Chemiluminescence-based identification and quantitative detection of pathogenic bacteria

Identification and detection of pathogenic bacteria are highly valuable for preserving human health and social prosperity. However, traditional cultivation methods as the gold standard heavily rely on differentiated culture media and have insufficient specificity, sensitivity, and reliability, making them time-consuming and labor-intensive. Chemiluminescence (CL)-based detection has emerged as a powerful culture-free method for monitoring bacterial contamination due to its low interference, high sensitivity, simple operation, and rapid responsiveness. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to integrate CL self-luminescence with proper recognition elements that can screen and capture the targeted pathogens through various interaction forces. In addition to sensitive and specific qualitative identification of bacterial species and strains, CL-based detection can also provide quantitative analysis for all presented bacteria through the generated luminescence. This review systematically summarizes the design and working principles of different CL-based detection systems, focusing on microbial capture under four recognition elements, integrated approaches and advantages, methods to enhance the luminescence signal, and representative examples in practical applications. Furthermore, the challenges and perspectives for further development of CL-based microbial recognition systems are also discussed.