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Chemosensors
Volume 14
Issue 5
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Chemosensors, Volume 14, Issue 5 (May 2026) – 21 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Nanomaterial-modified screen-printed electrodes are driving major advances in electrochemical sensing, enabling portable, low-cost, and highly responsive analytical tools. In this review, we examine the expanding landscape of nanomaterial-modified screen-printed electrodes, drawing together recent advances and comparing performance metrics across diverse application domains (healthcare, environmental monitoring, food quality assessment, and agriculture). By examining how different classes of nanomaterials influence analytical behavior, we highlight emerging design principles that are shaping the next generation of portable electrochemical sensors. In addition, we outline key trends and design strategies, supporting innovation in next-generation electrochemical sensing platforms. View this paper
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29 pages, 5051 KB  
Review
Nanozyme-Powered Biosensing: A Systematic Review of Advanced Strategies for Bacterial Detection
by Bowen Wang, Yuhan Guo, Tao Chen and Maojin Tian
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050121 - 21 May 2026
Viewed by 410
Abstract
Bacterial infections pose a persistent global threat to public health, driving the demand for rapid, sensitive, and specific detection technologies applicable to disease diagnosis, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Conventional methods like plate culture and polymerase chain reaction are often hampered by lengthy [...] Read more.
Bacterial infections pose a persistent global threat to public health, driving the demand for rapid, sensitive, and specific detection technologies applicable to disease diagnosis, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Conventional methods like plate culture and polymerase chain reaction are often hampered by lengthy procedures, dependence on complex instrumentation, and requirements for specialized personnel. The emergence of nanozymes and nanomaterials with enzyme-like catalytic activities has introduced a paradigm shift in biosensing, offering superior stability, cost-effectiveness, and tunable functionality compared to their natural counterparts. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the latest advancements in nanozyme-mediated bacterial detection. It is structured around the primary signal transduction modalities: colorimetric, fluorescence, electrochemical, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analyses. For each approach, we outline the fundamental design principles, which commonly integrate a synergistic cascade of specific recognition, catalytic signal amplification, and signal readout, and present representative applications for detecting key pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes in complex samples. We evaluate and contrast the advantages, analytical performance, and appropriateness of these different platforms for various practical scenarios. Finally, we address current challenges, including achieving high specificity in complex matrices, precise modulation of nanozyme activity, and method standardization. Perspectives on future research directions aimed at developing next-generation, high-performance, and potentially portable bacterial detection systems are also provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanozyme-Based Sensing Platforms for Biomedical Applications)
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28 pages, 44169 KB  
Review
Chiral Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enantioselective Fluorescence Sensing
by Li-Ke Wang, Xin-Ru Chen, Tong-Yu Lin, Yong-Liang Ban, Zeng-Chen Liu, Hua-Li Jia, Hong Wang and Yu-Bao Lan
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050120 - 19 May 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 996
Abstract
Chirality is a cornerstone of biological systems and pharmaceutical activity, driving a critical need for rapid and sensitive enantioselective analytical methods. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as versatile porous materials, and their chiral counterparts, chiral COFs (CCOFs), uniquely combine high surface area, [...] Read more.
Chirality is a cornerstone of biological systems and pharmaceutical activity, driving a critical need for rapid and sensitive enantioselective analytical methods. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as versatile porous materials, and their chiral counterparts, chiral COFs (CCOFs), uniquely combine high surface area, pre-designable pores, and a confined chiral microenvironment, making them exceptional platforms for enantioselective fluorescence sensing. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the construction and application of CCOFs for enantioselective fluorescence sensing. We first outline the primary synthetic strategies for CCOFs, including direct synthesis, post-synthetic modification, and chiral induction. Subsequently, based on the direction of fluorescence signal change upon analyte binding, we classify the sensing mechanisms into three categories: “turn-off” (quenching via static complexation or photoinduced electron transfer), “turn-on” (enhancement through rigidification or suppression of electron transfer), and ratiometric (self-calibrating dual-emission response). Representative examples for the detection of amino acids, amino alcohols, terpenes, and saccharides are highlighted for each mode. Special emphasis is placed on structure–property relationships, such as the synergistic roles of hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and framework confinement in amplifying enantioselectivity. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future perspectives, including the rational design of ratiometric sensors, integration into practical devices, and the convergence with machine learning to advance the field of smart chiral sensing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Novel Chirogenic Systems and Sensing Materials for Stereoselective Sensors Development)
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49 pages, 4976 KB  
Review
Innovative Nanomaterials-Based Strategies for PFAS Sensing
by Marcel Cedric Deussi Ngaha, Hamdi Ben Halima and Nicole Jaffrezic-Renault
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050119 - 18 May 2026
Viewed by 1060
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been extensively used for many years in the manufacturing of industrial and commercial goods. Their toxicity and their extensive use, stability, durability, persistence, and bioaccumulation are responsible for the contamination of water, soil, air, and food, causing [...] Read more.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been extensively used for many years in the manufacturing of industrial and commercial goods. Their toxicity and their extensive use, stability, durability, persistence, and bioaccumulation are responsible for the contamination of water, soil, air, and food, causing significant harm to human health and the environment. The objective of this chapter is to evaluate the ability of advanced (bio)sensing strategies for the sensitive, accurate, rapid, simple, and low-cost detection of PFAS in drinking water and the environment. We address advanced bio(sensing) strategies by emphasizing the electrochemical (bio)sensing strategies and the optical bio(sensing) strategies. The principle of each method, the mechanisms involved in the detection, the linear range, the limit of detection, and the applicability are underlined. Finally, this review outlines the major challenges and outlook to move advanced (bio)sensing strategies from the laboratory stage to practical applications in the environment, food, and health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanostructures for Chemical Sensing)
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15 pages, 5740 KB  
Article
A Real-Time Centrifugal Microfluidic Chip with Dual-Valving Strategy for Multiplexed PCR Detection at Point-of-Care Testing
by Yize Zhang, Youhong Zeng, Lingxuan Liu, Lei Wang, Hao Chen, Yatan Yuan, Yingying Ding, Guijun Miao, Lulu Zhang and Xianbo Qiu
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050118 - 15 May 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1447
Abstract
Different from isothermal amplification, for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), highly reliable valving for PCR chamber, significantly shortened thermal cycling time, and concise multiplexed detection are always challenges for microfluidic-based devices. Here, we present a real-time, centrifugal, plastic microfluidic chip for multiplexed PCR detection [...] Read more.
Different from isothermal amplification, for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), highly reliable valving for PCR chamber, significantly shortened thermal cycling time, and concise multiplexed detection are always challenges for microfluidic-based devices. Here, we present a real-time, centrifugal, plastic microfluidic chip for multiplexed PCR detection specifically based on the mechanism of cooperating valving. To achieve consistent amplification, a concise dual-valving strategy was developed. Instantly melted wax is centrifuged and completely filled into the narrow channel and hole to act as the compact wax valve. Meanwhile, an elastic and sticky membrane is depressed to seal the hole to act as the membrane valve. The wax valve is protected by the membrane valve from being damaged by both mechanical deformation and thermal corroding caused by the hot vapor with high pressure from the PCR chamber. A double-sided heating strategy is adopted to reduce the thermal cycling time; meanwhile, a balanced mechanism is used to achieve real-time amplification by rotating the centrifugal chip between the heating and detection positions in turn. As a proof-of-concept, the performance of the centrifugal chip with four parallel units is demonstrated by successfully detecting purified DNA templates or the extracted DNA templates from cells as well within 20 min. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Bio)Chemical Sensing in Real-World Applications—a Dedicated Issue for Young Researchers)
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8 pages, 202 KB  
Editorial
Recent Advances in Low-Cost Chemical Sensor Technologies for Environmental Monitoring Applications
by Michele Penza
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050117 - 15 May 2026
Viewed by 1172
Abstract
This Special Issue based on eight Articles/Reviews focuses on low-cost chemical sensor technologies, bio-chemical sensors, advanced active materials, sensing nanomaterials, sensor nodes, wireless sensor networks for chemical sensing, functional characterization, miniaturized transducers, advanced proofs of concept, and chemical detection applications. Promising advanced materials [...] Read more.
This Special Issue based on eight Articles/Reviews focuses on low-cost chemical sensor technologies, bio-chemical sensors, advanced active materials, sensing nanomaterials, sensor nodes, wireless sensor networks for chemical sensing, functional characterization, miniaturized transducers, advanced proofs of concept, and chemical detection applications. Promising advanced materials such as metal oxide nanostructures, carbon nanomaterials, composite heterostructures, multilayered coatings, and more have been explored for chemical sensing applications and environmental sustainability. Sensing solutions have been applied in the context of bio-chemical detection and gas monitoring, representing the current state of the art. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Low-Cost Chemical Sensor Technologies for Environmental Monitoring Applications)
18 pages, 4579 KB  
Article
Ensemble Learning Combined with Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for Detecting Pesticide Residues in Xinhui Dried Tangerine Peel
by Wenhao Bi, Dongxin Shi, Feifei Wang, Yuxiao Song, Jing Sun and Chenyu Jiang
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050116 - 14 May 2026
Viewed by 476
Abstract
In recent years, pesticides have been widely applied in the commercial cultivation of traditional Chinese medicinal plants to increase the yield of medicinal materials. Xinhui dried tangerine peel (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), a common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, utilizes the citrus [...] Read more.
In recent years, pesticides have been widely applied in the commercial cultivation of traditional Chinese medicinal plants to increase the yield of medicinal materials. Xinhui dried tangerine peel (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), a common ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, utilizes the citrus peel as its medicinal part. During cultivation, the peel is directly exposed to pesticides, making it susceptible to pesticide residue accumulation. To enable the rapid identification of pesticide types and their targeted removal, this study integrated laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy with ensemble learning algorithms. Three lightweight neural network models—1D-CNN, Res-CNN, and LIBS-UNet—were developed and trained using either a single loss function or a composite loss function. The 1D-CNN, Res-CNN, and LIBS-UNet models achieved accuracies of 97.50% and 98.69%, 95.00% and 95.73%, and 74.06% and 76.88% for the single loss and composite loss functions, respectively. During the model ensemble stage, individual models were weighted according to their classification accuracy and test similarity matrices. Through this approach, the pesticide identification accuracy reached 99.99%. This study demonstrates that ensemble learning can effectively integrate the strengths of multiple weak classifiers, thereby significantly enhancing classification performance and providing a novel approach for the rapid detection of pesticide residues in traditional Chinese medicine ingredients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, 3rd Edition)
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27 pages, 2400 KB  
Review
Amino Acid-Functionalized AuNPs and AgNPs as Probes for the Selective Detection of Heavy Metals in the Environment
by Roqaya Mohamed Elnagar, Gul Shahzada Khan, Irshad Ul Haq Bhat, Suad Ahmed Rashdan and Awal Noor
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050115 - 14 May 2026
Viewed by 662
Abstract
The literature collected from various search engines and high-quality scientific databases reveals that amino acid (AA)-functionalized nanoparticles have emerged as a promising field for selective detection and remediation of heavy metals (HMs). Among the various nanoparticles (NPs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles [...] Read more.
The literature collected from various search engines and high-quality scientific databases reveals that amino acid (AA)-functionalized nanoparticles have emerged as a promising field for selective detection and remediation of heavy metals (HMs). Among the various nanoparticles (NPs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have drawn considerable attention, attributed to their unique optical, catalytic, and surface plasmon resonance properties. Functionalization with amino acids significantly enhances nanoparticle stability, biocompatibility, and metal-binding affinity through diverse functional groups. AA-functionalized AuNPs, including glycine, cystine, leucine, methionine, tyrosine, aspartic acid, histidine, and lysine-capped systems, exhibit tunable selectivity toward heavy metal ions. Bifunctionalization strategies further enhance sensitivity by inducing nanoparticle aggregation or signal amplification. Beyond single amino acids, polypeptides and protein-functionalized AuNPs offer enhanced molecular recognition and multivalent binding, expanding their applicability in complex matrices. Similarly, amino acid-functionalized AgNPs, such as those capped with similar amino acids stated above, exhibit strong interactions with heavy metals, AA bifunctionalization, and bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs), particularly amino acid-functionalized Au–Ag systems, which combine the advantages of both metals, leading to improved sensitivity, selectivity, and signal strength. Although these advances have been made, a major gap remains in the systematic comparison of different amino acids, peptides, and bimetallic systems under real-world conditions. This gap can be addressed by standardized testing methods, clearer structure–function relationships and combined experimentation to guide the rational design of more efficient AA-functionalized nanoparticles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials for Chemical Sensing)
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11 pages, 2983 KB  
Article
Construction of a Non-Targeted Pattern Analysis Platform with Diverse Chemical Probe Arrays
by Shunpei Hitosugi, Noriko Ueda, Hiroki Narita, Haruki Minami, Takayuki Okano, Yoichi Aoki, Rieko Takahashi and Hisatake Okada
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050114 - 13 May 2026
Viewed by 383
Abstract
Chemical probe-based pattern analysis offers a powerful approach for evaluating complex mixtures, particularly in non-target sensing scenarios where components are unknown or where multivariate interactions, such as those involved in taste perception, dominate the response behavior. However, its broader applicability has been limited [...] Read more.
Chemical probe-based pattern analysis offers a powerful approach for evaluating complex mixtures, particularly in non-target sensing scenarios where components are unknown or where multivariate interactions, such as those involved in taste perception, dominate the response behavior. However, its broader applicability has been limited by challenges in generating sufficiently diverse probe sets and in acquiring multidimensional response data from large probe arrays. In this study, we address both limitations by constructing a high-capacity sensing platform that integrates artificial DNA-derived chemical probes with conventional fluorescent probes. Artificial DNA probes were synthesized following established modular assembly methods, enabling large-scale generation of structurally diverse sensing elements. An imaging-based detection instrument—combining controlled excitation and high-resolution fluorescence capture—was developed to simultaneously quantify color and intensity responses from up to 88 probes. We applied this system to the analysis of 20 taste-related compounds, demonstrating clear discrimination based on multidimensional fluorescence patterns. Furthermore, systematic evaluation of probe number versus classification accuracy revealed that increased probe diversity substantially enhances non-target discrimination performance, supporting the value of using low-specificity artificial DNA probes in high-density arrays. These results establish a versatile and scalable platform for non-target pattern analysis and highlight the importance of probe multiplicity in complex mixture sensing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Chemical Sensors)
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24 pages, 6346 KB  
Article
Coccomyxa sp. LT4 Thylakoids from Scarisoara Ice Cave as a Promising Bioreceptor for the Detection of Diuron: Comparison with Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942
by Robert Ruginescu, Roberta Maria Banciu, Szilveszter Gáspár, Cristina Purcarea and Alina Vasilescu
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050113 - 13 May 2026
Viewed by 454
Abstract
Water toxicity screening requires sensitive tools to rapidly detect environmental pollutants. While complex analytical methods accurately determine known contaminants, fast screening tests utilizing biological processes, such as photosynthesis, are increasingly being developed to evaluate the toxicity of environmental waters. We describe the isolation [...] Read more.
Water toxicity screening requires sensitive tools to rapidly detect environmental pollutants. While complex analytical methods accurately determine known contaminants, fast screening tests utilizing biological processes, such as photosynthesis, are increasingly being developed to evaluate the toxicity of environmental waters. We describe the isolation of the psychrotolerant Coccomyxa sp. LT4 from Scarisoara Ice Cave (Romania), representing the first report of green algae inhabiting this type of environment, and provide a preliminary assessment of its isolated thylakoids as novel biorecognition components for water toxicity screening. Photosynthetic activity and diuron sensitivity were measured amperometrically and compared with thylakoids from the reference cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942. The bioreceptor’s response to various pollutants and water salinities was also investigated. The microalgal thylakoids were more sensitive to diuron than the reference thylakoids, generated stable photocurrents across a broad salinity range and, when lyophilized with sucrose, retained their activity for over two years at −20 °C. Consequently, these thylakoids, isolated from a cold-environment microalga, provide a promising basis for developing biosensors for in situ toxicity screening in low-temperature aquatic ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors for Food, Environmental and Biomedical Analysis—2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 4043 KB  
Article
Rapid and Low-Cost N-Doped Carbon Dots Synthesis Based on Orange Peels for Highly Sensitive Detection of Ferric and Mercury Ions
by Rawan H. Alansari, Esraa M. Bakhsh, Kalsoom Akhtar, Lenah R. Altamimi, Gul Aslam Khan and Sher Bahadar Khan
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050112 - 9 May 2026
Viewed by 549
Abstract
Using orange peels as a biowaste, fluorescent N-CDs were prepared simply and rapidly through a one-step microwave-assisted method and urea as a nitrogen source. The synthesized N-CDs exhibited a high QY value of 47.12% compared to CDs prepared using different methods. Moreover, the [...] Read more.
Using orange peels as a biowaste, fluorescent N-CDs were prepared simply and rapidly through a one-step microwave-assisted method and urea as a nitrogen source. The synthesized N-CDs exhibited a high QY value of 47.12% compared to CDs prepared using different methods. Moreover, the N-CDs have good pH and thermal stability. N-CDs exhibited high sensitivity toward Fe(III), Hg(I), and Hg(II) ions with low LOD values of about 0.0555, 0.15379, and 0.02505 μM, respectively. This approach is hopeful for the large-scale formation of N-CDs and could encourage their utilization as fluorescent chemosensors due to their affordability, simplicity, high efficiency, and environmental friendliness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colorimetric and Fluorescent Sensors: Current Status and Future Development)
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15 pages, 3284 KB  
Article
Detection of VOCs Using Metal Nanoparticle-Decorated Graphene
by Syrine Behi, Atef Thamri, Juan Casanova-Chafer, Nicolas Karageorgos Perez, Eduard Llobet and Adnane Abdelghani
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050111 - 7 May 2026
Viewed by 846
Abstract
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are important indicators of environmental pollution and metabolic activity, making their sensitive and selective detection highly relevant for applications in health monitoring and air quality assessment. Graphene, owing to its exceptional charge transport properties, large surface area, and tunable [...] Read more.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are important indicators of environmental pollution and metabolic activity, making their sensitive and selective detection highly relevant for applications in health monitoring and air quality assessment. Graphene, owing to its exceptional charge transport properties, large surface area, and tunable surface chemistry, is a promising candidate for advanced gas and VOCs sensing. Here we report chemoresistive sensors based on pristine graphene and graphene decorated with platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and gold (Au) nanoparticles toward both aromatic (benzene, toluene, and xylene) and non-aromatic (ethanol, methanol, and acetone) vapor compound detection. The detection is achieved at room temperature, and the results demonstrate that graphene functionalized with noble metal nanoparticles shows significant enhancements in sensitivity compared to pristine graphene, mainly against ethanol, toluene and xylene vapors for the Au–graphene sensors. A comparative study with Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) sensors decorated with the same type of nanoparticles revealed clear advantages of graphene, attributed to the microstructure and porous structure of graphene powders, which facilitate efficient charge transfer upon vapor adsorption. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Nano Material-Based Gas Sensors)
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21 pages, 6336 KB  
Article
Rumex nervosus-Derived Fe3O4 Nanoparticles as an Electrocatalyst for the Electrochemical Sensing of 2,4-D
by Asma E. Althagafi, Ekram Y. Danish, Amna N. Khan, M. Aslam and M. Tahir Soomro
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050110 - 2 May 2026
Viewed by 696
Abstract
The extensive use of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in agriculture has led to water contamination and associated health risks, highlighting the need for eco-friendly detection strategies. Herein, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were green-synthesized for the first time using an aqueous extract of Rumex [...] Read more.
The extensive use of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in agriculture has led to water contamination and associated health risks, highlighting the need for eco-friendly detection strategies. Herein, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were green-synthesized for the first time using an aqueous extract of Rumex nervosus (R. nervosus) as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent and successfully employed for the electrochemical sensing of 2,4-D, representing the first reported application of R. nervosus-mediated Fe3O4 nanoparticles for this purpose. The phytochemical composition of the extract and synthesized R-Fe3O4 nanoparticles were systematically characterized. The R-Fe3O4-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was evaluated for charge transfer properties using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) showed no redox peak for 2,4-D at the bare GCE, whereas R-Fe3O4/GCE exhibited a distinct reduction peak at ~−1.5 V in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7), attributed to reductive dechlorination. Square-wave voltammetry (SWV) exhibited a linear response over the concentration range of 50–325 µM with a detection limit of 3.35 µM for 2,4-D. Although this performance is slightly above the guideline limits recommended by the World Health Organization (~0.14 µM) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (~0.32 µM), it is suitable for the routine monitoring of elevated 2,4-D levels in environmental samples. The sensor demonstrated high selectivity with negligible interference and satisfactory recoveries of 96.6–98.3% in real water samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electroanalytical Methods for Sustainable Health: Sensing in Environment, Food, and Diagnostics)
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15 pages, 3444 KB  
Article
Comparative Characterisation of Meat Quality, Nutritional Composition, and Flavour Profile in Wuhua Yellow Chickens (Gallus domesticus) Assessed by Multi-Analytical Approaches
by Zhuoxian Weng, Yongjie Xu, Weina Li, Xunhe Huang, Liangjie Luo, Zhiwei Liu and Xiaonan Zhang
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050109 - 2 May 2026
Viewed by 588
Abstract
Wuhua Yellow Chicken (WYC) is a Guangdong heritage breed known for its characteristic “three yellow” phenotype and distinctive meat flavour. Despite its commercial importance, data on muscle flavour chemistry remain scarce. In this study, 180 one-day-old chicks (90 cocks, 90 hens, 18 replicates [...] Read more.
Wuhua Yellow Chicken (WYC) is a Guangdong heritage breed known for its characteristic “three yellow” phenotype and distinctive meat flavour. Despite its commercial importance, data on muscle flavour chemistry remain scarce. In this study, 180 one-day-old chicks (90 cocks, 90 hens, 18 replicates of 5 chickens per sex) were raised to 20 weeks under cage conditions, after which slaughter traits, meat physicochemical indices, proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and volatile compounds were measured. Cocks were heavier and had higher eviscerated yields and leg muscle percentages, whereas hens accumulated more abdominal fat (6.47–0.46%, p < 0.01). Shear force was greater in cock breast muscle (2.86–2.13 kg·f, p < 0.01), indicating firmer texture. Cock breast muscle contained more crude protein (26.89%) and less crude fat. Amino acid totals were identical between sexes (21.10 g/100 g), with all six essential amino acids surpassing FAO/WHO reference values; lysine scored highest (168%). Unsaturated fatty acid proportions were 63.33% (cocks) and 66.64% (hens), with PUFA/SFA ratios of 61.95% and 53.60%, respectively. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified 10 volatile compounds in cocks and 14 in hens; aldehydes dominated in both, with hexanal alone accounting for over 50%. Hen muscle contained a richer volatile profile, including additional ketone and ester compounds. These data collectively confirm that WYC is nutritionally dense, organoleptically appealing, and well-suited for further breed promotion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue GC, MS and GC-MS Analytical Methods: Opportunities and Challenges (Fourth Edition))
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18 pages, 1581 KB  
Review
3D Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Humidity Sensors: A Review
by Seo-Yeon Kim, Hyun-Jun Dong and Jaehan Jung
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050108 - 2 May 2026
Viewed by 987
Abstract
Humidity sensors are widely employed in diverse fields such as healthcare, agriculture, construction, and the storage of food and pharmaceuticals. In these areas, accurate and reliable humidity monitoring is essential to ensure appropriate environmental conditions and prevent material degradation or device malfunction. Recently, [...] Read more.
Humidity sensors are widely employed in diverse fields such as healthcare, agriculture, construction, and the storage of food and pharmaceuticals. In these areas, accurate and reliable humidity monitoring is essential to ensure appropriate environmental conditions and prevent material degradation or device malfunction. Recently, organic–inorganic hybrid materials have emerged as promising platforms for humidity sensing, as they integrate the complementary properties of both organic and inorganic components. Notably, hybrid materials with three-dimensional architectures have received growing attention owing to their large specific surface area, which affords enhanced reactivity and improved sensing performance. In this review, recent progress in humidity sensors based on organic–inorganic hybrid materials is summarized, with particular emphasis on three-dimensional hybrid architectures. The analysis suggests that 3D hybrid architectures can enhance sensing performance by improving water adsorption and charge transport pathways. Overall, the potential and significance of organic–inorganic hybrid architectures for the development of high-performance humidity sensors are critically discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials for Chemical Sensing)
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50 pages, 9542 KB  
Review
Nanomaterial-Modified Screen-Printed Electrodes: Advances, Interfacial Engineering Evaluation, and Real-World Applications in Electrochemical Sensing
by Tudor-Alexandru Filip, Vlad-Andrei Scarlatache, Alin Dragomir, Georgiana Prodan-Chiriac and Marius-Andrei Olariu
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050107 - 1 May 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2437
Abstract
Innovations in nanomaterial science, engineering and printing technologies have increasingly driven advances in electrochemical sensing. Screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) have become a versatile, low-cost, and scalable solution for developing portable electrochemical detection platforms. However, their analytical performance remains intrinsically limited by surface area, electron [...] Read more.
Innovations in nanomaterial science, engineering and printing technologies have increasingly driven advances in electrochemical sensing. Screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) have become a versatile, low-cost, and scalable solution for developing portable electrochemical detection platforms. However, their analytical performance remains intrinsically limited by surface area, electron transfer efficiency, and the immobilization of biomolecules. Recent developments in nanostructured materials, ranging from two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, MXenes, and transition metal dichalcogenides, to one-dimensional nanostructures and hybrid nanocomposites, have transformed the signal transduction landscape of SPE-based electrochemical sensors. Integration of nanomaterials into SPEs has successfully transformed their analytical capabilities, but the diversity of materials and modification strategies has made it difficult to consolidate current knowledge in the field. Strategies that integrate nanomaterials via ink formulation, surface modification, or in situ growth have yielded sensors with unprecedented sensitivity, reproducibility, and selectivity across various chemical and biological targets. This review offers a cross-material synthesis of how nanomaterial engineering transforms the electrochemical performance of SPEs. By integrating insights across morphology, interfacial chemistry, and device-level behavior, it establishes a unified perspective that has been missing from the current literature and clarifies the design principles driving next-generation SPE-based sensing platforms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors: Recent Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives)
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14 pages, 2502 KB  
Article
Preparation and Application of Hydrophobic Plasmonic Filter Paper for Detecting Pesticides in Edible Oil by Raman Spectroscopy
by Jie Gao, Weiwei Zhang, Hangming Qi, Xu Tao, Qian Yu, Xianming Kong and Kundan Sivashanmugan
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050106 - 1 May 2026
Viewed by 736
Abstract
A flexible paper-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate with a hydrophobic surface was fabricated through a simple route. The Ag nanoparticle was modified on filter paper through the in situ growth method. The hydrophobic filter paper/Ag substrate was prepared via soaking in 10−8 [...] Read more.
A flexible paper-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate with a hydrophobic surface was fabricated through a simple route. The Ag nanoparticle was modified on filter paper through the in situ growth method. The hydrophobic filter paper/Ag substrate was prepared via soaking in 10−8 g/mL of 1-dodecanethiol with a 12 h growth time. The hydrophobic filter paper/Ag substrate exhibits excellent flexibility and hydrophobic properties with a contact angle of 130.2°. The diffusion of the aqueous solution was significantly suppressed on the hydrophobic filter paper/Ag substrate. The hydrophobic filter paper/Ag substrate could simultaneously improve the SERS signal and fluorescence of the analyte, and that was successfully used for detecting thiram from edible oil with a limit of detection at 1.8 × 10−8 M and monitoring melamine in aqueous solution. The hydrophobic filter paper/Ag substrate is a flexible, economical, and convenient method for detecting harmful ingredients from oil by SERS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Applications of Nanomaterials in Biosensing: Current Trends and Future Prospects)
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12 pages, 1897 KB  
Article
Significance of Ammonia Dopant in the Analysis of Formaldehyde Solution and Its Headspace by Corona Discharge-Ion Mobility Spectrometry
by Vahideh Ilbeigi, Younes Valadbeigi and Štefan Matejčík
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050105 - 1 May 2026
Viewed by 507
Abstract
Formalin, a commercial aqueous solution typically containing 37% formaldehyde, often includes a few percent methanol to inhibit polymerization. Nevertheless, formaldehyde readily forms polymerization products such as glycols, dimethoxy (acetal), and methoxyalcohol (hemiacetal) derivatives, making their analysis important. In this work, we employ ion [...] Read more.
Formalin, a commercial aqueous solution typically containing 37% formaldehyde, often includes a few percent methanol to inhibit polymerization. Nevertheless, formaldehyde readily forms polymerization products such as glycols, dimethoxy (acetal), and methoxyalcohol (hemiacetal) derivatives, making their analysis important. In this work, we employ ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) for qualitative and quantitative detection of these species and demonstrate that analysis is not feasible using the standard IMS reactant ion, H3O+(H2O)n. Protonation by H3O+(H2O)n induces loss of water or methanol, preventing stable detection of the intact derivatives. Hence, ammonia was introduced as a dopant to replace H3O+(H2O)n with NH4+(H2O)n in the ionization region, thereby shifting the ionization mechanism from proton transfer to ammonium attachment. A high-temperature injection port was also designed to enable the analysis of both liquid samples and their corresponding headspace. Using the developed method, we identified both acetal and hemiacetal derivatives in commercial formaldehyde solution, while only the more volatile acetal species were detected in the headspace. Quantitative analysis yielded a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.9 ppm and a linear range of 5.5–120 ppm for solution measurements. Importantly, the method provides reliable detection in the presence of substantial humidity, an environment in which many polymer-based sensors fail due to severe moisture interference. Overall, ammonia-doped IMS offers a robust and humidity-tolerant platform for characterizing formaldehyde polymerization products in both the gas and liquid phases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Gas Sensing Approaches: From Fabrication to Application)
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15 pages, 1868 KB  
Article
A COF-Based Turn-On Fluorescent Sensor for Rapid Visual Detection of Histamine in Food Spoilage
by Zixian Wu, Hui Zhou and You Zhou
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050104 - 1 May 2026
Viewed by 785
Abstract
Unsafe food poses a significant threat to global public health and the economy, making the early detection of food spoilage an ongoing and critical imperative. Herein, we report the design of a straightforward and highly effective fluorescence sensor for monitoring histamine (HI), a [...] Read more.
Unsafe food poses a significant threat to global public health and the economy, making the early detection of food spoilage an ongoing and critical imperative. Herein, we report the design of a straightforward and highly effective fluorescence sensor for monitoring histamine (HI), a key biomarker of food deterioration, utilizing the direct interaction between the analyte and the sensor. We demonstrate that the inherently weak luminescent covalent organic framework (COF), TpPa-1, functions as a highly responsive “turn-on” luminescent switch in the presence of HI. Upon interaction with HI, the luminescence of TpPa-1 is significantly enhanced; this phenomenon is attributed to the generation of anionic N− species via the deprotonation of the N−H unit, which effectively suppresses the electron transfer pathway from the nitrogen lone pair to the COF backbone. The TpPa-1 sensor exhibits excellent sensitivity and reproducibility for HI detection. Furthermore, we developed a reusable, fluorescent COF-based film that displays a distinct, naked-eye visible color transition from red to yellow-green upon exposure to histamine, establishing a robust platform for rapid, and preliminary food quality assessment. This work presents a novel, COF-based strategy for HI detection, offering substantial significance for public health and food safety monitoring. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Bio)Chemical Sensing in Real-World Applications—a Dedicated Issue for Young Researchers)
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18 pages, 2642 KB  
Article
Design and Validation of a Chemometric-Assisted Methodology for the Simultaneous Measurement of Flunixin Meglumine and Florfenicol in Veterinary Formulations: Appraisal of Eco-Friendliness and Functionality
by Mona A. Abdel Rahman, Hazim Mohammed Ali, Mohammed Gamal, Lobna Mohammed Abd Elhalim, Mai Mohamed Abd El-Aziz and Rehab Moussa Tony
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050103 - 30 Apr 2026
Viewed by 731
Abstract
Multivariate calibration methods have proven to be helpful in interpreting complex spectral data, particularly in the simultaneous analysis of pharmaceutical mixtures. In this study, three chemometric-assisted spectrophotometric methods were developed and validated for the simultaneous assessment of flunixin meglumine (FM) and florfenicol (FF), [...] Read more.
Multivariate calibration methods have proven to be helpful in interpreting complex spectral data, particularly in the simultaneous analysis of pharmaceutical mixtures. In this study, three chemometric-assisted spectrophotometric methods were developed and validated for the simultaneous assessment of flunixin meglumine (FM) and florfenicol (FF), namely, multivariate curve resolution–alternating least squares (MCR-ALS), artificial neural networks (ANNs), and partial least squares (PLS). These methods were successfully utilized to address the significant spectral overlap between FM and FF in their combined dose form, enabling simultaneous quantification without prior chromatographic separation. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the performance of the proposed methods to that of a published HPLC method, and the results showed no significant variation in trueness or precision. The proposed methods were validated according to ICH guidelines, showing high sensitivity, low LOD and LOQ, and excellent precision (%RSD < 2.0%). Furthermore, they were evaluated for environmental sustainability using the analytical greenness (AGREE) metric and the complex modified green analytical procedure index (Complex MoGAPI), which provided a greenness score of 0.7 and a total sustainability score of 80. These results demonstrate the applicability of the proposed chemometric methods as straightforward, effective, and ecologically beneficial substitutes for regular quality control analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Chemometric Methods for Analytical Applications)
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37 pages, 1505 KB  
Review
Transient Potential Signals from Ion-Selective Electrodes Based on Plasticized Polymeric Membranes—Fundamentals and Applications
by José Manuel Olmos, José Antonio González-Franco and Joaquín Ángel Ortuño
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050102 - 24 Apr 2026
Viewed by 450
Abstract
This review examines the reported research on the potential responses of ion-selective electrodes over time when exposed to sudden changes in the concentration of the primary ion (ion initially present in the ion-selective electrode membrane) and/or foreign interfering ions. Particular attention is given [...] Read more.
This review examines the reported research on the potential responses of ion-selective electrodes over time when exposed to sudden changes in the concentration of the primary ion (ion initially present in the ion-selective electrode membrane) and/or foreign interfering ions. Particular attention is given to the responses of liquid- and plasticized polymeric membrane-based ion-selective electrodes to foreign ions. The review provides an in-depth discussion of the theoretical models proposed to describe transient potential signals obtained experimentally with these ion-selective electrodes. In chronological order, the different contributions are presented and commented on in terms of their assumptions and mathematical treatments. The final equations obtained in each case, as well as some stages of their derivations, are presented. Additionally, the various models are classified and critically commented upon. Lastly, the review discusses the analytical applications reported for identifying and quantifying ions using the transient potential signals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electrochemical Devices and Sensors)
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15 pages, 2769 KB  
Article
Mechanoactivation of Indium Oxide-Based Gas Sensors for Efficiency Enhancement
by Maria I. Ikim, Varvara A. Demina, Elena Y. Spiridonova, Egor D. Baldin, Olusegun J. Ilegbusi and Leonid I. Trakhtenberg
Chemosensors 2026, 14(5), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14050101 - 23 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 872
Abstract
Indium oxide was mechanically activated, and its effect on the operation of semiconductor gas-sensitive devices was evaluated. The structural and morphological characteristics of In2O3 following mechanical activation were examined. The powder treatment produced a defective particle surface structure, enhanced specific [...] Read more.
Indium oxide was mechanically activated, and its effect on the operation of semiconductor gas-sensitive devices was evaluated. The structural and morphological characteristics of In2O3 following mechanical activation were examined. The powder treatment produced a defective particle surface structure, enhanced specific surface area, and improved material diffusion properties. Experimental evidence indicates a substantial enhancement in the reactivity of indium oxide with diverse gases, stemming from alterations in grain structure and the formation of novel adsorption sites. The results obtained demonstrate that mechanoactivation is a promising technological tool for the development of energy-efficient sensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterial-Based Gas Sensors)
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