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Chemosensors, Volume 14, Issue 6 (June 2026) – 23 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Quantum dots are promising for gas sensing due to their high surface area, dangling bonds, and film-forming ability. However, unclear conduction mechanisms and limited insight into carrier transport impede gas sensor design. We fabricated PbS QD TFT sensors enabling in situ carrier concentration and mobility analysis via gate voltage. Conductivity, carrier concentration, and mobility were measured as functions of NO2 concentration, and a normalized weight-variation model was developed. The results showed that conductivity rises due to carrier increase, while mobility variation dominates the response below 0.5 ppm. This offers a physical framework for understanding conduction mechanisms and for rational device design. View this paper
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18 pages, 15244 KB  
Article
A Porous Europium Metal–Organic Framework as a Highly Sensitive Bifunctional Sensor for Isoprocarb and Levofloxacin
by You Yin, Yuanhong Cheng, Ning Song and Chenghui Zeng
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060144 - 22 Jun 2026
Viewed by 412
Abstract
The development of highly sensitive luminescence sensing materials has attracted much attention in recent years. In this study, a new two-dimensional porous europium metal–organic framework (EuMOF, [Eu(DHDA)1.5·3H2O]n; DHDA = 2,2-dihydroxyacetic acid) is obtained, [...] Read more.
The development of highly sensitive luminescence sensing materials has attracted much attention in recent years. In this study, a new two-dimensional porous europium metal–organic framework (EuMOF, [Eu(DHDA)1.5·3H2O]n; DHDA = 2,2-dihydroxyacetic acid) is obtained, characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), luminescence, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). At the best excitation at 295 nm, EuMOF shows red luminescence (CIE: 0.6255, 0.3740) and has four obvious peaks at 582, 605, 641, and 689 nm, which are due to 5D07F1, 5D07F2, 5D07F3, and 5D07F4 transitions, respectively. Studies have shown that EuMOF is a stable, fast-responding, and highly sensitive luminescence sensor for isoprocarb and levofloxacin (Lvx) in aqueous solutions, apple peel and rice extract solutions, and real urine, which are closely associated with food safety and human health. The sensing behavior toward isoprocarb and Lvx may be attributed to the specific binding of the two analytes to EuMOF. The sensing of isoprocarb is a dynamic luminescence-quenching process, while that of Lvx is a dynamic luminescence-enhancing process. The limits of detection (LOD) for isoprocarb and Lvx are as low as 1.0 and 0.5 nM, respectively, which are much lower than the Chinese national standard (GB 28260-2011, 2.583 μM). EuMOF also demonstrates strong anti-interference detection of isoprocarb in apple peel and rice extract solutions, as well as Lvx in real urine, with excellent detection stability in a 0.01~9.0 nM range. The recovery rates for isoprocarb and Lvx in real samples are 99.12%~101.25%. This work provides the first bifunctional lanthanide sensor for pesticides and antibiotics. Full article
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29 pages, 2407 KB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review of Algorithms for Drift Compensation in Metal Oxide Semiconductor Gas Sensor Arrays
by Renbo Li, Zequn Li, Bundi Alfred Kofi, Juan Sun, Yaoyi He and Mingzhi Jiao
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060143 - 18 Jun 2026
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1252
Abstract
Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) gas sensors are an important part of electronic nose technology because they are sensitive, cheap, and work well with microfabrication for system integration. But sensor drift makes them less useful for long-term, continuous gas monitoring. Changes in how sensors [...] Read more.
Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) gas sensors are an important part of electronic nose technology because they are sensitive, cheap, and work well with microfabrication for system integration. But sensor drift makes them less useful for long-term, continuous gas monitoring. Changes in how sensors respond over time make pattern recognition models that were trained at first less accurate. This review looks at new ways to deal with sensor drift, with a focus on transfer learning and deep learning methods that have been developing continuously in the last five years. It emphasizes the shift from conventional recalibration and component correction to sophisticated methodologies, including deep domain adaptation, contrastive representation learning, and attention-based models. The review does not just list these methods; it also analyzes their pros and downsides, especially in situations where there is not much labeled data, drift is hard to anticipate, or the computational resources are limited, which is often the case with edge sensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Chemical Sensors)
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13 pages, 17026 KB  
Article
A Highly Sensitive Coreless Fiber SPR Sensor Based on Au/TiO2 Hyperbolic Metamaterials
by Fang Wang, Qiwei Guo, Jintao Cai, Lening Sun, Lin Zhang and Xuewen Shu
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060142 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 394
Abstract
In this work, we propose a hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs)-based coreless fiber surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor. Leveraging the absence of a core in coreless fibers, the evanescent waves at the cladding–external solution interface couple more effectively into the solution, enabling surface plasmon resonance [...] Read more.
In this work, we propose a hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs)-based coreless fiber surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor. Leveraging the absence of a core in coreless fibers, the evanescent waves at the cladding–external solution interface couple more effectively into the solution, enabling surface plasmon resonance without any additional processing. To enhance sensitivity, we adopted a multimode–coreless–multimode (MCM) structure and grew layered hyperbolic metamaterials as the SPR-excitation-sensitive layer within the coreless region. Through finite element simulations, we optimized HMM parameters and fabricated high-performance HMM-SPR sensors. Test results demonstrate that the fabricated HMM-SPR sensor achieves an optimal refractive index sensitivity of 3703.33 nm/RIU, representing a 49.68% improvement over single-layer gold film SPR sensors. It successfully detects glucose solutions at varying concentrations with a sensitivity of 2671.25 nm/RIU. The high-sensitivity, structurally simple HMM-SPR sensor we proposed demonstrates broad application prospects in biosensing, environmental monitoring, food safety, and other fields. Full article
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15 pages, 870 KB  
Article
Discrimination of Trout Fed with Traditional and Insect-Based Diets by GC–MS and MOX Sensors: Influence of Cooking on Volatile Profiles
by Elisabetta Poeta, Estefanía Núñez Carmona, Zaira Loiotine, Francesco Gai, Loredana Tarraran and Veronica Sberveglieri
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060141 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 411
Abstract
The use of insect-based protein sources in aquaculture is gaining increasing attention with Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly, BSF) larvae meal representing a promising substitute to fishmeal (FM). This study evaluated the effect of partial dietary inclusion of BSF meal (BSF0, BSF2.5, BSF5, [...] Read more.
The use of insect-based protein sources in aquaculture is gaining increasing attention with Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly, BSF) larvae meal representing a promising substitute to fishmeal (FM). This study evaluated the effect of partial dietary inclusion of BSF meal (BSF0, BSF2.5, BSF5, BSF10%) on the volatilome of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fillets, before and after cooking, using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and a metal oxide sensor-(MOX)-based device. Fish were fed diets with increasing BSF inclusion, and both raw and cooked fillets were analyzed to assess changes in volatile organic compounds (VOCs). GC–MS enabled the identification and semi-quantitative analysis of VOC classes, while MOX sensor responses were processed using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) to assess discrimination among dietary treatments. Results showed that BSF inclusion influenced the volatile profile, with clearer separation at higher inclusion levels (BSF5–BSF10%), especially in cooked fillets. Thermal processing enhanced these differences. GC–MS analysis revealed a reduction in aldehydes and ketones and an increase in carboxylic acids with higher BSF inclusion. Key compounds such as hexanal and heptanal decreased, indicating changes in lipid-derived volatile pathways. Overall, the integration of GC–MS and MOX sensors proved effective in detecting diet-induced changes, supporting their application as effective and reliable tools for quality assessment in aquaculture products, with potential implications for sensory quality that should be further confirmed through dedicated sensory studies. Full article
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27 pages, 5743 KB  
Review
Smart Contact Lens Sensors for Ocular Health Monitoring: Advances in Materials, Fabrication and Application
by Lichun Gao, Jiancheng Dong and Yang Wang
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060140 - 17 Jun 2026
Viewed by 817
Abstract
Smart contact lens sensors integrate biochemical sensing elements, flexible electronics, power modules, and wireless readout components onto optically transparent contact lens platforms, enabling non-invasive and potentially continuous analysis of tear-derived biomarkers and ocular physiological signals. This review focuses on the translation pathway from [...] Read more.
Smart contact lens sensors integrate biochemical sensing elements, flexible electronics, power modules, and wireless readout components onto optically transparent contact lens platforms, enabling non-invasive and potentially continuous analysis of tear-derived biomarkers and ocular physiological signals. This review focuses on the translation pathway from contact lens materials and fabrication methods to sensing mechanisms, tear biomarker interpretation, and clinical deployment. We synthesize recent progress in substrate engineering, manufacturing processes, power delivery, and representative sensing strategies for intraocular pressure, glucose, electrolytes, pH, cortisol, cholesterol, and inflammatory cytokines. Instead of treating these systems as isolated examples, we compare optical/colorimetric, electrochemical, field-effect transistor, microfluidic, and wireless resonant approaches in terms of sensitivity, response time, power/readout requirements, and clinical relevance. Finally, we discuss persistent barriers, including biocompatibility, interface stability, tear-sample variability, calibration, sterilization, regulatory validation, data privacy, and compatibility with commercial contact lens manufacturing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Applied Chemical Sensors)
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12 pages, 2302 KB  
Article
Electrostatically Sealed Paper-Based Microfluidic Device for Environmentally Robust Nitrite Determination by Griess Colorimetry
by Xiaoli Guo, Mingfei Tong, Danping Xie, Baimei Shi, Xiaoqian Long, Kai Luo, Xuekun Li and Yunhui Zhai
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060139 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 299
Abstract
Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) are promising for point-of-care testing, yet most operate in an open-format that is susceptible to solvent evaporation and reagent contamination, causing poor signal stability under changing environments. Here, we present an equipment-free sealing strategy to construct closed µPADs [...] Read more.
Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) are promising for point-of-care testing, yet most operate in an open-format that is susceptible to solvent evaporation and reagent contamination, causing poor signal stability under changing environments. Here, we present an equipment-free sealing strategy to construct closed µPADs by electrostatically adsorbing two polymer films onto open chips, forming an enclosed microenvironment. Using the Griess colorimetric reaction for nitrite, we benchmarked the closed-format against an open counterpart. At a standard condition, the closed µPAD produced a higher grayscale signal, reached a stable peak within 10 min, and remained stable for >60 min. It also demonstrated superior environmental robustness, yielding consistently smaller relative standard deviations (RSDs) across varying humidity levels and temperatures. With the optimized readout time, nitrite exhibited linear calibration over 2.0–10 mg/L (R2 = 0.998), with a detection limit of 0.75 mg/L. In synthetic urine A, spike–recovery tests at 2.0, 5.0, and 9.0 mg/L gave acceptable recoveries and precision across temperature–humidity conditions (RSD < 10%). Additional verification in synthetic urine B at 5.0 mg/L under an uncontrolled environment further confirmed the practicality of this sealed µPAD for environment-tolerant quantitative nitrite analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Analytical Methods, Instrumentation and Miniaturization)
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18 pages, 20767 KB  
Article
Detection of Hg2+ in Water by Modified Gold Nanoparticles: A Rapid Method and Its Mechanistic Basis
by Ruoyao Wang, Xing Chen, Chuyu Shang and Yingying Kou
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060138 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 511
Abstract
A new sensor was developed to detect Hg2+ ions; different volume ratios of chloroauric acid and sodium citrate were used, which were 1.0, 0.8 and 0.5. Three kinds of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with sizes of 18 nm, 25 nm and 32 nm [...] Read more.
A new sensor was developed to detect Hg2+ ions; different volume ratios of chloroauric acid and sodium citrate were used, which were 1.0, 0.8 and 0.5. Three kinds of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with sizes of 18 nm, 25 nm and 32 nm were synthesized in this way. The functional modification with succinimide and glutarimide was performed on these three sizes of AuNPs. Hg2+ was detected by colorimetric detection of AuNPs modified with succinimide and glutarimide. Research shows that, because a complex structure was formed by a coordination reaction with Hg2+, the aggregation of AuNPs occurred, the color changed from red to purple, and the characteristic absorption peak of the UV–visible absorption spectrum was redshifted. The best visual detection limit is 5 μmol/L, showing good selectivity and broad applicability; it was found that the material was specific to the detection of Hg2+. The novelty of this study lies in the use of simple imide-containing modifiers and the systematic comparison of particle-size-dependent colorimetric responses of modified AuNPs toward Hg2+. These results offer a promising approach for tracking and monitoring Hg2+ contamination in aquatic environments. Full article
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19 pages, 6446 KB  
Article
Pyranochromene/Nafion-Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Selective Electrochemical Determination of Cd(II): Synthesis, Interfacial Mechanism, and Water Analysis
by Nada K. H. Alzahrani, Naha Meslet Alsebaii, Fatmah M. Alshareef, Azhaar T. Alsaggaf, Mohamed A. El Hamd, A. Al Solami, Najwa Ali Asiri, Eman Alsolmy and Wejdan T. Alsaggaf
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060137 - 14 Jun 2026
Viewed by 399
Abstract
A pyranochromene-based ligand, 2-amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-oxo-4H,5H-pyrano[3,2-c]chromene-3-carbonitrile (ACLPh-PC-3-CN), was employed as a chelating modifier for the electrochemical determination of Cd(II) in water samples. ACLPh-PC-3-CN was co-immobilized with Nafion on a glassy carbon electrode to form a stable ACLPh-PC-3-CN/Nafion film that combines ligand-based coordination with cation-exchange-assisted preconcentration [...] Read more.
A pyranochromene-based ligand, 2-amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-oxo-4H,5H-pyrano[3,2-c]chromene-3-carbonitrile (ACLPh-PC-3-CN), was employed as a chelating modifier for the electrochemical determination of Cd(II) in water samples. ACLPh-PC-3-CN was co-immobilized with Nafion on a glassy carbon electrode to form a stable ACLPh-PC-3-CN/Nafion film that combines ligand-based coordination with cation-exchange-assisted preconcentration of Cd2+ at the electrode surface. The Cd(II) response at the modified electrode was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry, and the data support a predominantly 1:1 Cd(II)–ligand interaction at the interface under the selected conditions. At an optimized pH of 6.0, the sensor provided a linear calibration range from 16.21 to 56.72 μM, with a detection limit of 0.60 μM and a quantification limit of 2.0 μM, and showed good precision (repeatability 2.3% RSD, reproducibility 3.1% RSD) and short-term stability (94% of the initial response after 14 days). The ACLPh-PC-3-CN/Nafion-modified electrode tolerated common inorganic ions and surfactant species (≤5% signal change) and was successfully applied to the determination of Cd(II) in tap water and Red Sea water, affording recoveries between 98.7% and 101%. While the current detection limit is higher than typical guideline values for Cd in drinking water, the proposed sensor compares favorably with several reported electrochemical Cd(II) sensors in terms of simplicity, precision, and matrix tolerance, and represents a useful platform for coordination-based electrochemical sensing of cadmium in environmental water samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electrochemical Devices and Sensors)
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16 pages, 4102 KB  
Article
MOF-Derived SnO2 Gas Sensor Towards Triethylamine
by Zhenyu Wang, Yu Mu, Haizhen Ding, Yuxin Wang and Jing Zhao
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060136 - 14 Jun 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1211
Abstract
Triethylamine (TEA), a widely used volatile organic compound (VOC), poses severe threats to environmental safety and human health upon accidental leakage, making the development of high-performance TEA detection techniques urgently needed. Herein, we report a Sn-based metal–organic framework (Sn-MOF) constructed from 4,5-dichloroimidazole ligands [...] Read more.
Triethylamine (TEA), a widely used volatile organic compound (VOC), poses severe threats to environmental safety and human health upon accidental leakage, making the development of high-performance TEA detection techniques urgently needed. Herein, we report a Sn-based metal–organic framework (Sn-MOF) constructed from 4,5-dichloroimidazole ligands synthesized via a solvothermal approach. The resulting MOF-derived SnO2 materials were obtained by calcination at 400–600 °C, yielding SnO2 with tunable specific surface area and surface defect-site density. Structural and surface characterizations revealed that the materials consist of primary nanoparticles in the range of 10–50 nm, forming aggregated particles of 1–2 µm. The gas sensing performance toward TEA was systematically evaluated. The SnO2-400 °C sensor exhibited the highest response (S = 85.0) to 100 ppm TEA at 190 °C, with a low detection limit of 1 ppm, superior selectivity, good repeatability, and excellent long-term stability. The observed performance variation was attributed to the combined effects of specific surface area, abundant defect-associated surface sites, and suitable mesoporous structure. This work not only provides a high-performance TEA sensor for industrial and food safety monitoring but also offers a rational strategy for designing MOF-derived metal oxide gas sensors with tailored microstructures and surface defect chemistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Nano Material-Based Gas Sensors)
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16 pages, 6171 KB  
Article
An Isothermal Amplification Method for SARS-CoV-2 Variant Differentiation via Targeted Genomic RNA Detection
by Alfonso Shin, Marc J. Madou, Lawrence Kulinsky, Elliot E. Hui, Rie Nakajima and Philip Felgner
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060135 - 14 Jun 2026
Viewed by 362
Abstract
The rapid emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants underscores the need for accurate, rapid, and affordable diagnostic tools, particularly in resource-limited settings. An isothermal amplification-based assay was developed integrating reverse-transcriptase recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA), T7 transcription, and duplex-specific nuclease (DSN)-mediated detection for variant discrimination. The [...] Read more.
The rapid emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants underscores the need for accurate, rapid, and affordable diagnostic tools, particularly in resource-limited settings. An isothermal amplification-based assay was developed integrating reverse-transcriptase recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA), T7 transcription, and duplex-specific nuclease (DSN)-mediated detection for variant discrimination. The assay targets three genomic regions: a conserved region within ORF1a and two variant regions, ORF1a (Δ3675–3677) and the S gene (Δ69–70), enabling differentiation between the Wuhan-Hu-1 reference isolate and the B.1.1.7 variant. The method demonstrated high specificity and a limit of detection of 200 copies per sample using low-cost instrumentation. DSN-mediated cleavage improved discrimination between matched and mismatched RNA targets while enabling signal amplification through target recycling. The assay requires minimal laboratory infrastructure, relying on a heat block and fluorescent plate reader. These results demonstrate a scalable and cost-effective strategy for SARS-CoV-2 variant screening with potential as a future strategy for pathogen screening and variant surveillance. Full article
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36 pages, 28484 KB  
Review
Rare Earth-Doped Nanofluorescent Probes as Multifunctional Matrices for Advanced Biomedical Imaging
by Jiayi Guo, Hong-Bo Cui, Dong Liu, Chunzhi Li, Guijian Guan and Ming-Yong Han
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060134 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 566
Abstract
Benefiting from tunable emission from ultraviolet to near-infrared windows, long luminescence lifetimes, and exceptional photostability, rare earth (RE)-doped nanomaterials overcome the limitations of conventional dyes and quantum dots, enabling deep-tissue, high-resolution, and low-background imaging. As multifunctional fluorescent probes, RE-doped nanomaterials are driving the [...] Read more.
Benefiting from tunable emission from ultraviolet to near-infrared windows, long luminescence lifetimes, and exceptional photostability, rare earth (RE)-doped nanomaterials overcome the limitations of conventional dyes and quantum dots, enabling deep-tissue, high-resolution, and low-background imaging. As multifunctional fluorescent probes, RE-doped nanomaterials are driving the development of next-generation biomedical imaging. This review summarizes recent advances in the structural design of RE-doped nanomaterials, surface engineering for biocompatibility, and targeting strategies for improved performance, and highlights their integration into advanced imaging modalities, including NIR-I/II fluorescence, FLIM, PAI, super-resolution STED, multimodal FL/MRI/CT, X-ray-excited luminescence, and persistent luminescence. Meanwhile, mechanistic insights, material innovations, and comparative advantages are discussed. Furthermore, challenges related to quantum yield, scalable synthesis, imaging resolution, and clinical translation are considered, while future directions—centered on multifunctional probe design, NIR-II imaging, and AI-assisted data analysis—are proposed, offering a versatile platform for precise multimodal imaging with significant potential to advance early diagnosis, personalized therapy, and clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Optical Imaging Technologies and Fluorescent Probes)
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13 pages, 5578 KB  
Article
Gold Nanoparticle-Based Composite Electrode for Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Melamine
by Liqin Cui, Kun Fan, Jia Ma, Yun Lu, Yanfang Wang and Jiao Yang
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060133 - 10 Jun 2026
Viewed by 349
Abstract
Melamine, characterized by its high nitrogen content, has been illegally added to food and feed to falsely increase apparent protein levels. However, melamine and its metabolites pose serious risks to human and animal health, including kidney stones, renal failure, and even death, as [...] Read more.
Melamine, characterized by its high nitrogen content, has been illegally added to food and feed to falsely increase apparent protein levels. However, melamine and its metabolites pose serious risks to human and animal health, including kidney stones, renal failure, and even death, as well as potential carcinogenic effects. Therefore, accurate detection of trace melamine is of great importance and urgency. Electrochemical sensors based on nanomaterials have been widely used for melamine detection due to their high sensitivity, good selectivity, rapid response, and simple operation. In this work, a composite nanosheet-structured electrode was fabricated, and a dense layer of gold nanoparticles was modified on its surface to enhance electrochemical performance. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements indicated that this electrode exhibited highly sensitive electrochemical properties. In addition, differential pulse voltammetry was employed for melamine detection, and the results showed a wide linear range of 20–500 nM with an LOD of 4.7 nM. The proposed electrode enabled the detection of melamine in milk samples, exhibiting good anti-interference ability and long-term stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements of Chemosensors and Biosensors in China—3rd Edition)
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38 pages, 5768 KB  
Review
Electrochemical Biosensors for Hormone Detection: Advances and Trends—An Update Since 2010
by Rafael Mendes Coelho, Thaís Machado Lima, Patrick Wander Endlich, Priscila Izabela Soares, Ângelo Rafael Machado, Geycson Figueiredo Dias, Arnaldo César Pereira, Diego Leoni Franco and Lucas Franco Ferreira
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060132 - 9 Jun 2026
Viewed by 1423
Abstract
Hormones regulate numerous physiological processes and are essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Accurate hormone quantification is crucial for the diagnosis and monitoring of endocrine and metabolic disorders. Electrochemical biosensors have recently emerged as promising platforms for hormone detection, offering simplicity, rapid response, cost-effectiveness, [...] Read more.
Hormones regulate numerous physiological processes and are essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis. Accurate hormone quantification is crucial for the diagnosis and monitoring of endocrine and metabolic disorders. Electrochemical biosensors have recently emerged as promising platforms for hormone detection, offering simplicity, rapid response, cost-effectiveness, and high sensitivity compared to conventional techniques such as chromatography and mass spectrometry. This review summarizes the advances in electrochemical biosensors for detecting clinically relevant hormones, including cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, parathyroid hormone, prolactin, and insulin, since 2010. Particular attention has been paid to developments in electrode modification strategies, including nanomaterials, redox enzymes, and novel recognition elements, which significantly improve the sensitivity and selectivity. These advances enable hormone detection at lower concentrations in various biological and environmental matrices. Despite these promising developments, challenges related to sensor stability, fabrication costs, and regeneration procedures limit their large-scale commercialization. Future research should focus on improving robustness, optimizing immobilization strategies, and integrating innovative materials to enhance the analytical performance. Continued collaboration among researchers, engineers, and healthcare professionals is essential. With ongoing technological progress, electrochemical biosensors are expected to play an important role in clinical diagnosis, point-of-care testing, and personalized medicine. Full article
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11 pages, 1602 KB  
Article
Conduction Mechanism in Lead Sulfide Quantum Dot Gas Sensors
by Yanting Tang, Jingyao Liu, Bowen Zhou, Lanpeng Guo, Hua-Yao Li and Huan Liu
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060131 - 7 Jun 2026
Viewed by 375
Abstract
Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are ideal for room-temperature gas sensors due to their high surface area, abundant dangling bonds, and excellent film-forming properties. However, the underlying conduction mechanism remains unclear, lacking in-depth analysis of gas–solid charge transfer and carrier transport, which hinders the [...] Read more.
Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are ideal for room-temperature gas sensors due to their high surface area, abundant dangling bonds, and excellent film-forming properties. However, the underlying conduction mechanism remains unclear, lacking in-depth analysis of gas–solid charge transfer and carrier transport, which hinders the rational design of high-performance gas sensors. To address this, we fabricated a PbS colloidal quantum dot thin-film transistor (TFT) gas sensor that enables in situ analysis of carrier concentration and mobility via gate voltage modulation. We systematically measured the variations in conductivity, carrier concentration, and mobility with NO2 concentration and established a normalized weight variation model. The results show that the conductivity increase upon NO2 exposure is primarily due to the rise in carrier concentration induced by gas adsorption. At low concentrations (below 0.5 ppm), the response is dominated by mobility variation. This work provides a physically meaningful theoretical framework for understanding the conduction mechanism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Gas Sensors: Development and Application)
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18 pages, 3345 KB  
Article
Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopic Characterization of the Soft Stone of the Berici Hills (Vicenza, Italy) and Classification of Its Main Varieties Using Multivariate Analysis
by Alessandra De Lorenzi Pezzolo, Paolo Stoppa and Andrea Pietropolli Charmet
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060130 - 4 Jun 2026
Viewed by 394
Abstract
In this work, the Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform (DRIFT) spectra of 30 specimens of Soft Stone of the Berici Hills (Vicenza, Italy) are analyzed by multivariate tools to characterize their different varieties. This calcareous material shows different characteristics regarding colour, hardness, and [...] Read more.
In this work, the Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform (DRIFT) spectra of 30 specimens of Soft Stone of the Berici Hills (Vicenza, Italy) are analyzed by multivariate tools to characterize their different varieties. This calcareous material shows different characteristics regarding colour, hardness, and type and quantity of included fossils that led to various denominations and classifications. By performing a Principal Component Analysis in the 900–1220 cm−1 spectral range, four main groups could be identified in the dataset investigated: Oligocene stones (White and Coloured Vicenza) and Eocene ones (Yellow and Grey Nanto-like, and Nanto p.d.). The spectral features due to the non-carbonate content of the samples (in particular those of quartz, montmorillonite, kaolinite and sanidine) are discussed and employed to characterize the different groups. An appropriate characterization of the three most represented groups is then proposed by means of a Soft Independent Modelling of Class Analogy (SIMCA). This model also proved useful to get information on the samples left out (the Nanto p.d. sample and the five with hybrid characteristics, Grigio Alpi and Pietra del Mare). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Chemometric Methods for Analytical Applications)
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15 pages, 594 KB  
Article
Trace-Level Determination of ACE Inhibitors in Wastewater of Al-Kharj Governorate Using Solid-Phase Extraction–Capillary Electrophoresis Aided by Field Amplified Sample Stacking: A Sustainable Analytical Approach
by Alhumaidi B. Alabbas and Sherif A. Abdel-Gawad
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060129 - 4 Jun 2026
Viewed by 328
Abstract
Particularly in regions experiencing rapid industrial and healthcare development, the presence of pharmaceutical residues in wastewater is becoming an increasingly pressing environmental concern. In this study, an analytical method was developed to quantify lisinopril (LIS), ramipril (RAM), and enalapril (ENA) in wastewater while [...] Read more.
Particularly in regions experiencing rapid industrial and healthcare development, the presence of pharmaceutical residues in wastewater is becoming an increasingly pressing environmental concern. In this study, an analytical method was developed to quantify lisinopril (LIS), ramipril (RAM), and enalapril (ENA) in wastewater while being both sensitive and inexpensive. To improve the precision and accuracy of the measurements, propranolol (PRO) was used as an internal standard. To achieve dual preconcentration and enhanced sensitivity, the method integrates filed amplified sample stacking (FASS) with solid-phase extraction (SPE) before capillary electrophoresis (CE) in a synergistic way. Important experimental factors such the composition of the background electrolyte (BGE), pH, injection settings, stacking efficiency, and selection of the SPE sorbent were meticulously calibrated. Under ideal circumstances, the SPE-CE-FASS method demonstrated remarkable linearity within the concentration range of 10–1000 ng L−1 (R2 > 0.999), an outstanding level of accuracy (intra- and inter-day RSD < 6%), and satisfactory recovery percents (90–97%) in real wastewater samples. This method offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) by reducing waste, using less solvent, and providing enough sensitivity for trace-level analysis. Hence, it is very suitable for the regular monitoring of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in complex wastewater matrices. Full article
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12 pages, 5600 KB  
Article
tRNA-Fused Strategy for Enhancing RNA Aptamer Sensor Stability
by Jiawei Zou, Juan Dong, Zhuo Tang, Wei Wang and Feng Du
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060128 - 4 Jun 2026
Viewed by 458
Abstract
RNA aptamer sensors are promising for environmental and clinical detection, but their poor stability limits practical application. Here, we developed a tRNA-fused strategy to enhance the stability of unmodified RNA aptamer sensors. The tRNA scaffold was fused to the 3′ end of Spinach [...] Read more.
RNA aptamer sensors are promising for environmental and clinical detection, but their poor stability limits practical application. Here, we developed a tRNA-fused strategy to enhance the stability of unmodified RNA aptamer sensors. The tRNA scaffold was fused to the 3′ end of Spinach aptamer to construct tRNA-Spinach. In vitro stability assays showed that tRNA-Spinach retained 50% of its initial fluorescence for 84 days at 25 °C (60% humidity), a 7-fold improvement compared with native Spinach (12 days). The tRNA-fused strategy also doubled the in vivo half-life of Spinach from 20 min to 40 min in KM mice. Based on this strategy, a tobramycin sensor was constructed, which exhibited a LOD of 30 nM, a linear range of 30–100 nM (R2 = 0.9905). The biosensor could be detected with a handheld UV lamp within 10 min. This tRNA-fused strategy enables room-temperature storage of RNA aptamer sensors without chemical modification, providing a scalable and cost-effective platform for point-of-care diagnostics in resource-limited settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section (Bio)chemical Sensing)
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18 pages, 15012 KB  
Article
Construction and Application Study of a Non-Enzymatic Dopamine Sensor Based on Zinc Porphyrin–Chitosan-Functionalized Reduced Graphene Oxide
by Xiangyu Ren, Rundong Wang, Yiru Zhang, Mengjin Zhai, Yukun Qin, Wenhao Liao, Anjie Cao, Yuan Chen and Bingkai Han
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060127 - 3 Jun 2026
Viewed by 453
Abstract
Metalloporphyrins play an important role in biomedicine, catalysis, and energy, among other fields, due to their structural complexity and functional diversity. In this study, GO was used as the precursor support and chitosan was employed to reduce and functionalize GO into chitosan-functionalized rGO. [...] Read more.
Metalloporphyrins play an important role in biomedicine, catalysis, and energy, among other fields, due to their structural complexity and functional diversity. In this study, GO was used as the precursor support and chitosan was employed to reduce and functionalize GO into chitosan-functionalized rGO. Furthermore, metalloporphyrins were covalently linked to the amino side chains of chitosan via an amide crosslinking method, and a series of metalloporphyrin–chitosan-functionalized rGO nanocomposites were designed and synthesized. A set of poly(metalloporphyrin–chitosan)-functionalized rGO working electrodes was constructed by drop-coating onto glassy carbon electrodes, and their electrocatalytic performance toward dopamine was investigated in PBS solution. Finally, zinc(II) porphyrin, with the best performance, was selected as the core catalytic unit to fabricate an enzyme-free dopamine sensor. Under optimal working conditions, the sensor exhibited a sensitivity of 0.30 mA mM−1cm−2, a linear detection range of 0.001~1.0 mM, and a low detection limit of 0.05 μM (S/N = 3). The sensor showed anti-interference ability against various interfering ions and electroactive substances, as well as good stability and repeatability. Full article
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21 pages, 4971 KB  
Review
Fluorogenic Probe-Coupled Single-Molecule Fluorescence Imaging for Photocatalytic Mechanism Research
by Zeqi Yu, Xinyu Sun, Yanan Niu, Chaoyu Song, Yukang Sun and Yuguang Lv
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060126 - 1 Jun 2026
Viewed by 587
Abstract
Elucidating structure–activity relationships in semiconductor photocatalysis has been significantly impeded by the inherent limitations of ensemble-averaged characterization techniques, which obscure the spatiotemporal heterogeneity intrinsic to catalytic surfaces. Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy (SMFM) surmounts this bottleneck by offering nanometer-scale spatial resolution coupled with the capacity [...] Read more.
Elucidating structure–activity relationships in semiconductor photocatalysis has been significantly impeded by the inherent limitations of ensemble-averaged characterization techniques, which obscure the spatiotemporal heterogeneity intrinsic to catalytic surfaces. Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy (SMFM) surmounts this bottleneck by offering nanometer-scale spatial resolution coupled with the capacity to resolve single-turnover events. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the State-of-the-Art applications of fluorogenic probe-coupled SMFM in deciphering the microscopic mechanisms governing photocatalysis. We begin by delineating the operational principles of total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and categorizing the response mechanisms of three distinct classes of fluorogenic probes: oxidative (e.g., Amplex Red, APF), reductive (e.g., Resazurin, DN-BODIPY), and acidic (e.g., furfuryl alcohol, thiophene) reporters. Subsequently, we highlight seminal studies wherein SMFM has been leveraged to visualize facet-dependent charge separation on model photocatalysts—including TiO2, BiOBr, and InSe—to map the dynamic activity associated with surface defects and to precisely locate active sites during photoelectrochemical water splitting. Finally, we critically assess the prevailing technical challenges, such as limitations in probe specificity and background interference, while offering a perspective on prospective avenues for methodological refinement. This review is intended to serve as a methodological cornerstone for advancing mechanistic understanding in photocatalysis and for guiding the rational design of high-performance catalysts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Optical Imaging Technologies and Fluorescent Probes)
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14 pages, 1236 KB  
Article
Design of Dipolar Push–Pull Fluorophores Based on Furanone–Nitrile Acceptors for Ratiometric Hydrogen Sulfide Sensing
by Yan-Chi Tseng and Chih-Hsin Chen
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060125 - 29 May 2026
Viewed by 388
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a toxic and biologically relevant gas, necessitating sensitive and interference-resistant detection methods for environmental monitoring. Here, we develop a donor–acceptor molecular platform incorporating a polarized conjugated double bond bridge and demonstrate its application, using YG2 as the [...] Read more.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a toxic and biologically relevant gas, necessitating sensitive and interference-resistant detection methods for environmental monitoring. Here, we develop a donor–acceptor molecular platform incorporating a polarized conjugated double bond bridge and demonstrate its application, using YG2 as the representative probe, as a dual-peak ratiometric UV–Vis sensor for H2S. UV–Vis spectroscopy, supported by 1H NMR analysis, indicates HS--induced interaction with the conjugated linkage, leading to disruption of π-conjugation, suppression the intramolecular charge-transfer (ICT) band at 409 nm, and enhancing the locally excited (LE) band at 279 nm. The ratiometric parameter log(Abs279/Abs409) affords a linear response over the concentration range of 1.0 × 10−6–1.0 × 10−4 M with a detection limit of 8.3 × 10−7 M, providing approximately an order-of-magnitude improvement in analytical sensitivity compared with single-wavelength methods, and the reaction reaches completion within ~10 s. YG2 exhibits excellent selectivity toward H2S over common anions and enables accurate quantification in real water samples, with recoveries of 95.43–105.86% and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.56–9.58%. These results suggest that YG2 is a rapid, self-calibrating, and spectroscopically interpretable ratiometric probe suitable for reliable H2S detection in complex aqueous environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers on Luminescent Sensing (Second Edition))
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13 pages, 3224 KB  
Article
A Highly Sensitive Dual-Cathodic Ratiometric Electrochemiluminescence Biosensor Based on Functionalized Copper Nanoclusters and Nitrogen- and Sulfur-Codoped Carbon Dots for the Detection of miRNA-155
by Ming-Yu Zhong, Yue Gu, Jie Lu, Hao He, Ming-Zhu Deng, Meng-Li Li, Cheng-Cheng Li, Hao-Xue Li, Li Mi, Zheng Xu, Fang Zhang, Guo-Song Chen and Yin-Zhu Wang
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060124 - 27 May 2026
Viewed by 395
Abstract
In most ratiometric electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensors, the utilization of different co-reactants for anodic and cathodic ECL luminophores, along with a broad potential scanning range, restricts their practical applications. Herein, we first reported dual-cathodic potential-resolved ECL from nitrogen/sulfur-codoped carbon dots (N,S-CDs) and mercaptopropionic acid-functionalized [...] Read more.
In most ratiometric electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensors, the utilization of different co-reactants for anodic and cathodic ECL luminophores, along with a broad potential scanning range, restricts their practical applications. Herein, we first reported dual-cathodic potential-resolved ECL from nitrogen/sulfur-codoped carbon dots (N,S-CDs) and mercaptopropionic acid-functionalized copper nanoclusters (MPA-Cu NCs) using their common co-reactant K2S2O8 within a potential range of 0 to −2 V, and developed a ratiometric ECL biosensor for miRNA-155 analysis. Initially, the ECL peak of MPA-Cu NCs at approximately −2 V on the electrode was quenched through resonance energy transfer (RET) by methylene blue. Subsequently, trace target miRNA-155 was converted into abundant output DNA via a DNA walker mechanism. In the presence of Pb2+, partial DNA was cleaved to remove methylene blue, thereby restoring the ECL intensity of MPA-Cu NCs. Furthermore, the cleaved DNA fragments sparked rolling circle amplification (RCA), which ultimately facilitated the loading of N,S-CDs onto the electrode surface, generating an ECL peak at approximately −1 V. As the concentration of miRNA-155 increased, both ECL signals rose simultaneously but with different magnitudes. The fabricated ratiometric ECL sensor achieved a linear detection range for miRNA-155 from 10 aM to 0.1 nM, with a limit of detection of 2.91 aM. Overall, this study offers a new strategy for constructing dual-cathodic ratiometric ECL biosensors and provides a promising approach for early disease diagnosis. Full article
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14 pages, 6774 KB  
Article
Alternating Current Electroluminescent Sensor for Visual Detection of Trace Water in Oil
by Yuyang Li, Zhengying Wang, Shuangyang Kuang, Keyuan Ding, Xiaotian Zhu and Xiaoyan Wei
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060123 - 24 May 2026
Viewed by 571
Abstract
The trace water content in industrial oil critically affects the operational stability and service life of industrial equipment and serves as a key indicator for evaluating oil quality. Therefore, the rapid, sensitive, and visual detection of trace water in oil is of great [...] Read more.
The trace water content in industrial oil critically affects the operational stability and service life of industrial equipment and serves as a key indicator for evaluating oil quality. Therefore, the rapid, sensitive, and visual detection of trace water in oil is of great engineering significance for equipment condition monitoring and early fault warning. Existing detection methods predominantly rely on precision instruments; although they enable quantitative analysis, their operational procedures are complicated and time-consuming, which are unsuitable for on-site real-time monitoring. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a novel trace water detection sensor that offers high sensitivity, visualization, and adaptability to oil-phase environments. Herein, a coplanar electrode alternating current electroluminescent (ACEL) sensor is developed for the visual detection of trace water in oil. The ACEL sensor features a multilayer structure comprising a substrate layer, a coplanar electrode layer, and a humidity-sensitive luminescent layer. The humidity-sensitive luminescent layer consists of humidity-sensitive hydrogel and ZnS: Cu electroluminescent powder, forming a loose and porous film that enables high-sensitivity humidity sensing and simultaneously electroluminescent visual signal output. The sensing mechanism study reveals that variations in trace water content modulate the dielectric properties of the humidity-sensitive layer, which further affect the electroluminescent intensity of the ACEL sensor. In addition, the ACEL sensor enables the rapid, naked-eye recognition of humidity changes under trace water conditions without the need for precision instruments, achieving a rapid response time of 3 s and a detection limit as low as 60 ppm, all making it applicable for different types of industrial oils. Thus, this ACEL sensor features a novel detection mechanism, excellent universality, fast response, and ease of operation, offering a new visual sensing strategy for trace water detection in industrial oil and holding broad prospects for practical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements of Chemosensors and Biosensors in China—3rd Edition)
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22 pages, 12718 KB  
Article
Machine Learning-Assisted Dual-pH Electrochemical Sensor for Rapid Detection of Quercetin, Rutin and Glucose in Litchi Fruit
by Lihua Jiang, Miaoyang Chen, Jun Zhu, Gang Chen, Shaohua Huang and Haitao Xu
Chemosensors 2026, 14(6), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14060122 - 22 May 2026
Viewed by 651
Abstract
Electrochemical sensing provides an alternative approach for the trace detection of bioactive substances in fruits. However, the complex matrix in fruit tissues, the coexistence of multiple active components, and the varied pH environments limit the sensing performance and accurate quantitative detection of conventional [...] Read more.
Electrochemical sensing provides an alternative approach for the trace detection of bioactive substances in fruits. However, the complex matrix in fruit tissues, the coexistence of multiple active components, and the varied pH environments limit the sensing performance and accurate quantitative detection of conventional electrochemical sensors. Herein, a dual-mode electrochemical sensor based on a Co3O4@N-MWCNTs modified glassy carbon electrode was developed for the sequential detection of quercetin, rutin, and glucose in fruits under acidic and alkaline conditions. The as-prepared electrode exhibited improved charge transfer efficiency and favorable electrocatalytic activity toward the three target analytes. Under optimal conditions, the sensor displayed wide linear ranges of 0.5~70 μM for quercetin and 0.5~5 μM for rutin in acidic environment, with low detection limits of 0.124 μM and 0.045 μM, respectively. In alkaline environment, the detection limit for glucose was determined to be 8.86 μM. Moreover, four combined machine learning models with feature selection algorithms were established, among which the CARS-RFE+RFR model achieved the best prediction accuracy and robustness for multicomponent quantification. Furthermore, the proposed sensing system was applied to the rapid determination of quercetin, rutin, and glucose in real litchi samples, with recoveries ranging from 98.4% to 105.4%. This study provides a feasible electrochemical strategy for multicomponent detection in complex plant matrices, showing good applicability for rapid on-site analysis in agricultural and food-related applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Chemical Sensors in Smart Agriculture)
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