The University of Cincinnati engineers have introduced a groundbreaking device to aid in the diagnosis of depression and anxiety. The device, a “lab-on-a-chip” system, is designed to measure the stress hormone cortisol from a patient’s saliva. This innovative approach can provide valuable diagnostic information even in cases where patients do not openly express feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression.
Mental health disorders are a global concern, affecting over 400 million individuals worldwide. Conditions like anxiety and depression are leading causes of disability, with prolonged cortisol elevation being linked to these disorders. The lab-on-a-chip system developed by UC researchers enables the tracking of a patient’s cortisol levels through a disposable collection device. This device is then inserted into a reader that can transmit results within minutes to a portable analyzer and smartphone.
The study detailing this advancement has been published in the journal Biomedical Microdevices. According to UC College of Engineering and Applied Science Distinguished Research Professor Chong Ahn, the goal is to provide point-of-care testing that allows patients to conduct tests at home or in a clinic. This approach eliminates the need for invasive lab tests, offering a more convenient and timely solution for mental health care interventions.
The device not only utilizes traditional psychometric evaluations but also incorporates physiological biomarker measurements to enhance evidence-based diagnostics for stress disorders. Patients can easily conduct the testing themselves and share the results with healthcare providers through smartphones.
Furthermore, the research team is exploring additional applications for their technology. Doctoral student Supreeth Setty is investigating the hormone DHEA, which counteracts the effects of cortisol in the body. The device developed by UC researchers offers quick and noninvasive testing, providing clinicians with objective evidence to support traditional screenings like the patient health questionnaire.
The next phase involves collaborating with psychiatrists to conduct clinical trials and validate the effectiveness of this platform. The study was led by UC doctoral graduate Vinitha Thiyagarajan Upaassana, alongside Setty and fellow doctoral student Heeyong Jang.
In addition to mental health applications, the UC researchers have demonstrated the device’s potential in diagnosing other health issues. For instance, they have examined troponin, a protein released into the bloodstream during heart damage, such as a heart attack. The team has also developed a point-of-care-testing platform for COVID-19.
The research findings have been published in various journals, showcasing the versatility and impact of the lab-on-a-chip technology developed by the University of Cincinnati. This innovative approach holds promise for revolutionizing mental health diagnostics and other healthcare applications.
