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Recent Advances in Optical Sensing for the Detection of Microbial Contaminants
Neslihan Idil1, Sevgi Aslıyüce2, Işık Perçin3
1Department of Biology, Biotechnology Division, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06800, Turkey.
Abstract:
Microbial contaminants are responsible for several infectious diseases, and they have been introduced as important potential food- and water-borne risk factors. They become a global burden due to their health and safety threats. In addition, their tendency to undergo mutations that result in antimicrobial resistance makes them difficult to treat. In this respect, rapid and reliable detection of microbial contaminants carries great significance, and this research area is explored as a rich subject within a dynamic state. Optical sensing serving as analytical devices enables simple usage, low-cost, rapid, and sensitive detection with the advantage of their miniaturization. From the point of view of microbial contaminants, on-site detection plays a crucial role, and portable, easy-applicable, and effective point-of-care (POC) devices offer high specificity and sensitivity. They serve as advanced on-site detection tools and are pioneers in next-generation sensing platforms. In this review, recent trends and advances in optical sensing to detect microbial contaminants were mainly discussed. The most innovative and popular optical sensing approaches were highlighted, and different optical sensing methodologies were explained by emphasizing their advantages and limitations. Consequently, the challenges and future perspectives were considered.
Insights
Rapid optical sensing offers a powerful solution for detecting microbial contaminants in food and water, addressing global health threats and antimicrobial resistance. This technology enables quick, sensitive, and on-site identification, crucial for public safety.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Analytical Chemistry
- Optical Sensing Technologies
Background:
- Microbial contaminants pose significant global health risks, causing infectious diseases and contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
- Food- and water-borne pathogens represent a major public health concern, necessitating effective detection methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in optical sensing for the detection of microbial contaminants.
- To highlight innovative optical sensing approaches, discussing their benefits and drawbacks for on-site detection.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on optical sensing methodologies for microbial contaminant detection.
- Analysis of various optical sensing techniques, focusing on sensitivity, speed, cost, and portability.
- Discussion of point-of-care (POC) devices utilizing optical sensing for on-site applications.
Main Results:
- Optical sensing provides rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective methods for microbial detection.
- Miniaturized and portable optical sensing devices enable effective on-site and point-of-care diagnostics.
- Various optical sensing strategies offer distinct advantages and limitations for different applications.
Conclusions:
- Optical sensing is a promising platform for next-generation microbial contaminant detection.
- Further development is needed to address challenges and fully realize the potential of these technologies for public health.
- Future perspectives focus on enhancing specificity, sensitivity, and applicability of optical sensors in real-world scenarios.
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