From CdTe quantum-dot Photophysics to intelligent food antibiotic surveillance: mechanisms, ratiometric sensing architectures, and future perspectives

The growing concern over antibiotic residues in food products has accelerated the development of sensitive and reliable analytical technologies capable of supporting food safety surveillance. Among emerging nanomaterial-based approaches, CdTe quantum dots have attracted considerable attention due to their tunable optical properties, high fluorescence efficiency, and compatibility with ratiometric sensing strategies. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the scientific foundations and technological evolution of ratiometric CdTe quantum-dot platforms for food antibiotic monitoring. For the first time, the field is examined through an integrated framework that connects the intrinsic photophysical characteristics of CdTe quantum dots with the mechanisms governing ratiometric signal generation and their translation into practical sensing architectures. Particular emphasis is placed on the relationships between electronic structure, excited-state behavior, optical tunability, self-referenced signal transduction, and analytical performance. Recent advances in hybrid nanocomposites, doped quantum dots, dual-emission probes, electrochemiluminescent systems, and multimodal sensing platforms are systematically evaluated in the context of antibiotic detection in complex food matrices. Emerging trends toward multiplex analysis, information-rich sensing, intelligent surveillance, and data-driven interpretation are further discussed. Finally, major challenges related to standardization, real-world applicability, sustainability, and regulatory acceptance are highlighted, together with future directions that may shape next-generation food antibiotic monitoring technologies.

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