Abstract:
Mycotoxin contamination in cereal grains is a widespread problem, predominantly characterized by the co-occurrence of multiple mycotoxins. The sensing detection method based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology has been widely proposed in the research of mycotoxin detection. In this review, the recent advancements of solution-phase SERS sensors for both individual and multiplexed mycotoxin detection were systematically analyzed, and pointed out that the construction of nano-gap structures, magnetic probe enrichment, internal standard correction, and enzyme cycle amplification strategies were effective approaches to enhance the detection performance of SERS sensors. The research advance of SERS sensors based on lateral flow immunoassay for rapid on-site detection of mycotoxins was elaborated, and the advantages and latest developments of bimetallic nanoprobes, magnetic composite nanomaterials and three-dimensional membrane-like nanomaterials in multiple detection, anti-matrix interference and signal stability were respectively explained. Finally, it was pointed out that the preparation of SERS substrates with strong Raman signals, stable performance, good repeatability, and low cost, as well as the reduction of sample matrix interference, are the key technical issues to solve the practicality of SERS sensors. The development trends of SERS sensors towards standardization, intelligence, and multi-scenario integrated application were clarified, providing reference and guidance for the research and application of SERS sensors for mycotoxins.