Cell-based Biosensors

Dear Colleagues,

Cell-based biosensors represent one of the most advanced and, at the same time, challenging scientific and technological domain in analytical and diagnostic sciences. They are particularly popular in drug development and toxicology research since cells represent the actual targets of the investigated compounds. During the last decade, considerable progress has been made in improving the selectivity and controllability of the response of cells as biorecognition elements against desired target analytes. This achievement has been facilitated by rapid developments in targeted genome editing (including the contribution of Crisp/Cas9-based tools), membrane-engineering and the advent of synthetic cells with designed genetic circuits. On the other hand, an increasing number of biosensing applications employing cells have moved from conventional, two-dimensional cell culture approaches to 3D ones, often combined with microfluidics and nanosensors to present a “multi-organ-on-a-chip” platform. Such advanced systems have the potential to revolutionize drug and toxicity testing in terms of high throughput capacity, speed and reliability, the last merit being inherently associated with the high level of similarity of these platforms with the real body. The Biosensors Special Issue “Cell-Based Biosensors” is intended to be a timely and comprehensive issue on very recent and emerging concepts and technologies in this fascinating field. Topics include, but are not restricted to, (a) novel, cell-based methodological approaches and analytical principles, (b) advances in 3D- and microfluidic cell platforms, including organ-like cultures, cell-printing and encapsulation technologies, (c) novel approaches to synthetic cell manufacturing (targeted genome editing, synthetic genetic circuits, membrane engineering, etc.), (d) cell-based biosensors in functional pharmacology research, (e) novel cell types with improved selective and/or storability, (f) integrated cell-based biosensor platforms, and (g) current challenges, applications and perspectives for cell-based biosensors and analytical devices for toxicology and drug research, including commercially-available systems. Research papers, short communications and reviews are all welcome. If the author is interested in submitting a review, it would be helpful to discuss this with the Guest Editors before your submission.

Prof. Dr. Spyridon E. Kintzios
Assist. Prof. Dr. Georgia Moschopoulou
Dr. Sofia Mavrikou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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