Nanosensing platforms harnessing boronic-acid reversible recognition for complex-sample detection: A review

Boronic-acid-based ligands are attractive synthetic recognition elements because they reversibly bind cis-diol-containing analytes through boronate-ester formation, enabling controllable capture, release, and signal generation. Owing to the widespread occurrence of cis-diols in saccharides, glycoproteins, catechol-containing small molecules, and bacterial surfaces, boronic-acid chemistry has been widely integrated with nanomaterials for analytical applications. However, a critical review connecting ligand structure, pKa regulation, interfacial interactions, platform design, and analytical performance in complex samples is still lacking. To address this gap, we present a structure-interaction-platform-performance framework for boronic-acid-based nanosensing. This framework compares different ligand types, including single-, double-, multi-ligand, and Wulff-type boronic acids, and clarifies their respective roles in achieving neutral-pH compatibility, selectivity, and binding efficiency. Furthermore, we analyze how auxiliary interfacial mechanisms and nanoplatform architectures, such as magnetic materials, MOF/COF scaffolds, fluorescent or semiconductor nanomaterials, and MIP-coupled hybrids, influence anti-interference capability, signal transduction, and practical applicability. Representative applications in small-molecule, glycoprotein, pathogen, food, and environmental analysis are critically evaluated with emphasis on matrix tolerance, real-sample performance, and operational robustness rather than sensitivity alone. Key bottlenecks, including pH dependence, limited selectivity, lack of standardized evaluation criteria, and translational challenges, are also highlighted. This review provides a performance-oriented guide for the rational design of boronic-acid-based nanosensors tailored for complex-sample analysis.