[Biosensors] Special Issue 

Impact Factor: 5.743 (2021); 5-Year Impact Factor: 5.972 (2021)

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/biosensors/special_issues/38O7F6N632

Dear Colleagues,

DNA-based diagnostics starts with the realization of DNA as the carrier of genetic information and the detection of different pathogens and genetic variants by using the identity of DNAs. Breakthroughs in biotechniques have revolutionized the identification of DNA sequences and led to various sensing platforms. Among these sensing techniques, PCR and antisense hybridization methods are intensively applied for the detection of DNA at the level of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in diagnostics, and have been converted into convenient biosensors.

Beyond their function as carriers of genetic information, structured DNAs that complex with cofactors are identified as having target binding or catalytic functions and, thus, are named functional DNAs. One major type of functional DNA is DNA aptamers, which are considered as the chemical equivalent of antibodies for the specific binding of targets. The target repertoire of aptamers is very broad, ranging from small metabolites to proteins, cells, and tissues. Another major type of functional DNA is analogues of protein enzymes, named deoxyribozymes or DNAzymes, which can catalyze certain chemical reactions. The functional DNAs offer a parallel approach, beyond nucleic acids, to identifying biomarkers in diagnostics.

Recent advances in DNA nanotechnology, including chemically modified functional DNAs (XNAs), DNA logic gate circuits (DNA computation), and DNA-based signal amplification techniques, have further increased the power of DNA-based biosensors for a spectrum of diagnostic applications in biochemical monitoring, point-of-care detection, and live cell imaging.

This Special Issue of Biosensors, entitled “DNA-Based Biosensors for Diagnostics”, aims to provide the most recent progress in the development and application of DNA-based sensing methods. We invite contributions from all researchers in this thrilling field to contribute to the success of this Special Issue.

Dr. Zhenglin Yang
Dr. Jingjing Zhang
Guest Editors