Recent Advances in Fluorescent Detection of Pesticides in Environmental and Food Matrices: From Molecular Probes to Nanoparticle-Based Sensors

Fluorescence detection technology has emerged as a research hotspot in pesticide residue analysis due to its high sensitivity (detection limits reaching nanomolar levels), rapid response (seconds to minutes), and cost-effectiveness. This paper systematically reviews the technological evolution from molecular-level fluorescence recognition (enzyme inhibition methods, molecular recognition with fluorescence response, molecularly imprinted sensors) to nanomaterial-based probes (carbon quantum dots, silica nanoparticles, etc.). It focuses on analyzing the design principles of various fluorescent probes, performance optimization strategies, and practical applications in food and environmental samples. Additionally, it discusses current technical bottlenecks such as insufficient selectivity and nanomaterial toxicity while outlining future directions including multimodal sensing, smart responsive materials, and portable device development. This comprehensive analysis provides theoretical guidance for the innovation and industrialization of pesticide detection technologies.