Nanomaterial-enabled Advancements in Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensors

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensing lies at the intersection of nanotechnology, analytical chemistry, and biomedical diagnostics, providing a label-free, real-time method for detecting biomolecular interactions. Traditionally, SPR sensors have showcased exceptional sensitivity, versatility, and quantitative accuracy in fields ranging from clinical diagnostics to food safety. However, challenges such as signal-to-noise ratio limitations, nonspecific binding, and reduced performance in complex matrices persist. Recent studies highlight how integrating advanced nanomaterials—such as noble metal nanoparticles, 2D materials, quantum dots, and carbon nanotubes—can profoundly enhance these devices. These additions can tailor plasmonic behaviors, amplify surface interactions, and dramatically lower detection limits, yet the mechanisms governing these improvements and their real-world impact remain areas of active investigation.A growing body of work demonstrates the benefits of nanomaterials in optimizing SPR sensor platforms, including improved biorecognition, multiplexing capacity, and system miniaturization. Successes include achieving femtomolar-level detection, functional hybrid nanomaterial coatings for specific analyte recognition, and robust device performance in unrefined biological samples or environmental matrices. Nonetheless, critical challenges endure: ensuring reproducible surface functionalization, integrating new optical designs, and translating laboratory performance to field-ready solutions. Rigorous analytical validation and device integration studies are particularly needed, as are explorations into biocompatibility and standardization.This Research Topic aims to accelerate the understanding and development of nanomaterial-enabled SPR biosensors. The main objectives are to uncover fundamental sensing mechanisms, establish universal design principles for sensor engineering, and critically assess device performance in practical settings. We invite research that elucidates synthesis routes, explores novel biorecognition and surface chemistry strategies, and bridges advances in material science and photonic engineering to achieve superior selectivity, sensitivity, and reliability. Contributions should also address analytical validation, regulatory considerations, and translational prospects of these sensors across healthcare, environmental surveillance, and food safety applications.Within the boundaries of nanomaterial-augmented SPR biosensing, theoretical and experimental research from proof-of-concept studies to real-world validations is encouraged. Articles focusing exclusively on conventional SPR without nanomaterial integration fall outside the scope.We welcome submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Development and functionalization of plasmonic nanoparticles and hybrid nanomaterials for SPR- Surface modification and anti-fouling strategies for enhanced sensor performance- Innovative biorecognition elements and signal amplification approaches- Integration of SPR platforms with microfluidics, optics, and electronics- Analytical validation, performance benchmarking, and standardization methods- Applications in clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, food safety, and biosecurity- Scalability, manufacturability, and commercialization of nanomaterial-based SPR sensors Topic editors: Dr.Arun Uniyal, AMIT SHAKYA, Dr. Archana Yadav Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79825/nanomaterial-enabled-advancements-in-surface-plasmon-resonance-biosensors