A cork based substrate coupled with artificial antibodies for point-of-care detection of pro-inflammatory cytokine biomarkers†

Abstract

Whilst single use point of care testing (PoCT) devices have transformed healthcare globally, there are major concerns over their environmental consequences. These concerns could be addressed by employing devices made of environmentally friendly materials. Herein, we report on the use of cork based PoCT devices. Cork is known to be fully biodegradable and can be easily recycled without producing toxic residues. We report on how a cork-based substrate coupled with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) that serves as an “artificial antibody” can be used for point-of-care testing of the pro-inflammatory biomarker interleukin 6 (IL-6). The featured PoCT device has an electrochemical transducer that provides the desired clinical dynamic range for blood and can measure concentrations as low as 1 pg mL-1, indicating its usefulness in point of care measurements for monitoring pathological disorders, worldwide. In addition, it has a huge environmental impact as it can reduce the waste generated by other polymeric/ceramic carriers used for the same purpose.