A competitive immunochromatographic assay for testosterone based on electrochemical detection

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biosensors
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Quantitative detection of hormones like testosterone is crucial for various diagnostic and research applications.
• Traditional methods may lack sensitivity, speed, or require complex instrumentation.
• Developing rapid and sensitive detection platforms is an ongoing area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a quantitative immunochromatographic assay combined with electrochemical detection for testosterone measurement.
• To establish a sensitive and reliable method for testosterone quantification using a model analyte.
• To integrate a nitrocellulose membrane assay with a microelectrode chip for enhanced detection.

Main Methods:

• An immunochromatographic assay was developed on a nitrocellulose membrane.
• Competitive immunoreactions utilized testosterone and horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled testosterone.
• Electrochemical detection was performed using a gold electrode chip, amperometry, and ferrocenemethanol (FcOH) as a redox mediator.

Main Results:

• The assay successfully detected testosterone in a quantitative manner.
• An inverse relationship was observed: higher testosterone concentrations led to decreased electrochemical reduction current.
• The method demonstrated quantitative detection over a testosterone concentration range of 1-625 ng/ml.

Conclusions:

• The combined immunochromatographic and electrochemical detection assay provides a sensitive and quantitative method for testosterone measurement.
• This integrated platform offers a promising approach for developing rapid point-of-care diagnostic tools.
• The assay's performance highlights the potential of electrochemical biosensors for hormone analysis.