The detection of pathogens is critical for preventing and controlling health hazards across clinical, environmental, and food safety sectors. Functional nucleic acids (FNAs), such as aptamers and DNAzymes, have emerged as versatile molecular tools for pathogen detection due to their high specificity and affinity. This review focuses on the in vitro selection of FNAs for pathogens, with emphasis on the selection of aptamers for specific biomarkers and intact pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Additionally, the selection of DNAzymes for bacterial detection is discussed. The integration of these FNAs into colorimetric biosensors has enabled the development of simple, cost‐effective diagnostic platforms. Both non‐catalytic and catalytic colorimetric biosensors are explored, including those based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), polydiacetylenes (PDAs), protein enzymes, G‐quadruplexes, and nanozymes. These biosensors offer visible detection through color changes, making them ideal for point‐of‐care diagnostics. The review concludes by highlighting current challenges and future perspectives for advancing FNA‐based colorimetric biosensing technologies for pathogen detection.

中文翻译：

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用于病原体检测的基于适配子和 DNAzyme 的比色生物传感器


病原体的检测对于预防和控制临床、环境和食品安全部门的健康危害至关重要。功能性核酸 （FNA），如适配体和 DNA 酶，由于其高特异性和亲和力，已成为病原体检测的多功能分子工具。本综述侧重于病原体 FNA 的体外选择，重点是特定生物标志物和完整病原体（包括细菌和病毒）的适配子的选择。此外，还讨论了用于细菌检测的 DNA 酶的选择。将这些 FNA 集成到比色生物传感器中，使简单、经济高效的诊断平台的开发成为可能。研究了非催化和催化比色生物传感器，包括基于金纳米颗粒 （AuNP）、聚二乙炔 （PDA）、蛋白质酶、G-四链体和纳米酶的传感器。这些生物传感器通过颜色变化提供可见检测，使其成为即时诊断的理想选择。综述最后强调了推进基于 FNA 的比色生物传感技术用于病原体检测的当前挑战和未来前景。