Dear Colleagues,

Thanks to advances in science and technology, several artificial recognizers (AFRs) have been synthesized in recent years, opening a new chapter in the field of sensors and biosensors. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and aptamers are two well-known examples used for the detection of a wide range of targets, from heavy ions to cancer cells.

In a MIP film, there are several specific polymer-based cavities (binding sites) generated for guest targets, which act similar to a lock hole (cavity) for a key (target) for the selective binding of the target with which it was templated during production. If there is any target in the real sample, the generated cavities of its shape and size interact with it, blocking the cavities. Electrochemical, optical and mass-sensitive piezoelectric devices are used for the fabrication of MIP-based sensors.

The aptamer is another artificial probe widely used for the fabrication of biosensors for the determination and imaging of molecules, ions, cells, bacteria, etc. Peptide, nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes are the most common aptamers used for the fabrication of aptasensors. Aptamers can selectively interact with their targets, preparing a unique opportunity for the detection of materials of biological phenomena such as cellular communication, mechanical tension forces in cells, etc. The aptamer/target interaction can be detected with the use of several transducers such as electrochemical and optical ones.

Results indicate that through the integration of nanomaterials with AFRs, the analytical performance of sensors such as the limit of detection and linear range can be improved.

This Special Issue intends to collect novel sensing technologies with potential to be used for the fabrication of AFR-based sensors in real samples. Original papers describing novel biosensors for the detection of sepsis, infection, Alzheimer’s, cancer and food allergenic biomarkers are most welcome. Review articles should address recent advances in AFR sensor technologies. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Mahmoud Amouzadeh Tabrizi
Guest Editor

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• MIP
• aptamer
• nanomaterials
• biomarkers
• point-of-care