Recognition-Element-Driven Rapid Detection of Biogenic Amines in Foods: From Molecular Recognition to On-Site Sensing

Biogenic amines (BAs) are nitrogenous compounds formed by microbial decarboxylation of amino acids in protein-rich foods. Their accumulation indicates spoilage and poses health risks. Traditional methods like high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) are sensitive but time-consuming, limiting on-site use. Rapid technologies based on specific recognition molecules offer feasible alternatives for real-time monitoring. This review summarizes five categories of recognition elements: antibodies, aptamers, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), enzymes, and peptides for BA detection in foods. These elements convert BA concentrations into optical, electrical, or colorimetric signals, establishing a complete biosensing chain. Integration with portable platforms (lateral flow assays (LFAs), microfluidic chips, smart labels, and smartphone devices) is also discussed. Recognition-element-based sensing enables high-selectivity and rapid monitoring of BAs in foods. Antibody/aptamer systems excel in specific histamine detection, enzyme platforms in rapid total amine assessment, and MIPs in chemical stability and matrix tolerance. Yet practical application is limited by poor selectivity for similar amines, matrix interference, insufficient real-food validation, and device standardization. Our future focus will be on AI-assisted design, multi-target arrays, smartphone quantification, and IoT-enabled freshness monitoring.