Cortisol sensor
First Claim
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1. A sensor device for detecting cortisol molecules, said device comprising a molecularly imprinted polymer comprising a cortisol-binding chromophore that fluoresces upon excitation operatively associated with:
- a source of excitation energy for said chromophore; and
a detector for detecting fluorescent energy emitted upon chromophore excitation;
wherein an excited cortisol-binding chromophore that does not have a cortisol molecule associated therewith fluoresces differently than an excited cortisol-binding chromophore that does have a cortisol molecule associated therewith.
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Abstract
Devices and methods for sensing and detecting cortisol levels in a fluid sample in real-time using a cortisol-imprinted polymer are provided. Also provided are hydration devices that include a cortisol sensor of the present invention capable both of providing hydration to a user and allowing the user to measure cortisol levels in the user'"'"'s bodily fluids in real-time.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A sensor device for detecting cortisol molecules, said device comprising a molecularly imprinted polymer comprising a cortisol-binding chromophore that fluoresces upon excitation operatively associated with:
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a source of excitation energy for said chromophore; and
a detector for detecting fluorescent energy emitted upon chromophore excitation;
wherein an excited cortisol-binding chromophore that does not have a cortisol molecule associated therewith fluoresces differently than an excited cortisol-binding chromophore that does have a cortisol molecule associated therewith.- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
a fluid reservoir capable of holding a hydrating fluid;
a tube assembly comprising a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end being coupled to said reservoir and said distal end being adapted to receive hydrating fluid from the reservoir; and
a sensor device according to claim 1 wherein said molecularly imprinted polymer is in fluid communication with said fluid reservoir and said distal end of said tube assembly.
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16. The portable hydration device of claim 15 further comprising a mouthpiece coupled with said distal end of said tube assembly.
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17. The portable hydration device of claim 16 comprising a portable pack capable of receiving at least a portion of one or more of the devices selected from the group consisting of said reservoir, tube assembly, mouthpiece, molecularly imprinted polymer, light source, detector, and combinations of two or more thereof.
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18. The portable hydration device of claim 17 further comprising at least one strap for mounting said pack onto a user.
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19. A method of detecting a cortisol molecule comprising:
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providing a fluid sample comprising at least one cortisol molecule; and
contacting the fluid sample with the molecularly imprinted polymer of a sensor device of claim 1 to associate the cortisol molecule with the molecularly imprinted polymer; and
detecting the cortisol molecule.
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20. The method of claim 19 wherein said providing step comprises providing a saliva-based sample via expectoration or salivation.
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21. The method of claim 19 wherein said providing step comprises providing a urine-based sample via urination.
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22. The method of claim 19 wherein said cortisol molecule is detected in real-time.
Specification