Selective Array-Based Sensing of Anabolic Steroids in Aqueous Solution by Host-Guest Reporter Complexes

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Sensing

Background:

• Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are performance-enhancing drugs with significant health implications.
• Accurate and selective detection of AAS in biological samples remains a challenge.
• Current detection methods may lack sensitivity or require complex sample preparation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel sensing platform for the selective detection of AAS in aqueous solutions.
• To investigate the use of host-guest complexes and fluorescent indicators for AAS sensing.
• To achieve high sensitivity and selectivity for AAS detection, including discrimination between structurally similar compounds.

Main Methods:

• Utilized water-soluble deep cavitands as host molecules.
• Incorporated two types of fluorescent indicators ('turn-on' and 'turn-off' probes).
• Employed a triggered aggregation mechanism mediated by heavy metal ions and AAS.
• Tested the system in aqueous environments and human urine samples.

Main Results:

• Achieved selective sensing of AAS in aqueous solutions.
• Demonstrated discrimination between AAS differing by a single π bond through metal ion mediation.
• Sensing mechanism involves triggered aggregation influenced by metal ions and AAS.
• Detected AAS concentrations as low as 10 µm.
• Showed selective detection in human urine samples spiked with AAS.

Conclusions:

• The developed cavitand-based fluorescent assay provides a sensitive and selective method for AAS detection.
• The combination of host-guest chemistry, metal ion mediation, and dual fluorophores enables robust discrimination.
• This platform shows promise for practical applications in detecting AAS in complex biological matrices like urine.