Advances and innovations in surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of microcystins: towards sensitive, rapid,...

Microcystins (MCs), particularly MC-LR, are highly toxic cyanobacterial toxins increasingly prevalent in water bodies due to environmental pressures. Their bioaccumulation threatens aquatic ecosystems, crops, and human health, necessitating effective monitoring. Traditional detection often suffer from limitations in sensitivity, speed, and cost. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has emerged as a powerful alternative for the detection of MCs, offering high sensitivity and specificity with rapid response and the ability to resolve multiple analytes in a single measurement. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advances and innovations in SERS-based sensors for MCs. It covers the rational design and optimization of SERS substrates, their application in diverse environmental and biological samples, and key challenges related to signal reproducibility and matrices effects. By addressing these critical aspects, the review aims to contribute to developing robust, reliable SERS methods for MC detection, supporting effective monitoring strategies to protect water resources and public health.