Group-targeting aptamers and aptasensors for simultaneous identification of multiple targets in foods

Nowadays, a large number of food samples and food targets are requiring urgently rapid detection methods to monitor multiple food targets simultaneously. Aptamers are specific probes and can be fabricated in aptasensors to analyze multiple food targets. Herein, the latest research progresses of group-targeting aptamers and multifunctional aptasensors for simultaneous identification of multiple food targets was reviewed, including the comprehensive advances of the aptamers and the aptasensors, as well as their real-world application cases. Based on our long-engaged research experience, critical discussions and future perspectives have been prospected synchronously. The reported group-targeting aptamers were obtained by SELEX and/or post-SELEX strategies, including truncating, splicing, splitting, and terminal hybridization. Corresponding multifunctional aptasensors, including colorimetric aptasensors, electrochemical aptasensors, and fluorescent aptasensors, were constructed for analyzing antibiotics, mycotoxins, and marine toxins. This review is expected to serve as a powerful reference to promote the development of multifunctional aptamer probes and aptasensors for multitarget detection.