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Published on: February 16, 2018
Flexible ACEK-Enhanced Capacitive Aptasensor for Rapid Cortisol Detection in Sweat
Jiuyi Wang1, Xiao Lv1, Mengjie Yang1
1Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems of Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
Micromachines
|July 28, 2026
Summary
This study presents a novel aptamer-based biosensor for rapid cortisol detection. The flexible device uses electrokinetics for ultrafast, sensitive analysis in small samples, aiding stress assessment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biosensor Technology
Background:
- Cortisol is a key biomarker for stress and health status.
- Conventional cortisol detection methods are slow, complex, and expensive for point-of-care use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid, sensitive, and portable biosensor for cortisol detection.
- To overcome limitations of existing methods for point-of-care applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a flexible, aptamer-based capacitive biosensor on a PET substrate.
- Utilizing alternating current electrokinetics (ACEK) for sample manipulation and analyte enrichment.
- Immobilization of aptamers on gold interdigitated electrodes via Au-S self-assembly.
Main Results:
- Achieved a low detection limit of 0.337 ng/mL in artificial sweat.
- Demonstrated ultrafast response time (< 1 minute) and a wide linear range (1-1000 ng/mL).
- Sensor showed good repeatability, specificity, interference resistance, and required only 10 μL of sample.
Conclusions:
- The developed aptamer-based biosensor offers a promising solution for rapid, sensitive cortisol detection.
- Integration with a microfluidic chip enhances stability and efficiency for practical applications.
- Potential for use in health management and disease monitoring.
