Development of an electrochemical biosensor based on carbon-fiber antibody as a strategy for hipogonadism diagnosis.

• Grant number: 24/08698-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Wallance Moreira Pazin
• Grantee: Lucas Frezza Moretto
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências (FC). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Bauru. Bauru , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/22214-6 - Towards a convergence of technologies: from sensing and biosensing to information visualization and machine learning for data analysis in clinical diagnosis, AP.TEM

Abstract

This study aims to identify possible causes of hypogonadism through electrochemical biosensors, focusing on the diagnosis of diseases associated with testosterone deficiency. The goal is to develop a faster and less invasive diagnostic method, with potential commercial applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Due to the rarity of hypogonadism, early diagnosis is crucial, as its symptoms, such as erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, and lethargy, can be mistaken for other conditions related to low testosterone. The electrochemical biosensor will be based on flexible carbon fiber, also known as carbon nanotubes. To measure testosterone levels, the immunoassay technique will be employed using the antigen-antibody pair. The nanotubes will allow for controlled analysis of the antibody and antigen behavior. Initially, the nanotubes will be analyzed in solution, followed by the addition of antibodies to their surface, and finally, the insertion of the antigen with concentration variations to test the biosensor's sensitivity. The use of a galvanometric potentiostat will allow for measuring the potential and current differences resulting from the antigen-antibody interaction, enabling a detailed analysis of the immunoassay steps.