In a groundbreaking advancement in personal health technology, engineers at Tufts University have developed the world’s first dental floss capable of measuring cortisol levels—a key biomarker of stress—directly from saliva. This innovative device seamlessly integrates stress monitoring into a daily routine, offering a non-invasive and real-time method to assess physiological stress levels.
Transforming Daily Habits into Health Monitoring Tools
Led by Professor Sameer Sonkusale of Tufts University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the research team aimed to create a stress-monitoring tool that wouldn’t add to users’ stress levels. By embedding a cortisol sensor into a common dental floss pick, they achieved a design that allows users to monitor stress effortlessly during their regular oral hygiene routine.
How the Cortisol-Detecting Floss Works
The device resembles a standard floss pick, with a taut string stretched between two prongs on a plastic handle. When used, saliva is collected via capillary action and transported through a microfluidic channel to an embedded sensor in the handle. This sensor utilizes electropolymerized molecularly imprinted polymers (eMIPs), which are engineered to have cavities that match the shape of cortisol molecules. As cortisol binds to these cavities, the sensor detects changes in electrical current, providing a measurable indication of cortisol concentration.
Accuracy and Potential Applications
In tests, the floss-based sensor demonstrated accuracy comparable to standard laboratory assays, such as ELISA tests, for detecting cortisol levels in saliva. The device can deliver results within approximately 10 minutes, making it suitable for real-time stress monitoring at home. Beyond stress, the technology holds potential for detecting other biomarkers in saliva, including glucose for diabetes monitoring, estrogen for fertility tracking, and indicators for various diseases.
Future Outlook
The research team is currently working on commercializing the technology, aiming to make this innovative stress-monitoring tool widely available. By integrating health monitoring into a simple daily activity like flossing, this development represents a significant step forward in personalized healthcare and preventive medicine. Interesting Engineering
