Fluorescent Sensors for Biological and Chemical Detection
A special issue of Biosensors (ISSN 2079-6374). This special issue belongs to the section "Optical and Photonic Biosensors".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 April 2026 | Viewed by 48
Special Issue Editors
Interests: novel methods and mechanisms for emerging pollutant detection; chemical metrology and analytical methods; environmental pollution monitoring and remediation; clean energy materials and conversion technologies
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
This Special Issue focuses on fluorescent sensors as powerful tools for the selective and sensitive detection of biological and chemical species in fields such as medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, food safety, and pharmaceutical analysis. We will collect original research articles and reviews highlighting recent advances in design strategies, novel materials, sensing mechanisms, and real-world applications of fluorescent probes for detecting ions, small molecules, biomolecules (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids), and pathogens.
Fluorescence-based sensing offers high sensitivity, rapid response, and spatial–temporal resolution, making it indispensable for point-of-care testing, imaging, and in situ monitoring. Recent innovations include nanomaterial-enhanced probes (quantum dots, carbon dots, MOFs and COFs), ratiometric sensors, AIE (aggregation-induced emission) systems, and CRISPR-integrated biosensors. Additionally, the integration of smartphone-based detection and wearable fluorescent devices is revolutionizing portable diagnostics.
A typical fluorescent sensor consists of the analyte (target molecule), recognition element (e.g., antibody, aptamer, molecularly imprinted polymer), the fluorophore (signal reporter), the fluorescence sensing mechanism (e.g., FRET, PET, or solvatochromism), and the readout system (spectrometer, smartphone camera, or microfluidic chip). Key questions for contributors: What are the emerging trends in fluorescent probe design (e.g., NIR probes, multi-analyte detection)? How do nanomaterials or supramolecular systems improve sensing performance? What are the critical challenges for selectivity, photostability, and biocompatibility? How can low-cost, portable platforms bridge the gap between laboratory research and field applications? What societal needs (e.g., early disease diagnosis, pollution tracking) can your work address?
We invite submissions on new sensor architectures, mechanistic studies, and interdisciplinary applications. Reviews on comparative sensing technologies or commercialization prospects are also welcome. Join us in advancing this dynamic field!
Prof. Dr. Xiaoquan Lu
Dr. Yubao Lan
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biosensors is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- fluorescent sensors
- ratiometric sensors
- nanomaterials
- biomolecules
- chemical detection
- medical diagnostics
- biological detection
- fluorescence sensing mechanism
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