A label-free fluorescent aptamer sensor for testosterone based on SYBR Green I

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Testosterone is a vital steroid hormone for metabolism.
• Exogenous testosterone accumulation, even at low concentrations (nmol L^-1), poses health risks.
• Accurate environmental monitoring of testosterone is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an unlabeled fluorescent sensor for sensitive and specific testosterone detection.
• To optimize the sensor for enhanced sensitivity and quantitative analysis.
• To validate the sensor's performance in buffer and real-world water samples.

Main Methods:

• Utilized SYBR Green I, a fluorescent dye, with a testosterone aptamer (T5).
• Employed a fluorescence quenching mechanism based on competitive binding.
• Optimized detection conditions and verified specificity, linear range, LOD, and LOQ.

Main Results:

• Achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.27 nmol L^-1 and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.91 nmol L^-1.
• Established a linear detection range from 0.91 nmol L^-1 to 2000 nmol L^-1.
• Demonstrated high specificity and effective performance in tap and river water samples.

Conclusions:

• The developed SYBR Green I-based fluorescent sensor provides a sensitive and specific method for testosterone detection.
• This sensor offers a convenient and efficient alternative for environmental testosterone monitoring.
• The findings support the application of this sensor in analyzing testosterone levels in various water matrices.