Graphene oxide-based fluorescent aptasensors for the detection of antibiotics

The widespread use of antibiotics in human medicine and veterinary practices has raised significant public health concerns, particularly regarding the development of antibiotic resistance and the presence of antibiotic residues in food products. To address these challenges, we present aptamers-single-stranded oligonucleotides that can bind specific targets with high affinity-as promising tools for the detection of antibiotics. Aptamers offer advantages over traditional antibodies, including cost-effectiveness, rapid synthesis, and ease of modification. The integration of aptamers into biosensors, particularly fluorescent aptasensors, has emerged as an innovative approach for the sensitive and selective detection of antibiotic residues in various matrices, including food and environmental samples. This review examines the application of graphene-based materials, particularly graphene oxide, in enhancing the performance of aptasensors. The unique properties of graphene oxide facilitate the development of highly sensitive biosensors capable of real-time monitoring of antibiotic contamination. We summarize recent advancements in aptamer-based detection methods, highlighting their potential to mitigate the health risks associated with antibiotic residues in food products. Ultimately, this review underscores the necessity for the development of rapid, economical, and precise detection methods to ensure food safety and public health.