Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.6
4.9
Journals
Biosensors
Special Issues
Functional Materials for Biosensing Applications
share announcement

Functional Materials for Biosensing Applications

A special issue of Biosensors (ISSN 2079-6374). This special issue belongs to the section "Biosensor Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 October 2025 | Viewed by 9021

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jin-Ha Choi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
Interests: nanobiosensor; plasmonic nanomaterials; early diagnosis; CRISPR biosensor; nanotheragnosis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the imperative of early disease diagnosis has reached a paramount level of significance. Current methods for measuring disease-related biomarkers primarily fall into two categories: nucleic acid amplification methods, such as PCR, and simpler diagnostic approaches utilizing lateral flow assays (LFA). Despite their widespread use, these methods exhibit limited sensitivity, thereby complicating early disease treatment. This has led to an escalating demand for the development of multifunctional biosensors that harness various nanomaterials, offering a promising avenue for the effective diagnosis of a spectrum of diseases. Consequently, this Special Issue aspires to comprehensively explore both the fundamentals and applications of biosensors utilizing diverse nanomaterials, providing a nuanced understanding of the evolving landscape of diagnostic innovation in the post-pandemic era. As the world grapples with the challenges posed by emerging diseases, the focus on leveraging nanomaterials in biosensor technology becomes pivotal, offering a potential paradigm shift in early and accurate disease detection.

Dr. Jin-Ha Choi
Guest Editor

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

  • biosensor
  • early diagnosis
  • nanoparticle
  • nanomaterial
  • functional material
  • graphene
  • mxene
  • organic material
  • inorganic material

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 4170 KiB  
Article
Flexible Electrochemical Biosensor Using Nanostructure-Modified Polymer Electrode for Detection of Viral Nucleic Acids
by Jiyu Han, Yejin Lee, Jin-Ho Lee and Jinho Yoon
Biosensors 2024, 14(12), 594; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14120594 - 4 Dec 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1280
Abstract
In the biosensor field, the accurate detection of contagious disease has become one of the most important research topics in the post-pandemic period. However, conventional contagious viral biosensors normally require chemical modifications to introduce the probe molecules to nucleic acids such as a [...] Read more.
In the biosensor field, the accurate detection of contagious disease has become one of the most important research topics in the post-pandemic period. However, conventional contagious viral biosensors normally require chemical modifications to introduce the probe molecules to nucleic acids such as a redox indicator, fluorescent dye, or quencher for biosensing. To avoid this complex chemical modification, in this research, mismatched DNA with an intercalated metal ion complex (MIMIC) is employed as the probe sequence. In addition, the MIMIC is fabricated on a lithography-assisted nanostructure-modified flexible polymer electrode. On this flexible electrode, as a proof-of-concept study, a human papillomavirus (HPV-16 and -18) was detected by the MIMIC with a high accuracy. The developed biosensor exhibits an ultrasensitive ability to detect HPV in viral DNA without target amplification and chemical modifications in a simple preparation manner. Moreover, it retains its nanostructures and high conductivity after bending. In conclusion, the use of the proposed biosensor suggests a novel approach to developing an ultrasensitive and flexible biosensor for the detection of important biomarkers in a simple manner that can be applied in point-of-care testing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Materials for Biosensing Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

27 pages, 8209 KiB  
Review
Plasmonic Biosensors in Cancer-Associated miRNA Detection
by Nayoung Kim, Mingyu Bae, Euni Cho, Ki Su Kim and Jin-Ho Lee
Biosensors 2025, 15(3), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15030165 - 4 Mar 2025
Viewed by 844
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most lethal diseases and has distinct variants that affect over 60 organs in the human body. The necessity of advanced methodologies for the early diagnosis of cancer has grown over the past decades. Among various biomarkers, microRNAs (miRNAs) [...] Read more.
Cancer is one of the most lethal diseases and has distinct variants that affect over 60 organs in the human body. The necessity of advanced methodologies for the early diagnosis of cancer has grown over the past decades. Among various biomarkers, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as highly specific and minimally invasive indicators for cancer detection, prognosis, and treatment monitoring. Their stability in biological fluids and their critical role in gene regulation make them valuable targets for diagnostic applications. Plasmonic biosensors have gained massive attention owing to their unique optical properties, such as surface plasmon resonance, making them promising tools for the sensitive and selective analysis of cancer-associated biomarkers. In contrast to previous reviews, this work offers a comprehensive overview of advancements from approximately the past five years, particularly in the detection of cancer-associated miRNAs. It emphasizes emerging plasmonic sensing strategies, integration with novel nanomaterials, and enhanced signal amplification techniques. By focusing on these recent innovations, this review provides new insights into the potential of plasmonic biosensors to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Materials for Biosensing Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 4423 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Biosensors Using Enzyme-Stabilized Gold Nanoclusters
by Myeong-Jun Lee, Jeong-Hyeop Shin, Seung-Hun Jung and Byung-Keun Oh
Biosensors 2025, 15(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15010002 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1172
Abstract
Recently, gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have been widely used in biological applications due to their ultrasmall size, ranging within a few nanometers; large specific surface area; easy functionalization; unique fluorescence properties; and excellent conductivity. However, because they are unstable in solution, AuNCs require stabilization [...] Read more.
Recently, gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have been widely used in biological applications due to their ultrasmall size, ranging within a few nanometers; large specific surface area; easy functionalization; unique fluorescence properties; and excellent conductivity. However, because they are unstable in solution, AuNCs require stabilization by using ligands such as dendrimers, peptides, DNA, and proteins. As a result, the properties of AuNCs and their formation are determined by the ligand, so the selection of the ligand is important. Of the many ligands implemented, enzyme-stabilized gold nanoclusters (enzyme–AuNCs) have attracted increasing attention for biosensor applications because of the excellent optical/electrochemical properties of AuNCs and the highly target-specific reactions of enzymes. In this review, we explore how enzyme–AuNCs are prepared, their properties, and the various types of enzyme–AuNC-based biosensors that use optical and electrochemical detection techniques. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and prospects of enzyme–AuNCs in biosensing applications. We expect this review to provide interdisciplinary knowledge about the application of enzyme–AuNC-based materials within the biomedical and environmental fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Materials for Biosensing Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 4044 KiB  
Review
Research Trends in the Development of Block Copolymer-Based Biosensing Platforms
by Yong-Ho Chung and Jung Kwon Oh
Biosensors 2024, 14(11), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14110542 - 8 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1184
Abstract
Biosensing technology, which aims to measure and control the signals of biological substances, has recently been developed rapidly due to increasing concerns about health and the environment. Top–down technologies have been used mainly with a focus on reducing the size of biomaterials to [...] Read more.
Biosensing technology, which aims to measure and control the signals of biological substances, has recently been developed rapidly due to increasing concerns about health and the environment. Top–down technologies have been used mainly with a focus on reducing the size of biomaterials to the nano-level. However, bottom–up technologies such as self-assembly can provide more opportunities to molecular-level arrangements such as directionality and the shape of biomaterials. In particular, block copolymers (BCPs) and their self-assembly have been significantly explored as an effective means of bottom–up technologies to achieve recent advances in molecular-level fine control and imaging technology. BCPs have been widely used in various biosensing research fields because they can artificially control highly complex nano-scale structures in a directionally controlled manner, and future application research based on interactions with biomolecules according to the development and synthesis of new BCP structures is greatly anticipated. Here, we comprehensively discuss the basic principles of BCPs technology, the current status of their applications in biosensing technology, and their limitations and future prospects. Rather than discussing a specific field in depth, this study comprehensively covers the overall content of BCPs as a biosensing platform, and through this, we hope to increase researchers’ understanding of adjacent research fields and provide research inspiration, thereby bringing about great advances in the relevant research fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Materials for Biosensing Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 9259 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Nanomaterials for Modulation of Stem Cell Differentiation and Its Therapeutic Applications
by Chang-Dae Kim, Kyeong-Mo Koo, Hyung-Joo Kim and Tae-Hyung Kim
Biosensors 2024, 14(8), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14080407 - 22 Aug 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3773
Abstract
Challenges in directed differentiation and survival limit the clinical use of stem cells despite their promising therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine. Nanotechnology has emerged as a powerful tool to address these challenges and enable precise control over stem cell fate. In particular, nanomaterials [...] Read more.
Challenges in directed differentiation and survival limit the clinical use of stem cells despite their promising therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine. Nanotechnology has emerged as a powerful tool to address these challenges and enable precise control over stem cell fate. In particular, nanomaterials can mimic an extracellular matrix and provide specific cues to guide stem cell differentiation and proliferation in the field of nanotechnology. For instance, recent studies have demonstrated that nanostructured surfaces and scaffolds can enhance stem cell lineage commitment modulated by intracellular regulation and external stimulation, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, autophagy, or electrical stimulation. Furthermore, nanoframework-based and upconversion nanoparticles can be used to deliver bioactive molecules, growth factors, and genetic materials to facilitate stem cell differentiation and tissue regeneration. The increasing use of nanostructures in stem cell research has led to the development of new therapeutic approaches. Therefore, this review provides an overview of recent advances in nanomaterials for modulating stem cell differentiation, including metal-, carbon-, and peptide-based strategies. In addition, we highlight the potential of these nano-enabled technologies for clinical applications of stem cell therapy by focusing on improving the differentiation efficiency and therapeutics. We believe that this review will inspire researchers to intensify their efforts and deepen their understanding, thereby accelerating the development of stem cell differentiation modulation, therapeutic applications in the pharmaceutical industry, and stem cell therapeutics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Materials for Biosensing Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop