Detecting Stress Biomarkers in Saliva by Fluorescence

The US Navy seeks to commercialize through patent licensing a method for measuring stress biomarkers such as cortisol in saliva by fluorescence polarization (FP). To complement this method, the Navy is developing a hand-held fluorescence polarimeter and related rapid tests. The Technology: The Naval Institute for Dental and Biomedical Research (NIDBR) has developed a method for estimating the concentration of stress biomarkers such as cortisol, in saliva. This method can utilize any of several fluorescence techniques. The current test equipment uses two steps that take only 15 seconds each: (1) scanning a saliva sample for background chemistry and (2) adding a fluorescent tracer specific for the substance of interest and rescanning. The computer software built into the FP device subtracts the background chemistry and calculates the concentration of the stress biomarkers giving real-time results. A time stamp is planned, so aberrant diurnal rhymicity of biomarkers can be detected. The detection limit of the present test is twenty picograms per 1/50 milliliter of saliva, easily obtained from a saliva-absorbing pad. Background and Opportunity: Sailors, soldiers and airmen are subject to many activities that create stress and disrupt sleep, resulting in diminished physical and cognitive ability. This can be detrimental both for job effectiveness and survival. Although civilian stress and sleeplessness may be associated with different activities, such as long distance trucking or shift work, the results on performance are much the same. Monitoring alertness is of keen interest to the military and to corporations with employees engaged in alertness-critical activities. Current methods include psychological and cognitive stress tests, which are time consuming and underutilized. Benefits: Requires no wash steps Highly correlated with ELISA (serum) tests, but much more rapid Ratiometric, theoretical accuracy not dependent on cortisol concentration in saliva Designed to function with off-the-shelf reagents, disposables Machine is designed for ease-of-use by non-scientific staff with a color-coded readout Contacts: Laurel Halfpap, [phone removed], [email removed] Dan Swanson, [phone removed], [email removed]