Bacterial detection based on Förster resonance energy transfer

The huge economic loss and threat to human health caused by bacterial infection have attracted the public's concern, and there is an urgent need to relieve and improve the tough problem. Therefore, it is significant to establish a facile, rapid, and sensitive method for bacterial detection considering the shortcomings of existing methods. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based sensors have exhibited immense potential and applicability for bacterial detection given their high signal-to-noise ratio and high sensitivity. This review focuses on the development of FRET-based fluorescence assays for bacterial detection. We summarize the principle of FRET-based assays, discuss the commonly used recognition molecules and further introduce three frequent construction strategies. Based on the strategies and materials, relevant applications are presented. Moreover, some restrictions of FRET fluorescence sensors and development prospects are discussed. Suitable donor-acceptor pairs and stable recognition molecules are the essential conditions for sensors to play their roles, and there is still some room for development. Besides, applying FRET fluorescence sensors to point-of-care detection is still difficult. Future developments could focus on near-infrared fluorescent dyes and simultaneous detection of multiple analytes.