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Biosensors
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Biosensors for Healthcare and Environment: Current and Future Perspectives
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Biosensors for Healthcare and Environment: Current and Future Perspectives

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 7684

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Shuang Zhou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
Interests: biosensor; photoelectrocatalysis; point-of-care testing
Dr. Shaoqing Dong

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Chemistry and Material Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018, China
Interests: optical sensor; electrochemical analysis; nanocatalytic chemiluminescence
Dr. Lin Li

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
Interests: nanobiosensor; photoelectrochemistry; thermoelectric conversion; nano-enzyme
Prof. Dr. Yan Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan 250022, China
Interests: biosensor; paper based analytical device; photoelectrochemical; electrochemiluminescence; gas sensing and non-invasive diagnosis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The recent integration of biosensing and nanotechnology has led to unprecedented opportunities for healthcare, environmental monitoring, and bioanalytical science, and is expected to provide intelligent and user-friendly diagnostic and analysis tools for point-of-care applications and remote monitoring. Nevertheless, the advancements in this interdisciplinary domain are accompanied by challenges, including the assessment of nanomaterial biocompatibility, the optimization of scalable production techniques, and the establishment of standardized management systems. Addressing these issues necessitates close collaboration among interdisciplinary teams. It is necessary to effectively bridge low-cost, high-performance nanotechnology-assisted biosensors with practical applications through technological innovation and integration. On this basis, combinations of wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, and intelligent platforms tailored to rapid detection and personalized medical needs are becoming pivotal in driving precision medicine, pathogenic microorganism monitoring, and environmental pollutant detection. These platforms not only enhance the accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis, but also provide more authoritative and comprehensive data support for clinical decision-making through the application of big data analysis and artificial intelligence algorithms. Accordingly, this Special Issue aims to collect studies demonstrating significant advancements and innovation in nanomaterials and biosensor systems, and their diverse applications in diagnosis, treatment, and real-time detection.

Dr. Shuang Zhou
Dr. Shaoqing Dong
Dr. Lin Li
Prof. Dr. Yan Zhang
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 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

  • biosensor
  • nano-material
  • optical sensor
  • biochemical analysis
  • clinical diagnostics
  • integration of diagnosis and treatment
  • bioimaging
  • nano-enzyme
  • environmental monitoring

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1710 KB  
Article
Inkjet-Printed Electrode Enable Portable Electrochemical Immunosensing of Tau-441 for Early Alzheimer’s Screening
by Binglun Li, Chenghao Liu, Chenlu Gu, Shanshan Wei, Shiyong Li, Ziang Liu, Dongdong Zhao, Qunfeng Tang, Yun Chen and Zhencheng Chen
Biosensors 2026, 16(2), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16020113 - 10 Feb 2026
Viewed by 778
Abstract
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease represents a critical clinical challenge, and the high-sensitive biomarkers measurement holds great potential for enabling early identification and intervention. This study proposes an electrochemical immunosensing strategy based on inkjet printing for the quantitative detection of Tau-441. Conductive patterns [...] Read more.
Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease represents a critical clinical challenge, and the high-sensitive biomarkers measurement holds great potential for enabling early identification and intervention. This study proposes an electrochemical immunosensing strategy based on inkjet printing for the quantitative detection of Tau-441. Conductive patterns were formed by inkjet printing, followed by surface functionalization with gold nanoparticles to immobilize highly specific anti-Tau-441. This process created a stable and high affinity immunorecognition interface that enhances electron transfer and signal amplification. Furthermore, we developed and integrated a low-power portable detection platform to achieve a rapid detection process encompassing sample loading, signal acquisition, and on-device readout. The method shows a linear response from 50 fg/mL to 10 ng/mL and a limit of detection of 16 fg/mL (S/N = 3), with high specificity and good reproducibility. By combining scalable inkjet fabrication with a self-contained handheld reader, this method shortens the path from sample to result and offers a practical route for on-site screening and early intervention in Alzheimer’s disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Healthcare and Environment: Current and Future Perspectives)
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13 pages, 708 KB  
Article
An Improved Dengue Virus Serotype-Specific Non-Structural Protein 1 Capture Immunochromatography Method with Reduced Sample Volume
by Warisara Sretapunya, Thitiya Buranachat, Montita Prasomthong, Rittichai Tantikorn, Areerat Sa-ngarsang, Sirirat Naemkhunthot, Laddawan Meephaendee, Pattara Wongjaroen, Chika Tanaka, Yoriko Shimadzu, Katsuya Ogata, Kunihiro Kaihatsu, Ryo Morita, Michinori Shirano, Juthamas Phadungsombat, Tadahiro Sasaki, Ritsuko Kubota-Koketsu, Yoshihiro Samune, Emi E. Nakayama and Tatsuo Shioda
Biosensors 2025, 15(12), 802; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15120802 - 7 Dec 2025
Viewed by 830
Abstract
The four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV), types 1 to 4 (DENV-1 to DENV-4), exhibit approximately 60% identity in the encoded amino acid residues of viral proteins. Reverse transcription of RNA extracted from patient serum specimens followed by PCR amplification with serotype-specific probes [...] Read more.
The four serotypes of dengue virus (DENV), types 1 to 4 (DENV-1 to DENV-4), exhibit approximately 60% identity in the encoded amino acid residues of viral proteins. Reverse transcription of RNA extracted from patient serum specimens followed by PCR amplification with serotype-specific probes is the current standard technique for DENV serotyping. However, this method is time- and cost-consuming, and rapid detection systems with low cost are desirable. Previously, we developed a prototype serotype-specific immunochromatography system. That system was composed of four strips with four corresponding distinct sample buffers, each specifically detecting a single DENV serotype. In the present study, we improved this system by combining pairs of strips into one lateral-flow cassette each, providing DENV-1 and DENV-2 detection in one device and DENV-3 and DENV-4 detection in a second device; this strategy successfully reduced the required sample volume. Furthermore, we were able to adjust the composition of the sample buffers such that a single sample buffer sufficed for all four DENV serotype detection reactions, allowing much easier handling of the devices. Evaluation of this new device against laboratory and clinical DENV isolates and clinical specimens from DENV-infected individuals showed sensitivity that was comparable to that of our previous version, yielding serotype specificity of 100%. These new devices are expected to be of use in the clinical setting, accelerating both prospective and retrospective epidemiological studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Healthcare and Environment: Current and Future Perspectives)
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19 pages, 2325 KB  
Article
Double Lateral Flow Test System for Simultaneous Immunodetection of Enantiomeric Forms of Antibiotics: An Ofloxacin Case Study
by Olga D. Hendrickson, Nadezhda A. Byzova, Anatoly V. Zherdev and Boris B. Dzantiev
Biosensors 2025, 15(12), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15120765 - 21 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1097
Abstract
Antibiotic stereoisomers as components of medicines are typically characterized by different biological activities. Because pharmaceuticals can include a racemic mixture of stereoisomers, monitoring of all forms is required. One contaminant of food products, antibiotic ofloxacin (OFL), as a chiral compound, has two enantiomers—the [...] Read more.
Antibiotic stereoisomers as components of medicines are typically characterized by different biological activities. Because pharmaceuticals can include a racemic mixture of stereoisomers, monitoring of all forms is required. One contaminant of food products, antibiotic ofloxacin (OFL), as a chiral compound, has two enantiomers—the biologically active S-isomer and less active R-isomer. In this study, a sensitive immunochromatographic test system for simultaneous enantiospeсific detection of the two OFL isomers was developed for the first time. For this, polyclonal antibodies were produced, and conditions for a double lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) were selected and optimized so that the cross-reactivity with another enantiomer was negligible. The LFIA was performed in a competitive format with gold nanoparticles as a label for secondary antibodies. The achieved LODs/cutoffs were 0.001/10 and 0.007/30 ng/mL for S-OFL and R-OFL detection, respectively; the assay procedure took only 15 min. A double LFIA was performed to detect S-OFL and R-OFL in milk with minimal sample pretreatment; the recoveries were 85–95%. The developed test system is an effective tool for the selective detection of both isomers of OFL, allowing for the avoidance of false negative results. This immunochromatographic approach can be promising for the control of other optically active food toxicants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Healthcare and Environment: Current and Future Perspectives)
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15 pages, 2239 KB  
Article
Labeled Bovine Serum Albumin as a Fluorescent Biosensor to Monitor the Stability of Lipid-Based Formulations
by Stefania Bova, Serena Faggiano, Omar De Bei, Marialaura Marchetti, Stefano Bruno, Barbara Campanini, Stefano Bettati and Luca Ronda
Biosensors 2025, 15(7), 425; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15070425 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1795
Abstract
In the pharmaceutical field, lipid-based nanoparticles are extensively used for drug or vaccine delivery, particularly for treating respiratory disorders. However, their physico-chemical instability, particularly associated with lipid degradation through hydrolysis or oxidation, can affect their encapsulation properties. To monitor the stability of lipid-based [...] Read more.
In the pharmaceutical field, lipid-based nanoparticles are extensively used for drug or vaccine delivery, particularly for treating respiratory disorders. However, their physico-chemical instability, particularly associated with lipid degradation through hydrolysis or oxidation, can affect their encapsulation properties. To monitor the stability of lipid-based formulations over time, we prepared acrylodan-labeled bovine serum albumin (here called albuminodan), and showed it is a fluorescent biosensor capable of concomitantly detect phospholipids as well as their degradation products, i.e., fatty acids and lysophospholipids. We demonstrated that this tool can be used to follow the distribution of lipids in an aqueous phase and hence could be suitable to characterize the hydrolysis of phospholipids in a lipid-based formulation to monitor the stability of nanoparticles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Healthcare and Environment: Current and Future Perspectives)
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Review

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37 pages, 4820 KB  
Review
Functionalization Techniques Empowering Optical Fiber Biosensors in Label-Free Cancer Biomarker Detection
by Aigerim Omirzakova, Lyazzat Mukhangaliyeva, Zhanerke Katrenova, Aida Aituganova, Aliya Bekmurzayeva, Daniele Tosi and Zhannat Ashikbayeva
Biosensors 2026, 16(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16010025 - 31 Dec 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1395
Abstract
Optical fibers are gaining increasing attention in biomedical applications due to their unique advantages, including flexibility, biocompatibility, immunity to electromagnetic interference, potential for miniaturization, and the ability to perform remote, real-time, and in situ sensing. Label-free optical fiber biosensors represent a promising alternative [...] Read more.
Optical fibers are gaining increasing attention in biomedical applications due to their unique advantages, including flexibility, biocompatibility, immunity to electromagnetic interference, potential for miniaturization, and the ability to perform remote, real-time, and in situ sensing. Label-free optical fiber biosensors represent a promising alternative to conventional cancer diagnostics, offering comparable sensitivity and specificity while enabling real-time detection at ultra-low concentrations without the need for complex labeling procedures. However, the sensing performance of biosensors is fundamentally governed by surface modification. The choice of optimal functionalization strategy is dictated by the sensor type, target biomarker, and detection environment. This review paper presents a comprehensive and expanded overview of various surface functionalization methods specifically designed for cancer biomarker detection using optical fiber biosensors, including silanization, self-assembled monolayers, polymer-based coatings, and different dimensional nanomaterials (0D, 1D, and 2D). Furthermore, the emerging integration of computational methods and machine learning in optimizing functionalized optical sensing has been discussed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that consolidates existing surface modification approaches into a single, cohesive resource, providing valuable insights for researchers developing next-generation fiber optic biosensors for cancer diagnostics. Moreover, the paper points out the current technical challenges and outlines the future perspectives of optical fiber-based biosensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Healthcare and Environment: Current and Future Perspectives)
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22 pages, 2490 KB  
Review
Nucleic Acid Nanomaterial-Mediated Single-Cell Encapsulation and Its Application
by Yue Qiu, Mengyu Huang, Xiaotong Jiang, Peiru Chen, Zhenzhen Guo and Kaixiang Zhang
Biosensors 2025, 15(11), 712; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15110712 - 27 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1217
Abstract
Single-cell encapsulation, by constructing cell-scale microenvironments, enables precise protection, regulation, and functional enhancement of individual cells, holding significant importance in biomedical fields such as bioanalysis and cell therapy. Although various materials—including polymers, nanoparticles, hydrogels, polyphenols, and inorganic minerals—have been explored for single-cell encapsulation, [...] Read more.
Single-cell encapsulation, by constructing cell-scale microenvironments, enables precise protection, regulation, and functional enhancement of individual cells, holding significant importance in biomedical fields such as bioanalysis and cell therapy. Although various materials—including polymers, nanoparticles, hydrogels, polyphenols, and inorganic minerals—have been explored for single-cell encapsulation, limitations in controllability, biocompatibility, and multifunctional integration remain. In contrast, DNA nanomaterials offer unique advantages, including programmable architecture, high biocompatibility, precise spatial control, and modular functionality, making them highly suitable for the development of intelligent single-cell encapsulation systems. In this review, a systematic summary of recent advances in DNA nanomaterial-based single-cell encapsulation is presented. The fundamental encoding and assembly principles underlying the engineered encapsulation of cells at the membrane interface using DNA nanostructures are elucidated. Subsequently, the distinctive merits of DNA-based cell encapsulation and its applications in biomedical research are comprehensively summarized. Finally, the prevailing challenges and future directions in this burgeoning field are critically discussed, aiming to provide novel insights and perspectives for the advancement of advanced functional materials in both academic and clinical research pertaining to single-cell encapsulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors for Healthcare and Environment: Current and Future Perspectives)
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