Bioassays and Biosensors for Rapid Detection and Analysis (2nd Edition)

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 953

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Interests: monoclonal antibody and nano-antibody of new pollutants; rapid analysis; immunoassays; biosensors and electrochemistry; signal amplification; cell imaging based on DNA functional materials
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The main topic of this Special Issue is the development of bioassays and biosensors and their applications for rapid detection and analysis. Moreover, it is dedicated to collecting research articles that offer innovation in principle design, technology and strategy applications, and process simplification. Reviews reflecting current hotspots, new challenges, and future perspectives of bioanalysis and biosensor technology for rapid detection are particularly welcome.

Rapid detection and analysis require the whole process from sample preparation to test results to be completed in a short time. It is usually simplified in sample treatment, test preparation, operational procedures, and automation. Rapid detection and analysis technology, as a powerful tool for food safety monitoring, product quality control, toxic and harmful substance analysis, and acute disease diagnosis, is of great significance for improving the efficiency and strength of supervision, reducing the costs of sample testing, and ensuring health safety and product quality.

With the rapid development of biotechnology in recent years, bioanalysis and biosensor technology has been widely applied in industries concerned with food, the environment, medicine, the military, and others. Due to its low cost, simple operation and equipment, quick analysis, and other advantages, it presents great competitiveness in rapid detection and analysis. Moreover, various new technologies, such as nanotechnology, molecular imprinting, information science, and material science, provide a broad space for its development.

Prof. Dr. Zhen Zhang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • bioassays
  • biosensors
  • rapid detection
  • biomaterials
  • nanotechnology
  • immunoassays
  • wearable/portable devices
  • high-throughput analysis

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 1599 KiB  
Article
CRISPR/Cas12a-Chemiluminescence Cascaded Bioassay for Amplification-Free and Sensitive Detection of Nucleic Acids
by Xiaotian Guan, Peizheng Wang, Yi Wang and Shuqing Sun
Biosensors 2025, 15(8), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15080479 - 24 Jul 2025
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas system has attracted increasing attention in accurate nucleic acid detection. Herein, we reported a CRISPR/Cas12a-chemiluminescence cascaded bioassay (CCCB) for the amplification-free and sensitive detection of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) and parvovirus B19 (PB-19). A magnetic bead (MB)-linking single-stranded DNA (LssDNA)-alkaline [...] Read more.
The CRISPR/Cas system has attracted increasing attention in accurate nucleic acid detection. Herein, we reported a CRISPR/Cas12a-chemiluminescence cascaded bioassay (CCCB) for the amplification-free and sensitive detection of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) and parvovirus B19 (PB-19). A magnetic bead (MB)-linking single-stranded DNA (LssDNA)-alkaline phosphatase (ALP) complex was constructed as the core component of the bioassay. During the detection process, the single-stranded target DNA was captured and enriched by LssDNA and then activated the trans-cleavage activity of Cas12a. Due to the Cas12a-mediated cleavage of LssDNA, ALP was released from the MB, subsequently catalyzing the substrate to generate a chemiluminescence (CL) signal. Given the cascade combination of CRISPR/Cas12a with the CL technique, the limits of detection for HPV-16 and PB-19 DNA were determined as 0.14 pM and 0.37 pM, respectively, and the whole detection could be completed within 60 min. The practicality and reliability of the platform were validated through target-spiked clinical specimens, and the recovery rate was 93.4–103.5%. This dual-amplification strategy—operating without target pre-amplification—featured high specificity, low contamination risk, facile preparation, and robust stability. It provides a novel approach for sensitive nucleic acid detection, with the potential for rapid extension to the diagnosis of various infectious diseases. Full article
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17 pages, 1413 KiB  
Article
Sensitivity and Cross-Reactivity Analysis of Serotype-Specific Anti-NS1 Serological Assays for Dengue Virus Using Optical Modulation Biosensing
by Sophie Terenteva, Linoy Golani-Zaidie, Shira Avivi, Yaniv Lustig, Victoria Indenbaum, Ravit Koren, Tran Mai Hoa, Tong Thi Kim Tuyen, Ma Thi Huyen, Nguyen Minh Hoan, Le Thi Hoi, Nguyen Vu Trung, Eli Schwartz and Amos Danielli
Biosensors 2025, 15(7), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15070453 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 374
Abstract
Dengue virus (DENV) poses a major global health concern, with over 6.5 million cases and 7300 deaths reported in 2023. Accurate serological assays are essential for tracking infection history, evaluating disease severity, and guiding vaccination strategies. However, existing assays are limited in their [...] Read more.
Dengue virus (DENV) poses a major global health concern, with over 6.5 million cases and 7300 deaths reported in 2023. Accurate serological assays are essential for tracking infection history, evaluating disease severity, and guiding vaccination strategies. However, existing assays are limited in their specificity, sensitivity, and cross-reactivity. Using optical modulation biosensing (OMB) technology and non-structural protein 1 (NS1) antigens from DENV-1–3, we developed highly sensitive and quantitative serotype-specific anti-DENV NS1 IgG serological assays. The OMB-based assays offered a wide dynamic range (~4-log), low detection limits (~400 ng/L), fast turnaround (1.5 h), and a simplified workflow. Using samples from endemic (Vietnam) and non-endemic (Israel) regions, we assessed intra-DENV and inter-Flavivirus cross-reactivity. Each assay detected DENV infection with a 100% sensitivity for the corresponding serotype and 64% to 90% for other serotypes. Cross-reactivity with Zika, Japanese encephalitis, and West Nile viruses ranged from 21% to 65%, reflecting NS1 antigen conservation. Our study provides valuable insights into the cross-reactivity of DENV NS1 antigens widely used in research and highlights the potential of OMB-based assays for quantitative and epidemiological studies. Ongoing efforts should aim to minimize cross-reactivity while maintaining sensitivity and explore integration with complementary platforms for improved diagnostic precision. Full article
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14 pages, 1953 KiB  
Article
Laser-Induced Solid-Phase UV Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Rapid Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Land Snail Bioindicator, Cantareus aspersus
by Maxime Louzon, Thomas Bertoncini, Noah Casañas, Yves Perrette, Gaël Plassart, Marine Quiers, Tanguy Wallet, Mohamed Kamel and Lotfi Aleya
Biosensors 2025, 15(7), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15070450 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 344
Abstract
In ecotoxicological risk assessment, current methods for measuring the transfer and bioavailability of organic pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in bioindicators are often destructive and environmentally unfriendly. These limitations are especially problematic when only small amounts of biological material are available. Here, [...] Read more.
In ecotoxicological risk assessment, current methods for measuring the transfer and bioavailability of organic pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in bioindicators are often destructive and environmentally unfriendly. These limitations are especially problematic when only small amounts of biological material are available. Here, we present a novel, high-throughput method combining laser-induced UV fluorescence spectroscopy (UV-LIF) and solid-phase spectroscopy (SPS) for rapid, in situ quantification of PAHs in land snails—a key bioindicator species. Using dual excitation wavelengths (266 nm and 355 nm), our method reliably detected pyrene and fluoranthene in snails exposed to varying concentrations, demonstrating clear dose-responses and inter-individual differences in bioaccumulation. The analysis time per sample was under four minutes. This approach allows simultaneous measurement of internal contaminant levels and health biomarkers in individual organisms and aligns with green chemistry principles. These findings establish a new, scalable tool for routine assessment of PAH transfer and bioavailability in diverse ecosystems. Full article
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