Development of a paper microfluidic sensor for the detection and quantification of melatonin

• Grant number: 22/05366-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2022
• End date: February 05, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Emanuel Carrilho
• Grantee: Ana Julia Aparecida Ramos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Melatonin, a hormone known for its function in the regulation of the circadian cycle, is also responsible for many other aspects that surround human health, such as the immune system's functioning. In the current context, the detection and quantification of melatonin is a challenge, requiring specialized apparatus (radioimmunoassays, ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay), among others). Therefore, the objective of this project is to create a paper microfluidic device (µPAD) for the determination of melatonin in saliva samples, that could be integrated into colorimetric and fluorescent quantification methods, using digital image detection (RGB, CMYK, among others). (AU)