Metal nanoclusters and hydrogel composites for biosensing: A decade of advances and future perspectives

Detection of biological and environmental indicators plays a crucial role in medical diagnosis, environmental protection, and food safety. Advances in nanotechnology have significantly propelled the development of new analytical methods in this field, with metal nanoclusters (MNCs) notable for their optical properties and biocompatibility. In addition to the outstanding performance in the biomedical field, hydrogels are gradually emerging in the biosensing field through combination with MNCs. Inspired by recent research, we delve into the world of biosensing through the composites of MNCs and hydrogel. This review begins by outlining precursor materials for hydrogels that can be effectively combined with MNCs, as well as the methodologies for forming the composites of these two materials. We then provide a comprehensive overview of the research conducted over the past decade concerning the application of the composites of MNCs and hydrogel in the field of biosensing. Finally, we discuss and summarize the performance improvements from integrating MNCs with hydrogels in biosensing, highlighting enhanced sensitivity, stability, and biocompatibility. In brief, the collaboration between MNCs and hydrogels is set to revolutionize advancements in biosensing technology, opening up exciting new possibilities.