Detection of Proteins for Context-Aware Diagnostics

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue invites papers that represent state-of-the-art advances in biosensors focused on the detection of proteins. Reviews and manuscripts describing original research in protein detection are invited.

Detection of proteins in suspension or on the surfaces of cells is important in various medical, agricultural, and environmental applications. Mass spectroscopy and immunoassays are the primary analytical tools routinely used for the detection and identification of proteins. Mass spectroscopy is the gold standard for analytical and clinical sensitivity but is often cost-prohibitive and requires considerable infrastructure (including trained personnel). Immunoassays are rapid and simple but are not capable of quantification. Biosensors fill this technology gap and offer great potential for the rapid analytical detection of proteins. Over the last two decades, biosensors have demonstrated high accuracy, quick turnaround times, wide operating range, and excellent detection limit for proteins in suspension or on surfaces of cells.

Biosensor efficacy is a function of molecular interactions between the protein target and bioreceptor, as well as the transduction mechanism and use of post hoc analytics (e.g., machine learning). Recent advances in three key areas serve as the impetus for this Special Issue:

Area #1) Advances in molecular receptor chemistry for protein detection. Examples of relevant topics may include modified aptamers, stimulus-response materials, nanobodies, and phage display peptides, among others.

Area #2) Advances in transduction systems for protein detection. In addition to new laboratory analytical systems (e.g., biolayer interferometry, surface plasmon resonance), new portable devices have been developed based on optical, electrochemical, or magnetic transduction.

Area #3) Advances in data analytics for protein detection. New approaches for the extraction of signals from noise are highly relevant to this Special Issue. Examples include the use of machine learning or statistical approaches for improving the quantification of proteins in complex mixtures. 

Dr. Eric S. McLamore
Dr. Diana C. Vanegas
Dr. Geisianny A.M. Moreira
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.