New Progress in Optical Fiber-Based Biosensors—2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Optical fiber biosensors are a promising technology that merge photonics and biotechnology, utilizing the principles of light propagation (phase, amplitude, frequency, light polarization) in optical fibers for sensing applications. These sensors are valued for their high specificity and sensitivity, real-time and in situ detection, miniaturization potential, and multiplexing capabilities. They can measure a wide range of physical, chemical, and biological parameters and have seen rapid advancements and growing applications in areas like medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, food safety, drug discovery and development, and biotechnology and research.

In these sensors, the optical beam is transmitted through the optical fiber, which responds to external stimuli, detecting biological molecules or interactions by integrating biological recognition elements such as enzymes, antibodies, DNA, or aptamers that selectively bind to the target analyte (e.g., proteins, pathogens, toxins). The conversion of the biological interaction into a measurable optical signal is performed by fluorescence, luminescence absorbance, or refractive index changes, leading to Label-Based Biosensors, which require a fluorescent or colorimetric label to attach to the target analyte to produce an optical signal proportional to the analyte concentration, and Label-Free Biosensors, which measure changes in optical properties without needing to label the target analyte.

Despite the significant advantages of optical biosensors, there are several challenges in terms of the cost, stability, scalability, repeatability, and performance of the sensor due to the degradation of the biorecognition elements over time, especially under harsh environmental conditions. Additionally, the development of highly specific and reliable sensors for complex biological samples remains a challenge. In the future, optical biosensors integrated with lab-on-a-chip technologies and microfluidic systems will lead to more compact, portable, and cost-effective devices, with the detection of multiple analytes revolutionizing point-of-care diagnostics and personalized medicine.

In this context, it is a pleasure to announce the second edition of the Special Issue titled “New Progress in Optical Fiber-Based Biosensors”. All authors are cordially invited to submit original research and reviews of new fabrication processes, materials, transducing devices, and immobilization methods for optical biosensors. We hope that this Special Issue will further encourage and promote scientific contributions by researchers in the field of biosensors.

This Special Issue welcomes contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following:

• Novel interrogation methods for biosensors;
• Surface plasmon (SPR) and localized resonance (LSPR) for biosensing;
• Biosensors for healthcare applications;
• Biosensors for aquaculture and environment monitoring;
• Wearable sensors, devices, and electronics;
• Lab-on-a-chip;
• Sensor devices, technology, and applications;
• Advanced materials for sensing;
• Nanophotonics.

Prof. Dr. Arnaldo Leal-Junior
Dr. Camilo A.R. Díaz
Guest Editors

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. Biosensors is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2700 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.

• optical fiber biosensors
• surface plasmon resonance (SPR)
• localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)
• evanescent field
• grating-based sensors
• interferometer-based sensors
• point-of-care sensors
• nanophotonics
• surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)