Advancements in SERS based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment for detection of pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables with pesticide residues pose a serious public health risk. Since 2022, 3 million people worldwide have been poisoned by pesticides annually, with a 20 % fatality rate. This review provides an overview of current research on detecting pesticide residues in produce, focusing on the potential of SERS-based aptasensor. These sensors offer improved efficiency and accuracy in pesticide analysis, ensuring the safety of fruits and vegetables. The review also discusses essential techniques for efficient aptamer production, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. It emphasizes the benefits and challenges of using SERS-based aptasensor, particularly the need for enhanced anti-interference capabilities and the development of intelligent sensors for on-site detection without extensive sample preparation. This comprehensive review is a great resource that can help with future developments in pesticide residue analysis, food safety, and consumer health protection in contemporary agriculture.