Fluorescence analytical methods, as real time and in situ analytical approaches to target analytes, can offer advantages of high sensitivity/selectivity, great versatility, non-invasive measurement and easy transmission over long distances. However, the conventional fluorescence assay still suffers from low specificity, insufficient sensitivity, poor reliability and false-positive responses. By exploiting various metal nanoarchitectures to manipulate fluorescence, both increased fluorescence quantum yield and improved photostability can be realized. This metal nanoarchitecture-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) phenomenon has been extensively studied and used in various sensors over the past years, which greatly improved their sensing performance. Thus in this review, we primarily give a general overview of MEF based sensors from mechanisms to state-of-the-art applications in environmental assays, biological/medical analysis and diagnosis areas. Finally, their pros and cons as well as further development directions are also discussed.
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