Evolving trends in nanozyme-based SERS systems for food contaminant monitoring: A review

The integration of nanozyme and SERS shows promising prospects in monitoring contaminants by leveraging its enzyme-mimic activities and Raman enhancement. These characteristics facilitate signal amplification and sensitivity, thus enhancing contaminant analytical performance. In this review, recent research focusing on food contaminant detection through nanozyme-based SERS systems are summarized. Firstly, principles and strategies for contaminant monitoring using nanozyme-based SERS systems have been provided comprehensively. These techniques primarily involve analytes acting as reactants or reactant consumers, enzyme activity modulating, SERS signal modulating, and nanozymes integrating with other elements for targets. Moreover, various applications of nanozyme-based SERS sensors in metal ions, pesticide and veterinary drug residues, pathogens, toxins, and other pollutants monitoring have been presented. Finally, current challenges and future outlooks for more practical applications based on nanozyme-SERS systems are discussed. This review aims to not only offer guidance for constructing new nanozyme-based SERS sensors but also explore broader applications of SERS sensing.