Sensing detection of diethylstilbestrol in foods: focusing on the construction methods, signal amplification strategies, detection performance and applications of sensors

Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogenic endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), can accumulate in animal-derived foods and threaten human health, making rapid on-site monitoring necessary. This review summarizes the latest advances in DES sensing in foods, focusing on the recognition mechanisms of biosensors based on enzymes, antibodies, and aptamers, and non-biosensors based on molecularly imprinted polymers and functional nanomaterials. The detection mechanisms and signal amplification strategies of nanomaterial-based non-biosensors for DES are discussed from the perspectives of electrochemical and optical sensing. Additionally, photoelectrochemical integration and dual-mode or multimodal sensing strategies are introduced for improving the accuracy and anti-interference capability of DES detection. Finally, current challenges, including limited stability of sensing interfaces, insufficient selectivity in complex matrices, and a lack of standardized methods, are analyzed. Future efforts should focus on developing surface-functionalized multidimensional nanomaterials, multi-signal integrated platforms, and portable devices for real-time monitoring of DES and other EDCs in foods.