Electrochemical Biosensors for Global Health Challenges

A special issue of Chemosensors (ISSN 2227-9040). This special issue belongs to the section "Electrochemical Devices and Sensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 4147

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
School of Environment, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
Interests: biosensor; electroanalysis chemistry; functional nanomaterials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Global health is facing unprecedented challenges, from emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance to environmental pollutants, all of which necessitate accurate and accessible diagnostic solutions. This Special Issue, "Electrochemical Biosensors for Global Health Challenges", will highlight cutting-edge advancements in electrochemical biosensing technologies designed to address critical issues, such as early screening in the detection of diseases, the immediate detection of infectious diseases, the rapid detection of antibiotic resistance, and emerging environmental pollutants.

We invite contributions exploring innovative sensor designs, nanomaterials, signal amplification strategies, and portable platforms for early disease screening (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative disorders), point-of-care diagnosis of infections (e.g., COVID-19, malaria), antimicrobial resistance monitoring, and the detection of emerging environmental contaminants (e.g., microplastics, pesticides). An emphasis will be placed on scalability, affordability, and real-world applicability, particularly in low-resource settings. Reviews exploring current challenges and future directions are also welcome.

This Special Issue will bridge the gap between fundamental research and translational solutions, fostering collaboration among chemists, engineers, and clinicians to combat pressing global health threats.

Dr. Tianxiang Wei
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • electrochemical biosensor
  • nanomaterials
  • early screening and detection of diseases
  • immediate detection of infectious diseases
  • rapid detection of antibiotic resistance
  • emerging environmental pollutants

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 4123 KB  
Article
Quantitative Detection of ALP Activity via Electrochemiluminescence Signal Switching on a Biomimetic Zirconia Interface
by Xinyu Lu, Jin Wang, Jiahao Zhou, Wenwen Tu, Junru Zhou and Tianxiang Wei
Chemosensors 2026, 14(4), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14040098 - 19 Apr 2026
Viewed by 353
Abstract
Quantitative detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity is crucial in clinical diagnosis and bioanalysis. Herein, we have developed a highly sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor that employs a biomimetic zirconia interface as its core sensing platform. The interface was constructed by immobilizing o-phosphorylethanolamine (PEA) [...] Read more.
Quantitative detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity is crucial in clinical diagnosis and bioanalysis. Herein, we have developed a highly sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor that employs a biomimetic zirconia interface as its core sensing platform. The interface was constructed by immobilizing o-phosphorylethanolamine (PEA) onto zirconium oxide nanofilms (ZrO2NFs), forming a surface rich in Zr-O-P bonds. This design mimics phosphate recognition and enzyme-triggered dephosphorylation processes, where ALP catalyzes the hydrolysis of these bonds, triggering a direct switch in the ECL signal from Ru(bpy)32+-loaded gold nanocage (Ru-AuNCs) emitters. This sensor achieves a wide linear range of 0.100–100 U/L and a low detection limit down to 0.0899 U/L. Its practical utility was validated through the accurate detection of ALP in fetal bovine serum samples, confirming high recovery and reliability. This strategy highlights the potential of biomimetic zirconia interfaces in developing robust biosensors for early disease diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical Biosensors for Global Health Challenges)
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21 pages, 5307 KB  
Article
Simultaneous Multiparameter Detection with Organic Electrochemical Transistors-Based Biosensors
by Marjorie Montero-Jimenez, Jael R. Neyra Recky, Omar Azzaroni, Juliana Scotto and Waldemar A. Marmisollé
Chemosensors 2026, 14(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14010022 - 9 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1138
Abstract
We present a methodology that enhances the analytical performance of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) by continuously cycling the devices through gate potential sweeps during sensing experiments. This continuous cycling methodology (CCM) enables real-time acquisition of full transfer curves, allowing simultaneous monitoring of multiple [...] Read more.
We present a methodology that enhances the analytical performance of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) by continuously cycling the devices through gate potential sweeps during sensing experiments. This continuous cycling methodology (CCM) enables real-time acquisition of full transfer curves, allowing simultaneous monitoring of multiple characteristic parameters. We show that the simultaneous temporal evolution of several OECT response parameters (threshold voltage (VTH), maximum transconductance (gmax), and maximum transconductance potential (VG,gmax)) provides highly sensitive descriptors for detecting pH changes and macromolecule adsorption on OECTs based on polyaniline (PANI) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) channels. Moreover, the method allows reconstruction of IDSt (drain–source current vs. time) profiles at any selected gate potential, enabling the identification of optimal gate voltage (VG) values for maximizing sensitivity. This represents a substantial improvement over traditional measurements at fixed VG, which may suffer from reduced sensitivity and parasitic reactions associated with gate polarization. Moreover, the expanded set of parameters obtained with the CCM provides deeper insight into the physicochemical processes occurring at both gate and channel electrodes. We demonstrate its applicability in monitoring polyelectrolyte and enzyme adsorption, and detecting urea and glucose through enzyme-mediated reactions. Owing to its versatility and the richness of the information it provides, the CCM constitutes a significant advance for the development and optimization of OECT-based sensing platforms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical Biosensors for Global Health Challenges)
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18 pages, 5173 KB  
Article
Glucose Sensor Using Fe3O4 Functionalized MXene Nanosheets as a Promising Sensing Platform: Exploring the Potential of Electrochemical Detection of Glucose
by Yu Yang, Danning Li, Changchang Zheng, Ling Zhang and Xuwei Chen
Chemosensors 2026, 14(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14010019 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1083
Abstract
Enzymatic electrochemical sensors are promising for real-time glucose monitoring due to their high sensitivity and continuous detection capability. In this work, a magnetic Fe3O4@MXene nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally. The introduction of Fe3O4 not only reduced MXene’s [...] Read more.
Enzymatic electrochemical sensors are promising for real-time glucose monitoring due to their high sensitivity and continuous detection capability. In this work, a magnetic Fe3O4@MXene nanocomposite was synthesized hydrothermally. The introduction of Fe3O4 not only reduced MXene’s inherent negative surface charge, improving interaction with glucose oxidase (GOD), but also formed a porous structure that enhances enzyme immobilization via physical adsorption. Based on these properties, a Fe3O4@MXene/GOD/Nafion/GCE electrode was fabricated. The composite’s high specific surface area, excellent conductivity, and good biocompatibility significantly promoted the direct electron transfer (DET) of GOD. Meanwhile, the apparent electron transfer rate constant (ks) was calculated to be 9.57 s−1, representing a 1.26-fold enhancement over the MXene-based electrode (7.57 s−1) and confirming faster electron transfer kinetics. The sensor showed a bilinear glucose response in the ranges of 0.05–15 mM, with sensitivity of 120.47 μA·mM−1·cm−2 and a detection limit of 38 μM. It also exhibited excellent selectivity, reproducibility and stability. Satisfactory recovery rates were achieved in artificial serum samples while demonstrating comparable detection performance to commercial blood glucose meters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical Biosensors for Global Health Challenges)
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Review

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31 pages, 7683 KB  
Review
Prostate Cancer Diagnostics in Transition: A Review of Promising Biomarkers, Multiplex Biosensors, and Point-of-Care Diagnostic Strategies
by Sarra Takita, Alexei Nabok, Magdi H. Mussa, Abdalrahem Shtawa, Anna Lishchuk and David P. Smith
Chemosensors 2026, 14(4), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors14040099 - 19 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1144
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the most prevalent urological malignancies worldwide, with early and accurate diagnosis being critical for improving patient outcomes. Traditional screening approaches, such as digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, have long served as frontline tools; however, [...] Read more.
Prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the most prevalent urological malignancies worldwide, with early and accurate diagnosis being critical for improving patient outcomes. Traditional screening approaches, such as digital rectal examination and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, have long served as frontline tools; however, their limited specificity and sensitivity contribute to high rates of false positives, unnecessary biopsies, and overtreatment. Recent UK guidelines and international consensus increasingly question the role of PSA-based population screening, advocating for risk-stratified pathways and multiparametric MRI as first-line investigations. In parallel, advances in molecular biology have identified promising cancer-specific biomarkers, such as prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2:ERG), that outperform PSAs in terms of specificity and prognostic value. These developments have catalysed innovation in biosensor technologies, enabling rapid, cost-effective, and non-invasive detection of single and multiplex biomarkers in urine and serum. Electrochemical and optical affinity-based biosensors offer transformative potential for the development of personalised point-of-care platforms and diagnostics, reducing the reliance on invasive procedures and improving clinical decision-making. The latter can be augmented with artificial intelligence (AI) tools. This review critically examines the limitations of PSAs, synthesises evidence on novel biomarkers and imaging-led strategies, and evaluates the design, performance, and translational challenges of biosensor-based assays. Furthermore, it outlines future directions, including standardisation, large-scale clinical validation, and integration of multiplex biosensors with AI for precision diagnostics. By bridging molecular insights with engineering innovations, these approaches promise to redefine PCa screening and enable accurate, patient-centred care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical Biosensors for Global Health Challenges)
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