Advanced Sensor Research最新文献

Nanocomposites

An electrochemical platinum microelectrode is decorated with carbon nanotubes bearing redox-active orange polyoxovanadate octahedra. Each octahedron anchors ribbon-like aptamer chains that capture target protein biomolecules, illustrating molecular detection from a fluid sample. More details can be found in the Research Article by Kirill Monakhov and co-workers (DOI: 10.1002/adsr.202500080). Cover artwork created by Eric Vogelsberg

Research in the domain of wearable electronics is observing a paradigm shift. Nowadays, most researchers are focusing on developing a unique wearable sensor solution for the early prognosis of several life-threatening diseases. Not only is prognosis important, but gaining a deeper insight into the underlying causality with the aid of sensors is also becoming popular. Among the various diseases, challenges related to respiratory disorders are potentially increasing worldwide. Accordingly, a lot of research is now being conducted to appropriately understand the various facets using such sensors. Therefore, in this review, the potential of polymer nanocomposite-based respiratory sensors has been examined. Representative examples of developing such sensors are discussed. The various mechanistic approaches that control the detection mechanism in such sensors are explored. Further, this review also discusses important factors such as cross-interference of signals and their impact on the final results. The futuristic self-powered respiratory sensors, with emphasis on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) and moisture electric generators (MEG), are discussed. All the sections are supported through examples from the literature. As a future outlook, the potential contributions of artificial intelligence (AI) and material improvisation to the growth and development of this field have also been discussed.

Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Glucose Sensor

In the Research Article (DOI: 10.1002/adsr.202500069), Rahul Panat, Suhas Jejurikar, and co-workers demonstrate effective detection of glucose molecules using a carbon paper electrode modified by a stack of MWCNTs and NiO. Various characterization techniques show that the unique combination of materials in the stack enhances the electrocatalytic activity of the electrode, leading to the observed effects. This approach leads to enhanced non-enzymatic sensors for biomolecule detection.

In this study, a novel 3D-printed glassy carbon gyroid anode is constructed using stereolithography, aiming to improve microbial fuel cell (MFC)-based biosensor performance through a simple method that optimizes both the macroporous structure and hydrophilicity of the anode. Comparative studies are conducted between MFC-based biosensors with traditional carbon felt (CF-MFCs) and those with the 3D-printed resin anode (RE-MFCs). In batch mode, RE-MFCs show a linear dynamic range from 26 to 405 mg L⁻¹, +126% higher than CF-MFCs (26–194 mg L⁻¹). However, a reduction in sensitivity is observed (0.40 ± 0.08 mA m⁻² mg⁻¹ L⁻¹ for RE-MFCs and 1.02 ± 0.08 mA m⁻² mg⁻¹ L⁻¹). In continuous flow mode at a flow rate of 0.1 mL min⁻¹ (HRT = 5 h), the RE-MFCs demonstrated up to 35% higher sensitivity (1.45 mA m⁻² mg⁻¹ L⁻¹) than the CF-MFCs (0.94 mA m⁻² mg⁻¹ L⁻¹) due to increased mass transport and better biofilm activity. Despite using the same inoculum, different microbial electroactive biofilms formed on the CF and RE anodes. Biofilm communities are influenced more by the operation mode than by the anode material choice. This study introduces an innovative anode material that can be tailored to increase dynamic range or sensitivity based on MFC operation mode and calibration strategy.

Biosensing by Particle Motion (BPM) is an affinity-based biosensing technology for the continuous monitoring of concentrations of specific biomolecules. Previous work has shown that BPM sensor signals change over long time spans, caused in part by losses of binder molecules from the particles and the sensing surface. This paper studies whether the aging effects of particles and the sensing surface depend on the applied temperature. Particles and surface were separately aged, and their functionalities were quantified in a glycoalkaloid BPM sensor, with anti-solanidine antibodies on the particles and solanidine-analogue on the sensing surface. The results show that the particles are stable up to 40 °C and lose functionality when exposed to 50 °C and higher. The surface aging experiments show both decreasing and increasing signals with temperature exposures, potentially caused by rearrangements of the low-fouling polymer coating on the sensing surface. The experimental results give pointers on how long-term changes of continuous biosensors can be studied and eventually mitigated.

Lipid droplets (LDs) and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are dynamic organelles central to cellular metabolism, signaling, and stress response. Despite their biological relevance and close interplay, tools to selectively track their dynamic behavior remain limited. Here, the design, synthesis, and characterization of a new class of fluorescent probes obtained through green multicomponent synthetic strategies are reported. These previously unexplored fluorophore scaffolds display unexpected and differential subcellular localization, selectively targeting either LDs or the ER with high photostability. Mechanistic studies suggest that such selectivity arises from a synergistic interplay between partition coefficient, conformational geometry, and strategically positioned targeting moieties. These features enable the probes to adapt to distinct microenvironments within cells, supporting real-time visualization of both LD and ER dynamics. These findings provide versatile sensing tools and novel insights into organelle-targeting principles, establishing an eco-conscious route to next-generation fluorescent sensors.

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) sustained during sports activity represent a complex and heterogeneous spectrum of neuropathological conditions that remain underdiagnosed and often poorly managed, particularly in the amateur athletic populations. Traditional diagnostic paradigms, heavily reliant on subjective symptom reporting and clinical observation, lack the sensitivity and specificity required for early and accurate detection of mild and sub-concussive injuries. This review fills a critical gap by synthesizing recent advances in precision diagnostic tools, including AI-enhanced neuroimaging, blood-based biomarkers, and wearable biosensors, which are reshaping the detection and monitoring of sports-related TBIs. Despite significant research, diagnostic inconsistency persists, particularly in youth and amateur athletes. By integrating these converging technologies, a unified framework for earlier and more accurate detection as well as longitudinal monitoring, is proposed. Through a systems biology framework, the study evaluates the translational relevance of these tools in stratifying injury severity, monitoring recovery trajectories, and informing return-to-play decisions. Furthermore, the review addresses inherent challenges, including inter-individual variability, lack of consensus on diagnostic thresholds, ethical considerations in youth, and collegiate sports and the need for large-scale, sport-specific normative datasets. Looking ahead, the synergistic application of AI and digital diagnostics offers a transformative shift in sports neurology and public health surveillance.

Clean, disinfected surfaces and medical instruments are critical to maintaining a hygienic environment, especially in healthcare settings. Current methods for disinfection validation and training require either a long evaluation time or do not distinguish between physical (dilution) and chemical (disintegration) disinfection procedures. However, to achieve effective disinfection, both effects, dilution and disintegration, are required for many commonly used disinfectants (e.g., alcohol, sodium hypochlorite, quaternary ammonium compounds). In this study, a method is established for the real-time monitoring of surface disinfection using fluorescence-labeled DNA and lipid nanoparticles (LNP) encapsulating such DNA. It is shown that the spatial separation of quencher-modified DNA and fluorophore-modified complementary DNA by LNPs can be disrupted by ethanolic disinfectants, facilitating the disintegration of LNPs. The resulting quenching of fluorescence can immediately be detected using a manual setup comprising a hand-held laser, a color filter, and a smartphone camera. To demonstrate a potential application of this novel disinfection detection technology, disinfection of a commonly used medical instrument, a scalpel, is validated using the qualitative change in fluorescence upon disintegration of LNPs, enabling distinction between physical dilution and chemical disintegration. Therefore, LNPs spatially separating quencher and fluorophore offer real-time, qualitative monitoring of surface disinfection.