Shining Light on Pathogen Detection: A Comprehensive Review of Metallic Nanocluster-Based Optical Biosensors Publisher



Shalileh F ; Hosseini M ; Golbashy M ; Dadmehr M ; Sabahi H ; Xu C ; Fu L ; Karimimaleh H
Source: Microchemical Journal Published:2025

Abstract

Rapid, accurate, and on-site detection of pathogens is a critical requirement in healthcare, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Metallic nanoclusters (NCs), composed of several to a few hundred atoms, have emerged as highly promising optical probes due to their size-dependent fluorescence, excellent photostability, large Stokes shifts, and tunable surface properties. This review presents a comprehensive overview of fluorescent metallic nanoclusters—including monometallic and bimetallic types—and the strategies employed for their synthesis and functionalization. Key sensing mechanisms such as fluorescence enhancement or quenching, Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET), aggregation-induced emission (AIE), and nanozyme-based colorimetry are critically discussed concerning pathogen detection. Emphasis is placed on the integration of NCs with recognition elements like aptamers, antibodies, and enzymes for selective and ultrasensitive detection of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens. Recent advances demonstrate the potential of NC-based biosensors to achieve low detection limits, multiplexed analysis, and compatibility with point-of-care and smartphone platforms. Current limitations and future opportunities are also explored, highlighting the need for scalable, robust, and application-ready sensing platforms. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.