Contemporary developments in fluorescent probe-based strategies for antibiotic detection

Excessive use of antibiotics has caused the accumulation of their residues in food, which can promote the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and exert direct/indirect adverse effects on both animals and humans. Therefore, the selective and sensitive detection, regular monitoring, and ultrafast screening of antibiotic residues are essential to control their overuse in healthcare, agriculture, and livestock and poultry farming. Limitations of conventional detection methods, such as longer analysis times, the need for sophisticated instrumentation and skilled personnel, and high costs, have driven the development of integrated technologies and diverse organic and inorganic fluorescent sensors for antibiotic detection. In response to the significant health hazards and environmental threats posed by trace levels of antibiotics, researchers have been motivated to design and develop efficient fluorescent probes for their detection and quantification. The present review article examines various types of antibiotics, including their classification, structures, and established detection methods. Furthermore, the article highlights recent advancements, with a comprehensive exploration of different fluorescent sensors, including organic probes, Schiff bases and their metal complexes, metal-organic frameworks, quantum dots, nanoparticles, array sensors, and other sensing platforms for antibiotic detection, along with their respective advantages and limitations.