Artificial enzyme detects disease hormone in sweat.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a handheld sensor that can detect cortisol levels in sweat within eight minutes. Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands and is a marker for many illnesses, including various cancers. The researchers created a stable, robust artificial enzyme capable of sensitive and selective cortisol sensing, which could be easily engineered to detect other specific hormones. The artificial enzyme is a special polymer with tiny spaces shaped to fit only cortisol molecules, surrounded by catalysts that make cortisol react, producing electrical signals. The sensor can detect cortisol levels in sweat within minutes, even when they are typically 10,000 times less concentrated than glucose levels in the blood, opening up new avenues for developing future wearable sensors for health monitoring.