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Biosensors
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Multidimensional Nanomaterial-Based Biosensors for Environmental and Healthcare Monitoring
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Multidimensional Nanomaterial-Based Biosensors for Environmental and Healthcare Monitoring

A special issue of Biosensors (ISSN 2079-6374). This special issue belongs to the section "Nano- and Micro-Technologies in Biosensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2026) | Viewed by 6483

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Zhiqiang Su

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
Interests: bionanomaterials; functional devices; biomedical materials; wearable sensors; 2D materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Xiaoyuan Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
Interests: bio-nano hybrid materials; high-performance hydrogel; flexible wearable devices; photocatalytic degradation; functional nanomaterials; solar-powered water evaporator design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The secrets of life are hidden in the molecular world, waiting to be discovered. Sensors equipped with multifunctional materials provide the key to unlocking these mysteries. This Special Issue delves into the transformative power of multifunctional materials, including nanomaterials, polymers, metals, and composites. Each of these multifunctional materials can detect subtle signals, such as atmospheric carbon dioxide, humidity, and the temperature and movement of the human body.

This Special Issue is an invitation to explore the frontiers of multifunctional sensors. We delve into the physicochemical properties of these multifunctional materials, unveiling the secrets of their enhanced performance. We showcase cutting-edge research, highlighting real-world applications in monitoring human physiological signals, temperature, air, and water quality, assessing soil health, and more. Join us on this journey as we reveal the power of multifunctional materials to protect people and the planet.

Prof. Dr. Zhiqiang Su
Dr. Xiaoyuan Zhang
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.

Keywords

  • multidimensional nanomaterials
  • biosensors
  • environmental signals
  • healthcare sensing
  • ecological monitoring

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 1201 KB  
Article
Ultrasensitive Label-Free Detection of Free Thyroxine (T4) in Physiological Ranges Using Aptamer-Functionalized Silicon Nanowire Field Effect Transistors
by Stephanie Klinghammer, Wiana Butko, Alexandra Parichenko, Gylxhane Kastrati, Abdallh Herbawi, Leif Riemenschneider and Gianaurelio Cuniberti
Biosensors 2026, 16(5), 274; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16050274 - 9 May 2026
Viewed by 483
Abstract
Thyroxine (T4) is a key hormone regulating metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodevelopmental processes, yet its clinical quantification still relies on centralized immunoassays that limit rapid or point-of-care monitoring. Here, we present a label-free biosensing platform based on silicon nanowire field-effect transistors (SiNW-FETs) functionalized with [...] Read more.
Thyroxine (T4) is a key hormone regulating metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodevelopmental processes, yet its clinical quantification still relies on centralized immunoassays that limit rapid or point-of-care monitoring. Here, we present a label-free biosensing platform based on silicon nanowire field-effect transistors (SiNW-FETs) functionalized with a T4-selective DNA aptamer via a 3-Triethoxysilyl propylsuccinic Anhydride (TESPSA)-mediated silanization approach, enabling a streamlined two-step modification for oriented immobilization. The biosensor achieves robust real-time detection of T4 across the physiological concentration range (5–30 pM), with a limit of detection of ~5 pM and a strong linear correlation between drain current and analyte concentration (R2 = 0.9931). Specificity is confirmed using non-functionalized devices and estradiol as a non-target control. All measurements were performed in undiluted phosphate-buffered saline, representing a physiologically relevant ionic environment and demonstrating stable sensor performance under realistic buffer conditions. The dose–response behavior follows a Hill model, allowing extraction of binding parameters and confirming that the electrical signal originates from specific aptamer–target interactions. These results demonstrate that aptamer-functionalized SiNW-FETs provide a highly sensitive, selective, and miniaturizable platform for quantitative thyroid hormone monitoring, with strong potential for future point-of-care applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidimensional Nanomaterial-Based Biosensors for Environmental and Healthcare Monitoring)
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16 pages, 1887 KB  
Article
Ultrasensitive Dopamine Detection in Undiluted Serum with a Disposable Electrochemical Sensor Employing MOF-Derived Gold Nanocomposites
by Rohan Sagar, Hsiao-Wei Wen, Ching-Chou Wu and M. S. Gaur
Biosensors 2026, 16(5), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16050255 - 30 Apr 2026
Viewed by 635
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) is essential for motor control, motivation, and cognition, and its dysregulation is associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and addiction. Accurate and selective DA quantification in complex biological matrices is important, but remains challenging because of [...] Read more.
Dopamine (DA) is essential for motor control, motivation, and cognition, and its dysregulation is associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and addiction. Accurate and selective DA quantification in complex biological matrices is important, but remains challenging because of coexisting interferents and the low physiological concentration of DA. Here, we report a disposable electrochemical DA sensor based on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) modified with metal–organic framework-derived gold nanocomposites (MOFD-AuNCs). The optimal material, synthesized with a 60 min NaBH4 reduction step (MOFD-AuNC-60), exhibited superior electron-transfer kinetics compared with materials prepared at other reduction times. A single coating of MOFD-AuNC-60 on SPCEs enabled DA oxidation at a low potential (~0.05 V) with high selectivity in the presence of ascorbic acid and uric acid. In undiluted porcine serum, the sensor exhibited a dynamic range of 2.5–500 nM with a calculated detection limit of 0.5 nM. In undiluted human serum, it exhibited a dynamic range of 5–100 nM with a calculated detection limit of 4.4 nM. The MOFD-AuNC-60/SPCEs further demonstrated excellent reproducibility (relative standard deviation, 3%) and stability (7.5% current loss over 7 days). These results demonstrate that the proposed sensor provides a disposable, robust, and reliable sensing platform for direct DA detection in undiluted serum, showing promise for practical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidimensional Nanomaterial-Based Biosensors for Environmental and Healthcare Monitoring)
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19 pages, 2088 KB  
Article
Kinematic Monitoring of the Thorax During the Respiratory Cycle Using a Biopolymer-Based Strain Sensor: A Chitosan–Glycerol–Graphite Composite
by María Claudia Rivas Ebner, Emmanuel Ackah, Seong-Wan Kim, Young-Seek Seok and Seung Ho Choi
Biosensors 2025, 15(8), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15080523 - 9 Aug 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1772
Abstract
This study presents the development and the mechanical and clinical characterization of a flexible biodegradable chitosan–glycerol–graphite composite strain sensor for real-time respiratory monitoring, where the main material, chitosan, is derived and extracted from Tenebrio Molitor larvae shells. Chitosan was extracted using a sustainable, [...] Read more.
This study presents the development and the mechanical and clinical characterization of a flexible biodegradable chitosan–glycerol–graphite composite strain sensor for real-time respiratory monitoring, where the main material, chitosan, is derived and extracted from Tenebrio Molitor larvae shells. Chitosan was extracted using a sustainable, low-impact protocol and processed into a stretchable and flexible film through glycerol plasticization and graphite integration, forming a conductive biocomposite. The sensor, fabricated in a straight-line geometry to ensure uniform strain distribution and signal stability, was evaluated for its mechanical and electrical performance under cyclic loading. Results demonstrate linearity, repeatability, and responsiveness to strain variations in the stain sensor during mechanical characterization and performance, ranging from 1 to 15%, with minimal hysteresis and fast recovery times. The device reliably captured respiratory cycles during normal breathing across three different areas of measurement: the sternum, lower ribs, and diaphragm. The strain sensor also identified distinct breathing patterns, including eupnea, tachypnea, bradypnea, apnea, and Kussmaul respiration, showing the capability to sense respiratory cycles during pathological situations. Compared to conventional monitoring systems, the sensor offers superior skin conformity, better adhesion, comfort, and improved signal quality without the need for invasive procedures or complex instrumentation. Its low-cost, biocompatible design holds strong potential for wearable healthcare applications, particularly in continuous respiratory tracking, sleep disorder diagnostics, and home-based patient monitoring. Future work will focus on wireless integration, environmental durability, and clinical validation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidimensional Nanomaterial-Based Biosensors for Environmental and Healthcare Monitoring)
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16 pages, 3334 KB  
Article
Highly Stretchable Double Network Ionogels for Monitoring Physiological Signals and Detecting Sign Language
by Ya Jiang, Shujing Zhao, Fengyuan Wang, Xiaoyuan Zhang and Zhiqiang Su
Biosensors 2024, 14(5), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios14050227 - 3 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2806
Abstract
At the heart of the non-implantable electronic revolution lies ionogels, which are remarkably conductive, thermally stable, and even antimicrobial materials. Yet, their potential has been hindered by poor mechanical properties. Herein, a double network (DN) ionogel crafted from 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim]Cl), acrylamide (AM), [...] Read more.
At the heart of the non-implantable electronic revolution lies ionogels, which are remarkably conductive, thermally stable, and even antimicrobial materials. Yet, their potential has been hindered by poor mechanical properties. Herein, a double network (DN) ionogel crafted from 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim]Cl), acrylamide (AM), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was constructed. Tensile strength, fracture elongation, and conductivity can be adjusted across a wide range, enabling researchers to fabricate the material to meet specific needs. With adjustable mechanical properties, such as tensile strength (0.06–5.30 MPa) and fracture elongation (363–1373%), this ionogel possesses both robustness and flexibility. This ionogel exhibits a bi-modal response to temperature and strain, making it an ideal candidate for strain sensor applications. It also functions as a flexible strain sensor that can detect physiological signals in real time, opening doors to personalized health monitoring and disease management. Moreover, these gels’ ability to decode the intricate movements of sign language paves the way for improved communication accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This DN ionogel lays the foundation for a future in which e-skins and wearable sensors will seamlessly integrate into our lives, revolutionizing healthcare, human–machine interaction, and beyond. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multidimensional Nanomaterial-Based Biosensors for Environmental and Healthcare Monitoring)
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