Advanced Materials for Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors Development—2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 December 2026 | Viewed by 6745

Special Issue Editor


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
MiCRA Biodiagnostics Technology Gateway and Health, Engineering & Materials Science (HEMS) Research Hub, Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin), D24 FKT9 Dublin, Ireland
Interests: electrochemical sensors & biosensors; nanomaterials; agri-food, water & environmental analysis; diagnostic microbiology; antimicrobial resistance (AMR); biomarkers detection; point-of-care devices
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Electrochemical methods and electroanalytical techniques are promising next-generation analytical tools for various sensing and biosensing applications owing to their exceptional characteristics and advantages over conventional analytical techniques. Electroanalytical techniques are rapid, cost-effective and user-friendly, capable of sensitive and selective measurements, and compatible for miniaturization and out-of-laboratory applications, thereby providing exciting prospects for various fields. Electrochemical approaches can be applied for bioanalysis (e.g., glucose sensing, antigen/antibody or biomarker detection, etc.) as well as for non-biological contaminant analysis (e.g., in agri-food, water and environmental analysis, etc.).

An electrochemical sensor transforms electrochemical information into an analytically useful signal, and is usually composed of two basic components: a chemical (molecular) recognition system and a physicochemical transducer. This device converts chemical reaction into a signal that can be detected via electroanalytical techniques. Biosensors are a type of analytical device that can be classified according to the type of biological sensing element (enzymes, antibodies, aptamers, whole cells, etc.) that they employ or based on the transducer (e.g., electrochemical). The fundamental principle of electrochemical biosensors involves the specific interaction between an immobilized biological sensing element and a target analyte, resulting in alterations in signals (e.g., current, potential and impedance) that correlate with the analyte concentration. The transduction of a chemical or biological signal into an electrical signal can be achieved by various electroanalytical techniques (voltammetry, amperometry or electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, among others).

Electrochemical sensors and biosensors offer a number of advantages, including high sensitivity, low detection limits, and the ability to perform selective and reproducible measurements necessary to meet the rigorous demands of diverse applications. The performance of a biosensor depends on its intrinsic characteristics, such as physicochemical properties, composition, crystal phases, and the morphologies of the materials used for its fabrication. Novel materials and nanomaterials have been extensively used to enhance sensor performance due to their exciting characteristics (size-to-volume ratio, conductivity, surface and interfacial effects, quantum effects, etc.). Thus, determining the appropriate materials is key for developing and fabricating sensors with superior performance for next-generation diagnostics and analysis.

The combination of novel materials and electroanalytical techniques is very promising in further advancing electrochemical sensor and biosensor platforms and devices for various applications, including healthcare diagnostics, biological, biomedical, dairy and agri-food, water and environmental monitoring.

This Special Issue aims to collect the latest developments in advanced and novel materials for electrochemical sensing and biosensing applications to further accelerate innovations in these fields. Original research papers, reviews, and perspective articles are all welcome.

Dr. Baljit Singh
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

  • electrochemical sensors and biosensors
  • sensor development
  • advanced materials
  • nanomaterials
  • nano-biosensors
  • flexible and wearable sensors
  • screen-printed sensors
  • electrode materials and fabrication
  • electrochemical analysis and electroanalytical techniques
  • healthcare diagnostics and biological analysis
  • dairy-agri-food, water and environmental monitoring

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.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

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

Published Papers (5 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review, Other

20 pages, 11845 KB  
Article
Development of an Electrochemical Platform Based on Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Embedded onto Montmorillonite Clay Functionalized with Phenylalanine for the Nano-Sensing of Acetaminophen in Pharmaceutical Tablets
by Gildas Calice Wabo, Alex Vincent Somba, Sengor Gabou Fogang, Cyrille Ghislain Fotsop, Astree Lottie Djuffo Yemene, Léopoldine Sonfack Guenang, Marcel Cédric Deussi Ngaha, Gullit Deffo and Evangeline Njanja
Biosensors 2026, 16(5), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16050244 - 26 Apr 2026
Viewed by 778
Abstract
This study describes the development of an electrochemical sensor for quantitatively measuring acetaminophen (ACOP) in drug tablets. The sensor design is based on the modification of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) embedded in a naturally occurring clay matrix (Sa) [...] Read more.
This study describes the development of an electrochemical sensor for quantitatively measuring acetaminophen (ACOP) in drug tablets. The sensor design is based on the modification of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) embedded in a naturally occurring clay matrix (Sa) functionalized with phenylalanine (Phe). To ensure that the ZnONPs are homogeneously dispersed on the clay surface, the nanocomposite was synthesized using an impregnation approach and low-temperature heat treatment. The amino acid promotes specific interactions with ACOP through hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking, acting as both a stabilizing agent and a molecular recognition moiety. FTIR, UV-Vis, XRD, and FESEM/EDX mapping were employed to fully characterize the developed material (ZnONPs-Sa/Phe). Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used for the electrochemical determination of ACOP using the modified electrode GCE/ZnONPs-Sa/Phe. Parameters susceptible to affecting the sensitivity of the developed sensor were optimized, revealing that 5 µL of the suspension ZnONPs-Sa/Phe immobilized on GCE was ideal for the sensing of ACOP in a phosphate buffer solution at pH 2.0. The calibration curve obtained by plotting peak current intensity against ACOP concentration exhibited linear behavior within the concentration range between 0.02 µM and 0.28 µM, enabling determination of the limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) at 8.54 × 10−9 M and 2.84 × 10−8 M, respectively. The reproducibility, stability, and selectivity of the sensor were evaluated, followed by its application to the nano-sensing of ACOP in Africure and Doliprane tablets, yielding satisfactory results. The simplicity, affordability, and high analytical sensitivity of the developed sensor make this sensing platform a promising tool for pharmaceutical quality control applications. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3894 KB  
Article
Evaluation of Activated Biochar Derived from Sargassum spp. as a Sustainable Substrate for the Development of Electrochemical DNA Biosensing
by Jorge A. Campoy-Ramírez, Nikola Batina, Mauricio Castañón-Arreola, Eduardo O. Madrigal-Santillán, José A. Morales-González, Javier Jiménez-Salazar, Pablo Damián-Matsumura, José G. Téllez, Xariss M. Sánchez-Chino, Berenice Carbajal-López, Abraham Cetina-Corona, José A. Garcia-Melo and Luis Fernando Garcia-Melo
Biosensors 2026, 16(2), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16020115 - 10 Feb 2026
Viewed by 883
Abstract
This study aims to develop an innovative electrochemical genosensor based on activated biochar (ABC) derived from the biomass of the seaweed Sargassum spp. The synthesis process begins with the pyrolysis of Sargassum spp. at 500 °C to obtain biochar (BC), which [...] Read more.
This study aims to develop an innovative electrochemical genosensor based on activated biochar (ABC) derived from the biomass of the seaweed Sargassum spp. The synthesis process begins with the pyrolysis of Sargassum spp. at 500 °C to obtain biochar (BC), which is chemically activated with nitric acid (HNO3). The physicochemical properties of the resulting material, such as morphology and surface area, were characterized using techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method for surface area. BET results showed an increase in surface area from 22.9367 ± 0.0879 m2/g (BC) to 159.2915 ± 2.2641 m2/g (ABC). For the development of the genosensor, a hydrolyzed collagen gel matrix enriched with ABC is created. This nanostructured, biocompatible mixture is used to immobilize a DNA probe on a graphite electrode, employing the large surface area of ABC and the formation of a functional HC-based coating. The system’s viability was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), which showed changes in the maximum anodic peak current (Ipa) during fabrication: 27.78 ± 1.87 μA for the bare electrode, 35.25 ± 1.24 μA for ABC 30%, and 39.25 ± 1.84 μA for HC + ABC 30%. After ssDNA immobilization and hybridization to dsDNA, Ipa decreased to 28.81 ± 1.565 μA and 23.10 ± 1.25 μA, respectively. Finally, hematoxylin (Hx) was used as an intercalating indicator from hybridization, reducing the maximum anodic peak current to 15.51 ± 1.13 μA, consistent with additional interfacial limitations associated with dsDNA formation. Overall, the developed system demonstrates a sustainable, promising platform for molecular diagnostics in electrochemical DNA biosensor development. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

42 pages, 15838 KB  
Review
Progress in the Design and Application of Chemical and Biological Sensors Based on Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
by Ning Xia, Fengli Gao, Zhaojiang Yu, Shuaibing Yu and Xinyao Yi
Biosensors 2025, 15(11), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15110752 - 10 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1710
Abstract
Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is a leading reversible deactivation radical polymerization method. It has become an emerging technology to synthesize well-defined, tailor-made polymers, promoting the development of advanced materials (e.g., bioconjugates and nanocomposites) with precisely designed and controlled macromolecular architectures. ATRP-produced polymers [...] Read more.
Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is a leading reversible deactivation radical polymerization method. It has become an emerging technology to synthesize well-defined, tailor-made polymers, promoting the development of advanced materials (e.g., bioconjugates and nanocomposites) with precisely designed and controlled macromolecular architectures. ATRP-produced polymers or polymeric materials have been successfully applied in the fields of drug delivery, tissue engineering, sample separation, environmental monitoring, bioimaging, clinical diagnostics, etc. In this review, we systematically summarize the progress of ATRP-based chemical and biological sensors in different application fields, including ion sensing, small-molecule detection, bioimaging, and signal amplification for biosensors. Finally, we briefly outline the prospects and future directions of ATRP. This review is expected to provide a fundamental and timely understanding of ATRP-based sensors and guide the design of novel materials and methods for sensing applications. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 4449 KB  
Review
Recent Progress in Electrocatalysts for Hydroquinone Electrochemical Sensing Application
by Mohammad Aslam, Khursheed Ahmad, Saood Ali, Khaled Hamdy and Danishuddin
Biosensors 2025, 15(8), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15080488 - 28 Jul 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1999
Abstract
This review article compiled previous reports in the fabrication of hydroquinone (HQ) electrochemical sensors using differently modified electrodes. The electrode materials, which are also called electrocatalysts, play a crucial role in electrochemical detection of biomolecules and toxic substances. Metal oxides, MXenes, carbon-based materials [...] Read more.
This review article compiled previous reports in the fabrication of hydroquinone (HQ) electrochemical sensors using differently modified electrodes. The electrode materials, which are also called electrocatalysts, play a crucial role in electrochemical detection of biomolecules and toxic substances. Metal oxides, MXenes, carbon-based materials such as reduced graphene oxide (rGO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), layered double hydroxides (LDH), metal sulfides, and hybrid composites were extensively utilized in the fabrication of HQ sensors. The electrochemical performance, including limit of detection, linearity, sensitivity, selectivity, stability, reproducibility, repeatability, and recovery for real-time sensing of the HQ sensors have been discussed. The limitations, challenges, and future directions are also discussed in the conclusion section. It is believed that the present review article may benefit researchers who are involved in the development of HQ sensors and catalyst preparation for electrochemical sensing of other toxic substances. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

26 pages, 2857 KB  
Perspective
Point-of-Care Electrochemical Diagnostic Developments for Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria: Role of Aptamers and Nanomaterials
by Kamna Ravi and Baljit Singh
Biosensors 2026, 16(4), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16040186 - 24 Mar 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 714
Abstract
The unchecked and uncontrolled global spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is a serious challenge to healthcare and modern medicine, and demands diagnostic approaches that are rapid, sensitive, multiplexed, and reliable in point-of-care (POC) settings. At the interface of nanomaterials and aptamer-based biosensing, significant [...] Read more.
The unchecked and uncontrolled global spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is a serious challenge to healthcare and modern medicine, and demands diagnostic approaches that are rapid, sensitive, multiplexed, and reliable in point-of-care (POC) settings. At the interface of nanomaterials and aptamer-based biosensing, significant advances have been reported. The convergence of portable electrochemical sensing technologies, smartphone-based readout systems, and artificial intelligence (AI)- and machine learning (ML)-based data analysis is also playing a significant role in advancing this area. This perspective reflects on the most recent breakthroughs and translational developments in electrochemical nano-aptasensors for MDR bacterial detection, covering diagnostic targets and translation trends, nanomaterials advancements, aptamer engineering-integration, POC strategies and microfluidics platforms, and novel multimodal strategies that enhance accuracy, reliability, and efficiency in POC testing. Moreover, limitations and knowledge gaps in this area, as well as key considerations for sustainable development, large-scale manufacturing, and deployment of integrated electrochemical nano-aptasensors, are also highlighted. Electrochemical nano-aptasensors can pave the way for the transformation of MDR bacterial diagnosis, but need coordinated translational efforts for POC diagnostic advancements towards real-world applications. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Back to TopTop