Innovative Artificial Biosensor Enhances Measurement of Cortisol, the Body's Principal Stress Hormone

Recent advancements in biosensor technology have led to the development of an artificial, luminescent sensor capable of more accurately measuring cortisol levels, the hormone primarily responsible for the body's response to stress. Traditionally, assessing cortisol requires laboratory-based testing in clinical settings, which can be time-consuming and costly. However, the new biosensor design enables point-of-care testing, making cortisol measurement more accessible and convenient.

Developed by Andy Yeh, an assistant professor of biomolecular engineering at the University of California, Santa Cruz, this innovative sensor binds specifically to cortisol molecules in blood or urine samples. Once bound, the sensor emits light proportional to the hormone's concentration. This luminescent response can be captured and analyzed using a standard smartphone camera, allowing individuals to monitor their cortisol levels at home or in clinical environments with high sensitivity.

The technology is backed by a study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, demonstrating the sensor’s capability to detect cortisol across all relevant health levels. Yeh’s approach leverages artificial protein design, utilizing AI-driven computational methods to craft proteins from scratch that respond to cortisol with high sensitivity and a broad dynamic range. This contrasts with traditional protein modification techniques and results in a sensor that produces reliable, quantifiable light signals corresponding to hormone concentrations.

The biosensor’s simplicity allows it to be used in a "mix and read" format, similar to rapid COVID-19 tests. A small drop of blood or urine mixed with the biosensor solution, along with a smartphone app, can translate the emitted light into a precise cortisol level reading. This rapid, portable testing approach could significantly improve the management of stress-related health conditions and hormonal imbalances.

Yeh envisions this technology not only transforming personal health monitoring but also aiding in drug development and clinical diagnostics. Its ability to provide quick, accurate, and quantitative results across a broad dynamic range represents a notable advancement over current cortisol testing methods, which often lack sensitivity outside normal ranges. Ultimately, this innovation opens new pathways for accessible stress hormone monitoring, offering a valuable tool for both healthcare providers and individuals interested in managing their health more proactively.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-artificial-biosensor-body-main-stress.html