Non‐Functionalized Graphene as an Electrical Sensing Surface for Bacterial Detection

ABSTRACT Early detection of bacteria in food products is crucial for protecting human health and reducing economic losses. Although conventional methods, such as culture‐based techniques, nucleic acid sequence‐based detection, and immunoassays, are generally accurate, they are often time‐consuming, labor‐intensive, and require specialized equipment. In response to these limitations, sensing technologies emerge as simple, rapid, and cost‐effective alternatives. Among these technologies, graphene gains significant attention due to its unique electrical properties and biocompatibility, making it a promising material for bacterial detection. While most efforts focus on functionalizing sensors for specific targets, recent studies demonstrate that non‐functionalized graphene can effectively detect bacteria, enabling simpler and more affordable sensor design. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of non‐functionalized electrical graphene‐based bacterial sensors developed thus far. It evaluates and discusses the influence of graphene properties, bacterial activity, sensor design, and operational conditions on sensor performance. Additionally, the review emphasizes the need for further research to improve the reproducibility and scalability of reliable sensors and to develop sensitive, selective, and physiochemically stable devices.