{"title":"All-LCP Terahertz Metasensor with Dual Quasi-BIC Resonances for Dual-Range Refractive Index Sensing.","authors":"Yan Zhang, Mengya Pan, Qiankai Hong, Shengyuan Shen, Conghui Guo, Yaping Li, Yanpeng Shi, Yifei Zhang","doi":"10.3390/bios16040221","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16040221","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Terahertz (THz) metasurface biosensors still encounter difficulties in simultaneously achieving high spectral resolution and stable readout across different refractive-index regimes. In this work, an all-liquid-crystal-polymer (LCP) THz metasensor supporting dual quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BIC) resonances is proposed for regime-dependent refractive-index sensing. By introducing structural asymmetry into a periodic LCP cubic-cluster metasurface, two pronounced resonances are generated with quality factors (Q factors) of 6811 and 2526, respectively. Near-field distributions and multipole decomposition analysis indicate that the two resonances possess distinct electromagnetic features, which result in different responses to surrounding dielectric perturbations. In the low-refractive-index range of 1.0-1.5, the two resonance frequencies exhibit a linear variation with refractive index, yielding sensitivities of 122 GHz/RIU and 179 GHz/RIU, respectively. These dual-mode linear responses further offer a foundation for concentration- and temperature-related evaluation through analyte refractive-index mapping. In the higher-refractive-index range of 1.5-1.8, the intermodal frequency difference shows improved linearity with refractive index compared with the individual resonance frequencies, enabling a differential readout scheme with enhanced robustness against common perturbations. The results demonstrate that the proposed all-LCP dual-quasi-BIC metasensor not only enables high-resolution THz refractive-index sensing, but also establishes a regime-dependent spectral readout approach for different dielectric-response intervals.</p>","PeriodicalId":48608,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors-Basel","volume":"16 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13113895/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786334","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Baoqing Zhao, Xianchuan Zeng, Yuyao Su, Kui Ren, Zhijun Zhang, Fei Zhang, Dong Wang
{"title":"NIR-II AIEgens for Phototheranostics: Design, Applications and Perspectives.","authors":"Baoqing Zhao, Xianchuan Zeng, Yuyao Su, Kui Ren, Zhijun Zhang, Fei Zhang, Dong Wang","doi":"10.3390/bios16040219","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16040219","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The design of novel aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active molecules represents a cutting-edge strategy for integrated phototheranostics in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window. This review systematically outlines rational molecular engineering approaches based on D-A, D-A-D, and A-D-A systems to achieve red-shifted NIR-II absorption/emission, enhanced AIE characteristics, and balanced radiative and non-radiative decay pathways. These AIEgens enable high-contrast NIR-II fluorescence imaging (FLI) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI) for precise tumor localization, while concurrently facilitating efficient photothermal therapy (PTT) and robust photodynamic therapy (PDT) through both type-I and type-II mechanisms. Nanoformulations of these molecules exhibit excellent stability, biocompatibility, and passive targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. We further highlight representative \"all-in-one\" AIE platforms that demonstrate synergistic PTT/PDT under multimodal imaging guidance, offering a promising paradigm for precision cancer theranostics. Challenges and future directions in clinical translation and combination therapy are also discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":48608,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors-Basel","volume":"16 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13114197/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Label-Free Fluorescence Detection of Inorganic and Organic Mercury Based on DNA-Templated Gold Nanoclusters.","authors":"Zhiqiang Chen, Kangyao Zhang","doi":"10.3390/bios16040218","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16040218","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Heavy metal mercury is one of the most significant and toxic environmental contaminants. Its inorganic form (Hg<sup>2+</sup>) and organic form (organic mercury, OrHg) can cause irreversible harm to human health and the ecological environment, and the latter is particularly prone to bioaccumulation and bioamplification in the food chain. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a rapid, reliable and specific detection of Hg<sup>2+</sup> and OrHg to evaluate the potential risk for human health. Here, a novel label-free fluorescent sensing platform based on ssDNA aptamer (A<sub>A-T7</sub>)-templated AuNCs was established for sensitive recognition and specific detection of Hg<sup>2+</sup> and OrHg. In the presence of OrHg, the fluorescence of pure A<sub>A-T7</sub>-templated AuNCs was visibly enhanced through forming Ag/AuNCs based on Ag<sup>0</sup>-doped AIEE effect. However, they were obviously quenched because of generating non-fluorescent Au/Ag/Hg ANPs via metallophilic interactions among Au<sup>3+</sup>, Ag<sup>+</sup>, and Hg<sup>2+</sup> (5d<sup>10</sup>-4d<sup>10</sup>-5d<sup>10</sup>) when only Hg<sup>2+</sup> existed. This fluorescent sensing platform could detect as low as 20.0 nM (4.0 ng Hg/g) and has a good linear detection range, with target concentrations ranging from 0.25 μM to 2.00 μM, recoveries of 98.0-108.0%, and RSD ≤ 5.0%. Low-toxic A<sub>A-T7</sub>-templated AuNCs could be used for cytotoxicity analysis and intracellular fluorescent imaging. The method has been successfully applied to the determination of Hg<sup>2+</sup> and OrHg in tap water, seawater and dried golden pomfret fish muscle samples, demonstrating promising prospects for the assay of mercury species in environmental samples and aquatic products to ensure human health and food safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":48608,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors-Basel","volume":"16 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13115007/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jian Feng, Zhichen Li, Haoyang Shen, Rui Hao, Yifei Yang, Xi Chen, Xin Hong, Guoqiang Gu, Lin Zeng, Hui Yang
{"title":"Efficient On-Chip Separation and Labeling of Extracellular Vesicles from Whole Blood.","authors":"Jian Feng, Zhichen Li, Haoyang Shen, Rui Hao, Yifei Yang, Xi Chen, Xin Hong, Guoqiang Gu, Lin Zeng, Hui Yang","doi":"10.3390/bios16040220","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16040220","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The development of high-throughput technologies for the separation and labeling of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from whole blood is critical for downstream EV detection and analysis. However, conventional EV separation and labeling workflows are typically labor-intensive and inefficient, requiring multiple sequential processing steps. Here, we present a microfluidic platform that integrates negative magnetophoresis-based separation with mixing-enhanced on-chip labeling. The chip adopts a vertical flow channel architecture in combination with a Halbach-array magnetic field configuration, thereby overcoming the throughput limitations inherent to traditional horizontal microchannels. Parallel channels can be freely arranged above on the magnetic array to achieve ultra-high throughput processing, achieving a cell removal efficiency of 99.97% at a blood-to-sheath flow ratio of 1:5. Furthermore, by incorporating a narrow-wide channel design synergized with a herringbone-Tesla micromixer structure, the platform achieves a labeling efficiency of 91.8% within 2 min, approaching the performance of conventional 20 min incubation. This system offers both high-throughput and integration capabilities, providing a powerful technical platform for EV-related life science research.</p>","PeriodicalId":48608,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors-Basel","volume":"16 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13113986/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jiang-Shan Chen, Huan Zhu, Tong-Qing Chai, Feng-Qing Yang
{"title":"The Laccase-like Property of GHK-Cu and Its Applications in Colorimetric Sensing of Phenolic Compounds.","authors":"Jiang-Shan Chen, Huan Zhu, Tong-Qing Chai, Feng-Qing Yang","doi":"10.3390/bios16040217","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16040217","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Laccase plays an important role in the detection and degradation of phenolic compounds, but it is limited by its cost and stability. In this study, the laccase-like property of copper peptide (GHK-Cu) has been revealed. In terms of enzymatic reaction kinetics, GHK-Cu has a <i>V</i><sub>max</sub> of 1.735 × 10<sup>-4</sup> mM·s<sup>-1</sup> and a <i>K</i><sub>m</sub> of 0.061 mM, demonstrating good substrate affinity and excellent catalytic efficiency. Then, a colorimetry was developed for rapid detection of epinephrine (EP) and 2-aminophenol (2-AP). The linear response range of EP is 20-240 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 9.5 μM. The linear response ranges of 2-AP are 14-100 μM (in ultrapure water) and 2-120 μM (in seawater), with LODs of 2.56 μM and 1.65 μM. In addition, combined with a smartphone platform, a cotton-based sensor has been developed for the detection of 2-AP in seawater. The linear response ranges are 0-0.2 mM and 0.2-1 mM, with LOD of 0.033 mM. The structure of GHK-Cu provides a reference for the development of novel laccase mimetic enzymes. The constructed colorimetry offers an option for the rapid detection of phenolic compounds, and the developed cotton-based sensor enabled rapid and portable detection of 2-AP.</p>","PeriodicalId":48608,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors-Basel","volume":"16 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13115362/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786068","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Flexible Wearable Glucose Sensor for Noninvasive Diabetes Screening: Functional Equivalence and Model Interpretability.","authors":"Wenhan Xie, Jinqi Wang, Hao Liu, Shuo Chen, Peng Wang, Yumei Han, Xianxiang Chen, Zhen Fang, Zhan Zhao, Guohong Zhang, Xiuhua Guo","doi":"10.3390/bios16040214","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16040214","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Real-world evidence for wearable noninvasive glucose monitoring (NIGM) remains limited. To evaluate the functional equivalence of a wearable NIGM device and explore its utility for T2DM and prediabetes screening. In this multicenter study, 12-h daytime glucose profiles obtained by a flexible reverse iontophoresis-based electrochemical sensor were compared with capillary glucose using functional equivalence. Subgroup analyses were conducted. Screening models of T2DM and prediabetes were developed using elastic net and Logistic regression. A total of 135 participants (mean age 35.3 years; 60.0% female) were included, and no serious device-related adverse events were reported. Compared to the capillary measurements, functional equivalence was confirmed (<i>T</i> = -6.537 < threshold = -2.081) in the general population but not in older adults or T2DM patients. The T2DM noninvasive screening model demonstrated discrimination and reclassification performance comparable to those of the capillary-based model (AUC: 0.906 vs. 0.850, NRI: 0.044, IDI: -0.078, <i>p</i> > 0.05). Functional principal component scores facilitated the identification of prediabetes (AUC = 0.760). The device demonstrated acceptable accuracy and functional equivalence with reference methods. Its capability to detect T2DM and early glycemic anomalies supports its feasibility as a wearable, interpretative adjunct tool for large-scale screening in free-living populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":48608,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors-Basel","volume":"16 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13113994/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Aptamer-Based Label-Free Colorimetric Assay Using Gold Nanoparticles for Specific Detection of <i>Streptococcus suis</i>.","authors":"Sirikwan Sangboonruang, Natthawat Semakul, Apinyapat Matchawong, Anuchit Sattaphan, Kanokwan Saengsawang, Chatchawan Srisawat, Khajornsak Tragoolpua, Chayada Sitthidet Tharinjaroen","doi":"10.3390/bios16040215","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16040215","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Streptococcus suis</i> is a serious zoonotic pathogen responsible for rapid progression and deadly infections in both humans and pigs. With an increasing number of reported cases and considering the limitations of standard routine identification, a simple, rapid, and cost-effective approach is needed. In this study, a label-free colorimetric assay based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was applied with a specific aptamer, R8-su12. This assay offered simplified detection through observable color change, enabling visual analysis by the naked eye or assessment via UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Under the optimal assay conditions, the detection procedure was carried out within 45 min. The reaction of the aptasensor and other bacterial species, including <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, <i>S. pneumoniae</i>, <i>S. pyogenes</i>, <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, <i>Escherichia coli</i>, <i>Enterococcus faecium</i>, and <i>E. faecalis</i>, was not present, indicating the specificity of this assay. Moreover, the aptasensor exhibited high sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) at 1 CFU of <i>S. suis</i> and had broad reactivity with <i>S. suis</i> serotypes 1, 1/2, 9, and 14, as well as with <i>S. suis</i> isolated from clinical specimens. Thus, this aptasensor demonstrates proof-of-concept feasibility including clinical sample testing before practical implementation. It holds promise as a practical tool for the early screening and outbreak management of <i>S. suis</i> in a variety of settings, such as clinical laboratories, food safety, and the environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":48608,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors-Basel","volume":"16 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13114957/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zihao Wu, Jingyan Li, Haixia Shi, Bing Xie, Li Gao
{"title":"A Guanine-Enhanced Graphene-DNA Paper-Based Sensing Platform Enabling Sensitive Hg<sup>2+</sup> Detection.","authors":"Zihao Wu, Jingyan Li, Haixia Shi, Bing Xie, Li Gao","doi":"10.3390/bios16040213","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16040213","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mercury ions (Hg<sup>2+</sup>) are highly toxic and pose severe risks to human health and ecosystems, necessitating sensitive detection methods for environmental monitoring. Here, we report a paper-based graphene sensor functionalized with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) probes for Hg<sup>2+</sup> detection based on T-Hg<sup>2+</sup>-T coordination chemistry. To elucidate the effect of probe structure on sensing performance, we designed DNA constructs with varying numbers of guanine (G) bases (3-6, designated DNA2-DNA5) in the bridging fragment and systematically evaluated their influence on hairpin stability, Hg<sup>2+</sup> binding affinity, and sensor response. The DNA3-based sensor (four G bases) exhibited optimal electronic stability and sensitivity, achieving a detection limit of 0.673 pM with effective real-time monitoring capability in aqueous media. These findings highlight the critical role of DNA sequence design in T-Hg<sup>2+</sup>-T-based biosensors and provide a promising strategy for sensitive and selective Hg<sup>2+</sup> detection in environmental samples.</p>","PeriodicalId":48608,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors-Basel","volume":"16 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13113891/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Full Hematocrit-Viscosity Curve Identification Using Three-Dataset Krieger-Dougherty Regression.","authors":"Yang Jun Kang","doi":"10.3390/bios16040216","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16040216","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Blood viscosity is strongly dependent on hematocrit, and the hematocrit-viscosity relationship is an important determinant of blood rheology under physiological and pathological conditions. However, obtaining a full hematocrit-viscosity curve requires multiple measurements over a wide hematocrit range. In this study, a simple method is proposed to reconstruct the full hematocrit-viscosity curve using only three-dataset Krieger-Dougherty (K-D) regression as μ=μ0(1-ϕϕm)-α ϕm. Based on suspended blood, RBC-rich blood and RBC-depleted blood are prepared after centrifugation. The hematocrit of each type of blood is measured using a micro-hemocytometer. Simultaneously, the blood viscosity of each type of blood is measured using the coflowing streams method. The proposed method is evaluated sequentially using reference datasets and hematocrit-viscosity datasets of control blood. According to results, the full hematocrit-viscosity curve obtained from three selected datasets is in good agreement with the experimental data and yields a lower root-mean-square error than conventional methods using all datasets. The exponent of the K-D model is strongly influenced by the midpoint dataset, whereas <i>μ</i><sub>0</sub> is mainly affected by the suspending medium (dextran solution). In contrast, GA-induced rigidified RBCs do not significantly affect <i>μ</i><sub>0</sub> within a 0.15% concentration. In conclusion, the proposed method provides a simple, efficient, and reliable approach for estimating the full hematocrit-viscosity curve.</p>","PeriodicalId":48608,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors-Basel","volume":"16 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13114185/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Polymers-Based Biosensors and Bioelectronics: Designs and Applications.","authors":"Vinh Van Tran","doi":"10.3390/bios16040211","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/bios16040211","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biosensors and bioelectronics (B&B) are typical devices working at the interfaces of biology and electronics [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":48608,"journal":{"name":"Biosensors-Basel","volume":"16 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13115191/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786040","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}