Biosensor based on colorimetric and electrochemical techniques for the simultaneous detection of analytes of varied natures

• Grant number: 24/18003-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Analytical Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Laís Canniatti Brazaca
• Grantee: Beatriz Bertin
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/10141-2 - Novel wearable biosensors for non-invasive analysis of protein biomarkers, AP.JP

Abstract

Wearable biosensors have gained significant attention for their ability to quantify various analytes in real time using non-invasive methods, providing valuable insights in health, sports, food safety, and security. This study aims to develop wearable biosensors for the simultaneous measurement of four analytes in sweat: pH, electrolytes (K+), small molecules (glucose), and proteins (dermicidin). The goal is to achieve accurate, rapid, simple, and cost-effective detection using electrochemical and colorimetric techniques. Each biomarker was selected for its clinical relevance, particularly concerning metabolic disorders and cancer types. The biosensors will be constructed from PDMS polymer, featuring four individual channels for each biomarker, utilizing laser cutting, 3D printing, and soft lithography. pH measurement will utilize colorimetric methods with modified membranes, while K+ will be determined with a selective ion electrode. Glucose detection will involve screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with glucose oxidase, and dermicidin will be detected through a lateral flow assay in a sandwich format with gold nanoparticles. These adaptable platforms are expected to significantly broaden the range of biomolecules that can be analyzed through wearable sweat-based sensors, with considerable implications for health applications.