Printable Core-Shell Multifunctional Particle for Light-Enhanced Nanomolar-Level Testosterone Point-of-Care...

Area of Science:

• Biomolecular monitoring
• Nanotechnology
• Sensor development

Background:

• Point-of-care diagnostics face challenges with low-concentration, weakly redox-active targets.
• Noninvasive monitoring in saliva, urine, and sweat is crucial for personalized healthcare.
• Existing sensor technologies struggle with stability, scalability, and sensitivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel multifunctional particle for enhanced biomolecular detection.
• To create a sensitive and stable sensor for testosterone at the nanomolar level.
• To validate the sensor's performance in various human biofluids for point-of-care applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a core-shell particle with a ZnIn2S4/SiC core and molecularly imprinted polymer shell.
• Development of inkjet-printed electrochemical sensors utilizing the multifunctional particles.
• Testing sensor performance for testosterone detection in saliva, urine, and sweat samples.

Main Results:

• The core-shell particle exhibits visible light sensitivity, testosterone recognition, and redox activity.
• Inkjet-printed sensors demonstrate stable (over 50 days) and reproducible performance.
• Achieved a low limit of detection (0.01 nM) and a wide linear range (0.01–1000 nM) for testosterone.
• Validated sensor effectiveness in lateral flow strips and wearable sweat sensors.

Conclusions:

• The novel multifunctional particle enables light-enhanced, highly sensitive testosterone detection.
• The developed sensors are suitable for stable, reproducible point-of-care testing in multiple biofluids.
• This technology advances noninvasive biomolecular profiling for personalized medicine and disease therapeutics.