Sensors & Diagnostics Blog

We’re delighted to announce the recipients of the Outstanding Early Career Researcher Award 2024 from Sensors & Diagnostics: the innovative team behind “Sustainable agriculture with LEAFS: a low-cost electrochemical analyzer of foliage stress”.

This research team, led by Maral Mousavi at the Medical and Analytical Device Laboratory (MADLab), University of Southern California, has developed a portable and low-cost electrochemical sensor that detects salicylic acid (SA)—a key biomarker of plant stress. Traditional methods for SA detection, such as chromatography, are effective but expensive and lab-bound. LEAFS offers a scalable alternative using laser-induced graphene (LIG) and square wave voltammetry for highly sensitive, real-time detection in plants such as aloe vera and philodendron hederaceum.

With a sensitivity of 144.28 μA mM⁻¹ and a detection limit of 1.44 μM, LEAFS empowers farmers and researchers with field-ready, real-time monitoring of plant health, supporting precision agriculture and global food security.

About the researchers:

• Maral Mousavi, the PI, leads MADLab with a vision for equitable, field-deployable diagnostics across biology and agriculture.
• Sina Khazaee Nejad works at the intersection of wearable sensors and machine learning.
• Haozheng Ma specializes in high-sensitivity electrochemical biosensors.
• Abdulrahman Al-Shami focuses on accessible diagnostic devices for global health.
• Ali Soleimani develops low-cost biosensors and microfluidic tools.
• Mona A. Mohamed is an expert in electrochemical sensing and nanomaterials.
• Preston Dankwah contributed as an undergrad in mechanical-biomedical research.
• Hannah J. Lee explores cancer diagnostics and nano-based imaging.

In their words:

“We are honoured to receive the Outstanding Early Career Research Award from Sensors & Diagnostics. This recognition highlights the importance of developing accessible and sustainable technologies for sustainable agriculture. Our work on the LEAFS platform represents a collective effort to merge low-cost electrochemical sensing with real-world applications that can impact food security. We are grateful to the journal and its editorial team for this recognition, and we look forward to working with the wider community to push forward the frontiers of point of care diagnostics.”

🔗 Read the winners’ paper here!

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We’re pleased to inform you that this new themed collection from Sensors & Diagnostics has now been published online.

Read the collection here

This themed collection, guest edited by Jing Wang (Zhejiang University of Technology), Jiangjiang Zhang (Beijing Institute of Technology) and Yanmin Ju (China Pharmaceutical University) showcases cutting-edge research in the design, development, and deployment of lateral flow technologies. The contributions span a wide range of topics, including novel nanomaterials, signal amplification strategies, point-of-care diagnostics, and real-world applications in healthcare, food safety, and environmental monitoring.

Taken together, this collection highlights the remarkable versatility and continuing evolution of lateral flow assays, with contributions from researchers across the globe. We hope that readers will be inspired by these representative studies to further explore the vast potential of lateral flow assays-from enhancing sensitivity and integrating digital readouts to broadening applications in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food safety.

The articles in this collection are featured below. All articles in Sensors & Diagnostics are open access and free to read.

Introduction to “Lateral Flow Assays: Methods and Applications”

Jing Wang, Jiangjiang Zhang and Yanmin Ju

Sens. Diagn., 2025, DOI: 10.1039/D5SD90027A

The importance of antibody orientation for enhancing sensitivity and selectivity in lateral flow immunoassays

Zhao-Yu Lu and Yang-Hsiang Chan

Sens. Diagn., 2024, 3, 1613–1634 DOI: 10.1039/D4SD00206G

Improved point-of-care detection of P. gingivalis using optimized surface-enhanced Raman scattering in lateral flow assays

Lyndsay N. Kissell, Daewoo Han, Der Vang, Alexander W. R. Cikanek, Andrew J. Steckl and Pietro Strobbia

Sens. Diagn., 2024, 3, 839–849 DOI: 10.1039/D4SD00056K

Non-organic solvent extraction of capsaicinoids from oil combined with fluorescent lateral flow immunoassay strips for on-site identification of illegally recycled waste cooking oil

Yulian Wang, Yuxiang Wu, Deji Gesang, Zixuan Dong, Zhaoxu Qin, Qingchun Li, Jin Li, Qianxu Zhou and Guoqing Shi

Sens. Diagn., 2025, 4, 147–158 DOI: 10.1039/D4SD00306C

Rapid and automated interpretation of CRISPR-Cas13-based lateral flow assay test results using machine learning

Mengyuan Xue, Diego H. Gonzalez, Emmanuel Osikpa, Xue Gao and Peter B. Lillehoj

Sens. Diagn., 2025, 4, 171–181 DOI: 10.1039/D4SD00314D

Biotin/avidin-free sandwich aptamer-based lateral flow assay (ALFA) for the diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis

Christine Aubrey C. Justo, Vasso Skouridou, Piet Cools, Guy Mulinganya, Alexandra Ibáñez-Escribano and Ciara K. O’Sullivan

Sens. Diagn., 2025, 4, 216–228 DOI: 10.1039/D4SD00342J

Lateral flow assay-based detection of nuclear fusion oncoprotein: implications for screening of acute promyelocytic leukemia

Maede Chabi, Binh Vu, Kristen Brosamer, Sophia Song, Vijay Maranholkar, Zihua Zeng, Youli Zu, Rashmi Kanagal-Shamanna, Jacinta C. Conrad, Richard C. Willson and Katerina Kourentzi

Sens. Diagn., 2025, 4, 416–424 DOI: 10.1039/D4SD00357H

Selection of a DNA aptamer for aflatoxin B1 and the development of a lateral flow assay for the detection of aflatoxins in spiked peanut extract

Fiona Ebanks, Erin M. McConnell, Emily Mastronardi, Daniel Goudreau, Hadi Nasrallah, Velu Ranganathan and Maria C. DeRosa

Sens. Diagn., 2025, 4, 697–710 DOI: 10.1039/D4SD00271G

We are thrilled to announce that Prof. Jiashu Sun and Prof. Hongyan Sun have joined the Editorial Board of Sensors & Diagnostics as our newest Associate Editors. Both bring a knowledge and research experience that will strengthen the journal’s commitment to advancing biosensing technologies and diagnostics.

Prof. Jiashu Sun is a professor at the National Centre for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) in China. Her research focuses on developing technologies for liquid biopsy, which can help detect cancer earlier and more accurately. Prof. Sun’s lab uses microfluidics and DNA materials to isolate cancer-related cells and molecules from blood samples, providing new insights into how we diagnose and monitor cancer.

With over 100 publications, Prof. Sun’s work is focused on turning laboratory breakthroughs into practical solutions that can have a real impact on patients.

Prof. Hongyan Sun, a professor at the City University of Hong Kong. She specializes in designing fluorescent probes that help detect molecules linked to various diseases. Her research has led to new ways of studying and understanding diseases, which is key to improving diagnostics and treatment options.

Her lab has developed tools that help researchers and clinicians better visualize disease markers, making it easier to track disease progression and treatment outcomes. Prof. Sun has published over 100 papers in high-impact journals, and her work is paving the way for more precise and reliable medical diagnostics.

We are excited to have these two outstanding researchers join our editorial board. With their combined expertise in biosensing and diagnostic technologies, Prof. Jiashu Sun and Prof. Hongyan Sun will help guide Sensors & Diagnostics as we continue to publish innovative research that addresses real-world health challenges.

Head over to LinkedIn and join us in welcoming Professor Hongyan and Jiashu to the Sensors & Diagnosis Editorial Board!

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We are pleased to welcome Professor Michael Serpe as the new Associate Editor for Sensors & Diagnostics. Michael Serpe is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Alberta with a focus on developing innovative, stimuli-responsive polymer technologies. His work has contributed to the fields of environmental science and healthcare, particularly in the development of polymer-based sensors and biosensors.

Professor Serpe’s academic journey began with a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Central Florida, followed by a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech. After postdoctoral research in both industry and academia, he joined the University of Alberta in 2009, achieving the rank of Full Professor in 2018. Alongside his role as Associate Dean of Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Science, Professor Serpe leads a research group widely known for its work on stimuli-responsive polymers.

One of the group’s standout innovations is the creation of “etalons,” stimuli-responsive polymer-based sensors with wide-ranging applications. Initially focused on building a fundamental understanding of etalons, Professor Serpe’s team now uses them to develop point-of-care diagnostic devices. Their recent work includes the development of a portable sensor for detecting orthophosphate (PO43–) and adapting glucose test strips for COVID-19 antibody detection. These technologies have potential applications in both environmental monitoring and healthcare diagnostics.

We are excited to have Professor Mike Serpe on board, and we look forward to his contributions to Sensors & Diagnostics. His expertise in stimuli-responsive polymers-based biosensors will bring a fresh perspective to the journal’s mission of highlighting cutting-edge research in the field.

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We have recently received the very sad and unexpected news that our Advisory Board member Professor Lauro Kubota, a distinguished scientist and pioneer in the field of electrochemical sensing has passed. Lauro most recently served as an Advisory Board member for Sensors & Diagnostics and previously for Analytical Methods.

Professor Lauro Kubota, Photograph: University of Campinas, Brazil

Lauro received his PhD in Chemistry from the State University of Campinas in 1993 and joined the Institute of Chemistry at Unicamp as an Assistant Professor of Analytical Chemistry in 1994, becoming a Full Professor in 2009. During this time, he participated in multiple scientific endeavors including acting as the Coordinator of the Central Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry at Unicamp and the Research Coordinator of the Institute of Chemistry. He had also been the Coordinator of the National Institute of Science and Technology of Bioanalytics (INCTBio) since 2008 and was named as the Director of the Institute of Chemistry at Unicamp in 2014 and held this position for 4 years.

Lauro was a brilliant leader in the field of electrochemical sensing, receiving numerous accolades as a result of his contributions towards the development of sensors and biosensors. He pioneered innovative electrode modification techniques for the advancement of biosensor technologies for clinical, environmental and food-related applications.  Additionally, he published outstanding work centered on utilising novel electrochemical methods for point-of-care diagnostics and bioassays.

As a result of his scientific and academic excellence Lauro received several awards and honours, including being awarded the Inventor of the Year in 2000 by the government of the state of São Paulo and the Zeferino Vaz Award for Academic Recognition which he was awarded in 2004 and 2023. Lauro was also awarded the Rheinboldt-Hauptmann Award in 2023.

Besides being a fantastic scientist, Lauro acted as a supervisor to the next generation of scientists, supervising numerous students at various stages of their academic career. He was a very well respected and liked teacher, colleague and supervisor who will be dearly missed.

Sensors & Diagnostics and Analytical Methods truly appreciated Lauro’s efforts with each journal and his passing is a tremendous loss for the scientific community. Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues and friends.

We are delighted to announce that Professor Guozhen Liu has been appointed as Editorial Board member for Sensors & Diagnostics. Prof Liu is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the School of Medicine of the Chinese University of Hong Kong in Shenzhen (CUHK(SZ) where she holds the role of the Director of CUHK(SZ)-BoyaLife Joint Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine Engineering.

Prof Liu leads the Integrated Devices and Intelligent Diagnosis (ID2) team, dedicated to research in diagnosing and managing chronic diseases like diabetes, Parkinson’s, and osteoarthritis. Her work blends academic insight with practical industry applications, aiming to improve healthcare outcomes and quality of life.

Her contributions earned her the Australian Research Council Future Fellowship in 2016 and the prestigious 2020 Georgina Sweet Award for Women in Quantitative Biomedical Science. These awards are the result of her research in neuroinflammation and cancer immunotherapy.

With over 170 peer-reviewed publications and numerous internationally registered patents, Prof Liu is a prolific contributor to biomedical science.

Professor Gouzhen Liu has extensive experience in medical device development, collaborating with companies like AstraZeneca, BioLegend, AgaMatrix, and Nutromics. As the former R&D Manager for AgaMatrix Inc. in China, she was involved in creating products to manage diabetes.

Prof Liu co-founded Bio-Sens Tech Pty Ltd in Sydney, focusing on non-invasive early diabetes diagnosis. Her startup reflects her dedication to turning scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions.

Head over to LinkedIn and join us in welcoming Professor Guozhen Liu to the Sensors & Diagnosis Editorial Board!

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We are thrilled to announce the launch of our prestigious Outstanding Early Career Research Award, aimed at recognising, and celebrating outstanding contributions in the realm of Sensors & Diagnostics. This initiative seeks to honour the dedication, innovation, and impactful research endeavours of promising early career researchers.

In a world where metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes are on the rise, the need for convenient tools to measure body fat burn rates and guide lifestyle changes is paramount. In their work Handheld device quantifies breath acetone for real-life metabolic health monitoring, Dr Ines Weber and her team address this need head-on and have developed a ground-breaking handheld device. By analysing acetone content in breath, this device provides accurate measurements of fat burn rates, offering personalized insights into metabolic health. Its compact size, simplicity of use, long-term reliability, and remarkable accuracy set it apart. With specialized filtering units that selectively allow only acetone to pass through, the device accurately tracks the impact of stimuli such as diet and exercise, making it a promising tool for personalized health monitoring.

Meet the team

• Dr Grégoire Bastide: With a background in mechanical engineering from ETH Zurich and Stanford University, Grégoire Bastide’s research focuses on breath analysis and medical technology, particularly devices for disease diagnostics.
• Dr Anna Laura Remund: Currently completing her master’s degree in mechanical engineering at ETH Zurich, Anna’s research interests lie in developing medical devices for disease diagnostics, with experience gained from research stints at Stanford University.
• Dr Dina N. Oosthuizen: A research associate at Northeastern University, Dr. Oosthuizen specializes in designing sensor platforms for extreme environments, including space. Her expertise in chemical gas sensors and nanomaterial functionalization contributes to real-world solutions.
• Dr Nina Derron: With a background in Health Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, and a recent PhD in Clinical Science, Dr. Derron’s research focuses on nutritional interventions, particularly intermittent fasting, and applying novel mobile technologies to enhance disease understanding and treatment.
• Prof Gerber: A senior physician and group leader at the University Hospital Zurich, Prof. Gerber’s research interests encompass clinical studies in nutrition, focusing on the impact of nutrition on metabolic diseases. His work has been recognized with numerous grants and awards.
• Dr Ines Weber: Dr Weber’s research centres on nanoscale engineering of sensors for healthcare applications, emphasizing personalized medicine. With experience from ETH Zurich and Stanford University, her work has garnered recognition through awards like the ETH medal and GAeF PhD award.

About being awarded by the Editorial Board of Sensors & Diagnostics the winners commented: “We are honoured to receive the Outstanding Early Career Research Award from Sensors & Diagnostics! This recognition validates the significance of our research and the development of personalized health monitors. We are grateful to Sensors & Diagnostics for selecting our publication and excited to continue pushing boundaries in sensor technologies.”

Join us in LinkedIn to celebrate Dr weber et al in their achievement!

Sensors & Diagnostics is an international gold open-access journal. All cost are waived until mid-2024. Sign up now to get updates on all articles as they are published on Twitter and in our e-alerts.

Sensors & Diagnostics is delighted to welcome papers for its latest themed collection on ‘Paper-Based Point-Of-Care Diagnostics, guest edited by Thiago Paixão (Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil), Daniel Citterio (Keio University, Japan) and William Reis de Araujo (Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Brazil).

This themed collection welcomes original research articles, reviews, communications, and perspectives that contribute to the body of knowledge on paper-based point-of-care diagnostic platforms, intending to foster innovation and improve healthcare outcomes worldwide. It highlights innovative designs, materials and technologies that enhance the functionality, sensitivity and specificity of these platforms. Additionally, it will cover integration of paper-based systems with digital health technologies for data analysis and remote health monitoring, contributing to the advancement of telemedicine and decentralized healthcare.

The deadline for submissions is 15 November 2024. Submit your work to this collection now!

Promotion of the collection is scheduled for late-2025, with articles published online as soon as they’re accepted.

Articles can be submitted via our website: www.rsc.li/sensors.  When submitting your manuscript, please mention that it is intended for this themed collection in the ‘notes to the editor’ box. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions for both the journal and the scope of the collection, and inclusion of accepted articles in the final themed collection is not guaranteed.

Article processing charges will be automatically waived for all articles submitted to this themed collection until the end of 2024. Articles submitted to this collection after 2024 will not be automatically offered a waiver but authors can apply for a waiver separately. All waiver applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Explore all open calls for papers from RSC journals!

About Sensors & Diagnostics

Sensors & Diagnostics publishes focused on high-impact, innovative sensing work.

The journal welcomes high-quality studies reporting innovative materials, novel detection principles, and/or significant development of known devices. All work must be of significant interest to the community, and, where relevant, must show in situ or real-life sample testing.

Sensors & Diagnostics welcomes contributions from across the breadth of related fields, including biomedical research, drug discovery, environment, food, medicine, and security and defence. Find out more.

As a gold open access journal, there are no barriers to accessing content and your research article will reach an international audience. Please note that the article processing charges are waived until mid-2024, so the journal is currently completely free to publish in.

Dr Ali Yetisen, an Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London, is a prominent figure in the field of chemical engineering and biochemical sensors. Dr Yetisen has established himself as a leader in academia with a strong focus on people-centric research and equal opportunities.

His academic journey began with a Tosteson Fellowship at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, where he gained expertise in biochemical sensors. Now, as the director of the Centre for Biochemical Sensors at Imperial College London, Dr Yetisen leads a diverse team of researchers in pioneering advancements with real-world applications.

In addition to his scholarly pursuits, Dr Yetisen is a passionate advocate for inclusive research practices. As a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, he actively promotes networking opportunities and support mechanisms for researchers from underrepresented backgrounds.

Dr Yetisen’s impact extends beyond academia, with over 200 peer-reviewed articles and 80 international talks to his credit. He has also served as a content expert on implant safety for regulatory bodies such as the FDA.

In summary, Dr. Ali Yetisen’s journey exemplifies resilience, intellect, and a commitment to excellence. Through his ground-breaking research and advocacy efforts, he continues to shape the future of biochemical sensing and inspire positive change within the scientific community.

Join us in welcoming Dr Ali Yetisen to the Sensors & Diagnostics Editorial Board! We are thrilled and honoured to have his expertise onboard.

Sensors & Diagnostics is an international gold open-access journal. All cost are waived until mid-2024. Sign up now to get updates on all articles as they are published on Twitter and in our e-alerts.