Submit to Special Issue Submit Abstract to Special Issue Review for Sensors Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Bioimpedance Measurements and Microelectrodes

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 January 2026 | Viewed by 7430

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Gloria Huertas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Instituto de Microelectronica de Sevilla (US/IMSE), Universidad de Sevilla, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
Interests: biomedical circuits and systems; bio-sensors; laboratory on-a-chip (LoC); bioimpedance; microelectrode; design for test
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Alberto Yufera

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Instituto de Microelectronica de Sevilla (US/IMSE), Universidad de Sevilla, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
Interests: bioimpedance; biomedical circuits and systems; analog integrated circuit design; wearable devices; biosensors; stem cells electro-stimulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Santiago Fernández Scagliusi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant

Seville Institute of Microelectronics, Seville, Spain
Interests: bioimpedance

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bioimpedance measurements are an essential technique in the field of biomedicine, used to analyze the electrical properties of biological tissues, cells and other biological samples. By applying a small electrical current and measuring the resulting voltage, bioimpedance can provide valuable information about tissue composition, cellular health, and physiological processes. This Special Issue delves into the latest advancements and applications of bioimpedance measurements, with a particular emphasis on the role of microelectrodes.

Microelectrodes have become pivotal in enhancing the precision and effectiveness of bioimpedance measurements. Due to their small size, they allow for high-resolution recordings and can access regions that are difficult to measure with traditional electrodes. This makes them ideal for minimally invasive procedures, providing detailed data while reducing patient discomfort and risk.

The articles in this issue should explore various facets of bioimpedance and microelectrode technology. Topics of interest include innovations in microelectrode design, improvements in bioimpedance measurement techniques, and the integration of these technologies in clinical and research settings. Applications range from cardiac monitoring and neural activity recording to cancer detection, cellular analysis, and tissue engineering.

By bringing together cutting-edge research and practical applications, this Special Issue aims to highlight the transformative potential of bioimpedance measurements and microelectrode technology in modern medicine.

The topic of bioimpedance measurements and microelectrode technology aligns perfectly with the scope of Sensors for several reasons:

Innovative sensor technology: Bioimpedance measurement systems and microelectrodes are at the forefront of sensor innovation. Microelectrodes, as highly sensitive and miniaturized sensors, provide critical advancements in the ability to measure electrical properties of biological entities with high precision and resolution.
Biomedical applications: The application of bioimpedance sensors in medical diagnostics and research exemplifies the use of sensor technology to address complex biomedical challenges. This includes applications such as cardiac monitoring, neural activity recording, cancer detection, and tissue engineering, which are all within the interest of the readership of Sensors.
Integration and systems development: The integration of bioimpedance sensors and microelectrodes into complex systems for real-time monitoring and diagnostics represents significant progress in sensor system development. This includes the design, optimization, and deployment of sensor networks and systems in healthcare settings.
Technological advancements: Advances in microelectrode design, materials, and fabrication techniques are pivotal for the development of next-generation sensors. These technological advancements contribute to the broader field of sensor technology, aligning with the journal's emphasis on cutting-edge research and innovation.
Multidisciplinary approach: Bioimpedance and microelectrode research is inherently multidisciplinary, encompassing fields such as biomedical engineering, materials science, electrical engineering, and physiology. This multidisciplinary nature is a key aspect of Sensors, which encourages contributions that span across different scientific and engineering disciplines.
Impact on sensor development: Research on bioimpedance and microelectrodes impacts the development of sensors for various applications beyond biomedicine, including environmental monitoring, food safety, and industrial applications. This broad impact is relevant to the diverse topics covered by Sensors.

By focusing on these aspects, the topic of bioimpedance measurements and microelectrode technology fits seamlessly within the scope of Sensors, contributing to the advancement of sensor technology and its application in a wide range of fields.

Prof. Dr. Gloria Huertas
Dr. Alberto Yufera
Guest Editors

Dr. Santiago Fernández Scagliusi
Guest Editor Assistant

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

bioimpedance
microelectrodes
biomedical diagnostics
electrical properties of biological samples
cellular health
high-resolution measurements
minimally invasive techniques
microelectrode design
bioimpedance systems
tissue characterization
cellular analysis
clinical applications
electrophysiology
tissue engineering
cancer detection
neural recording
physiological processes

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 (8 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

13 pages, 3166 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impedance Characterization and Modeling of Gold, Silver, and PEDOT:PSS Ultra-Thin Tattoo Electrodes for Wearable Bioelectronics

by Antonello Mascia, Riccardo Collu, Nasreddine Makni, Mattia Concas, Massimo Barbaro and Piero Cosseddu

Sensors 2025, 25(15), 4568; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25154568 - 23 Jul 2025

Viewed by 50

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation and an equivalent circuit modeling of the skin–electrode impedance characteristics of three types of ultra-thin tattoo electrodes, all based on Parylene C nanofilms but with different active materials: Gold, Silver, and PEDOT:PSS. Their performance was compared to standard disposable Ag/AgCl electrodes. Impedance measurements were carried out on six human subjects under controlled conditions, assessing the frequency response in the range of 20 Hz to 1 kHz. For each subject, the impedance was recorded six times over one hour to investigate the stability and the temporal performance. The collected data were subsequently analyzed to model the electrical properties and interface behavior of each electrode type. The findings demonstrate that the tattoo electrodes offer impedance levels comparable to those of Ag/AgCl electrodes (in the order of tens of kΩ at 20 Hz), while providing additional benefits such as enhanced conformability, improved skin adhesion, and reduced skin irritation during use. Furthermore, the modeling of the skin–electrode interface through a more detailed equivalent circuit than the single time constant model enables a more detailed interface analysis and description, with fitting algorithm R² scores of about 0.999 and 0.979 for the impedance magnitude and impedance phase, respectively. The proposed equivalent circuit offers valuable insights for optimizing electrode design, supporting the potential of Parylene C-based tattoo electrodes as promising alternatives for next-generation wearable bioelectronic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioimpedance Measurements and Microelectrodes)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining Classic Bioimpedance Vector Patterns Between BMI Classifications Among Community-Dwelling Older Women

by Kworweinski Lafontant, David H. Fukuda, Dea Chovatia, Cecil Latta, Chitra Banarjee, Jeffrey R. Stout, Rui Xie, Janet Lopez and Ladda Thiamwong

Sensors 2025, 25(13), 4181; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25134181 - 4 Jul 2025

Viewed by 308

Abstract

Body mass index (BMI) is not equipped to adequately detect obesity in individuals, leading to conditions such as normal-weight obesity, which disproportionately impact older women. Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) is a non-invasive and accessible method for assessing body composition and cellular health (e.g., resistance/height, reactance/height, phase angle), yet little is known about how BMI categories differ in cellular health. This cross-sectional study compared bioimpedance and adiposity across BMI classifications (normal weight, overweight, and obese) among 196 community-dwelling older women (age: 74.5 ± 7.0 years, BMI: 30.3 ± 6.3 kg/m²) using a one-way ANOVA and BIVA software. Individual and group bioimpedance were plotted within tolerance and 95% confidence ellipses. Body fat percentage (F = 70.6, p < 0.001, η_p² = 0.42) and resistance/height (F = 36.4, p < 0.001, η_p² = 0.27) differed between normal-weight, overweight, and obese groups. Reactance/height (F = 36.4, p < 0.001, η_p² = 0.27) and phase angle (F = 4.77, p = 0.01, η_p² = 0.05) only differed between normal-weight and obese groups. When plotted with 95% BIVA confidence ellipses, BMI categories occupied distinct positions from each other (T² = 16.1 − 66.6, D = 0.68 − 1.48, p < 0.05). Within BIVA tolerance ellipses, overweight and obese categories fell in the “obese” quadrant, while the normal-weight category fell in the “athletic” quadrant. However, individual participants were predominantly scattered throughout the “cachectic,” “obese,” and “athletic” quadrants regardless of BMI. These findings suggest that BMI appears to be adequate for assessing population averages but not individual body composition. Future research should investigate the utility of bioelectrical resistance as a marker of obesity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioimpedance Measurements and Microelectrodes)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intraretinal Electrophysiology and Resistivity Profiles of WT and RCS Rat Retina

by Marie Jung, Antje Willuweit and Viviana Rincón Montes

Sensors 2025, 25(12), 3765; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25123765 - 16 Jun 2025

Viewed by 389

Abstract

Retinal prostheses have been utilized in the treatment of blindness resulting from retinal degeneration. However, they have not met patient expectations, leading to market withdrawals. As a result, research continues to focus on improving visual perception, such as by modeling retinal neural activation. The retina’s electrical resistivity profile is key, as it influences the current spread during electrical stimulation. To advance efficient stimulation parameters, more data on the electrical properties of the retina in both its healthy and diseased state is needed. While this question has been addressed in mouse models, few data are available from rat models, whose bigger size is advantageous for many applications. To address this knowledge gap, we used flexible penetrating microelectrode arrays to measure intraretinal impedance and electrophysiological activity in retinas from both healthy (WT) and diseased RCS rats, an established model of retinal degeneration. Consequently, we calculated resistivity profiles, consistent with previous mouse retina findings, and correlated them with spontaneous spiking activity. Hence, both impedance and electrophysiological measurements across retinal depths are demonstrated as valuable tools to identify the optimal stimulation depth and simulate the electric field spread during electrical stimulation, which is particularly useful for the development of retinal prostheses. These findings demonstrate that resistivity changes in the degenerated retina significantly impact stimulation protocols and electric field propagation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioimpedance Measurements and Microelectrodes)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

31 pages, 13869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Validation in Porcine and Human Models of a Bioimpedance Spectroscopy System for the Objective Assessment of Kidney Graft Viability

by David Naranjo-Hernández, Javier Reina-Tosina, Laura M. Roa, Gerardo Barbarov-Rostán, Jorge Calvillo-Arbizu, Alejandro Talaminos-Barroso, Miguel Ángel Pérez-Valdivia and Rafael A. Medina-López

Sensors 2025, 25(9), 2871; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25092871 - 2 May 2025

Viewed by 351

Abstract

This work presents an innovative bioimpedance spectroscopy device, developed as a support tool for decision-making during the evaluation of kidney viability for renal transplantation. Given the increasing demand for organs and the need to optimize donation criteria, the precise and objective assessment of renal graft functionality has become crucial. The device, based on a modular design and adapted to the surgical environment, uses a novel Cole model with a frequency-dependent membrane capacitance, which improves measurement accuracy and repeatability compared to conventional models. Adapting the device for operating room usege involved overcoming significant challenges, such as the need for sterilization and a visual, tactile and acoustic user interface that facilitates device usability. Optimizing the sensing stage has minimized the influence of measurement artifacts, which is crucial for obtaining accurate and representative measurements of renal tissue bioelectrical properties. In addition, a rigorous electrode sterilization protocol was designed, ensuring asepsis during the procedure. The results of tests on porcine renal models demonstrated the device’s ability to monitor pathophysiological changes associated with renal ischemia, with a notable improvement against measurement repeatability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioimpedance Measurements and Microelectrodes)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3900 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Classifying Storage Temperature for Mandarin (Citrus reticulata L.) Using Bioimpedance and Diameter Measurements with Machine Learning

by Daesik Son, Siun Lee, Sehyeon Jeon, Jae Joon Kim and Soo Chung

Sensors 2025, 25(8), 2627; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25082627 - 21 Apr 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 589

Abstract

Mandarin (Citrus reticulata L.) is consumed worldwide. Improper storage temperatures cause flavor loss and shorten shelf lives, reducing marketability. Mandarins’ quality is difficult to assess visually, as they show no apparent changes during storage. Therefore, a simple, non-destructive method is needed to assess their freshness as affected by temperature. This work utilized non-invasive bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) on mandarins stored at different temperatures. Eight machine learning (ML) models were trained with bioimpedance data to classify storage temperature. Also, we confirmed whether integrating diameter and time-series changes into the bioimpedance could improve the ML models’ accuracies by minimizing sample variations. Additionally, we evaluated the effectiveness of equivalent circuit (EC) parameters derived from bioimpedance data for ML training. Although slightly less accurate than using raw bioimpedance data, EC parameters can efficiently reduce data dimensionality. Among all models, the SVM model trained with changes in bioimpedance integrated with diameter data achieved the highest accuracy of 0.92. It was a significant improvement compared to the accuracy of 0.76 achieved when using only the raw bioimpedance data. Thus, this study suggests a novel method of integrating diameter and bioimpedance changes to assess the storage temperature of mandarins. This approach can also be applied to other fruits when utilizing BIS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioimpedance Measurements and Microelectrodes)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 3343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioimpedance Analysis of Cucumber Plants Exposed to Different Nitrogen Doses Under Greenhouse Conditions

by Flórián Kovács, Katalin Juhos, Zoltán Vizvári, Péter Odry, Ingrid M. Gyalai, Peter Sarcevic and Ákos Odry

Sensors 2025, 25(8), 2486; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25082486 - 15 Apr 2025

Viewed by 481

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) availability is critical for cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) growth and yield in greenhouse production. In this study, we investigated the effects of different N doses on the bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) parameters of cucumber plants (ES.22.17 F1 genotype), focusing on extracellular [...] Read more.

R_{1}

), intracellular fluid resistance (

R_{2}

), vacuole fluid resistance (

R_{4}

), and cell membrane capacitances (

C_{m}

C_{t}

). The results showed that low N supply significantly increased

R_{1}

and reduced

C_{m}

in the leaves, indicative of decreased nitrate (NO₃⁻) concentration and impaired membrane fluidity. Higher N supply lowered resistance and increased cell membrane capacitance, reflecting improved ion transport and storage efficiency. A strong positive correlation was observed between total N and NO₃⁻ content (r = 0.9), while NO₃⁻ content negatively correlated with extracellular fluid resistance (

R_{1}

, r = −0.8) and vacuole fluid resistance (

R_{4}

, r = −0.9). The optimal N supply for cucumber plants was associated with

R_{1}

values of 47,121.07–52,953.93 Ω,

R_{4}

values of 0.348–0.529 Ω, and

C_{m}

values of 3.149 × 10⁻¹⁰–3.781 × 10⁻¹⁰ F. These BIS parameters showed high sensitivity to plant N status, highlighting BIS as a promising, minimally invasive technique for real-time nutrient monitoring. By integrating BIS data and horticultural best practices, growers can refine N fertilization strategies for better resource efficiency and potentially higher yields and fruit quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioimpedance Measurements and Microelectrodes)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High-Sensitivity Electrical Admittance Sensor with Regression Analysis for Measuring Mixed Electrolyte Concentrations

by Chun-Chi Chen, Chih-Hung Hung, Han-Xiang Zhu and Ji-Zun Chen

Sensors 2024, 24(22), 7379; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24227379 - 19 Nov 2024

Viewed by 821

Abstract

Electrolyte balance is essential for the proper functioning of the body, and imbalances can lead to various health issues, some of which may be life-threatening. Therefore, measuring electrolyte concentrations is becoming increasingly important, particularly for athletes engaged in high-intensity and prolonged physical activity. In this project, we developed a highly sensitive sensing device capable of accurately and rapidly measuring electrolyte concentrations in mixed solutions, providing precise analysis of trace electrolyte levels. The sensor device requires no complex operational procedures and can quickly complete measurements, making it well-suited for point-of-care applications. Integration of regression models further enhances the device’s ability to estimate concentrations in mixed electrolyte solutions. The test results demonstrate that the device can detect subtle concentration variations, with a precision as low as

0.5

mM. This proposed sensing device offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for real-time monitoring of electrolyte levels in healthcare. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioimpedance Measurements and Microelectrodes)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

33 pages, 1969 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) for Assessment of Hydration Status: A Comparison between Endurance and Strength University Athletes

by Maria Abdelnour, Rédina Berkachy, Lara Nasreddine and Elie-Jacques Fares

Sensors 2024, 24(18), 6024; https://doi.org/10.3390/s24186024 - 18 Sep 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3478

Abstract

Introduction: Athletic performance is greatly impacted by hydration status. The combination of several techniques is recommended to accurately measure water losses and gains. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the validity of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) as a tool for measuring hydration status in endurance and strength athletes. Methods: A total of 148 athletes were evaluated on one experimental day, pre- and post-training. Urine samples were collected and analyzed for color and specific gravity. Body weight changes were measured, sweat rate was calculated, and BIVA was performed. Reference ellipses were plotted using data of 200 healthy non-athletic individuals. Results: A moderate significant agreement was noted between raw bioelectrical values and urine specific gravity (USG) (p > 0.05). The sensitivity of classic BIVA in detecting minor changes in hydration status is confirmed both graphically and statistically. R/h and Z statistically significantly decreased post-training. Male athletes exhibited a specific BIA vector distribution compared to the reference population and were slightly more hydrated than female athletes. Conclusions: BIVA validation may be an essential step to allow its use among university students to assess dehydration in a non-invasive, practical, and inexpensive way. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioimpedance Measurements and Microelectrodes)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Bioimpedance Measurements and Microelectrodes

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI