Editorial: Functional Devices and Biosensors

Zetao Chen^*Qian Chen

• Tianjin University, Tianjin, China

The rapid development of functional devices and biosensors is reshaping biomedical research and medical practice, which was drove by the innovations of materials science, imaging technology, and artificial intelligence (AI), et al (Wu et al., 2023). The intersection of these disciplines has yielded devices that not only sense biological signals but actively modulate physiological processes, while biosensors have become increasingly precise, adaptable, and clinically relevant (Lin et al., 2021). The collected articles highlighted in this special issue exemplified the boundaries of what these technologies can achieve, each contributing unique insights into how functional devices and biosensors can address critical challenges in healthcare, from cellular regulation to high-resolution imaging, intelligent data analysis, and real-time patient monitoring. Together, they underscore a shared vision: to create technologies that are not only technically sophisticated but biologically compatible, clinically actionable, and seamlessly integrated into routine care.Materials innovation forms the foundation of next-generation functional devices.Franceschelli et al. demonstrate the potential of material-driven bioeffects in their study of graphene quantum dot (QD) devices (Franceschelli et al., 2024). Their wearable, battery-free device emits electromagnetic fields, demonstrating its ability to alleviate oxidative stress in hydrogen peroxide-activated Jurkat T cells by modulating antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). This work underscores how engineered nanomaterials can serve as bioactive functional units actively manipulate cellular pathways, bridging physical stimuli (electromagnetic fields) and biological responses (redox balance). Such materials not only expand the toolkit for non-pharmacological interventions but also inspire the design of biosensors that leverage quantum effects for sensitive biological signal transduction. These Clinical translation remains the ultimate goal, and wireless, wearable biosensors are leading this charge. A wireless neonatal sensor exemplifies the critical balance between technical precision and human factors (Senechal et al., 2025). Their prospective study shows strong agreement with wired systems (bias: 0.04 bpm; 97% clinical concordance per Clark Error Grid), while minimizing wire-related complications. Despite Bluetooth disruptions during kangaroo care, nurse and parent satisfaction remained high. This underscores the viability of wireless biosensors in fragile populations, though stability in high-acuity settings requires further testing. This study addresses key challenges faced by wearable biosensors in terms of signal stability and user acceptance during patient care. It exemplifies how functional devices, when tailored to clinical needs, can transform routine monitoring.The studies highlighted graphene-based modulatory devices, deep learning-enhanced imaging, intelligent segmentation algorithms, and clinical-grade wearables (Jin et al., 2020). It collectively paints a picture of functional devices and biosensors as integrated, patient-centered technologies. From material design that speaks to cellular biology, to imaging that captures life's finest details, to algorithms that make sense of complexity, to devices that fit seamlessly into care, each advance pushes toward a common goal: technologies that are not only functional but transformative (Welch et al., 2021).In summary, the recent progress exemplified by these studies, from graphene-based bioactive devices and AI-enhanced imaging to intelligent data segmentation and clinical-grade wearables, reflecting a multi-disciplinary effort to advance functional devices and biosensors (Figure 1). Future directions should focus on strengthening material-biology interactions, integrating multi-modal sensing like combining electromagnetic and optical readouts, and scaling AI algorithms for diverse biological contexts. By bridging lab innovation and real-world application, these technologies will continue to redefine healthcare, diagnostics and beyond.