Anisotropic and isotropic gold nanomaterials continue to heat up: From properties to food safety monitoring

Abstract

Background

Monitoring the safety and quality of agricultural and livestock food items has always been an immense challenge worldwide. Benefiting from the rapid advancement of nanotechnology, food safety supervision has greatly improved through the use of nanomaterials as labels.

Scope and approach

According to bibliometric analysis, both anisotropic and isotropic gold nanomaterials (AuNMs) have attracted a lot of attention due to their morphology and brilliant merits including superior affinity, bright color, controlled physical and chemical properties. This work aims to provide a detailed summary of AuNMs-related knowledge by illustrating their synthesis, properties, signals, and applications. We offer a comprehensive overview of the signal principles to introduce the relationship with morphology. Following that, focusing on the signal presentation of AuNMs, we provide a detailed summary of their immunoassay applications. Simultaneously, for the latest research trends, the review delves into the advancement of emerging machine learning techniques in the realm of AuNMs synthesis and sensing. Furthermore, we address key concerns while looking towards their future development and facing challenges.

Key findings and conclusions

Nanoscale AuNMs, with their exceptional properties and adaptable morphology, have significantly enhanced immunosensor performance, including increased signal possibilities, improved sensitivity and accuracy, and enhanced portability. Despite challenges, AuNMs will continue to advance immune sensing and become a potent signal label for food safety detection. In summary, this review provides systematic knowledge for junior researchers while gathering information for scientific researchers to promote emerging advances.