advantages of fast response, high sensitivity and easy integration. This review described the basic principles of optical biosensors and discussed the essential considerations in sample collection, pathogen isolation and pathogen detection on the applications of optical biosensors for foodborne pathogen detection. Besides, recent advances of the optical biosensors including SPR biosensors, interference biosensors, SERS biosensors, fluorescence biosensors, chemiluminescence biosensors, and colorimetry biosensors reported in the past three years were reviewed. More importantly, the state-of-the-art research and development trends of optical biosensors for the detection of foodborne pathogens were summarized. This review might provide a comprehensive reference for the development of optical biosensors to detect foodborne pathogens.