Visual Biosensing with Specific Liquid-Based Interface Behaviors

Abstract

Liquid-based interface behaviors at micro/nano or even smaller scales induced by biomolecules take us into a fascinating realm, fostering a deeper understanding and innovation in visual biosensing. This biosensing technology, grounded in specific liquid-based interface behaviors, redefines how diseases can be detected, monitored, and diagnosed in resource-limited settings, providing rapid, cost-effective, and self-testing solutions to the current healthcare landscape. To date, the technology has witnessed significant advancements in visual sensing, driven by diverse liquid-based materials, advanced nanomanufacturing techniques, and a profound understanding of interface−material interactions. In this Perspective, we discuss and elucidate the interface biosensing mechanisms arising from three types, including liquid−solid, liquid−liquid, and liquid−gas interfaces, and we provide insights into the challenges and future development of visual biosensing applications.

Measuring the Shape, Stiffness, and Interface Tension of Droplets with the Scanning Ion Conductance Microscope

“…In conclusion, the presented method is an approach for studying the shape, stiffness, and interface tension of microscopic droplets or other flexible surfaces, which might be a valuable tool to study liquid–liquid interfaces on the microscale, with possible applications in microfluidics, mixing, sensing, surface science, liquid–liquid phase separation, or tissue or cell mechanics …”

“…The investigation of liquid–solid and liquid–liquid interfaces is important in various fields of basic research such as wetting/unwetting behavior, − contact line dynamics, droplet adhesion, coating, and mixing, , as well as in applications such as liquid interface-based biosensing applications or droplet-based lab-on-a-chip and organ-on-a-chip microfluidics.…”