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Advances in Fluorescence Sensing: Technologies and Applications

A Special Issue of Sensors (ISSN 1424-8220) belonging to the section "Environmental Sensing".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2027 | Viewed by 1414

Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA
Interests: fluorescence spectroscopy; small organic molecules; molecular recognition; colorimetric/fluorometric sensing of toxic ions; metal nanoparticles; polymer fluorescence

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Guest Editor
Department of BioChemistry, Chemistry, and Physics, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
Interests: organic synthesis; heterocyclic chemistry; chemosensing; chemical education

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fluorescence sensing represents a cornerstone of modern analytical science, enabling researchers to detect, monitor, and quantify chemical and biological events with exceptional sensitivity and specificity. Its adaptability across diverse platforms spanning from molecular probes to nanostructured materials and integrated devices—has transformed how scientists approach complex challenges in medicine, environmental monitoring, materials science, and energy research. Recent progress in fluorophore design, supramolecular chemistry, and nanotechnology has not only enhanced detection limits, but also introduced new modes of selectivity, ratiometric response, and multiplexed readouts. Advances in instrumentation, such as miniaturized spectroscopic systems, single-molecule detection, and high-resolution imaging, further expand the range of applications, while computational tools and machine learning offer deeper insights into fluorescence dynamics and signal interpretation.

This Special Issue, “Advances in Fluorescence Sensing: Technologies and Applications”, will bring together cutting-edge contributions that showcase innovations in sensor design, mechanisms of fluorescence modulation, and practical implementations in real-world systems. From diagnostic probes for healthcare to responsive materials for environmental remediation, the collected works highlight the interdisciplinary nature of the field and underscore its growing impact. Together, these advances will illustrate how fluorescence sensing continues to evolve as a transformative tool for both fundamental discovery and applied solutions.

Dr. Debanjana Ghosh
Dr. Shainaz Landge
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • fluorescence sensing
  • molecular probes
  • supramolecular assemblies
  • nanomaterials
  • bioimaging
  • environmental monitoring
  • diagnostics
  • smart materials

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 7824 KB  
Article
Recognition of Cu2+ and Al3+ by a Quinolinyl 1,2,3-Triazole Chemosensor: A Comparative Study
by Richard D. Govan, Tyler C. Camp, Vincent F. Hernandez, Precious Obiako, Debosreeta Bose, Debanjana Ghosh, Shainaz M. Landge and Karelle S. Aiken
Sensors 2026, 26(14), 4508; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26144508 - 15 Jul 2026
Viewed by 898
Abstract
1,2,3-Triazole units with their structural and photophysical properties are well-suited for the development of chemosensors for ion sensing. Synthetic approaches make it extremely easy to modify this core with just a few steps to control ion selectivity and response-signal output. The current study [...] Read more.
1,2,3-Triazole units with their structural and photophysical properties are well-suited for the development of chemosensors for ion sensing. Synthetic approaches make it extremely easy to modify this core with just a few steps to control ion selectivity and response-signal output. The current study examines how 8-(4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)quinoline, a quinoline–triazole–phenyl (QTP) construct, responds differentially to Cu2+ and Al3+ ions. QTP provides distinct fluorescent signals in acetonitrile in the presence of Cu2+ versus Al3+, a turn-off response with Cu2+ and blue-to-green output with Al3+. Spectroscopic studies quantify the selectivity of the sensor for these species with respect to other ions and reveal a stoichiometric ratio of 1:1 for sensor:Cu2+ and 2:1 for sensor:Al3+. NMR titration studies suggest that Cu2+ is detected via coordination of the quinolinyl and triazolyl nitrogens, while Al3+ is detected through coordination of the quinoline nitrogen. Overall, QTP displays a selectivity for Al3+ relative to Cu2+ over other cations in this investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fluorescence Sensing: Technologies and Applications)
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Review

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70 pages, 2830 KB  
Review
Excitonic and Optical Transduction Mechanisms in Quantum Dot Sensors for Environmental Pollutant Detection
by Christian Ebere Enyoh
Sensors 2026, 26(17), 5675; https://doi.org/10.3390/s26175675 - 7 Sep 2026
Abstract
The accelerating contamination of global ecosystems by heavy metal ions, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs), and emerging contaminants demands sensing technologies that are rapid, sensitive, selective, and field-deployable. Quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as leading candidates for environmental sensing; [...] Read more.
The accelerating contamination of global ecosystems by heavy metal ions, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs), and emerging contaminants demands sensing technologies that are rapid, sensitive, selective, and field-deployable. Quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as leading candidates for environmental sensing; however, their performance is often interpreted empirically rather than through a unified understanding of the underlying excitonic physics. This narrative review presents a mechanistically integrated framework for QD-based environmental sensing, establishing the exciton, the spatially confined electron–hole quasiparticle, as the primary signal carrier in the most analytically powerful QD sensing modalities. A critical distinction is drawn between three categories of signal-generating processes: genuine excitonic transduction (photoinduced electron transfer, trap-state modulation, FRET, charge-transfer exciton formation, and binding energy modulation); non-excitonic optical phenomena, including the inner filter effect and light scattering, which are frequently misattributed as excitonic responses; and partially excitonic processes such as certain electrochemiluminescence pathways. Exciton fundamentals, confinement effects, and the influence of defects, dopants, and surface states are examined across carbon, chalcogenide, perovskite, and III–V QD families. A Defect–Exciton Energy Map is introduced as a rational design tool linking defect characteristics to excitonic response regime and sensing modality. Application of the mechanistic framework to heavy metal ions, PFASs, microplastics, and emerging contaminants demonstrates that sensing performance differences are mechanistically predictable from excitonic parameters rather than being arbitrary outcomes of materials choice. Benchmarking against competing platforms identifies conditions under which QD sensors offer genuine advantages. The roles of density functional theory, molecular dynamics, and machine learning in enabling rational sensor design are assessed. Key challenges, including stability, real-sample validation, standardisation, and toxicity, and future directions, including QD/two-dimensional material heterostructures and circular economy carbon QD platforms, are identified. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Fluorescence Sensing: Technologies and Applications)
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