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Biosensors
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Biosensors Based on Microfluidic Devices—2nd Edition
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Biosensors Based on Microfluidic Devices—2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 November 2025 | Viewed by 7400

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jun Yang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
Interests: microfluidics; surface plasmon resonance; electrochemical; lipid vesicle; cell electrofusion; electroporation; cell sorting; liquid crystal
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ning Hu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
Interests: biomicrofluidics; fundamental and applications of cell electrofusion; implantable microdevices; microfluidics; nanofluidics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biosensors have been widely used in point-of-care testing (POCT) fields, such as clinical diagnosis, food safety, and environmental monitoring. Recently, significant efforts have been made on the development of portable, reliable, and rapid-responsive biosensing platforms. Because of their easy integration, small sample consumption, precise manipulation of fluid, and high-throughput analysis, microfluidics offer significant advantages over traditional biosensing systems. Various microfluidic structures have been designed for analyte enrichment, target separation, multiplexed analysis, and sensing material fabrication. Based on the application scenarios, these microfluidic components, when integrated with signal transducers such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), surface plasma resonance (SPR), and electrochemical techniques, form miniaturized devices that have gained increasing popularity in POCT applications.

This issue aims to focus on the biosensing methods and devices based on microfluidics. Original research articles, short communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Jun Yang
Dr. Ning Hu
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

  • microfluidics
  • biosensing
  • surface plasmon resonance
  • electrochemical
  • surfaced-enhanced Raman scattering
  • portable devices
  • point-of-care testing
  • liquid crystal

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 3253 KiB  
Article
Development of a Smartphone-Linked Immunosensing System for Oxytocin Determination
by Miku Sarubo, Yoka Suzuki, Yuka Numazaki and Hiroyuki Kudo
Biosensors 2025, 15(4), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15040261 - 18 Apr 2025
Viewed by 230
Abstract
We report an optical immunosensing system for oxytocin (OXT) based on image analysis of color reactions in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We employed a miniaturized optical immunosensing unit that was functionally connected to an LED and a smartphone camera. Our system measures [...] Read more.
We report an optical immunosensing system for oxytocin (OXT) based on image analysis of color reactions in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We employed a miniaturized optical immunosensing unit that was functionally connected to an LED and a smartphone camera. Our system measures OXT levels using a metric called the RGBscore, which is derived from the red, green, and blue (RGB) information in the captured images. By calculating the RGBscore regressively using the brute-force method, this approach can be applied to smartphones with various CMOS image sensors and firmware. The lower detection limit was determined to be 5.26 pg/mL, and the measurement results showed a higher correlation (r = 0.972) with those obtained from conventional ELISA. These results suggest the potential for its application in a simplified health management system for individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors Based on Microfluidic Devices—2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 4710 KiB  
Article
An Amplitude Analysis-Based Magnetoelastic Biosensing Method for Quantifying Blood Coagulation
by Xi Chen, Qiong Wang, Jinan Deng, Ning Hu, Yanjian Liao and Jun Yang
Biosensors 2025, 15(4), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15040219 - 29 Mar 2025
Viewed by 331
Abstract
Blood coagulation tests are crucial in the clinical management of cardiovascular diseases and preoperative diagnostics. However, the widespread adoption of existing detection devices, such as thromboelastography (TEG) instruments, is hindered by their bulky size, prohibitive cost, and lengthy detection times. In contrast, magnetoelastic [...] Read more.
Blood coagulation tests are crucial in the clinical management of cardiovascular diseases and preoperative diagnostics. However, the widespread adoption of existing detection devices, such as thromboelastography (TEG) instruments, is hindered by their bulky size, prohibitive cost, and lengthy detection times. In contrast, magnetoelastic sensors, known for their low cost and rapid response, have garnered attention for their potential application in various coagulation tests. These sensors function by detecting resonant frequency shifts in response to changes in blood viscosity during coagulation. Nevertheless, the frequency-based detection approach necessitates continuous and precise frequency scanning, imposing stringent demands on equipment design, processing, and analytical techniques. In contrast, amplitude-based detection methods offer superior applicability in many sensing scenarios. This paper presents a comprehensive study on signal acquisition from magnetoelastic sensors. We elucidate the mathematical relationship between the resonant amplitude of the response signal and liquid viscosity, propose a quantitative viscosity measurement method based on the maximum amplitude of the signal, and construct a corresponding sensing device. The proposed method was validated using glycerol solutions, demonstrating a sensitivity of 13.83 V−1/Pa0.5s0.5Kg0.5m−1.5 and a detection limit of 0.0817 Pa0.5s0.5Kg0.5m−1.5. When applied to real-time monitoring of the coagulation process, the resulting coagulation curves and maximum amplitude (MA) parameters exhibited excellent consistency with standard TEG results (R2 values of 0.9552 and 0.9615, respectively). Additionally, other TEG parameters, such as R-time, K-time, and α-angle, were successfully obtained, effectively reflecting viscosity changes during blood coagulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors Based on Microfluidic Devices—2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 3453 KiB  
Article
Microfluidic Device on Fused Silica for Raman Spectroscopy of Liquid Samples
by Celia Gómez-Galdós, Andrea Perez-Asensio, María Gabriela Fernández-Manteca, Borja García García, José Francisco Algorri, José Miguel López-Higuera, Luis Rodríguez-Cobo and Adolfo Cobo
Biosensors 2025, 15(3), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15030172 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 824
Abstract
Water testing is becoming increasingly important due to dangerous phenomena such as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). Commonly, the content of a water sample is measured for the detection, monitoring and control of these events. Raman spectroscopy is a technique for the molecular characterization [...] Read more.
Water testing is becoming increasingly important due to dangerous phenomena such as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs). Commonly, the content of a water sample is measured for the detection, monitoring and control of these events. Raman spectroscopy is a technique for the molecular characterization of materials in solid, liquid or gaseous form, which makes it an attractive method for analysing materials’ components. However, Raman scattering is a weak optical process and requires an accurate system for detection. In our work, we present, from design to fabrication, a microfluidic device on fused silica adapted to optimise the Raman spectrum of liquid samples when using a Raman probe. The device features a portable design for rapid on-site continuous flow measurements avoiding the use of large, costly and complex laboratory equipment. The main manufacturing technique used was ultrafast laser-assisted etching (ULAE). Finally, the effectiveness of the microfluidic device was demonstrated by comparing the Raman spectra of a known species of cyanobacteria with those obtained using other conventional substrates in laboratory analysis. The results demonstrate that the microfluidic device, under continuous flow conditions, exhibited a lower standard deviation of the Raman signal, reduced background noise and avoided signal variations caused by sample drying in static measurements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors Based on Microfluidic Devices—2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 3006 KiB  
Article
Microfluidic Biosensors for the Detection of Motile Plant Zoospores
by Peikai Zhang, David E. Williams, Logan Stephens, Robert Helps, Irene Patricia Shamini Pushparajah, Jadranka Travas-Sejdic and Marion Wood
Biosensors 2025, 15(3), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15030131 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 456
Abstract
Plant pathogen zoospores play a vital role in the transmission of several significant plant diseases, with their early detection being important for effective pathogen management. Current methods for pathogen detection involve labour-intensive specimen collection and laboratory testing, lacking real-time feedback capabilities. Methods that [...] Read more.
Plant pathogen zoospores play a vital role in the transmission of several significant plant diseases, with their early detection being important for effective pathogen management. Current methods for pathogen detection involve labour-intensive specimen collection and laboratory testing, lacking real-time feedback capabilities. Methods that can be deployed in the field and remotely addressed are required. In this study, we have developed an innovative zoospore-sensing device by combining a microfluidic sampling system with a microfluidic cytometer and incorporating a chemotactic response as a means to selectively detect motile spores. Spores of Phytophthora cactorum were guided to swim up a detection channel following a gradient of attractant. They were then detected by a transient change in impedance when they passed between a pair of electrodes. Single-zoospore detection was demonstrated with signal-to-noise ratios of ~17 when a carrying flow was used and ~5.9 when the zoospores were induced to swim into the channel following the gradient of the attractants. This work provides an innovative solution for the selective, sensitive and real-time detection of motile zoospores. It has great potential to be further developed into a portable, remotely addressable, low-cost sensing system, offering an important tool for field pathogen real-time detection applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors Based on Microfluidic Devices—2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 2694 KiB  
Article
Microfluidic Detection Platform for Determination of Ractopamine in Food
by Cheng-Xue Yu, Kuan-Hsun Huang, To-Lin Chen, Chan-Chiung Liu and Lung-Ming Fu
Biosensors 2024, 14(10), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14100462 - 26 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1396
Abstract
A novel microfluidic ractopamine (RAC) detection platform consisting of a microfluidic RAC chip and a smart analysis device is proposed for the determination of RAC concentration in meat samples. This technology utilizes gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified with glutamic acid (GLU) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) [...] Read more.
A novel microfluidic ractopamine (RAC) detection platform consisting of a microfluidic RAC chip and a smart analysis device is proposed for the determination of RAC concentration in meat samples. This technology utilizes gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified with glutamic acid (GLU) and polyethyleneimine (PEI) to measure RAC concentration in food products. When RAC is present, AuNPs aggregate through hydrogen bonding, causing noticeable changes in their optical properties, which are detected using a self-built UV–visible micro-spectrophotometer. Within the range of 5 to 80 ppb, a linear relationship exists between the absorbance ratio (A693nm/A518nm) (Y) and RAC concentration (X), expressed as Y = 0.0054X + 0.4690, with a high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9943). This method exhibits a detection limit of 1.0 ppb and achieves results within 3 min. The practical utility of this microfluidic assay is exemplified through the evaluation of RAC concentrations in 50 commercially available meat samples. The variance between concentrations measured using this platform and those determined via liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is less than 8.33%. These results underscore the viability of the microfluidic detection platform as a rapid and cost-effective solution for ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance within the livestock industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors Based on Microfluidic Devices—2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 41276 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Nanowell-Based Label-Free Impedance Biosensor Based on Different Nanowell Structures
by Ali Fardoost, Hassan Raji and Mehdi Javanmard
Biosensors 2024, 14(9), 426; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14090426 - 4 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1456
Abstract
Nanowell-based impedance-based label-free biosensors have demonstrated significant advantages in sensitivity, simplicity, and accuracy for detecting cancer biomarkers and macromolecules compared to conventional impedance-based biosensors. Although nanowell arrays have previously been employed for biomarker detection, a notable limitation exists in the photolithography step of [...] Read more.
Nanowell-based impedance-based label-free biosensors have demonstrated significant advantages in sensitivity, simplicity, and accuracy for detecting cancer biomarkers and macromolecules compared to conventional impedance-based biosensors. Although nanowell arrays have previously been employed for biomarker detection, a notable limitation exists in the photolithography step of their fabrication process, leading to a reduced efficiency rate. Historically, the diameter of these nanowells has been 2 μm. To address this issue, we propose alternative geometries for nanowells that feature larger surface areas while maintaining a similar circumference, thereby enhancing the fabrication efficiency of the biosensors. We investigated three geometries: tube, spiral, and quatrefoil. Impedance measurements of the samples were conducted at 10 min intervals using a lock-in amplifier. The study utilized interleukin-6 (IL-6) antibodies and antigens/proteins at a concentration of 100 nM as the target macromolecules. The results indicated that tube-shaped nanowells exhibited the highest sensitivity for detecting IL-6 protein, with an impedance change of 9.55%. In contrast, the spiral, quatrefoil, and circle geometries showed impedance changes of 0.91%, 0.95%, and 1.62%, respectively. Therefore, the tube-shaped nanowell structure presents a promising alternative to conventional nanowell arrays for future studies, potentially enhancing the efficiency and sensitivity of biosensor fabrication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors Based on Microfluidic Devices—2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 2043 KiB  
Article
Integrated Droplet-Based Digital Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Microfluidic Chip with Droplet Generation, Incubation, and Continuous Fluorescence Detection
by Yen-Heng Lin, Yuan-Ting Hung, Wei Chang and Chiuan-Chian Chiou
Biosensors 2024, 14(7), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14070334 - 8 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1936
Abstract
This study integrated sample partition, incubation, and continuous fluorescence detection on a single microfluidic chip for droplet-based digital Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) of nucleic acids. This integration eliminated the need to transfer reactions between different platforms, avoiding sample contamination and loss. Prior to [...] Read more.
This study integrated sample partition, incubation, and continuous fluorescence detection on a single microfluidic chip for droplet-based digital Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) of nucleic acids. This integration eliminated the need to transfer reactions between different platforms, avoiding sample contamination and loss. Prior to the reaction, filling the channels with an oil phase and adding a glass cover slip on top of the chip overcame the problem of bubble generation in the channels during the LAMP reaction due to heating. Additionally, using two fluorescence intensity thresholds enabled simultaneous detection and counting of positive and negative droplets within a single fluorescence detection channel. The chip can partition approximately 6000 droplets from a 5 µL sample within 10 min, with a droplet diameter of around 110 µm and a coefficient of variation (CV) value of 0.82%. Staphylococcus aureus was quantified via the proposed platform. The results demonstrated a highly accurate correlation coefficient (R = 0.9998), and the detection limit reached a concentration of 1.7 × 102 copies/µL. The entire process of the droplet digital LAMP reaction, from droplet generation to incubation to quantitative results, took a maximum of 70 min. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosensors Based on Microfluidic Devices—2nd Edition)
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