Competitive enzyme linked aptamer based assay for salivary melatonin detection

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Chronobiology

Background:

• Melatonin regulates sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythm.
• Accurate measurement of dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) is crucial for diagnosing sleep-wake disorders.
• Traditional melatonin detection methods lack sensitivity for precise DLMO assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, highly sensitive assay for melatonin detection in saliva.
• To utilize aptamers for specific and sensitive melatonin quantification.
• To improve the accuracy of DLMO determination for circadian rhythm disorder diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Development of a competitive enzyme-linked aptamer-based assay.
• Utilizing chemically synthesized DNA/RNA aptamers for melatonin binding.
• Assessing assay performance including linear dynamic range and detection limit.

Main Results:

• The aptamer assay demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity for melatonin.
• Achieved a linear dynamic range from 8.62 × 10⁻⁶ M to 3.9 × 10⁻¹¹ M.
• Established a low detection limit of 2.5 × 10⁻¹² M (~0.57 pg/mL) with good recovery in diluted saliva.

Conclusions:

• The aptamer-based assay shows potential for accurate low-level melatonin detection in saliva.
• This method can significantly aid in precise DLMO determination, especially in vulnerable populations.
• Improved DLMO measurement facilitates optimized diagnosis and personalized treatment of circadian rhythm disruptions.