Rapid Detection Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Rapid detection typically refers to fast, accurate and reliable detection of specific targets with high sensitivity and specificity. One can find numerous examples of rapid detection systems in the literature and also commercial products. Rapid detection systems are particularly useful when dealing with targets such as those causing bacterial or viral infections, or environmental contamination. To illustrate what is meant by rapid detection systems, some simple system examples are provided below.

For diagnostic purposes, appropriate selection of test samples and reliable testing methods are some key issues in rapid detection of biological or environmental species of interest. In the example of avian influenza or bird flu, rapid detection of the virus is particularly relevant due to the complex organization of the poultry industry and the need for quick identification of the virus so it can be suitably contained, especially if the birds are being moved from farms in rural areas to trans-shipment locations or consumer outlets. In this example, if there is suspicion of an epidemic or an actual epidemic, then rapid and reliable detection of “biological” targets of bird flu using appropriate bioprobes is critical for accurate diagnosis and subsequent containment of the virus. Ideally, the detection systems should also be low cost, high sensitivity and specificity, and be able to process a large number of samples in parallel at the site of the outbreak. Scalability of the sample preparation and detection method is also important to reduce materials requirements (and cost) and improve testing/detection speed.

Rapid detection systems are need for a variety of applications including in the biological, chemical, environmental or agricultural fields. The detection system require appropriate sensors that can be DNA-based for genetic or disease monitoring, immunosensors for disease/drug testing or environmental monitoring, cell-based sensors, point-of-care sensors, bacterial, viral or enzyme sensors. The sensors may include different types of samples, transducers and interface electronics with the specifics of each part depending on what targets are to be sensed. In the case of a biosensor, we may need a sample analyte to provide the targets; immobilized DNA, cells, immunoagents or enzymes as the probes or bioreceptors; a transducer that could operate on electrochemical, potentiometric, amperometric, thermometric, magnetic, optical or piezoelectric principles; followed by the sensor interface electronics that would include signal acquisition, conditioning, processing and data storage systems.

The above sets of examples are for illustrative purposes for the range of topics and issues to be addressed in this special issue of the journal Applied Sciences on “Rapid Detection Systems”. The special issue aims to covers the latest advances in the development and use of any type of fast detection systems that are sensitive, specific and reliable for applications including detection of disease, drug testing, pollution testing and environmental monitoring etc. Well-written reviews of specific types rapid detection systems can also be submitted.

Prof. Dr. M. Jamal Deen
Guest Editor

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