Application of Surface‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) in Histamine Analysis of Aquatic Products: Principles, Applications, Challenges, and Prospects

ABSTRACT Histamine, produced through the decarboxylation of histidine by microbial histidine decarboxylase during the transportation and processing of aquatic products, serves as a critical biomarker for evaluating spoilage and freshness. However, conventional detection methods for histamine, such as HPLC and ELISA, are often hampered by lengthy procedures, complex protocols, and specialized equipment requirements. These limitations underscore the urgent need for rapid, sensitive, and field‐deployable alternatives. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a transformative solution, offering unparalleled advantages including single‐molecule sensitivity, minimal sample preparation, and rapid analysis, thereby positioning it as a leading nondestructive tool for real‐time food safety monitoring. This review systematically examines recent progress in SERS‐based histamine detection for aquatic products, detailing the fundamental principles, substrate design innovations, and synergistic integration with complementary technologies (e.g., microfluidics, machine learning) to enhance reproducibility and reduce detection limits. By critically analyzing current challenges—such as substrate uniformity and matrix interference—we propose future directions for SERS technology, including scalable substrate fabrication, portable device development, and standardized protocols. These advancements hold significant potential to revolutionize quality control across the aquatic product supply chain, bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial implementation.