Recent advances of nanozyme-enhanced electrochemical biosensors for antibiotic detection in foods: Trends, opportunities, and challenges

Abstract

Nanozyme (NZ)-enhanced electrochemical (EC) biosensors have significantly advanced as a result of the growing need for quick, sensitive, and on-site detection of antibiotic residues in food. This study thoroughly reviews the latest developments in NZ-based EC biosensors for the detection of antibiotics in food matrices, including conventional EC, electrochemiluminescence (ECL), photoelectrochemical (PEC), and dual-mode colorimetric-electrochemical (CM-EC) platforms. NZ-based biosensors have emerged as viable substitutes for traditional chromatographic techniques (such as HPLC and LC-MS/MS), which are still the gold standard for sensitivity and multi-residue analysis owing to their high cost, labor-intensive procedures, and lack of portability. Because of their enzyme-mimicking catalytic activity, NZs improve signal amplification, allowing for molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) or aptamer recognition for ultrasensitive detection with low limits of detection and high specificity. Dual-mode CM-EC devices combine visual simplicity with quantitative precision, while ECL and PEC sensors further increase sensitivity by integrating light-driven processes and catalytic precipitation. Despite their advantages, challenges such as matrix effects, synthesis scalability, and cross-reactivity hinder widespread adoption. Miniaturization, smartphone integration, and increased uses in food safety monitoring are potential future developments.