Thanks to an electronic chip, a new sensor is able to measure stress hormones from a single drop of blood.
- Currently, the measurement of cortisol requires heavy and expensive installations.
- The use of nanosensors makes it possible to directly detect cortisol molecules without the need for other molecules or particles to act as markers.
- This technology could be adapted for the non-invasive measurement of cortisol in other fluids such as saliva and urine.
Cortisol and other stress hormones regulate many aspects of our physical and mental health, including sleep quality. High levels of cortisol can lead to poor sleep, which increases stress which can contribute to panic attacks, heart attacks and other ailments. Currently, the measurement of cortisol requires heavy and expensive installations. Canadian researchers at Rutgers University-New Brunswick have developed a microchip capable of measuring stress hormones in real time from a drop of blood.
Detect cortisol molecules without the need for other markers
In a study published June 30 in the journal Science Advances, scientists presented a tool to monitor natural cortisol fluctuations in the blood to provide patients with feedback so they receive the right treatment at the right time. To develop their technology, they used the same technologies used to make sensors that can detect biomolecules at low levels. These sensors are very small in size since they are thinner than a human hair.
The researchers validated the performance of the miniaturized device on 65 blood samples from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. “The use of nanosensors allowed us to directly detect cortisol molecules without the need for other molecules or particles to act as markers”, rejoiced Reza Mahmoodi, principal author of the study. Our new sensor produces an accurate and reliable response that allows continuous reading of cortisol levels for real-time analysis.”
Adapt measurement via saliva or urine
The development of this new device opens up new possibilities for non-invasive measurements. “It has great potential to be adapted for the non-invasive measurement of cortisol in other fluids such as saliva and urineassures Reza Mahmoodi. The fact that molecular tags are not required eliminates the need for large, bulky instruments like light microscopes and plate readers, making the reading instrument something you can ultimately measure in a small pocket box or even stand on. a bracelet one day.”
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