Optical and Quantum Electronics - CALL FOR PAPERS: Optical Sensing and Spectroscopy Techniques for Personalized Medicine and Point-of-Care Testing

In the realm of modern healthcare, the convergence of optical sensing and spectroscopy techniques with personalized medicine and point-of-care testing has ignited a transformative revolution. By harnessing the power of light to interrogate biological molecules and systems at intricate levels, these advancements enable precise disease detection, individualized treatment strategies, and rapid diagnostics at the point of care. From label-free sensing to nanotechnology-driven enhancements, these interdisciplinary innovations hold the promise of revolutionizing clinical practices, offering non-invasive insights, and advancing healthcare accessibility. This special issue delves into the forefront of this dynamic field, showcasing novel breakthroughs and fostering collaborative efforts toward improved patient outcomes.

In recent years, the intersection of optics, sensing, and spectroscopy with the field of personalized medicine and point-of-care testing has yielded remarkable breakthroughs in healthcare. The ability to harness the power of light to probe biological systems at the molecular level has revolutionized disease detection, monitoring, and treatment strategies. This special issue is dedicated to exploring the latest advancements in optical sensing and spectroscopy techniques that are driving the paradigm shift towards personalized medicine and efficient point-of-care testing.

Scope and Topics:

This special issue aims to provide a platform for researchers, scientists, and clinicians to share their cutting-edge research and insights in the realm of optical sensing and spectroscopy techniques for personalized medicine and point-of-care testing. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and methodologies covering a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Biomolecular Analysis: Optical techniques for characterizing biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites, enabling early disease detection and molecular profiling.
• Nanotechnology-Enhanced Sensing: Exploration of nanomaterials and nanostructures to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of optical sensors for improved diagnostics and monitoring.
• Label-Free Sensing: Advancements in label-free optical sensing methodologies that eliminate the need for exogenous labels, making diagnostic processes faster and less complex.
• Microfluidic Integration: Innovations in integrating optical sensing technologies with microfluidic systems for point-of-care devices capable of rapid, accurate diagnostics.
• Imaging Techniques: Utilization of optical imaging modalities, such as Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence imaging, and hyperspectral imaging, for non-invasive disease visualization and monitoring.
• Data Analysis and AI: Application of data analysis techniques, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to process and interpret complex optical data sets generated in personalized medicine and point-of-care scenarios.
• Clinical Translation: Case studies and clinical trials demonstrating the real-world impact of optical sensing and spectroscopy in guiding personalized treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes.
• Challenges and Future Directions: Discussions on the current challenges, limitations, and potential future directions in the field, including miniaturization, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory considerations.

Important Dates: 

Open Submission: 1 December 2023
Submission Deadline: 30 March 2024

Guest Editors:

Dr. Zhuofu Deng, (Lead Guest Editor) 
Institute for Liaoning Cloud Computing R&D Key Center, Northeastern University, China 
Email: dengzf@ieee.org (this opens in a new tab)

Dr. Mustafa M Matalgah 
General Engineering, University of Mississippi. United States
Email: mustafa.matalgah@ieee.org (this opens in a new tab)

Dr. Yu-Chen Hu 
Dept.of Computer Science and Information Management, Providence University, Taichung City, Taiwan
Email: ychu@pu.edu.tw (this opens in a new tab)

Submission Information:

The submitted article must be original, unpublished and not currently reviewed by other journals. Authors must mention in their cover letter for each Special Issue manuscript that the particular manuscript is for the theme and name of Guest Editors of Special Issue consideration so that the Guest Editors can be notified separately. 

Please visit https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/11082/3 (this opens in a new tab), when submitting your paper and, in the Detail tab in the Collections dropdown list, choose "Optical Sensing and Spectroscopy Techniques "

Published articles will be found here (this opens in a new tab).