Materials journals: open calls for papers

Manuscripts should be submitted via the Royal Society of Chemistry’s online submission service and the Editorial Office informed by email. Please add a “note to the editor” in the submission form when you submit your manuscript to say that this is a submission for the themed collection. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed. All manuscripts will be subject to the journal's usual peer review process. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are online, and they will be published in a regular issue of Biomaterials Science.

Biomaterials Science is a Transformative Journal, and Plan S compliant

Emerging Investigators should be at an early stage of their independent career (this should typically be within 12 years of attaining their doctorate or equivalent degree, but appropriate consideration is given to those who have taken a career break, work in systems where their time period to independence may vary or who followed an alternative study path).

Manuscripts should be submitted via the Royal Society of Chemistry’s online submission service and the Editorial Office informed by email. Please add a “note to the editor” in the submission form when you submit your manuscript to say that this is a submission for the themed collection. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed. All manuscripts will be subject to the journal's usual peer review process. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are online, and they will be published in a regular issue of Biomaterials Science.

Biomaterials Science is a Transformative Journal, and Plan S compliant

Manuscripts should be submitted via the Royal Society of Chemistry’s online submission service and the Editorial Office informed by email. Please add a “note to the editor” in the submission form when you submit your manuscript to say that this is a submission for the themed collection. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed. All manuscripts will be subject to the journal's usual peer review process. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are online, and they will be published in a regular issue of Biomaterials Science.

Biomaterials Science is a Transformative Journal, and Plan S compliant

Submissions to the journal should fit within the scope of Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Journal of Materials Chemistry B, Biomaterials Science or Molecular Systems Design & Engineering and we encourage authors to select the journal they feel is best suited to their work – Please see the journal’s website for more information on the journal’s scope, standards, article types and author guidelines. All manuscripts will undergo the normal initial assessment and peer review processes, if appropriate, in line with the journal’s high standards, managed by the journal editors. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are published and they will be featured in a regular issue of the relevant journal. Please note that peer review or acceptance are not guaranteed.

For this collection, we strongly encourage primary research in the way of Full Papers or Communications. If you are wanting to submit a review-type article, please check with the Editorial Office first for pre-approval and to avoid topic overlap.

If you would like to contribute to this themed collection, please submit your article directly through the journal submissions platform. Please mention that your submission is a contribution to the Engineering of soft materials for healthcare, energy and environment collection in the “Themed issues” section of the submission form and is in response to the Open Call. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of both the journal and the collection, and as such inclusion of accepted articles in the final themed collection is not guaranteed.

If you have any questions about the collection or the submissions process, please do contact the Editorial Office at materialsb-rsc@rsc.org and they will be able to assist.

Biomaterials Science is a Transformative Journal, and Plan S compliant

We welcome contributions in the form of Research papers, Communications, Reviews and Perspectives on topics including, but not limited to:

• CO₂ capture materials
• CO₂ conversion catalysis with thermal, electro and/or photo activation
• Catalytic membrane reactor with product separation
• Use of CO₂ as oxidant
• Integrated CO₂ capture and conversion

Submissions to the journal should fit within the scope of Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Journal of Materials Chemistry B, Biomaterials Science or Molecular Systems Design & Engineering and we encourage authors to select the journal they feel is best suited to their work – Please see the journal’s website for more information on the journal’s scope, standards, article types and author guidelines. All manuscripts will undergo the normal initial assessment and peer review processes, if appropriate, in line with the journal’s high standards, managed by the journal editors. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are published and they will be featured in a regular issue of the relevant journal. Please note that peer review or acceptance are not guaranteed.

For this collection, we strongly encourage primary research in the way of Full Papers or Communications. If you are wanting to submit a review-type article, please check with the Editorial Office first for pre-approval and to avoid topic overlap.

If you would like to contribute to this themed collection, please submit your article directly through the journal submissions platform. Please mention that your submission is a contribution to the Engineering of soft materials for healthcare, energy and environment collection in the “Themed issues” section of the submission form and is in response to the Open Call. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of both the journal and the collection, and as such inclusion of accepted articles in the final themed collection is not guaranteed.

If you have any questions about the collection or the submissions process, please do contact the Editorial Office at materialsb-rsc@rsc.org and they will be able to assist.

Journal of Materials Chemistry A is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

Submissions to the collection should fit within the scope of Journal of Materials Chemistry A or Nanoscale. Please see the individual journal pages for more information on the scope, standards, article types and author guidelines.

This call for papers is open for the following article types:

• Communications
• Full papers

If you would like to contribute to this themed collection, you can submit your article directly to the online submission system for Journal of Materials Chemistry A, or Nanoscale. Please quote the code XXNanGen24 in the “Themed issues” section of the submission form and add a “Note to the Editor” that this is from the open call.

All manuscripts will undergo the normal initial assessment and peer review processes, if appropriate, in line with the journal’s high standards, managed by the journal editors. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are published and they will be featured in a regular issue of the relevant journal. Please note that peer review or acceptance are not guaranteed.

Journal of Materials Chemistry A is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

Submissions to the journal should contain chemistry in the context of a material and should fit within the scope of Journal of Materials Chemistry C or Journal of Materials Chemistry A. Please see the journal’s page for more information on the journal’s scope, standards, article types and author guidelines.

This call for papers is open for the following article types:

• Communications
• Full papers

If you would like to contribute to this themed collection, you can submit your article directly to the online submission system for Journal of Materials Chemistry C or Journal of Materials Chemistry A. Please mention that this submission is a contribution to the Molecular Photoswitches for Energy storage in the “Themed issues” section of the submission form and add a “Note to the Editor” that this is from the Open Call.

Journal of Materials Chemistry A is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

Submissions to the journal should fit within the scope of Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Journal of Materials Chemistry B, Biomaterials Science or Molecular Systems Design & Engineering and we encourage authors to select the journal they feel is best suited to their work – Please see the journal’s website for more information on the journal’s scope, standards, article types and author guidelines. All manuscripts will undergo the normal initial assessment and peer review processes, if appropriate, in line with the journal’s high standards, managed by the journal editors. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are published and they will be featured in a regular issue of the relevant journal. Please note that peer review or acceptance are not guaranteed.

For this collection, we strongly encourage primary research in the way of Full Papers or Communications. If you are wanting to submit a review-type article, please check with the Editorial Office first for pre-approval and to avoid topic overlap.

If you would like to contribute to this themed collection, please submit your article directly through the journal submissions platform. Please mention that your submission is a contribution to the Engineering of soft materials for healthcare, energy and environment collection in the “Themed issues” section of the submission form and is in response to the Open Call. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of both the journal and the collection, and as such inclusion of accepted articles in the final themed collection is not guaranteed.

If you have any questions about the collection or the submissions process, please do contact the Editorial Office at materialsb-rsc@rsc.org and they will be able to assist.

Journal of Materials Chemistry B is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

For this open call, we welcome full Papers and Communications.

The Guest Editors welcome submissions that are within the scope of Journal of Materials Chemistry B or Journal of Materials Chemistry C and encourages potential contributors to contact the Editorial Office regarding the suitability of manuscripts for the honorary collection. Please see this blog post for further information about the guest editors.

Journal of Materials Chemistry B is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

Submissions to the journal should contain chemistry in a materials context and should fit within the scope of Journal of Materials Chemistry C. Please see the journal’s website for more information on the journal’s scope, standards, article types and author guidelines. Please see this blog post for further information about the guest editors.

For this open call, we welcome full Papers and Communications.

If you would like to contribute to this themed collection, please submit your article directly through the Journal of Materials Chemistry C submission service. Please mention that your submission is a contribution to the Rare Earth Materials collection in the “Themed issues” section of the submission form and add a “Note to the Editor” that this is from the Open Call. Please do not mention the themed collection in your cover letter.

All submissions will be subject to assessment against the journal’s usual scope and standards criteria and sent for peer review only if appropriate. Accepted articles will be published online as soon as they are ready and added to the web collection.

We sincerely hope that you will be able to contribute your latest research to this themed collection. We look forward to receiving your manuscripts.

Journal of Materials Chemistry C is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

Submissions to the journal should contain chemistry in the context of a material and should fit within the scope of Journal of Materials Chemistry C or Journal of Materials Chemistry A. Please see the journal’s page for more information on the journal’s scope, standards, article types and author guidelines.

This call for papers is open for the following article types:

• Communications
• Full papers

If you would like to contribute to this themed collection, you can submit your article directly to the online submission system for Journal of Materials Chemistry C or Journal of Materials Chemistry A. Please mention that this submission is a contribution to the Molecular Photoswitches for Energy storage in the “Themed issues” section of the submission form and add a “Note to the Editor” that this is from the Open Call.

Journal of Materials Chemistry C is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

For this open call, we welcome full Papers and Communications.

The Guest Editors welcome submissions that are within the scope of Journal of Materials Chemistry B or Journal of Materials Chemistry C and encourages potential contributors to contact the Editorial Office regarding the suitability of manuscripts for the honorary collection. Please see this blog post for further information about the guest editors.

Journal of Materials Chemistry C is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

This themed collection broadly focuses on energy technologies including (but not limited to):

• Advances in microbial fuel cell (MFC) design, operation, and integration with wastewater systems for simultaneous energy generation and pollutant removal.
• Latest battery technology innovations, including solid-state and lithium-sulfur batteries.
• Development of sustainable energy materials from natural and renewable resources, such as cellulose-derived carbon and biopolymers.
• Construction of advanced materials for efficient solar energy conversion, including perovskite cells and solar windows.
• Utilization of carbon-based electrocatalysts derived from waste materials in fuel cells and electrolysers.
• CO₂ capture technologies for fuel and material production
• Exploration of hydrogen fuel cells for clean energy in transport and stationary power applications.

Manuscripts should be submitted via the Royal Society of Chemistry’s online submission service and the Editorial Office informed by email. Please add a “note to the editor” in the submission form when you submit your manuscript to say that this is a submission for this themed collection. The Editorial Office and Guest Editors reserve the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed. All manuscripts will be subject to the journal's usual peer review process. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are online, and they will be published in a regular issue of Materials Advances.

Please note that article processing charges apply to all articles submitted to Materials Advances if, following peer review, they are accepted for publication. Details of the APC and discounted rates can be found here. You could also find out if your institution has an agreement with the Royal Society of Chemistry that could cover your APCs using our Journal Finder tool. Corresponding authors who are not already members of the Royal Society of Chemistry are entitled to one year’s Affiliate membership as part of their APC. Find out more about our member benefits. 

This special themed collection will explore the full potential of various 1D fibrous based materials for energy conversion and storage applications including, but not limited to;

• Design, synthesis, and characterization of 1D fibrous materials for energy storage (batteries, supercapacitors) and conversion (solar cells, water splitting, fuel cells, electrolyzers, thermoelectric materials).
• Exploring novel 1D fibrous materials with improved storage and conversion efficiencies.
• Theoretical understanding of 1D fibrous materials for energy conversion and storage techniques.
• Mechanistic study of 1D fibrous catalyst includes in-situ characterisation and machine learning.
• Cost-effective and real-time fabrication of 1D fibrous materials towards practical/industrial applications.

Manuscripts should be submitted via the Royal Society of Chemistry’s online submission service and the Editorial Office informed by email. Please add a “note to the editor” in the submission form when you submit your manuscript to say that this is a submission for this themed collection. The Editorial Office and Guest Editors reserve the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed. All manuscripts will be subject to the journal's usual peer review process. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are online, and they will be published in a regular issue of Materials Advances.

Please note that article processing charges apply to all articles submitted to Materials Advances if, following peer review, they are accepted for publication. Details of the APC and discounted rates can be found here. You could also find out if your institution has an agreement with the Royal Society of Chemistry that could cover your APCs using our Journal Finder tool. Corresponding authors who are not already members of the Royal Society of Chemistry are entitled to one year’s Affiliate membership as part of their APC. Find out more about our member benefits. 

This collection is run in connection with Symposium E8 that took place at 32^nd International Material Research Congress (IMRC) on 18-23 August 2024.

Self-assembling protein cages, such as virus-like nanoparticles, ferritin, chaperonin, and heat shock proteins, are numerous in nature and fulfil different roles that include cargo delivery and compartmentalization. These protein cages are hollow and often spherical in structures. Understanding of the structure of natural protein cages can further provide inspiration to construct artificial protein cages expanding its functions beyond those in nature. Significant efforts have been made to explore the properties of these cages by functionalization with biological and non-biological moieties. Several attempts focus on the tailoring and applying protein compartments as reaction vessels for catalysis, delivery vehicles, and building blocks for nanoarchitectures.

Submissions are welcome on topics including, but not limited to:

• Design, structure, and surface chemistry
• Catalysis
• Drug delivery
• Bioimaging
• Immunotherapies
• Biosensors
• Multimodal nanoplatform
• Vaccines
• Environmental remediation
• Agricultural applications
• Cosmetics
• Wound healing
• Symbiosis with other materials

We are happy to consider both review articles and primary research work.

Manuscripts should be submitted via the Royal Society of Chemistry’s online submission service and the Editorial Office informed by email. Please add a “note to the editor” in the submission form when you submit your manuscript to say that this is a submission for this themed collection. The Editorial Office and Guest Editors reserve the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed. All manuscripts will be subject to the journal's usual peer review process. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are online, and they will be published in a regular issue of Materials Advances.

Please note that article processing charges apply to all articles submitted to Materials Advances if, following peer review, they are accepted for publication. Details of the APC and discounted rates can be found here. You could also find out if your institution has an agreement with the Royal Society of Chemistry that could cover your APCs using our Journal Finder tool. Corresponding authors who are not already members of the Royal Society of Chemistry are entitled to one year’s Affiliate membership as part of their APC. Find out more about our member benefits. 

This collection will be hosted by the Advances family of journals at the Royal Society of Chemistry, which publish interdisciplinary, robust science:

• RSC Advances – At the heart of open access for the global chemistry community
• Energy Advances – Cutting-edge science at the forefront of energy technology with particular focus on emerging materials and methods
• Environmental Science: Advances – Research from any discipline that will contribute to the understanding of the environment, and to the advancement of UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Materials Advances – New understanding, applications, properties and synthesis of materials
• Nanoscale Advances – Publishing across the breadth of nanoscience and nanotechnology

As Gold Open Access journals, the Advances family means maximum visibility for your work, to both subject specialists and a general audience.

Submit any time during the eligible period. Articles will be promoted and added to the collection as soon as they are accepted.

Choose one of our Advances journals above** and quote “New Principal Investigator Collection” in the submission form when it asks you if you are contributing to a themed collection.

The Emerging Investigator Series has an overall objective to showcase significant research by newer voices from across the worldwide materials chemistry research community. We will consider additional applications and nominations on their own merit. Self-nominations are also strongly encouraged.

Both research articles and review articles are welcome to the series.  Papers accepted for publication in the Emerging Investigator Series will be published in the earliest available issue and collated together in a dedicated Emerging Investigator Series page that will appear across Frontiers journals’ websites. All submissions to the Emerging Investigator Series will be subject to the journal’s high standards in peer review.

In order to be featured in the Emerging Investigator Series, contributors must:

• currently, be an independent research leader
• be the lead author (first author and/or corresponding author) of their article at the journal
• have either a) hold a PhD degree and be at the age of 40 or less in the year of submission, or b) received their PhD no earlier than 01 January of the year 12 years prior to the year of submission, or c) have no more than 12 years of post-PhD research experience on 01 January in the year of submission when taking into account any career breaks.

If you are interested to contribute to this series, please provide an up-to-date CV to the Editorial Office before submission, or simply opt-in for this series during submitting your manuscript and attach the CV as a supporting document.

Next-generation soft wearable sensors hold significant promise for revolutionizing healthcare and human-computer interaction by providing seamless integration between the human body and electronic devices. These advanced systems, characterized by their flexibility, stretchability, and biocompatibility, enable continuous monitoring of physical parameters such as body motion, physiological parameters like heart rate, and biochemical markers like electrolytes and cortisol levels in sweat in real-time. This real-time data collection can lead to more personalized and timely medical interventions, enabling a shift from hospital-centred healthcare to patient-centred healthcare.

Beyond healthcare, next-generation soft wearable sensors have applications in fitness, sports, and augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR), paving the way for innovative approaches to human performance enhancement and interactive technologies. They offer significant advancements in human-machine interaction, enhancing experiences in the metaverse and beyond. This special issue aims to highlight the latest research, developments, and innovative applications in soft wearable sensors from a materials and nanotechnology perspective, and we believe your work would make a valuable contribution to this discussion.

This special-themed collection aims to provide a platform to showcase the recent progress and challenges in the field of soft wearable sensors addressing the exciting current challenges in biosensors, bioelectronics, medicine, healthcare, AR/VR and soft robotics. The scope of the collection is broad, including but are not limited to:

• Soft wearable materials and design
• Innovative fabrication methods of soft wearable sensors
• Materials and technologies for enhanced sensor performance
• Integration of sensors with wearable systems
• Significance of machine learning and artificial intelligence for remote diagnostics and automatic decision making
• Applications in health monitoring, rehabilitation, AR/VR and sports
• Challenges and future directions in the development of soft wearable sensors
   

Submissions should fit within the scope of either Nanoscale Horizons or Materials Horizons. Please visit the journal webpages for more information on their scope, standards, article types and author guidelines. We invite authors to select the journal that best suits their submission. Please note that primary research is accepted in the form of Communications for both journals and require a ‘New Concepts statement’ to help ascertain the significance of the research. General guidance and examples can be found here.

For Nanoscale Horizons, we welcome exceptionally high-quality studies across all fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology in the form of Communications and Review-type articles (Reviews and Focus articles).

For Materials Horizons, we welcome exceptionally high-quality materials science in the form of Communications and Review-type articles (Reviews, Opinions and Focus articles).

We strongly encourage you to submit an original research article. If you are interested in submitting a review-type article, please contact the Editorial Office at materialshorizons-rsc@rsc.org in the first instance with a proposed title and abstract, as initial approval is required before submission to avoid topic overlap and ensure that we cover topics in need to review.

When ready please submit your manuscript directly to the submissions platform for Nanoscale Horizons or Materials Horizons where our Editors will assess as per the scope and standards of the journal. Please add a note in the ‘Comments to the Editor’ and ‘Themed issues’ sections of the submission that this is a submission to the ‘Soft wearable sensors’ themed collection in response to the Open Call. Please note that all submissions will be subject to our standard rigorous peer review process, including initial editorial assessment as to suitability for the journal and maintain before peer review, if found appropriate. If accepted, your article would be published in a usual issue of the journal and added to the online collection for extra visibility.

Materials Horizons is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

Emerging Investigators should be at an early stage of their independent career (this should typically be within 12 years of attaining their doctorate or equivalent degree but appropriate consideration is given to those who have taken a career break, work in systems where their time period to independence may vary or who followed an alternative study path).

Manuscripts should be submitted via the Royal Society of Chemistry’s online submission service and the Editorial Office informed by email. Please add a “note to the editor” in the submission form when you submit your manuscript to say that this is a submission for the themed collection. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed. All manuscripts will be subject to the journal's usual peer review process. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are online and they will be published in a regular issue of MSDE.

MSDE is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

Submissions to the journal should fit within the scope of Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Journal of Materials Chemistry B, Biomaterials Science or Molecular Systems Design & Engineering and we encourage authors to select the journal they feel is best suited to their work – Please see the journal’s website for more information on the journal’s scope, standards, article types and author guidelines. All manuscripts will undergo the normal initial assessment and peer review processes, if appropriate, in line with the journal’s high standards, managed by the journal editors. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are published and they will be featured in a regular issue of the relevant journal. Please note that peer review or acceptance are not guaranteed.

For this collection, we strongly encourage primary research in the way of Full Papers or Communications. If you are wanting to submit a review-type article, please check with the Editorial Office first for pre-approval and to avoid topic overlap.

If you would like to contribute to this themed collection, please submit your article directly through the journal submissions platform. Please mention that your submission is a contribution to the Engineering of soft materials for healthcare, energy and environment collection in the “Themed issues” section of the submission form and is in response to the Open Call. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of both the journal and the collection, and as such inclusion of accepted articles in the final themed collection is not guaranteed.

If you have any questions about the collection or the submissions process, please do contact the Editorial Office at materialsb-rsc@rsc.org and they will be able to assist.

MSDE is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

Emerging Investigators should be at an early stage of their independent career (this should typically be within 12 years of attaining their doctorate or equivalent degree, but appropriate consideration is given to those who have taken a career break, work in systems where their time period to independence may vary or who followed an alternative study path).

Manuscripts should be submitted via the Royal Society of Chemistry’s online submission service and the Editorial Office informed by email. Please add a “note to the editor” in the submission form when you submit your manuscript to say that this is a submission for the themed collection. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed. All manuscripts will be subject to the journal's usual peer review process. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are online, and they will be published in a regular issue of Polymer Chemistry.

Polymer Chemistry is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

Manuscripts should be submitted via the Royal Society of Chemistry’s online submission service and the Editorial Office informed by email. Please add a “note to the editor” in the submission form when you submit your manuscript to say that this is a submission for the themed collection. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed. All manuscripts will be subject to the journal's usual peer review process. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are online, and they will be published in a regular issue of Polymer Chemistry.

Polymer Chemistry is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

Great achievements have been made so far, including alternative renewable monomers derived from biomass, synthetic biodegradable polymers, and synthetic processes, such as those using molten salts, deep eutectic solvents, ionic liquids, and high-performance catalysts have shown great energy efficiency during the production of polymers. Additionally, the emergence and wide interest for circular economy principles have promoted research into the recycling (including chemical) of polymers, adding value to post-consumed polymers. Furthermore, artificial intelligence and machine learning have been offering new powerful tools for scientists and engineers to guide the design and synthesis of novel polymers, as well as to predict their properties, in order to efficiently meet the requirements for a sustainable development.

Preferred topics include but are not limited to:

• Green synthetic approaches to polymers
• Polymers derived from renewable monomers/feedstock
• Polymers from agricultural waste
• Bio-based vitrimers, thermosets and resins
• Life cycle analysis of polymers
• Polymers recycling to monomer or materials with equivalent function
• Upcycling end-of-life polymers
• Machine learning for sustainable polymers
• Ecotoxicity and toxicity of bio-derived polymers

If you would like to contribute to this themed collection, you can submit your article directly to the online submission system for Polymer Chemistry or Green Chemistry. Please answer the themed collection question in the submission form when uploading your files to say that this is a contribution to the “Make polymers sustainable, why and how?” Themed Collection and add a “Note to the Editor” that this is from the Open Call.

Polymer Chemistry is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

Manuscripts should be submitted via the Royal Society of Chemistry’s online submission service and the Editorial Office informed by email. Please add a “note to the editor” in the submission form when you submit your manuscript to say that this is a submission for the themed collection. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed. All manuscripts will be subject to the journal's usual peer review process. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are online, and they will be published in a regular issue of Polymer Chemistry.

Polymer Chemistry is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

CRISPR-based technology, as a revolutionary gene editing tool, not only shines in gene therapy, but also shows great potential in the field of diagnosis. Recently, programmable CRISPR-based biosensors have emerged as advanced bioanalytical tools in various fields. These biosensors utilize the principle of guided Cas proteins for targeting and cleaving specific nucleic acid sequences to achieve highly selective and sensitive detection in molecular diagnostics. The adaptability allows such biosensors to be tailored for detecting different targets, presenting a wide range of potential applications. In medical diagnostics, CRISPR-based biosensors are promising in detecting disease biomarkers, pathogens, genetic mutations, etc. In the field of food safety, CRISPR-based sensors could be used to rapid and on-site detection of harmful substances, viruses, and pathogenic microorganisms to ensure food quality and safety. In environmental detection, CRISPR-based biosensors are widely used to detect metal ions, antibiotics, pesticide, and toxins. Moreover, this technology has a wide range of potential applications, including fermentation process, agricultural and forest science, and beyond. The design and development of highly efficient CRISPR-based biosensors for has become a research focus in recent years. Furthermore, CRISPR/Cas system are also hailed as the next generation of molecular diagnostic technology. The programmable Cas proteins developed in recent years include Cas12a, Cas13a, Cas9, Cas14a, dCas9 and so on.

Current challenges: Despite the importance of CRISPR/Cas system in promoting molecular diagnostics, there are still several challenges in the field that need to be addressed. (1) The non-specific cleavage activity of the CRISPR/Cas system is one of its main challenges; (2) To obtain more effective information within limited time and cost, multiple detection strategy has become a research hotspot; (3) The detection sensitivity and accuracy of CRISPR/Cas system are important indicators for evaluating its performance, especially for amplification-free detection; (4) To meet the demand for rapid on-site testing, researchers are committed to developing portable and point-of-care testing (POCT) devices; (5) The detection cost of CRISPR/Cas system is also one of the important factors affecting its widespread application.

For this Special Issue, we welcome original research papers as well as reviews on current developments in the design of high-sensitivity and selectivity bioanalysis systems with CRISPR/Cas system for food safety, medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring and other related areas. This special issue aims to explore the multifaceted relationship between the CRISPR/Cas system and molecular diagnostics, addressing current challenges and knowledge gaps in this field. By gathering cutting-edge research and innovative methods, this special issue aims to reveal the complex interactions between CRISPR-based diagnostics and food, environmental protection, agriculture, and healthcare. Through a series of high-quality articles, valuable insights and practical significance will be provided to promote the development of CRISPR-based diagnostics in these fields.

Topics for this call for papers include but are not restricted to:

1. Multiplexed detection of bacteria, viruses, or small molecules using CRISPR-based diagnostics.
2. Non-amplification disruptive technology for signal amplification to improve detection sensitivity CRISPR-based diagnosis.
3. The discovery of novel CRISPR/Cas members for biosensing applications and the design, construction, and testing of recognition/cleavage mechanisms for programmable CRISPR/Cas systems.
4. Explore methods for optimizing and directed evolution of the CRISPR/Cas system to improve its stability, specificity, and detection efficiency.
5. The design and development of artificial intelligence devices, wearable and plug-and-play biosensors, nanomaterials, and portable CRISPR diagnostics platforms for POCT.
6. Combine different signal amplification elements to increase the sensitivity and specificity of CRISPR diagnostics.
7. Connect different signal recognition elements in series to expand the application range of CRISPR diagnostics.
8. Strategies to reduce the cost of CRISPR diagnostics.
9. Other CRISPR-related molecular diagnostic technology development and applications.

You are welcome to submit articles on the above-mentioned themes. Sensors & Diagnostics publishes high-quality innovative research in the field of sensors as well as diagnostics, molecular imaging and molecular therapeutics. For more information on the journal scope, standards, article types and author guidelines, please visit Sensors & Diagnostics journal page.

Submission Deadline: 31 May 2025

If you would like to contribute to this themed issue, you can submit your article directly at rsc.li/sensors and inform the editorial office by emailing our team. Please mention that this submission is a contribution to ‘CRISPR-based diagnostics’’, in the ‘Themed issues’ section of the submission form and add a ‘Note to the Editor’ that this is from the Open Call. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed.

Please note that all submissions are subject to the journal’s normal peer review processes, with an initial assessment to confirm the manuscript's suitability for full peer review. If you have any questions about the journal or the collection, please email us.  We would be happy to answer them.

Bionanosensors are revolutionizing early disease diagnosis by leveraging the unique properties of nanomaterials for ultra-sensitive detection of biomarkers. Their high surface area-to-volume ratio enables the identification of diseases at nascent stages, often before clinical symptoms appear. These sensors are integral in developing wearable technology for continuous health monitoring and point-of-care devices that simplify testing outside traditional lab settings. Additionally, they can analyze multiple biomarkers simultaneously, enhancing diagnostic accuracy for complex diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disorders. However, challenges such as biocompatibility, scalability, and data security remain. Despite these hurdles, ongoing advancements in integrating bionanosensors with microfluidics, molecular imaging, and AI promise a future where disease diagnosis is more immediate, personalized, and precise. As research progresses, these technologies will likely become central to healthcare, improving early intervention and treatment outcomes.

Nanomaterials play a pivotal role in the development of bionanosensors by enhancing their sensitivity, specificity, and versatility. Their unique properties, such as high surface area and reactivity, enable the precise detection of minute quantities of biological markers, crucial for early disease diagnosis. These materials facilitate the integration of sensors into wearable technologies and point-of-care devices, making continuous monitoring and rapid diagnostics accessible and efficient. As research progresses, the continuous improvement and innovation in nanomaterials are expected to further advance the capabilities and applications of bionanosensors in healthcare.

This special issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in nanomaterials and their applications in sensors specifically tailored for early disease diagnosis. The rapid evolution in nanotechnology has paved the way for innovative sensor designs that enhance sensitivity, specificity, and patient compliance. The integration of these advancements with cutting-edge machine learning tools and theoretical models promises to revolutionize the landscape of healthcare diagnostics.

This special issue will focus on the development, integration, and application of nanomaterials in the field of sensor technology, with a primary emphasis on early disease detection. It will include original research articles, reviews, and perspective pieces that discuss recent advancements, theoretical approaches, practical challenges, and future directions in this dynamic field.

The special issue will cover a wide range of topics, including but not limited to:

• Healthcare Sensors:
  
  • Biosensors: Exploration of nanomaterials (2D, quantum dots, etc) that improve the detection of clinically important biomarkers or biomolecules and various pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity.
  • Wearable Sensors: Advances in flexible nanomaterials enabling the development of wearable devices that can continuously monitor physiological parameters such as heart rate, body temperature, and blood oxygen levels.
  • Diagnostic Tools: Utilization of nanomaterials in imaging techniques and other diagnostic tools that enhance the sensitivity and accuracy of tests for early disease detection.
• Machine Learning Tools in Sensors:
  
  • Application of machine learning algorithms to improve the functionality, data analysis, and outcome predictions of nanomaterial-based sensors.
• Theoretical Simulation of Nanomaterials for Biosensors:
  
  • Insights into the theoretical underpinnings that guide the design and functionality of nanomaterials in biosensing applications.
• Understanding the Properties of Nanomaterials and Their Impact on Sensor Performance:
  
  • Comprehensive studies detailing how the physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials influence the performance of sensors.
• Lab on a Chip – Sensor Device Fabrication and Challenges:
  
  • Innovations in lab-on-chip technologies for compact, efficient, and scalable sensor device fabrication, alongside discussion of associated challenges.
• Clinical Trials:
  
  • Reports on the outcomes of clinical trials involving nanomaterial-based sensors, emphasizing their practical efficacy and potential in real-world medical applications. 

You are welcome to submit articles on the abovementioned themes. Sensors & Diagnostics publishes high-quality innovative research in the field of sensors as well as diagnostics, molecular imaging and molecular therapeutics. For more information on the journal journal scope, standards, article types and author guidelines, please visit Sensors & Diagnostics website.

Submission Deadline: 30th June 2025

If you would like to contribute to this themed issue, you can submit your article directly at rsc.li/sensors and inform the editorial office by emailing our team. Please mention that this submission is a contribution to ‘Advances in Nanomaterials for Sensors in Early Disease Diagnosis’, in the ‘Themed issues’ section of the submission form and add a ‘Note to the Editor’ that this is from the Open Call. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed.

Please note that all submissions are subject to the journal’s normal peer review processes, with an initial assessment to confirm the manuscript's suitability for full peer review. If you have any questions about the journal or the collection, please email us.  We would be happy to answer them.

This themed collection welcomes original research articles, reviews, communications and perspectives that contribute to the body of knowledge on paper-based point-of-care diagnostic platforms, intending to foster innovation and improve healthcare outcomes worldwide. It highlights innovative designs, materials and technologies that enhance the functionality, as well as the sensitivity and specificity of these platforms. Additionally, it will cover integration of paper-based systems with digital health technologies for data analysis and remote health monitoring, contributing to the advancement of telemedicine and decentralized healthcare.

The objectives of the collection are:

• To showcase the latest innovations in paper-based diagnostic platforms, focusing on novel materials, biochemical assays, and integration with electronic components for enhanced performance and user interaction.
• To emphasize research and development efforts that aim to reduce the cost and complexity of diagnostic tests, making them accessible to a broader population, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare facilities.
• To encourage submissions from interdisciplinary teams that combine expertise in chemistry, biology, materials science, engineering, and digital technology, reflecting the multifaceted nature of developing effective paper-based point-of-care diagnostics.
• To present studies demonstrating the real-world application, validation, and impact of paper-based diagnostics in clinical settings, field conditions, and public health crises, including their role in disease surveillance, outbreak response, and chronic disease management.
• To address the environmental impact of diagnostic consumables and propose sustainable, biodegradable materials and approaches that minimize waste and carbon footprint.
• To discuss emerging trends, potential challenges, and opportunities in scaling the production, distribution, and integration of paper-based diagnostic platforms into national and international health systems. 

You are welcome to submit articles on the abovementioned themes. Sensors & Diagnostics publishes high-quality innovative research in the field of sensors as well as diagnostics, molecular imaging and molecular therapeutics. For more information on the journal journal scope, standards, article types and author guidelines, please visit Sensors & Diagnostics.

Submission Deadline: 15 November 2024

If you would like to contribute to this themed issue, you can submit your article directly at rsc.li/sensors and inform the editorial office by emailing our team. Please mention that this submission is a contribution to ‘Paper-Based Point-Of-Care Diagnostics’, in the ‘Themed issues’ section of the submission form and add a ‘Note to the Editor’ that this is from the Open Call. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed.

Please note that all submissions are subject to the journal’s normal peer review processes, with an initial assessment to confirm the manuscript's suitability for full peer review. If you have any questions about the journal or the collection, please email us.  We would be happy to answer them.

Article processing charges will be automatically waived for all articles submitted to this themed collection until the end of 2024. Articles submitted to this collection after 2024 will not be automatically offered a waiver but authors can apply for a waiver separately. All waiver applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Emerging Investigators should be at an early stage of their independent career (this should typically be within 12 years of attaining their doctorate or equivalent degree, but appropriate consideration is given to those who have taken a career break, work in systems where their time period to independence may vary or who followed an alternative study path).

Manuscripts should be submitted via the Royal Society of Chemistry’s online submission service and the Editorial Office informed by email. Please add a “note to the editor” in the submission form when you submit your manuscript to say that this is a submission for the themed collection. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed. All manuscripts will be subject to the journal's usual peer review process. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are online, and they will be published in a regular issue of Soft Matter

Soft Matter is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

Manuscripts should be submitted via the Royal Society of Chemistry’s online submission service and the Editorial Office informed by email. Please add a “note to the editor” in the submission form when you submit your manuscript to say that this is a submission for the themed collection. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed. All manuscripts will be subject to the journal's usual peer review process. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are online and they will be published in a regular issue of Soft Matter.

Soft Matter is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant

Manuscripts should be submitted via the Royal Society of Chemistry’s online submission service and the Editorial Office informed by email. Please add a “note to the editor” in the submission form when you submit your manuscript to say that this is a submission for the themed collection. The Editorial Office reserves the right to check suitability of submissions in relation to the scope of the collection and inclusion of accepted articles in the collection is not guaranteed. All manuscripts will be subject to the journal's usual peer review process. Accepted manuscripts will be added to the online collection as soon as they are online and they will be published in a regular issue of Soft Matter.

Soft Matter is a Transformative Journal and Plan S compliant