Application of Fluorescence Nanomaterials in Pathogenic Bacteria Detection

Pathogenic bacteria contamination brings severe safety problems to human health. Fast, accurate and sensitive detection of pathogenic bacteria is an important way to reduce pathogenic bacteria pollution. Traditional methods for detecting pathogenic bacteria have the disadvantages of being time-consuming and laborious. Fluorescent nanomaterials have the advantages of high fluorescence intensity, good stability and excellent biocompatibility, which provide a new research approach for the application of fluorescent nanomaterials as biosensors for pathogenic bacteria detection. This review summarizes the applications of various fluorescent nanomaterials in pathogenic bacteria detection in recent years, including semiconductor quantum dots, fluorescent metal nanoclusters, carbon nanomaterials, upconversion nanoparticles and fluorescent silicon nanoparticles. It mainly focuses on the analysis and comparison of the optical properties and detection mechanisms of different types of fluorescent nanomaterials. The bioconjugation of nanomaterials plays an important role in the whole process of pathogenic bacteria detection, which is closely related to the detection specificity. This article introduces the characteristics of different recognition elements, including antibodies, aptamers, phages and antibiotics. The conjunction methods between different recognition elements and nanomaterials are also discussed. Finally, the advantages and limitations of different nanomaterials for detecting pathogenic bacteria are reviewed and the development prospects in practical application and research priorities in the future are addressed.