Real-Time Stress Monitoring through Intelligent Flossing Device

Real-Time Stress Monitoring through Intelligent Flossing Device

Innovative Dental Floss Sensor Detects Stress Markers

A novel dental floss device developed by engineers at Tufts University can detect cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, through saliva, offering a painless, real-time method for stress monitoring. This breakthrough technology utilizes electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polymers (eMIPs), which act as custom molds to identify specific molecules with accuracy comparable to current biosensors.

The floss-based technology could revolutionize home health monitoring, making daily stress tracking simple and non-invasive. Researchers eventually aim to adapt the system for other saliva-based health markers, such as glucose or estrogen, potentially transforming personal health monitoring across various conditions.

The sensor measures cortisol from saliva using advanced polymer molds designed to recognize the target molecule. With accuracy similar to leading biosensors, the device's versatility allows it to be tailored for multiple biomarkers found in saliva.

"We wanted to create a sensing device that becomes part of daily life, rather than adding to stress," said Sameer Sonkusale, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Tufts University. "Cortisol is a stress marker found in saliva, so flossing seemed like a natural fit to collect a daily sample."

The device, which resembles a standard floss pick, features a string stretched across two prongs extending from a flat plastic handle, about the size of an index finger. Saliva is collected by capillary action through a narrow channel in the floss and drawn into the handle, where it spreads over electrodes that detect cortisol.

The recognition of cortisol on the electrodes is achieved through electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polymers (eMIPs), a remarkable technology developed more than 30 years ago that works similarly to creating a plaster cast of a hand. A polymer is formed around a template molecule, which is later removed, leaving behind binding sites with a physical and chemical shape "memory" of the target molecule.

The eMIP molds are adaptable, enabling the creation of dental floss sensors that can detect a wide range of molecules found in saliva, such as estrogen for fertility tracking or glucose for diabetes monitoring.

Potentially, the device can detect multiple biomarkers in saliva simultaneously for more accurate monitoring of various health conditions, including stress, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and others.

"The eMIP approach is a game changer," said Sonkusale. "Unlike traditional biosensors that rely on antibodies or other receptors, eMIPs don't require a significant investment in developing the receiving molecule attached to the sensor. Once a marker is found, creating a new polymer cast is a speedy process."

The accuracy of cortisol sensors is on par with the best-performing sensors on the market or in development. The convenience of bringing this device into the home and offering stress monitoring for individuals without training can revolutionize various aspects of healthcare.

Currently, Sonkusale and his colleagues are creating a startup to bring the product to market. They note that while the dental floss sensor is highly accurate, monitoring markers in saliva is best for monitoring conditions rather than making an initial diagnosis, given that saliva markers can still have variations between individuals.

However, in the context of diagnosed conditions, frequent monitoring with the sensor allows for timely interventions when necessary for optimal treatment. The new research, published in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, adds to a series of thread-based sensor innovations by Sonkusale and his research team.

Sources:

• Tufts University
• ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces

Chronic stress can lead to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, decreased immune function, depression, and anxiety.

Although tools for monitoring stress exist, they are often inaccurate or expensive, relying on self-reporting questionnaires and psychiatric evaluations.

Now, a team of interdisciplinary engineers from Tufts University has devised a simple device using specially designed floss that can easily and accurately measure cortisol, a stress hormone, in real-time. With this innovative technology, stress monitoring could become an integral part of daily routines.

1. The new dental floss sensor, developed by Tufts University engineers, can detect cortisol, a hormone related to stress, making stress monitoring painless and real-time for home health use.
2. Researchers aim to adapt the floss-based technology for other saliva-based health markers, such as glucose or estrogen, potentially revolutionizing personal health monitoring across various conditions.
3. With the device's versatility, it can identify multiple biomarkers found in saliva, including cortisol, aiming to provide accurate monitoring for a variety of health conditions, including stress, cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety.
4. In neuroscience news, the eMIP molds used in the dental floss sensor are adaptable, enabling the creation of sensors that can detect a wide range of molecules found in saliva, such as estrogen for fertility tracking or glucose for diabetes monitoring.
5. Chronic stress can have adverse effects on mental health, leading to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, decreased immune function, depression, and anxiety.
6. While current stress monitoring tools exist, they are often inaccurate or expensive, relying on self-reporting questionnaires and psychiatric evaluations.
7. Integrating the innovative dental floss sensor into daily routines could revolutionize mental health and health-and-wellness by making stress monitoring accurate, affordable, and non-invasive, thanks to advances in neurotech and the field of neuroscience.

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