Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
9.8
5.6
Journals
Biosensors
Special Issues
Advanced Sensors for the Detection of Viruses, Bacteria and Biomarkers
share announcement

Advanced Sensors for the Detection of Viruses, Bacteria and Biomarkers

A special issue of Biosensors (ISSN 2079-6374).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2026 | Viewed by 6032

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Zhu Chen

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Future Sciences & Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
Interests: biosensing and molecular detection; medical artificial intelligence; microfluidic

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid and accurate detection of viruses, bacteria, and disease-related biomarkers is essential for infectious disease control, clinical diagnosis, public health surveillance, and precision medicine. With the rapid development of nanomaterials, microfluidics, molecular biology, and information technologies, significant advances have been made in the sensitivity, specificity, detection speed, and system integration of biosensor technologies, providing strong technical support for point-of-care testing (POCT) and multi-scenario applications.

This Special Issue focuses on novel principles, methods, and applications of biosensors for the detection of viruses, bacteria, and biomarkers. It aims to present the latest advances in research on biosensing technologies for clinical diagnostics, on-site testing, environmental monitoring, and food safety; discuss current challenges; and highlight future trends toward intelligent, portable, and highly integrated biosensing systems. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Biosensors for virus, bacteria, and biomarker detection;
  • Electrochemical, optical, magnetic, and multimodal biosensing technologies;
  • Integration of CRISPR and nucleic acid amplification with biosensors;
  • Microfluidic and digital biosensing platforms;
  • Biosensors for clinical diagnostics and point-of-care testing;
  • Applications of biosensors in environmental monitoring, food safety, and public health;
  • Challenges in system integration, data analysis, and practical deployment of biosensors.

Dr. Zhu Chen
Guest Editor

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

  • bacteria and viruses
  • nanomaterials
  • molecular diagnostics
  • microfluidics and microsystem
  • artificial intelligence
  • electrochemical biosensors
  • optical chemical biosensor

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 622 KB  
Article
Comparative Evaluation of Rapid Nucleic Acids Extraction Methods for Biosensor-Based Point-of-Care Solutions
by Maciej Polak, Aldona Wiatrzyk, Katarzyna Krysztopa-Grzybowska, Karolina Sobiecka, Ewa Mosiej, Marta Prygiel, Robert Ziółkowski, Dawid Jańczak, Katarzyna Pancer, Aleksandra Skiba and Aleksandra Anna Zasada
Biosensors 2026, 16(4), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16040195 - 28 Mar 2026
Viewed by 563
Abstract
The translation of nucleic acid amplification into practical point-of-care and biosensor-integrated diagnostics is still significantly impeded by the necessity for rapid sample preparation. For this reason, a broad comparison of seven commercially available kits for DNA/RNA extraction containing their temperature-related adjustments was performed. [...] Read more.
The translation of nucleic acid amplification into practical point-of-care and biosensor-integrated diagnostics is still significantly impeded by the necessity for rapid sample preparation. For this reason, a broad comparison of seven commercially available kits for DNA/RNA extraction containing their temperature-related adjustments was performed. Extracts isolated from SARS-CoV-2-positive nasopharyngeal swabs, viral stocks, as well as laboratory-prepared suspensions of clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were evaluated by recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and real-time PCR. In addition, the impact of transport media for SARS-CoV-2 samples was investigated. Extraction performance varied markedly according to the kit, pathogen, sample background. For SARS-CoV-2, rapid extraction was more effective for samples collected in viral transport medium than in inactivation buffer. Across bacterial targets, performance was species dependent, highlighting substantial differences in compatibility between simplified extraction workflows and downstream amplification. Among the rapid methods tested, a simplified QuickExtract protocol (95 °C, 5 min) provided the most consistent overall results, although it did not uniformly match the reference silica-based method for all targets. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that rapid nucleic acid extraction must be thoroughly evaluated as an essential element of the entire sample-to-answer workflow, rather than being chosen as a standalone preprocessing step for point-of-care molecular diagnostics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Sensors for the Detection of Viruses, Bacteria and Biomarkers)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 1555 KB  
Article
Toothbrush-Driven Handheld Droplet Generator for Digital LAMP and Rapid CFU Assays
by Xiaochen Lai, Yong Zhu, Mingpeng Yang and Xicheng Wang
Biosensors 2026, 16(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16010030 - 1 Jan 2026
Viewed by 704
Abstract
Droplet microfluidics enables high-throughput, compartmentalized reactions using minimal reagent volumes, but most implementations rely on precision-fabricated chips and external pumping systems that limit portability and accessibility. Here, we present a handheld vibrational droplet generator that repurposes a consumer electric toothbrush and a modified [...] Read more.
Droplet microfluidics enables high-throughput, compartmentalized reactions using minimal reagent volumes, but most implementations rely on precision-fabricated chips and external pumping systems that limit portability and accessibility. Here, we present a handheld vibrational droplet generator that repurposes a consumer electric toothbrush and a modified disposable pipette tip to produce nearly monodisperse water-in-oil droplets without microfluidic channels or syringe pumps. The device is powered by the toothbrush’s built-in motor and controlled by a simple 3D-printed adapter and adjustable counterweight that tune the vibration amplitude transmitted to the pipette tip. By varying the aperture of the pipette tip, droplets with diameters from ~100–300 µm were generated at rates of ~100 droplets s−1. Image analysis revealed narrow size distributions with coefficients of variation below 5% in typical operating conditions. We further demonstrate proof-of-concept applications in digital loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and microbiological colony-forming unit (CFU) assays. A commercial feline parvovirus (FPV) kit manufactured by Beyotime Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China), three template concentrations yielded emulsified reaction droplets that remained stable at 65 °C for 45 min and produced distinct fractions of fluorescent-positive droplets, allowing estimation of template concentration via a Poisson model. In a second set of experiments, the device was used as a droplet-based spreader to dispense diluted Escherichia coli suspensions onto LB agar plates, achieving uniform colony distributions across the plate at different dilution factors. The proposed handheld vibrational generator is inexpensive, easy to assemble from off-the-shelf components, and minimizes dead volume and cross-contamination because only the pipette tip contacts the sample. Although the current prototype still exhibits device-to-device variability and moving droplets in open containers complicate real-time imaging, these results indicate that toothbrush-based vibrational actuation can provide a practical and scalable route toward “lab-in-hand” droplet assays in resource-limited or educational settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Sensors for the Detection of Viruses, Bacteria and Biomarkers)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1256 KB  
Article
Rapid On-Site Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa via ecfX-Targeted Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
by Xuliang He, Meimei Zeng, Wentao Bai, Ziyan Tang, Jianhua Ding and Zhu Chen
Biosensors 2025, 15(11), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15110750 - 7 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1179
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a significant pathogen of clinical concern that is frequently associated with multidrug resistance, leading to respiratory tract, wound, and hospital-acquired infections. To enable rapid and accurate detection, we developed a fluorescence-based loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method, targeting the PA-specific [...] Read more.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a significant pathogen of clinical concern that is frequently associated with multidrug resistance, leading to respiratory tract, wound, and hospital-acquired infections. To enable rapid and accurate detection, we developed a fluorescence-based loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method, targeting the PA-specific ecfX gene. Among ten primer sets designed, the optimal set (EC2) was identified, and reaction conditions were optimized (Bst polymerase 320 U/mL, Mg2+ 8 mM, dNTP 1.4 mM, inner/outer primer ratio 1:8, 64 °C, 20 min). The assay demonstrated a detection limit that was comparable to a real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunochromatographic assays, but with a markedly reduced turnaround time. No cross-reactivity was observed with non-PA pathogens, and reproducibility tests confirmed high stability. In addition, the reliability of the results was further verified using 60 standard bacterial strains, and the feasibility of the assay was validated with 2 real soil samples and 1 water sample. This LAMP method offers a simple, rapid, and sensitive tool for on-site detection of PA, with potential applications in clinical diagnostics and public health surveillance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Sensors for the Detection of Viruses, Bacteria and Biomarkers)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

52 pages, 2563 KB  
Review
Biosensor Technologies for Avian Influenza Detection: A New Frontier in Rapid Diagnostics for HPAI
by Jacquline Risalvato, Alaa H. Sewid, Durina Z. Dalrymple, Shigetoshi Eda, J. Jayne Wu and Richard W. Gerhold
Biosensors 2026, 16(2), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16020118 - 12 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1742
Abstract
Avian influenza (AI), particularly highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), represents a serious and growing threat to global poultry production, international trade, and human health security. Control of AI is complicated by the high evolutionary rate of influenza A viruses, which drives antigenic diversity [...] Read more.
Avian influenza (AI), particularly highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), represents a serious and growing threat to global poultry production, international trade, and human health security. Control of AI is complicated by the high evolutionary rate of influenza A viruses, which drives antigenic diversity and ongoing emergence of novel strains. Effective surveillance and disease management therefore depend on timely and accurate diagnostics. While conventional methods—including virus isolation, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs)—remain effective and widely used, they are limited by long turnaround times, the need for specialized equipment, and reliance on highly trained personnel. In addition, strict state and federal regulatory requirements restrict testing to a limited number of authorized laboratories. Although these regulations are essential for maintaining diagnostic accuracy and quality assurance, they place substantial strain on laboratory capacity during outbreaks and delay actionable results. The need for rapid, on-site decision making has driven interest in alternative diagnostic approaches, including biosensor technologies. A major limitation of current diagnostic strategies is the lack of robust DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) capability. In countries such as the United States, where poultry vaccination against AI is not routinely practiced, the absence of DIVA-compatible diagnostics has hindered adoption of vaccination as a disease management tool, as seropositive birds and products face significant trade restrictions. Biosensor platforms capable of enabling DIVA strategies offer a potential pathway to support vaccination while preserving surveillance integrity. This review examines the current landscape of AI and HPAI diagnostics, emphasizing the limitations of traditional approaches and the opportunities presented by biosensor platforms. We evaluate electrochemical, optical, piezoelectric, and nucleic-acid-based biosensors, with particular attention to biorecognition strategies, performance metrics, field deployability, and applications supporting subtype discrimination, DIVA implementation, and One Health surveillance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Sensors for the Detection of Viruses, Bacteria and Biomarkers)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1698 KB  
Review
Opportunities and Challenges in Gas Sensor Technologies for Accurate Detection of COVID-19
by Masoom Fatima, Munazza Fatima, Naseem Abbas and Pil-Gu Park
Biosensors 2025, 15(12), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15120792 - 2 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1163
Abstract
Gas sensors provide versatile opportunities for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as acetone, methanol, ethanol, propanol, isoprene, and aldehydes in exhaled breath (EB) associated with COVID-19 respiratory infections. These VOCs provide valuable information about metabolic markers linked with COVID-19. They have opened [...] Read more.
Gas sensors provide versatile opportunities for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as acetone, methanol, ethanol, propanol, isoprene, and aldehydes in exhaled breath (EB) associated with COVID-19 respiratory infections. These VOCs provide valuable information about metabolic markers linked with COVID-19. They have opened opportunities to develop sensors for COVID-19 screening based on breath analysis. These sensors have the potential to provide the rapid detection of viruses in healthcare settings. RT-PCR, as a conventionally adopted diagnostic method, has a detection limit around 10–100 RNA copies/mL, with an accuracy of around 95%. Gas sensors have demonstrated VOC detection limits at the ppm level in COVID-19 EB and have displayed a sensitivity and specificity of 98.2% and 74.3%, respectively. Multiple gas sensors combined with machine learning algorithms have the potential to enhance the specificity of VOC detection. In addition to having an accuracy similar to that of the PCR method, the VOC-based diagnosis of COVID-19 offers unique advantages in terms of non-invasive and rapid detection. This review provides an overview of state-of-the-art gas sensors developed for COVID-19 detection. Despite there being significant developments in this field, there are certain challenges that still need to be addressed—these include the impact of environmental factors, the specificity of detection, the sensing range, and precision limitations, leading to accuracy issues. Despite these existing challenges, the integration of gas sensors with machine learning methods can enhance the accuracy of the detection of COVID-19. Future research directions are proposed to validate and standardize the application of gas sensors for COVID-19 in clinical settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Sensors for the Detection of Viruses, Bacteria and Biomarkers)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop