Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy as a tool for food and environmental monitoring of pesticides: recent trends and perspectives
Gabriel F. S. dos Santos, Giordano Toscano Paganoto, Lucas Carreira Cosme, Adilson Ribeiro Prado, Sérvio Túlio Alves Cassini, Marco César Cunegundes Guimarães, Jairo Pinto de Oliveira
Abstract
π-π interactions with analyte molecules. Despite these advances, SERS-based detection remains challenging, particularly with regard to selectivity in complex matrices. To address this issue, recent strategies have combined SERS substrates with biorecognition molecules such as antibodies, aptamers, and enzymes, thereby improving specificity and facilitating the development of SERS-based biosensors. This review highlights the current state-of-the-art SERS applications for pesticide detection in food and environmental samples, discussing the key technological advances, material innovations, and analytical challenges. This paper also offers perspectives on future research directions to increase the sensitivity, reproducibility, and field applicability of SERS-based detection platforms.