Nanomaterials in bacterial detection: current trends and future outlook

Abstract

Contamination by pathogenic bacteria represents a severe risk to public health and well-being. We outlined current approaches to detecting and sensing harmful bacteria by integrating recognition elements with nanomaterials (NMs) in this study. Nanomaterials have emerged as a transformative technology for bacterial detection due to their unique physicochemical properties, including high surface area, quantum effects, and enhanced reactivity. This review highlights the current trends in the application of various nanomaterials, such as gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots, in the detection of bacterial pathogens. These materials enable the development of selective, and rapid detection methods through mechanisms like surface plasmon resonance, electrochemical sensing, and fluorescence. Furthermore, integrating nanomaterials with microfluidic devices and biosensors is discussed, showcasing advancements in point-of-care diagnostics. Challenges such as stability, reproducibility, and potential toxicity of nanomaterials are addressed, alongside regulatory considerations. The future outlook emphasizes the potential of emerging nanomaterials, such as graphene and metal-organic frameworks, to revolutionize bacterial detection. This review aims to enhance the scalability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability of these technologies, paving the way for widespread clinical and environmental applications.