Abstract: Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors have found a wide range of applications in various fields such as biological science, pharmaceutical development, food safety detection and environmental pollution detection owing to the advantages of high sensitivity, label-free, simplicity, low cost, and real-time monitoring. Developing recognition elements is of great significance to SPR sensors because they determine the specificity and sensitivity of SPR sensors. Herein, we review the advances made in the last decade in SPR sensors based on various recognition elements such as antibody, aptamer, molecular imprinting polymer, protein, peptide and enzyme for food safety detection. Our focus is on the features and advantages of these recognition elements. Finally, future technical challenges and prospects for the application of SPR technology in food safety detection are presented.

Key words: molecular imprinting polymer, antibody, aptamer, enzyme, recognition elements, surface plasmon resonance