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Vignesh V, Castro-Dominguez B, James TD, Gamble-Turner JM, Lightman S, Reis NM. Advancements in Cortisol Detection: From Conventional Methods to Next-Generation Technologies for Enhanced Hormone Monitoring. ACS Sens 2024; 9:1666-1681. [PMID: 38551608 PMCID: PMC11059103 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c01912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The hormone cortisol, released as the end-product of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, has a well-characterized circadian rhythm that enables an allostatic response to external stressors. When the pattern of secretion is disrupted, cortisol levels are chronically elevated, contributing to diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, mental health disorders, and diabetes. The diagnosis of chronic stress and stress related disorders depends upon accurate measurement of cortisol levels; currently, it is quantified using mass spectroscopy or immunoassay, in specialized laboratories with trained personnel. However, these methods are time-consuming, expensive and are unable to capture the dynamic biorhythm of the hormone. This critical review traces the path of cortisol detection from traditional laboratory-based methods to decentralised cortisol monitoring biosensors. A complete picture of cortisol biology and pathophysiology is provided, and the importance of precision medicine style monitoring of cortisol is highlighted. Antibody-based immunoassays still dominate the pipeline of development of point-of-care biosensors; new capture molecules such as aptamers and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) combined with technologies such as microfluidics, wearable electronics, and quantum dots offer improvements to limit of detection (LoD), specificity, and a shift toward rapid or continuous measurements. While a variety of different sensors and devices have been proposed, there still exists a need to produce quantitative tests for cortisol ─ using either rapid or continuous monitoring devices that can enable a personalized medicine approach to stress management. This can be addressed by synergistic combinations of technologies that can leverage low sample volumes, relevant limit of detection and rapid testing time, to better account for cortisol's shifting biorhythm. Trends in cortisol diagnostics toward rapid and continuous monitoring of hormones are highlighted, along with insights into choice of sample matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Visesh Vignesh
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Centre for Bioengineering and Biomedical
Technologies (CBio) University of Bath, BA2 7AY Bath, U.K.
| | - Bernardo Castro-Dominguez
- Department
of Chemical and Engineering and Digital Manufacturing and Design University
of Bath, BA2 7AY Bath, U.K.
| | - Tony D. James
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Bath, BA2 7AY Bath, U.K.
| | | | - Stafford Lightman
- Translational
Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS1 3NY Bristol, U.K.
| | - Nuno M. Reis
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Centre for Bioengineering and Biomedical
Technologies (CBio) University of Bath, BA2 7AY Bath, U.K.
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Greyling CF, Ganguly A, Sardesai AU, Churcher NKM, Lin KC, Muthukumar S, Prasad S. Passive sweat wearable: A new paradigm in the wearable landscape toward enabling "detect to treat" opportunities. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 16:e1912. [PMID: 37356818 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Growing interest over recent years in personalized health monitoring coupled with the skyrocketing popularity of wearable smart devices has led to the increased relevance of wearable sweat-based sensors for biomarker detection. From optimizing workouts to risk management of cardiovascular diseases and monitoring prediabetes, the ability of sweat sensors to continuously and noninvasively measure biomarkers in real-time has a wide range of applications. Conventional sweat sensors utilize external stimulation of sweat glands to obtain samples, however; this stimulation influences the expression profile of the biomarkers and reduces the accuracy of the detection method. To address this limitation, our laboratory pioneered the development of the passive sweat sensor subfield, which allowed for our progress in developing a sweat chemistry panel. Passive sweat sensors utilize nanoporous structures to confine and detect biomarkers in ultra-low sweat volumes. The ability of passive sweat sensors to use smaller samples than conventional sensors enable users with sedentary lifestyles who perspire less to benefit from sweat sensor technology not previously afforded to them. Herein, the mechanisms and strategies of current sweat sensors are summarized with an emphasis on the emerging subfield of passive sweat-based diagnostics. Prospects for this technology include discovering new biomarkers expressed in sweat and expanding the list of relevant detectable biomarkers. Moreover, the accuracy of biomarker detection can be enhanced with machine learning using prediction algorithms trained on clinical data. Applying this machine learning in conjunction with multiplex biomarker detection will allow for a more holistic approach to trend predictions. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antra Ganguly
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | - Abha Umesh Sardesai
- Department of Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | | | - Kai-Chun Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
| | | | - Shalini Prasad
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
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Weber CJ, Clay OM, Lycan RE, Anderson GK, Simoska O. Advances in electrochemical biosensor design for the detection of the stress biomarker cortisol. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:87-106. [PMID: 37989847 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-05047-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The monitoring of stress levels in humans has become increasingly relevant, given the recent incline of stress-related mental health disorders, lifestyle impacts, and chronic physiological diseases. Long-term exposure to stress can induce anxiety and depression, heart disease, and risky behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse. Biomarker molecules can be quantified in biological fluids to study human stress. Cortisol, specifically, is a hormone biomarker produced in the adrenal glands with biofluid concentrations that directly correlate to stress levels in humans. The rapid, real-time detection of cortisol is necessary for stress management and predicting the onset of psychological and physical ailments. Current methods, including mass spectrometry and immunoassays, are effective for sensitive cortisol quantification. However, these techniques provide only single measurements which pose challenges in the continuous monitoring of stress levels. Additionally, these analytical methods often require trained personnel to operate expensive instrumentation. Alternatively, low-cost electrochemical biosensors enable the real-time detection and continuous monitoring of cortisol levels while also providing adequate analytical figures of merit (e.g., sensitivity, selectivity, sensor response times, detection limits, and reproducibility) in a simple design platform. This review discusses the recent developments in electrochemical biosensor design for the detection of cortisol in human biofluids. Special emphasis is given to biosensor recognition elements, including antibodies, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), and aptamers, as critical components of electrochemical biosensors for cortisol detection. Furthermore, the advantages and limiting factors of various electrochemical techniques and sensing in complex biofluid matrices are overviewed. Remarks on the current challenges and future perspectives regarding electrochemical biosensors for stress monitoring are provided, including matrix effects (pH dependence and biological interferences), wearability, and large-scale production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney J Weber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Olivia M Clay
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Reese E Lycan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Gracie K Anderson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Olja Simoska
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
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Karuppaiah G, Lee MH, Bhansali S, Manickam P. Electrochemical sensors for cortisol detection: Principles, designs, fabrication, and characterisation. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 239:115600. [PMID: 37611448 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Psychological stress is a major factor contributing to health discrepancies among individuals. Sustained exposure to stress triggers signalling pathways in the brain, which leading to the release of stress hormones in the body. Cortisol, a steroid hormone, is a significant biomarker for stress management due to its responsibility in the body's reply to stress. The release of cortisol in bloodstream prepares the body for a "fight or flight" response by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, metabolism, and suppressing the immune system. Detecting cortisol in biological samples is crucial for understanding its role in stress and personalized healthcare. Traditional techniques for cortisol detection have limitations, prompting researchers to explore alternative strategies. Electrochemical sensing has emerged as a reliable method for point-of-care (POC) cortisol detection. This review focuses on the progress made in electrochemical sensors for cortisol detection, covering their design, principle, and electroanalytical methodologies. The analytical performance of these sensors is also analysed and summarized. Despite significant advancements, the development of electrochemical cortisol sensors faces challenges such as biofouling, sample preparation, sensitivity, flexibility, stability, and recognition layer performance. Therefore, the need to develop more sensitive electrodes and materials is emphasized. Finally, we discussed the potential strategies for electrode design and provides examples of sensing approaches. Moreover, the encounters of translating research into real world applications are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gopi Karuppaiah
- Electrodics and Electrocatalysis Division, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi, 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India; School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ho Lee
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Shekhar Bhansali
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33174, USA.
| | - Pandiaraj Manickam
- Electrodics and Electrocatalysis Division, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi, 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, 201 002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Shama N, Aşır S, Göktürk I, Yılmaz F, Türkmen D, Denizli A. Electrochemical Detection of Cortisol by Silver Nanoparticle-Modified Molecularly Imprinted Polymer-Coated Pencil Graphite Electrodes. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:29202-29212. [PMID: 37599971 PMCID: PMC10433476 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The sensitive cortisol detection by an electrochemical sensor based on silver nanoparticle-doped molecularly imprinted polymer was successfully improved. This study describes the method development for cortisol detection in both aqueous solution and biological samples using molecularly imprinted poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-(l)-histidine methyl ester)-coated pencil graphite electrodes modified with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The cortisol-imprinted pencil graphite electrode (PGE) has a large surface area because of doped AgNPs with enhanced electroactivity. The prepared molecularly imprinted polymer was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The DPV response of the synthesized electrode with outstanding electrical conductivity was clarified. Cortisol-imprinted polymer-coated PGEs (MIP), cortisol-imprinted polymer-coated PGEs with AgNPs (MIP@AgNPs), and nonimprinted polymer-coated PGEs with AgNPs (NIP@AgNPs) were evaluated for sensitive and selective detection of cortisol in aqueous solution. Five different cortisol concentrations (0.395, 0.791, 1.32, 2.64, and 3.96 nM) were applied to the MIP@AgNPs, and signal responses were detected by the DPV with a regression coefficient (R2) value of 0.9951. The modified electrode showed good electrocatalytic activity toward cortisol for the linear concentration range from 0.395 to 3.96 nM, and a low limit of detection was recorded as 0.214 nM. The results indicate that the MIP@AgNPs sensor has great potential for sensitive and selective cortisol determination in biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nemah
Abu Shama
- Department
of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Süleyman Aşır
- Department
of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering, Near East University, Mersin 10 Turkey, Nicosia 99138, North Cyprus
| | - Ilgım Göktürk
- Department
of Chemistry, Hacettepe University Ankara, 06800, Turkey
| | - Fatma Yılmaz
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Processing Technologies, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu 14030, Turkey
| | - Deniz Türkmen
- Department
of Chemistry, Hacettepe University Ankara, 06800, Turkey
| | - Adil Denizli
- Department
of Chemistry, Hacettepe University Ankara, 06800, Turkey
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Kaur S, Gupta N, Malhotra BD. Recent developments in wearable & non-wearable point-of-care biosensors for cortisol detection. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:217-230. [PMID: 36880128 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2184260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cortisol is one of the most prominent biomarkers used for the detection of psychological stress and related disorders. It plays an important role in many physiological processes including immunomodulation and fat metabolism. Thus, monitoring of cortisol levels can be used to indicate different pathological conditions including stress disorders. There has been a gradual rise in the development of point of care (PoC) biosensors for continuous cortisol monitoring. AREAS COVERED This review discusses recent breakthroughs toward the development of PoC sensors (wearable and non wearable) for cortisol monitoring. Challenges associated with them have also been summarized. EXPERT OPINION Electrochemical PoC devices have recently emerged as a powerful tools for continuous monitoring of cortisol that can be utilized for stress management and treatment of related disorders. However, there are many challenges that should be addressed before such devices can be deployed at mass level, such as inter-individual variability, changing the device calibration with the circadian rhythm, interference from other endocrine moieties, etc. [Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Kaur
- Nanobioelectronics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, INDIA
| | - Niharika Gupta
- Nanobioelectronics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, INDIA
| | - Bansi D Malhotra
- Nanobioelectronics Lab, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, INDIA.,Biomedical Instrumentation Section, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, India
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