Journals
2026 EN
Kubota Miki · Takai Leo · Yamamoto Minami
+6 more
Abstract Longer‐wavelength (LW) computer vision (CV) monitoring techniques hold great potential as non‐destructive testing tools for daily necessities and industrial products, utilizing effective optical properties. Carbon nanotube (CNT) film photo‐thermoelectric image sensors facilities, such CV systems as broadband wavelength range operations over existing narrow‐band detectors at comparable sensitivity with them owing to the inherent advantageous material properties. Nevertheless, insufficient pixel integration of CNT image sensors requires extensive and time‐costing optical spatial scanning for CV measurements, limiting practical inspection applications at real‐time industrial sites. To this end, this work demonstrates LW computed tomography (CT, a representative CV method) monitoring system employing a 2D pixel‐array integrated CNT film PTE camera sheet and multi‐wavelength photo‐sources. The camera fabrication process utilizes air‐jet dispense‐printing and achieves high‐yield integration of CNT film pixels (20 mm‐15 mm‐sq. for pixel area, 60 pixels total). This work then performs structure reconstruction and material identification of a visibly opaque multi‐layered composite 3D object according to optical properties in the 976 nm–10.3 µm wavelength range by LW CT with the device. The presented CNT film camera completes its LW operation in ≈11 min for each wavelength, a 36.9 % time reduction compared to previous CT systems using 1D pixel‐array sensors.
Journals
2026 EN
Kim Hyun Min · Kim Doeun · Kim Gyurin
+5 more
ABSTRACT Modern technological advances are reshaping the ways we live, travel, and communicate. However, these advances simultaneously introduce new forms of risk, ranging from energy storage hazards to information security threats that demand proactive and multidisciplinary solutions. Nanophotonics, which enables precise control of light–matter interactions at the nanoscale, has emerged as a versatile platform for developing functional systems that can improve safety, resilience, and reliability across diverse real–world scenarios. In this review, we explore the growing role of functional nanophotonic materials and structures in managing contemporary safety concerns. We highlight how nanophotonic strategies enable responses to various types of threats, offering advanced functionalities such as real–time sensing, secure authentication, and adaptive vision control. We further discuss emerging trends and future directions for nanophotonic technologies in safety–critical applications, emphasizing their potential to translate into practical implementations for sustainable and resilient societies.
Journals
2026 EN
Domahidy Farkas · Cseri Levente · Turczel Gábor
+4 more
ABSTRACT Novel cryptocyanine‐based DNA‐binding fluorescent probes were developed by introducing side chains with varying polarity to the dye scaffold. This structural modification improves water solubility, reduces aggregation in aqueous media, and enhances DNA binding affinity. Upon binding to DNA, the derivatives exhibit a high increase in fluorescence quantum yield, demonstrating their potential as fluorogenic DNA probes. The photophysical behavior of the dyes is systematically investigated using spectroscopic techniques, focusing on their environment‐sensitive emission properties. These results highlight the importance of environmentally responsive dye scaffolds in the development of fluorogenic tools for nucleic acid detection and diagnostic applications.
Journals
2026 EN
Zameer Adnan · Guo Yang · Wang Hongda
+1 more
ABSTRACT In this modern era, wearable biosensors have emerged as a significant innovation in specialized personal healthcare. While smartphones and smartwatches today can easily measure vital signs and mobility, a new generation of wearable technology quickly emerges, allowing users to monitor their health metrics at the molecular level. Wearable electrochemical microneedle biosensors show the capability of detecting analytes and metabolites in interstitial fluid with minimal invasiveness. The use of microneedle sensing technology revolutionises biosensing techniques and opens new avenues for advancing current biosensors. In situ extraction, monitoring, and painless injection become possible through microneedle biosensors. However, there remains a need for improvement in detection accuracy and accessibility. This review begins with a discussion on the introduction and a comprehensive background of microneedle technology. It then explores different types of microneedles and fabrication methods. Various sensing modalities for microneedle biosensors, such as electrical, electrochemical, Raman, and colorimetric methods, are also discussed. Finally, the practical applications of wearable microneedle biosensors in various fields are examined, followed by a comprehensive conclusion and prospects.
Journals
2026 EN
Alshehhi Alya · H.Abbasi Qammer · Ghannam Rami
ABSTRACT Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a low‐cost, low‐power biosensing technology with growing applications in education, particularly for monitoring cognitive load in eXtended Reality (XR) learning environments. Measuring cognitive load is critical for preventing overload and optimising immersive learning, yet existing approaches such as self‐reports or Electroencephalography (EEG) are often intrusive, costly or impractical for real‐time use. This systematic review is the first to synthesize a decade of research (2015–2025) on the use of PPG for cognitive load measurement in XR. Twenty‐three studies were identified and analysed according to PRISMA guidelines, with attention to sensor placement, integration with other modalities, research design, and analysis methods. Our findings show that PPG provides a reliable, portable, and scalable alternative to traditional physiological sensors. It is increasingly combined with EEG, Electrocardiography (ECG), and Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) to improve accuracy. However, most implementations rely on placement on the wrist and fingertips, leaving head‐mounted integration for seamless XR use largely unexplored. Therefore, this review highlights research gaps in sensor placement, multimodal fusion, and real‐time signal processing. It outlines promising directions such as headset‐embedded PPG and machine learning–based feature extraction. By consolidating current evidence, this review provides a roadmap for researchers, XR developers, and educators seeking to leverage physiological monitoring for adaptive, learner‐centered XR systems.
Journals
2026 EN
Hung ChenHao · Wang ChiehCheng · Liao FanWei
+5 more
ABSTRACT This work aimed to create a capacitive force sensing system based on flexible materials and structures, miniaturizing the hardware by 87% and the interface, and improving the stability of the signal processing module (from force to capacitance) for robot applications in a wearable shape. The system includes a force sensor, signal acquisition integrated circuit (IC), microcontroller unit, Bluetooth IC, and lithium‐polymer battery. The sensor was composed of polymeric materials and elastomers, which were connected to the wristwatch‐shaped transmission port before the signal was wirelessly analyze in real‐time. Field tests indicated that the responses exhibited reasonable tolerance (less than 2%), reliable short‐ and long‐term stability (variation less than 5%), and remarkable repeatability (linear coefficient of determination of 0.9975). The wristwatch‐shaped transmission port thus demonstrated its superiority in practical application and exhibited novelty from the viewpoint of modularization, with balanced characteristics among similar solutions, which provided add‐on functions to existing robots.
Journals
2026 EN
Zahid Rabia · Viola Martina · Balli Maria Vittoria
+2 more
ABSTRACT Supramolecular cages are powerful tools for molecular recognition and sensing, using well‐defined nanoscale cavities to encapsulate ions, small molecules, and biologically relevant guests with notable selectivity. Over the past three decades, these systems have progressed from simple conceptual assemblies to sophisticated covalent and organometallic architectures that operate in water as chemosensors, delivery vehicles, and separation p. Their analyte detection relies on diverse signal transduction mechanisms, including luminescence, circular dichroism, and Förster resonance energy transfer, enabling the sensing of anions, cations, chiral molecules, drugs, explosives, and environmental pollutants. Relative to classical receptors, cages offer notable advantages such as three‐dimensional preorganization, modular functionalization, and the incorporation of multiple recognition sites within a single discrete framework. However, their broader implementation in real‐world settings is still hampered, primarily by challenges in achieving sufficient stability in water and complex biological fluids. This review outlines design principles for water‐stable cages, discusses analyte‐specific and medium‐related challenges, and surveys recent examples of water‐compatible systems, including their integration into polymeric materials. Finally, we provide a perspective on next‐generation cage‐based chemosensors, emphasizing advanced readout strategies and potential applications in diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and biomedicine.
Journals
2026 EN
EscalonaVillalpando Ricardo Antonio · BeristainValadez Arruan David · ResendizJaramillo Daniel
+7 more
ABSTRACT Research on chloride sensors is important for applications in the food industry, drinking water quality control, and medicine for the determination of cystic fibrosis (CF). In this work, we report the chemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) used as chloride sensors. These AgNPs were characterized by XRD, TEM, and electrochemical techniques. The chloride sensor response showed a linear range between 0 and 160 m m chloride in PBS (pH 5.6) and a sensitivity of 55.4 ± 0.3 mV/decade. In addition, a MOSFET transistor was developed as a QA voltage source for coupling the transducer to amplify the signal by 1 610.27% of the initial response, reducing quantification times to less than 40 s, analyzing results, and transmitting data to a mobile device via WI‐FI. A linear range of 0 to 160 m m and a sensitivity of 0.012 V m m −1 with high reproducibility were achieved with the MOSFET transistor. This chloride sensor enables fast and efficient measurement of chlorides using AgNPs and a MOSFET transistor, which could be used for monitoring and auxiliary diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
Journals
2026 EN
Chen Junjie · Fan Jiajun · Yang Aoning
+8 more
ABSTRACT Metal nanowires (MNWs), especially Ag and Cu nanowires, are promising building blocks for transparent and stretchable electrodes as well as active sensing platforms in wearable electronics. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the advancements of MNWs covering various aspects from materials design to device integration. First, we systematically clarify the structure‐property relationships of MNWs, including optical‐electrical trade‐offs, junction resistance, mechanical durability, nanowire aspect‐ratio, and surface‐chemistry. Afterward, we discuss advanced NMW synthesis approaches, such as polyol process, soft‐template growth, Cu(I)‐mediated method, microwave, and flow syntheses, as well as stability improvement strategies, including core‐shell passivation, encapsulation, and alloying. In addition, MNW processing and integration methods are thoroughly introduced, including solution coating, inkjet printing, NMW alignment, junction welding, and polymer embedding. For applications, we evaluate NMW strain/pressure sensors with novel designs, such as hydrogel and textile hybrids, microstructure integration, and anisotropic architectures, by comparing their gauge factor, working range, linearity, response speed, and cycling stability. Finally, conclusions and outlooks are given with future research directions. Overall, this review provides insights and design rules, paving the way for next‐generation MNW‐based flexible sensors.
Journals
2026 EN
AlMafrachi Yasameen · Yadav Sandeep · Preu Sascha
+2 more
ABSTRACT Grid‐shaped, vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) architectures demonstrate excellent broadband photothermal conversion of 1°C at 0.17 W cm − 2 , small thermal mass for response time of less than 0.1 ms, and a high mechanical bending capacity. This expands the range of applications for traditional membrane‐ and cantilever‐based microelectromechanical systems. Their small geometries, down to 3 × 3 µm 2 , and cost‐effective fabrication make them ideal for the reliable, large‐scale integration of sensor arrays, even for single‐use biomedical, industrial and security applications. We present three proof‐of‐concept experiments for innovative room‐temperature bolometer pixels with integrated thermoresistive, thermochromic, and thermomechanical transducers. These allow the efficient conversion of ultraviolet (UV) to the terahertz (THz) spectrum into thermal, and subsequently into electrical or optical output signals. The optical and mechanical bolometers contain thermochromic or thermomechanical microspheres within the VACNT grid, enabling the creation of bias‐free, contactless thermal detectors with the potential to achieve thermal phonon‐limited performance. These architectures feature simple, integrated electrical and optical readout technologies and will also deliver high performance in response to other physical or biological stimuli in the near future. They will open up a broader range of applications in areas such as mid‐IR spectroscopy and miniaturized, cantilever‐like bioanalytical devices.