Wearable 10‑Minute Antibody Sensors from University of Pittsburgh ^{CEFR B2}

University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a wearable biosensor platform that detects antibodies in interstitial fluid in 10 minutes and without a blood draw. The findings appear in Analytical Chemistry. Alexander Star led the work; Amir Amiri is first author. Star previously developed similar sensors to detect substances such as marijuana and fentanyl.

The team built two sensors by attaching viral antigens to carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes are roughly 100,000 times smaller than a human hair and conduct electricity. When a matching antibody binds an antigen on the nanotube, the electrical properties change and the sensor signals the antibody. Each device runs on only a half volt and occupies 2.6 square millimeters.

Laboratory tests in Pitt Medicine’s dermatology department found the sensors are nine orders of magnitude more sensitive than common clinical tests such as ELISA, allowing detection of both trace and clinically important antibody levels. Researchers are exploring pairing the sensors with microneedle arrays: painless patches with needles under one millimeter that reach interstitial fluid without touching nerves. Such pairings could enable continuous, real-time monitoring similar to continuous glucose monitors and help guide booster timing, therapeutic antibody dosing, or detection of other infections and allergens.