Advanced Organic Materials for Next-Generation Sensing: Bridging Molecular Design and Multi-Functional Applications

The field of organic electronic materials is rapidly transforming the landscape of sensing technologies, propelled by the growing demands of wearable electronics, environmental monitors, and smart healthcare devices. Despite substantial advancements, the transition from laboratory innovation to real-world application is hindered by challenges such as stability, selectivity, and environmental sustainability. Recent studies have highlighted the tuneable properties of organic materials—including conjugated polymers, π-functional small molecules, covalent organic frameworks, and supramolecular assemblies—which enable high sensitivity, mechanical flexibility, and cost-efficient processes. These materials are on the frontier of enabling real-time health diagnostics, pollutant detection, smart packaging, and human–machine interfaces. However, ongoing debates continue regarding the ability to simultaneously achieve miniaturization, multifunctionality, robust device integration, and eco-friendly fabrication at scale.This Research Topic aims to advance the rational design, synthesis, and real-world integration of cutting-edge organic sensing materials, focusing on bridging the gap between molecular engineering and practical device performance. Key goals include unraveling the structure–property–function relationships that underpin charge transport and selectivity, developing multifunctional sensors that respond to diverse stimuli, and fostering innovations in sustainable materials and scalable fabrication. Contributors are encouraged to address persistent barriers such as long-term operational stability, reproducibility across batches, cross-sensitivity in complex environments, and the integration of sensors into flexible, wearable, or IoT-enabled systems. The central objective is to accelerate the translation of advanced organic materials from fundamental prototypes to dependable, multifunctional sensors with clear societal benefits.This Research Topic encompasses the entire spectrum from molecular design to device application, with a particular focus on next-generation organic sensing platforms. Contributions are expected to remain within the realm of organic materials and their direct sensor implementations. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Molecular engineering of conjugated polymers and small molecules for enhanced sensing performance- Supramolecular and self-assembled systems for responsive and adaptive sensing- Organic materials for bio-sensing, gas sensing, and environmental monitoring- Flexible, wearable, and stretchable organic sensor devices- Structure–property–function relationships and computational insights- Sustainable and green synthetic strategies for sensor materials- Integration of organic sensors with IoT and smart systemsWe welcome original research articles, short communications, review articles, mini-reviews, and perspective papers that provide innovative insights and interdisciplinary approaches in organic electronics and sensing materials. Topic editors: Praveen Naik, Islam M Abdellah, Dr.Dickson Babu, Kavya S. Keremane, Liju Elias Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79265/advanced-organic-materials-for-next-generation-sensing-bridging-molecular-design-and-multi-functional-applications