This topical collection (TC) aims to collect recent advances in analytical methods and sensor technologies towards infectious disease diagnostics, highlighting innovative development of micro- and nanochemical systems, advanced (bio)sensors, electrochemical and optical techniques, and AI-enhanced platforms that enable sensitive, multiplexed, and real-time pathogen detection. Special emphasis will be placed on studies that address the differentiation between vaccinated and non-vaccinated immune responses or among disease strains, given the increasing resurgence of infections in the post-vaccination era and the growing relevance of trade policies prioritizing products from unvaccinated animal sources. This will help public health professionals working at the interface of analytical innovation and infectious disease control.

The issue aims to bridge the gap between analytical chemistry and global health by presenting innovations in:

-Microfluidic and lab-on-chip platforms for field-deployable diagnostics

-Nanomaterial-enabled biosensors with high sensitivity and specificity

-AC electrokinetic (ACEK) and dielectrophoretic enhancement for pathogen capture

-Low-cost, paper-based, and wearable diagnostics for at-home and low-resource use

This special issue will serve as a cornerstone reference for public health professionals working at the interface of analytical innovation and infectious disease control. It will also catalyze interdisciplinary collaborations toward smarter, faster, and more accessible diagnostic systems for future pandemic preparedness.

With advancements in technology, precision agriculture—a digitized and intelligent model—is revolutionizing traditional agricultural practices. The core of precision agriculture relies on real-time, high-precision system monitoring data, yet conventional sensors, being bulky, costly, and insufficiently intelligent, struggle to meet these demands. The development of nanomaterials and wearable technologies has enabled the gradual adoption of highly flexible and accurate flexible wearable technologies in precision agriculture.

This topical collection aims to gather cross-cutting research at the intersection of precision agriculture and wearable sensing technologies. Focusing on wearable sensing technologies, it highlights innovative fabrication of nanomaterials and devices to address detection needs in precision agriculture. Wearable energy-harvesting devices, capable of providing continuous power for sensors, help alleviate concerns about energy supply. Specific themes include, but are not limited to: Health biomarker detection and evaluation: Wearable sensors for plant/animal stress biomarkers (e.g., volatile organic compounds, hormones).

Growth dynamics monitoring: Wearable systems for real-time tracking of nutrient uptake, growth states (via motion capture), and environmental adaptability in crops and livestock.

Self-powered sensing systems: Wearable energy-harvesting technologies (e.g., biofuel cells, solar energy) to ensure long-term wireless operation of sensors in agricultural settings.

Agricultural product safety and quality assurance: Edible/wearable sensors attached to food surfaces for real-time monitoring of freshness, flavor, and contamination risks.

Livestock transportation monitoring: Wearable devices for continuous tracking of vital signs (e.g., body temperature, heart rate) in live animals, reducing losses during transport.