Advances in Optical Biosensors for Pesticide Detection

The growing imperative to ensure food safety, preserve ecological integrity, and mitigate public health risks associated with pesticide residues has driven a critical demand for highly sensitive optical sensors. In this regard, optical biosensors, including fluorescence (FL), colorimetry (CL), surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and chemiluminescence strategies, have been developed for pesticide detection. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of both fundamental knowledge and advancements in the field of optical biosensors for pesticide detection. The advantages of these biosensors are highlighted, such as excellent sensitivity, high specificity, and on-site application. Subsequently, a detailed overview of the sensing mechanism of optical biosensors based on different molecular recognition elements [e.g., enzymes, antibodies, aptamers, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), and supramolecular host-guest complexes] is provided. Finally, perspectives are offered on the current challenges and future directions of pesticide biosensors. This review is expected to serve as a fundamental guide for researchers in the field of optical biosensors for pesticide detection and to provide insights and avenues to enhance the performance of existing sensing mechanisms in applications across diverse fields.