Harnessing Phage-Based Nanosensors for Advancing Ultrasensitive Point-of-Care Detection of Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria

The persistent global challenge of foodborne pathogens necessitates the development of ultrasensitive point-of-care (POC) detection technologies. However, conventional methods for detecting foodborne pathogens, such as culture-based and nucleic-acid-based techniques, are often limited by complex procedures and reliance on sophisticated instrumentation, respectively. Although immunoassays are more suitable for POC detection, they are frequently constrained by the high cost and limited stability of the antibodies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop innovative, ultrasensitive POC biosensing platforms for foodborne pathogens detection. This comprehensive review discusses the development of phage-based nanosensors for advancing ultrasensitive POC detection of foodborne pathogens. Initially, the inherent properties of phages and phage engineering strategies for creating ideal recognition elements are briefly introduced. Subsequently, phage-based nanosensors for foodborne pathogen detection and their signal amplification mechanisms are comprehensively reviewed, including colorimetric, fluorescent, electrochemical, magnetic relaxation switch, chemiluminescent, and other modalities. Then, the integration of artificial intelligence into intelligent analysis is highlighted. Furthermore, current challenges and future prospects are outlined to bridge the gap between laboratory research and practical application. The integration of phages into nanosensors offers opportunities to overcome the limitations of conventional methods for monitoring foodborne pathogens and is expected to significantly enhance food safety in control systems.