We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Novel Stress Biomarker Measurement Method Uses UV Range

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 04 Jun 2019
Print article
Image: An instrument used for manufacturing test strips to measure stress biomarkers (Photo courtesy of Andrew Higley, University of Cincinnati).
Image: An instrument used for manufacturing test strips to measure stress biomarkers (Photo courtesy of Andrew Higley, University of Cincinnati).
A recent paper described a novel label-free method for quantitative detection of human performance “stress” biomarkers in different body fluids that is based on optical absorbance of biomarkers in the ultraviolet (UV) range of the spectrum.

The concentrations of stress biomarkers (hormones and neurotransmitters) in bodily fluids (blood, sweat, urine, and saliva) predict the physical and mental state of the individual. In the current study, investigators at the University of Cincinnati (OH, USA) focused on the stress biomarkers cortisol, serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and neuropeptide Y.

The investigators characterized the UV properties of individual and multiple biomarkers in various biological fluids using a microfluidic/optoelectronic platform for biomarker detection in the 190-400 nm range.

For this study the prime focus was cortisol evaluation. The current limit of detection of cortisol in sweat is approximately 200 nanograms per milliliter, which is in the normal range. UV measurement revealed that plasma samples containing both serotonin and cortisol resulted in readily detectable absorption peaks at 203 (serotonin) and 247 (cortisol) nanometers, confirming the feasibility of simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers in biological fluid samples. UV spectroscopy performed on various stress biomarkers showed a similar increasing absorption trend with concentration.

The investigators reported that the detection mechanism was label free, applicable to a variety of biomarker types, and able to detect multiple biomarkers simultaneously in various biofluids. A microfluidic flow cell was fabricated on a polymer substrate to enable point-of-care UV measurement of target biomarkers. The overall sensor combined sample dispensing and fluid transport to the detection location with optical absorption measurements with a UV light emitting diode (LED) and photodiode.

"I wanted something that is simple and easy to interpret," said senior author Dr. Andrew Steckl, professor of electrical engineering at the University of Cincinnati. "This may not give you all the information, but it tells you whether you need a professional who can take over. These stress biomarkers are found in all of these fluids, albeit in different quantities. It measures not just one biomarker but multiple biomarkers. And it can be applied to different bodily fluids. That is what is unique."

"You are not going to replace a full-panel laboratory blood test. That is not the intent," said Dr. Steckl. "But if you are able to do the test at home because you are not feeling well and want to know where you stand, this will tell whether your condition has changed a little or a lot."

The UV test for stress biomarkers was described in the May 24, 2019, issue of the journal American Chemical Society Sensors.

Related Links:
University of Cincinnati

Gold Member
Veterinary Hematology Analyzer
Exigo H400
Verification Panels for Assay Development & QC
Seroconversion Panels
New
Biological Indicator Vials
BI-O.K.
New
Dermatophytosis Rapid Diagnostic Kit
StrongStep Dermatophytosis Diagnostic Kit

Print article

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: Researcher Kanta Horie places a sample in a mass spectrometer that measures protein levels in blood plasma and other fluids (Photo courtesy of WashU Medicine)

Highly Accurate Blood Test Diagnoses Alzheimer’s and Measures Dementia Progression

Several blood tests are currently available to assist doctors in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in individuals experiencing cognitive symptoms. However, these tests do not provide insights into the clinical... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The findings were based on patients from the ADAURA clinical trial of the targeted therapy osimertinib for patients with NSCLC with EGFR-activated mutations (Photo courtesy of YSM Multimedia Team)

Post-Treatment Blood Test Could Inform Future Cancer Therapy Decisions

In the ongoing advancement of personalized medicine, a new study has provided evidence supporting the use of a tool that detects cancer-derived molecules in the blood of lung cancer patients years after... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: Schematic representation illustrating the key findings of the study (Photo courtesy of UNIST)

Breakthrough Diagnostic Technology Identifies Bacterial Infections with Almost 100% Accuracy within Three Hours

Rapid and precise identification of pathogenic microbes in patient samples is essential for the effective treatment of acute infectious diseases, such as sepsis. The fluorescence in situ hybridization... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.