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Feature Papers in Biosensors Section 2025
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Feature Papers in Biosensors Section 2025

A special issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220). This special issue belongs to the section "Biosensors".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 6773

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Alexander Star

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
Interests: nanosensors; carbon nanotubes and graphene; nanoparticles; nanotoxicology; drug delivery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Spyridon Kintzios

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Cell Technology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 118 55 Athens, Greece
Interests: biosensors; biotechnology; cell culture; cell technology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Patrick Wagner

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Soft-Matter Physics and Biophysics Section, KU Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200 D, 3001 Leuven, Belgium
Interests: label-free biosensing techniques (e.g. impedance spectroscopy, microgravimetry and thermal detection methods); synthetic receptors such as molecularly- and surface-imprinted polymers; functional surfaces and interfaces; medical diagnostics and biomedical engineering; environmental monitoring and food-safety analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Following the success of previous years where we compiled a collection of outstanding papers from our Editorial Board Members (EBMs) and renowned scholars, we invite you to contribute to this year’s Special Issue. This Special Issue focuses on exceptional contributions in biosensing technologies. We invite high-quality papers authored by our EBMs or recommended by our EBMs that explore the latest trends in biosensors research. The aim is to assemble a set of papers that exemplify the most exceptional, insightful, and original research articles or reviews. We encourage our EBMs to share their expertise and perspectives on key topics in the biosensors field.

Potential topics include (but are not limited to):

  • Biosensors;
  • Lab-on-a-chip technology;
  • Optical biosensors;
  • Plasmonic biosensors;
  • Biosensors for cell analysis;
  • Electrochemical biosensors;
  • Enzymatic biosensors;
  • Graphene-based biosensors;
  • Carbon nanotube biosensors;
  • Aptamer biosensors.

Following the deadline, the accepted papers will be collated into a printed edition book and will be actively promoted to ensure wide readership and influence within the biosensors field.

Thank you for your valuable contributions to advancing biosensors research.

Prof. Dr. Alexander Star
Prof. Dr. Spyridon Kintzios
Prof. Dr. Patrick Wagner
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. Sensors is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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 2600 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

  • biosensors
  • lab-on-a-chip technology
  • optical biosensors
  • plasmonic biosensors
  • biosensors for cell analysis
  • electrochemical biosensors
  • enzymatic biosensors
  • graphene-based biosensors
  • carbon nanotube biosensors
  • aptamer biosensors

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 (7 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 281 KB  
Article
Neurophysiology of Downhill Mountain Bike Athletes—Benchmark Assessments of Event-Related Potentials
by Matthew G. Neill, Elizabeth K. S. Fletcher, Ember Larson, Kristina Fraser, Scott Ramsay, Jonathan D. Smirl and Carolyn A. Emery
Sensors 2025, 25(17), 5388; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25175388 - 1 Sep 2025
Viewed by 520
Abstract
Background: Downhill mountain biking (MTB) is a high-velocity sport where riders are potentially exposed to impacts and concussion. Rapidly obtained Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) are a promising use of portable electroencephalography for clinical assessment of concussion-related neurological impairment at the point of care. However, [...] Read more.
Background: Downhill mountain biking (MTB) is a high-velocity sport where riders are potentially exposed to impacts and concussion. Rapidly obtained Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) are a promising use of portable electroencephalography for clinical assessment of concussion-related neurological impairment at the point of care. However, the baseline neuroelectric profile of this specific sporting population is not fully understood. This study investigated the amplitude and latency of the N100, P300 and N400 ERPs at baseline among MTB athletes by age, sex and caffeine consumption. Methods: MTB athletes, aged 13–45, competing in the 2024 Whistler Crankworx MTB competition were recruited for this cross-sectional analysis. Self-reported sex, age and caffeine consumption were captured and pre-event baseline neurological evaluations of the N100, P300 and N400 ERPs (n = 92) were completed using a portable electroencephalograph (NeuroCatch). Results: Females had a 1.12 µV higher N100 amplitude (95%CI; 0.15, 2.08, p = 0.024) and 2.11 µV higher P300 amplitude (95%CI; 0.69, 3.52, p = 0.004) than males. Further, the N400 amplitude was 0.05 µV lower per year that age increases (95%CI; −0.08, −0.01, p = 0.011). Greater than normal caffeine consumption was associated with a 1.39 µV lower (95%CI; −2.68, −0.09, p = 0.036) and 18.96 ms (−28.29, −9.64, p < 0.001) faster N100 response. Conclusions: Age, sex and caffeine consumption must be considered to inform the clinical implement of ERPs for monitoring concussion in extreme sport athletes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biosensors Section 2025)
22 pages, 2002 KB  
Article
Uncovering the Kinematic Signature of Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s Disease Through Wearable Inertial Sensors
by Francesco Castelli Gattinara Di Zubiena, Alessandro Zampogna, Martina Patera, Giovanni Cusolito, Ludovica Apa, Ilaria Mileti, Antonio Cannuli, Antonio Suppa, Marco Paoloni, Zaccaria Del Prete and Eduardo Palermo
Sensors 2025, 25(16), 5054; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25165054 - 14 Aug 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 658
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a disorder that causes a decrease in motor skills. Among the symptoms that have been observed, the most significant is the occurrence of Freezing of Gait (FoG), which manifests as an abrupt cessation of walking. This study investigates the [...] Read more.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a disorder that causes a decrease in motor skills. Among the symptoms that have been observed, the most significant is the occurrence of Freezing of Gait (FoG), which manifests as an abrupt cessation of walking. This study investigates the impact of spatiotemporal gait parameters using wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs). Notably, 30 PD patients (15 with FoG, 15 without) and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Gait data were acquired using two foot-mounted IMUs and key parameters such as stride time, gait phase distribution, cadence, stride length, speed, and foot clearance were extracted. Results indicated a tangible decline in motor abilities in PD patients, especially in those with FoG. Differences were observed in the segmentation of gait phases, with diminished swing phase duration observed in patients, and in the diminished spatial parameters of stride length, velocity, and foot clearance. Additionally, to validate the results, the accuracy of IMU-derived clearance measurements was validated against an optoelectronic system. While the IMUs accurately detected maximum points, the minimum clearance showed a higher measurement error. These findings support the use of wearable IMUs as a reliable and low-cost alternative to laboratory systems for the assessment of gait abnormalities in PD. Moreover, they highlight the potential for early detection and monitoring of FoG in both clinical and home settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biosensors Section 2025)
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14 pages, 9820 KB  
Article
Zwitterionic Poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) Brushes Functionalized Threads for DNA Extraction from Complex Cell Lysates
by Xianlong Shi, Liang Wu, Ke Ning, Xinmei Li, Lingke Feng, Yirong Chen and Ling Yu
Sensors 2025, 25(12), 3651; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25123651 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 978
Abstract
Thread-based analytical devices are low-cost, portable, and easy to use, making them ideal for detecting various biomolecules like glucose and DNA with minimal sample requirements, while also offering environmental benefits through their biodegradability. This study explores the potential of zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) brushes [...] Read more.
Thread-based analytical devices are low-cost, portable, and easy to use, making them ideal for detecting various biomolecules like glucose and DNA with minimal sample requirements, while also offering environmental benefits through their biodegradability. This study explores the potential of zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) brushes modified cotton thread (PSBMA@threads) as an innovative substitute for DNA solid-phase extraction. The PSBMA polymer brushes were synthesized on cotton threads via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). The usability of the PSBMA@threads for DNA extraction from cell lysates containing cell debris, proteins, and detergents was evaluated. Characterization using SEM, FTIR, and EDS confirmed the successful functionalization with PSBMA polymer brushes. The antifouling properties of PSBMA@threads, including resistance to non-specific protein adsorption and underwater oil repellency, were assessed. The results demonstrated selective DNA capture from protein and lipid-rich lysates. Optimized extraction parameters improved DNA yield, enabling efficient extraction from tumor cells, which successfully underwent PCR amplification. Comparative experiments with commercial silica membrane-based columns revealed that PSBMA@threads exhibited comparable DNA extraction capability. The PSBMA@threads maintained extraction capability after six months of ambient storage, highlighting its stability and cost-effectiveness for nucleic acid isolation in analytical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biosensors Section 2025)
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15 pages, 1941 KB  
Article
Prediction of Influence of Environmental Factors on the Toxicity of Pentachlorophenol on E. coli-Based Bioassays
by Sulivan Jouanneau and Gerald Thouand
Sensors 2025, 25(10), 3215; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25103215 - 20 May 2025
Viewed by 474
Abstract
Evaluating the impact of pollutants on ecosystems and human health is crucial. To achieve this, a wide range of bioassays, using organisms of different trophic levels, are available. Extrapolating the results of these bioassays to real environmental conditions remains a major challenge. This [...] Read more.
Evaluating the impact of pollutants on ecosystems and human health is crucial. To achieve this, a wide range of bioassays, using organisms of different trophic levels, are available. Extrapolating the results of these bioassays to real environmental conditions remains a major challenge. This study addresses this challenge by aiming to develop an algorithm capable of predicting the effect of environmental conditions on the impact of a toxicant, pentachlorophenol (PCP). Three abiotic factors were considered: pH, temperature, and conductivity. In the absence of the toxicant, the activity of Escherichia coli is influenced only by pH and temperature. However, exposed to PCP, the sensitivity of the bacteria was affected by these three factors. From these data, a predictive model was established to assess the intensity of the toxic effect induced by PCP. This model was validated using a validation dataset and demonstrated a strong correlation between the experimental and predicted values (r2 ≈ 0.9). Thus, this approach enables the effective prediction of PCP’s effects by accounting for environmental variations. This proof of concept constitutes a potential alternative, complementary to conventional models like BLMs (focused on water chemistry for metals) and QSARs (linking structure to intrinsic toxicity), which often overlook the complexities of real-world environmental conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biosensors Section 2025)
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15 pages, 3016 KB  
Article
Feasibility of Little Cherry/X-Disease Detection in Prunus avium Using Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometry
by Gajanan S. Kothawade, Lav R. Khot, Abhilash K. Chandel, Cody Molnar, Scott J. Harper and Alice A. Wright
Sensors 2025, 25(7), 2034; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25072034 - 25 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 697
Abstract
Little cherry disease (LCD) and X-disease have critically impacted the Pacific Northwest sweet cherry (Prunus avium) industry. Current detection methods rely on laborious visual scouting or molecular analyses. This study evaluates the suitability of field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) for rapid [...] Read more.
Little cherry disease (LCD) and X-disease have critically impacted the Pacific Northwest sweet cherry (Prunus avium) industry. Current detection methods rely on laborious visual scouting or molecular analyses. This study evaluates the suitability of field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) for rapid detection of LCD and X-disease infection in three sweet cherry cultivars (‘Benton’, ‘Cristalina’, and ‘Tieton’) at the post-harvest stage. Stem cuttings with leaves were collected from commercial orchards and greenhouse trees. FAIMS operated at 1.5 L/min and 50 kPa, was used for headspace analysis. Molecular analyses confirmed symptomatic and asymptomatic samples. FAIMS data were processed for ion current sum (Isum), maximum ion current (Imax), and area under the curve (IAUC). Symptomatic samples showed higher ion currents in specific FAIMS regions (p < 0.05), with clear differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic samples across compensation voltage and dispersion field ranges. Cultivar-specific variation was also observed in the data. FAIMS spectra for LCD/X-disease symptomatic samples differed from those for asymptomatic samples in other Prunus species, such as peach and nectarines. These findings support FAIMS as a potential diagnostic tool for LCD/X disease. Further studies with controlled variables and key growth stages are recommended to realize early-stage detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biosensors Section 2025)
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Review

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23 pages, 4431 KB  
Review
Early Detection and Monitoring of Nephrolithiasis: The Potential of Electrochemical Sensors
by Kaiqiang Sun, Ningbin Zhao, Peizheng Shi, Zhuang Sun, Chen Ye, Li Fu, Dan Dai, Wubo Chu, Tao Cai, Hsu-Sheng Tsai and Cheng-Te Lin
Sensors 2025, 25(8), 2547; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25082547 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1161
Abstract
Nephrolithiasis (kidney stone disease) continues to pose a significant global health challenge, affecting millions of individuals and placing substantial economic pressures on healthcare systems. Traditional diagnostic methods—such as computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and basic urinalysis—are often limited by issues including radiation exposure, lower [...] Read more.
Nephrolithiasis (kidney stone disease) continues to pose a significant global health challenge, affecting millions of individuals and placing substantial economic pressures on healthcare systems. Traditional diagnostic methods—such as computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, and basic urinalysis—are often limited by issues including radiation exposure, lower sensitivity in detecting small stones, operator dependency, and the inability to provide real-time analysis. In response, electrochemical sensors have emerged as innovative and powerful tools capable of the rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of key biomarkers associated with nephrolithiasis. This review highlights the advances in electrochemical approaches for monitoring oxalate and uric acid, the two primary metabolites implicated in kidney stone formation. We discuss the principles of electrode design and fabrication, including nanomaterial integration, 3D printing, and molecular imprinting, which have markedly improved detection limits and selectivity. Furthermore, we critically evaluate the practical challenges—such as sensor fouling, reproducibility, and stability in complex biological matrices—that currently impede widespread clinical implementation. The potentials for miniaturization and point-of-care integration are emphasized, with an eye toward continuous or home-based monitoring systems that can offer personalized insights into risk of stone formation and progression. By consolidating recent findings and exploring future trends in multi-analyte detection and wearable diagnostics, this review provides a roadmap for translating electrochemical sensors from research laboratories to routine clinical practice, ultimately aiming to enhance early intervention and improve patient outcomes in nephrolithiasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biosensors Section 2025)
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16 pages, 2992 KB  
Review
Coelenterazine Analogs for Bioassays and Molecular Imaging
by Sung-Bae Kim, Genta Kamiya, Tadaomi Furuta and Shojiro A. Maki
Sensors 2025, 25(6), 1651; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25061651 - 7 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1633
Abstract
Coelenterazine (CTZ) is a common substrate of marine luciferases upon emission of bioluminescence (BL) in living organisms. Because CTZ works as a “luminophore” in the process of BL emission, the chemical modification has been centered for improving the optical properties of BL. In [...] Read more.
Coelenterazine (CTZ) is a common substrate of marine luciferases upon emission of bioluminescence (BL) in living organisms. Because CTZ works as a “luminophore” in the process of BL emission, the chemical modification has been centered for improving the optical properties of BL. In this review, we showcase recent advances in CTZ designs with unique functionalities. We first elucidate the light-emitting mechanisms of CTZ, and then focus on how the rational modification of CTZ analogs developed in recent years are connected to the development of unique functionalities even without luciferases, which include color tunability covering the visible region, specificity to various proteins (e.g., luciferase, albumin, and virus protein), and activatability to ions or reactive oxygen species (ROS) and anticancer drugs. This review provides new insights into the broad utilities of CTZ analogs with designed functionalities in bioassays and molecular imaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Biosensors Section 2025)
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