Summary of the Project
CortisolSENSE project proposes a novel strategy for developing an intelligent point-of-care sensor alpha prototype working as a cost-effective, easily accessible, and rapid tool for real-time detection of cortisol (a stress hormone) level in sweat. The partners come together to develop a sensing device based on three distinct transition metal oxide (TMO) nanoparticles deposited on a carbon/pyrrole-based composite or carbon-based substrate. The optimal sensing layer composition will be established for TMO nanoparticles (ZnO, SnO2, Fe3O4) and the graphene/pyrrole, carbon-nanotubes/pyrrole or sp2/sp3 hybrid nanocarbon thin film support. The AI-based methods will be elaborated to distinguish between the responses originating from the cortisol and the interferents (glucose, urea, alcohol). The sensor is designed for real-time stress control and prediction of stress-related illness. CortisolSENSE proposal tasks aim to transform advances in the field of nanotechnologies and microelectronics into an accessible device for real-time health monitoring. Design of smart materials and study of its interactions with the active environment will be used to obtain advanced sensing technologies for cortisol detection, that will be used in the identification of chronic stress, monitoring of stress level during life transitions. The project will validate the sensor in the laboratory conditions, that will advance the technology to the TRL 4 and pave the way for its large scale implementation.