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Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors as Promising Analytical Tools in the Analysis of...
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Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors as Promising Analytical Tools in the Analysis of Soils, Plants and Environmental Monitoring

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 March 2026 | Viewed by 7213

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Stella Girousi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Chemistry Department, Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: analytical chemistry; electroanalysis; electrochemical biosensors; nanobiosensors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Evangelia Golia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Soil Science, School of Agriculture, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: soil science; soil chemistry; environmental analysis; environmental monitoring; GIS; heavy metal(oid)s; trace elements; contamination monitoring; urban and agricultural soil pollution; physicochemical behavior of metals in environment; the microplastics in soils and plants, and their effect on soil health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biosensors hold great promise for the task of environmental monitoring and control. The specific interaction of an immobilised biological layer with target pollutants provides the basis for analytical devices for laboratory or field use. While environmental applications of biocatalytic (enzyme) and immunosensors have greatly increased during the 1990s, little attention has been given to the development of recognition layers for environmental surveillance. Such recognition layers could play a major role in future environmental analysis.

The modification of a transducer surface, through the immobilisation of a recognition layer, can thus form the basis for new sensing devices and provide solutions to various environmental problems. One of the potentially major applications of electrochemical (bio)sensors is the testing of water, food, soil, and plant samples for the presence of pathogenic microorganisms and analytes (carcinogens, drugs, mutagenic pollutants, etc.).

Electrochemical (bio)sensors are in line with the requirements of in situ screening measurements since all the equipment needed for the (bio)sensor electrochemical analysis could be portable. Moreover, a  (bio)sensor could be a very useful test, integrated in a panel of tests, since it can provide rapid and easy-to-evaluate information on the presence of compounds with an affinity with bioelements. This test is one of the most competitive in terms of analysis cost and time, with the possibility of developing a very end-user-friendly format, according to the requirements of a screening test for in-field measurements.

Soil sample analysis is an ideal application for electrochemical (bio)sensors as the in situ determination of many parameters, such as metal ions, is often needed to quickly and accurately assess pollution or soil fertility. However, the main advantage of biosensors is that they can simultaneously determine several metal ions and, in many cases, also perform the chemical speciation of these ions. The quantification of metal ions in soil extracts can be performed in a wide pH range, providing the potential to measure accurately, rapidly, and at a low cost the total and available metal concentrations, as well as individual metal fractions such as water-soluble, exchangeable, or adsorbed metal concentrations in Mn and Fe oxides or soil organic matter. A further advantage of biosensors is that they enable the quantitative determination of a wide range of concentrations without requiring many successive dilutions, as is typical of spectroscopic techniques.

Moreover, just as in soils, in plants, it is possible to determine, apart from mineral ions, several organic substances that are the main parameters controlling their physiological function, such as amino acids, hormones, and vitamins.

We, therefore, consider that, in soil and plant extracts, in analyses performed in the laboratory, as well as in physical soil and plant samples in cultivated areas, biosensors will constitute valuable analytical chemistry tools, thus reducing the time and greatly facilitating the identification of numerous significant compounds and chemical elements.

Prof. Dr. Stella Girousi
Prof. Dr. Evangelia Golia
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

  • (bio)sensor
  • electroanalysis
  • environmental analysis
  • electrodes
  • soil
  • plant

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 4226 KB  
Article
Pathogen-on-a-Chip: Impedance-Based Detection of Biofilm Formation of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis
by Bengisu Yöney, Radka Obořilová, Karel Lacina, Zdeněk Farka and Petr Skládal
Biosensors 2025, 15(9), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15090596 - 10 Sep 2025
Viewed by 288
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are complex microbial communities that contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic infections. Therefore, it is crucial to detect biofilm-associated infections in early stages as their delayed treatment becomes more complicated. Herein, we describe a label-free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method for [...] Read more.
Bacterial biofilms are complex microbial communities that contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic infections. Therefore, it is crucial to detect biofilm-associated infections in early stages as their delayed treatment becomes more complicated. Herein, we describe a label-free electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method for detecting biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Printed circuit board-based biamperometric gold electrodes were modified with poly-L-lysine to enhance bacterial attachment to the sensor surface. Formation and inhibition of biofilms were evaluated based on changes in charge transfer resistance (Rct). The control Rct value increased by ~90 kΩ for S. epidermidis biofilm and by ~60 kΩ for S. aureus biofilms. Antibiotic-treated samples exhibited similar values to those using the control. In addition, biofilm formation was evaluated through optical microscopy using safranin staining, and the micrographs suggest significant biomass on the electrodes, whereas the control appeared clear. Atomic force microscopy was used to visualize the biofilm on the electrode surface, obtain cross-sectional profiles, and evaluate its roughness. The roughness parameters indicate that S. aureus forms a rougher biofilm than S. epidermidis, while S. epidermidis forms a more compact biofilm. These findings suggest that the optimized EIS-based method effectively monitors changes related to biofilms and serves as a promising tool for evaluation of new anti-biofilm agents, such as antibiotics, phages or antibodies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors as Promising Analytical Tools in the Analysis of Soils, Plants and Environmental Monitoring)
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11 pages, 1139 KB  
Article
Electrochemical Sensor Platform for Rapid Detection of Foodborne Toxins
by Kundan Kumar Mishra, Krupa M. Thakkar, Vikram Narayanan Dhamu, Sriram Muthukumar and Shalini Prasad
Biosensors 2025, 15(6), 361; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15060361 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 953
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA), a potent mycotoxin commonly found in contaminated grains, presents a serious threat to food safety and public health. Conventional detection methods, including culture-based assays and laboratory-bound analytical tools, are often time-consuming, require specialized infrastructure, and lack portability, limiting their utility for [...] Read more.
Zearalenone (ZEA), a potent mycotoxin commonly found in contaminated grains, presents a serious threat to food safety and public health. Conventional detection methods, including culture-based assays and laboratory-bound analytical tools, are often time-consuming, require specialized infrastructure, and lack portability, limiting their utility for rapid, on-site screening. In response, this study introduces a compact, real-time electrochemical sensing platform for the swift and selective detection of ZEA in corn flour matrices. Utilizing a non-faradaic, label-free approach based on Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), the sensor leverages ZEA-specific antibodies to achieve rapid detection within 5 min. The platform demonstrates a low detection limit of 0.05 ng/mL, with a broad dynamic range from 0.1 ng/mL to 25.6 ng/mL. Reproducibility tests confirm consistent performance, with both inter- and intra-assay variation remaining under a 20% coefficient of variation (%CV). Comparative evaluation with standard benchtop systems underscores its accuracy and field applicability. This portable and user-friendly device provides a powerful tool for real-time mycotoxin monitoring, offering significant potential for improving food safety practices and enabling point-of-need testing in resource-limited settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors as Promising Analytical Tools in the Analysis of Soils, Plants and Environmental Monitoring)
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13 pages, 1648 KB  
Article
Biomimetic Plant-Root-Inspired Robotic Sensor System
by Margarita Alvira, Alessio Mondini, Gian Luigi Puleo, Islam Bogachan Tahirbegi, Lucia Beccai, Ali Sadeghi, Barbara Mazzolai, Mònica Mir and Josep Samitier
Biosensors 2024, 14(12), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14120565 - 22 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2088
Abstract
There are many examples in nature in which the ability to detect is combined with decision-making, such as the basic survival instinct of plants and animals to search for food. We can technically translate this innate function via the use of robotics with [...] Read more.
There are many examples in nature in which the ability to detect is combined with decision-making, such as the basic survival instinct of plants and animals to search for food. We can technically translate this innate function via the use of robotics with integrated sensors and artificial intelligence. However, the integration of sensing capabilities into robotics has traditionally been neglected due to the significant associated technical challenges. Inspired by plant-root chemotropism, we present a miniaturized electrochemical array integrated into a robotic tip, embedding a customized micro-potentiometer. The system contains solid-state sensors fitted to the tip of the robotic root to three-dimensionally monitor potassium and pH changes in a moist, soil-like environment, providing an integrated electronic readout. The sensors measure a range of parameters compatible with realistic soil conditions. The sensors’ response can trigger the movement of the robotic root with a control algorithm inspired by the behavior of the plant root that determines the optimal path toward root growth, simulating the decision-making process of a plant. This nature-inspired technology may lead, in the future, to the realization of robotic devices with the potential for monitoring and exploring the soil autonomously. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors as Promising Analytical Tools in the Analysis of Soils, Plants and Environmental Monitoring)
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Review

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33 pages, 4561 KB  
Review
Smartphone-Integrated Electrochemical Devices for Contaminant Monitoring in Agriculture and Food: A Review
by Sumeyra Savas and Seyed Mohammad Taghi Gharibzahedi
Biosensors 2025, 15(9), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15090574 - 2 Sep 2025
Viewed by 892
Abstract
Recent progress in microfluidic technologies has led to the development of compact and highly efficient electrochemical platforms, including lab-on-a-chip (LoC) systems, that integrate multiple testing functions into a single, portable device. Combined with smartphone-based electrochemical devices, these systems enable rapid and accurate on-site [...] Read more.
Recent progress in microfluidic technologies has led to the development of compact and highly efficient electrochemical platforms, including lab-on-a-chip (LoC) systems, that integrate multiple testing functions into a single, portable device. Combined with smartphone-based electrochemical devices, these systems enable rapid and accurate on-site detection of food contaminants, including pesticides, heavy metals, pathogens, and chemical additives at farms, markets, and processing facilities, significantly reducing the need for traditional laboratories. Smartphones improve the performance of these platforms by providing computational power, wireless connectivity, and high-resolution imaging, making them ideal for in-field food safety testing with minimal sample and reagent requirements. At the core of these systems are electrochemical biosensors, which convert specific biochemical reactions into electrical signals, ensuring highly sensitive and selective detection. Advanced nanomaterials and integration with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies have further improved performance, delivering cost-effective, user-friendly food monitoring solutions that meet regulatory safety and quality standards. Analytical techniques such as voltammetry, amperometry, and impedance spectroscopy increase accuracy even in complex food samples. Moreover, low-cost engineering, artificial intelligence (AI), and nanotechnology enhance the sensitivity, affordability, and data analysis capabilities of smartphone-integrated electrochemical devices, facilitating their deployment for on-site monitoring of food and agricultural contaminants. This review explains how these technologies address global food safety challenges through rapid, reliable, and portable detection, supporting food quality, sustainability, and public health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors as Promising Analytical Tools in the Analysis of Soils, Plants and Environmental Monitoring)
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42 pages, 5516 KB  
Review
Protecting Firefighters from Carcinogenic Exposure: Emerging Tools for PAH Detection and Decontamination
by Morteza Ghafar-Zadeh, Azadeh Amrollahi Biyouki, Negar Heidari, Niloufar Delfan, Parviz Norouzi, Sebastian Magierowski and Ebrahim Ghafar-Zadeh
Biosensors 2025, 15(8), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15080547 - 20 Aug 2025
Viewed by 680
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are increasingly recognized as a major contributor to the occupational cancer risk among firefighters. In response, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other regulatory bodies have recommended rigorous decontamination protocols to minimize PAH exposure. Despite these efforts, a [...] Read more.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are increasingly recognized as a major contributor to the occupational cancer risk among firefighters. In response, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and other regulatory bodies have recommended rigorous decontamination protocols to minimize PAH exposure. Despite these efforts, a critical gap persists: the absence of real-time, field-deployable devices capable of detecting these invisible and toxic compounds during firefighting operations or within fire stations. Additionally, the lack of effective and optimized methods for the removal of these hazardous substances from the immediate environments of firefighters continues to pose a serious occupational health challenge. Although numerous studies have investigated PAH detection in environmental contexts, current technologies are still largely confined to laboratory settings and are unsuitable for field use. This review critically examines recent advances in PAH decontamination strategies for firefighting and explores alternative sensing solutions. We evaluate both conventional analytical methods, such as gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry, and emerging portable PAH detection technologies. By highlighting the limitations of existing systems and presenting novel sensing approaches, this paper aims to catalyze innovation in sensor development. Our ultimate goal is to inspire the creation of robust, field-deployable tools that enhance decontamination practices and significantly improve the health and safety of firefighters by reducing their long-term risks of cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors as Promising Analytical Tools in the Analysis of Soils, Plants and Environmental Monitoring)
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Other

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41 pages, 7605 KB  
Systematic Review
Optical and Electrochemical Biosensors for Detection of Pathogens Using Metal Nanoclusters: A Systematic Review
by Mahsa Shahrashoob, Mahdiyar Dehshiri, Vahid Yousefi, Mahdi Moassesfar, Hamidreza Saberi, Fatemeh Molaabasi, Yasser Zare and Kyong Yop Rhee
Biosensors 2025, 15(7), 460; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15070460 - 17 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1649
Abstract
The rapid and accurate detection of pathogenic bacteria and viruses is critical for infectious disease control and public health protection. While conventional methods (e.g., culture, microscopy, serology, and PCR) are widely used, they are often limited by lengthy processing times, high costs, and [...] Read more.
The rapid and accurate detection of pathogenic bacteria and viruses is critical for infectious disease control and public health protection. While conventional methods (e.g., culture, microscopy, serology, and PCR) are widely used, they are often limited by lengthy processing times, high costs, and specialized equipment requirements. In recent years, metal nanocluster (MNC)-based biosensors have emerged as powerful diagnostic platforms due to their unique optical, catalytic, and electrochemical properties. This systematic review comprehensively surveys advancements in MNC-based biosensors for bacterial and viral pathogen detection, focusing on optical (colorimetric and fluorescence) and electrochemical platforms. Three key aspects are emphasized: (1) detection mechanisms, (2) nanocluster types and properties, and (3) applications in clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety. The literature demonstrates that MNC-based biosensors provide high sensitivity, specificity, portability, and cost-efficiency. Moreover, the integration of nanotechnology with biosensing platforms enables real-time and point-of-care diagnostics. This review also discusses the limitations and future directions of the technology, emphasizing the need for enhanced stability, multiplex detection capability, and clinical validation. The findings offer valuable insights for developing next-generation biosensors with improved functionality and broader applicability in microbial diagnostics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical (Bio)Sensors as Promising Analytical Tools in the Analysis of Soils, Plants and Environmental Monitoring)
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