Novel Low-Abundance-Biomarker-Quantification Assay to Detect Oxytocin in Non-Traditional Biospecimen

The social cognitive effects of the neuropeptide oxytocin have potential implications in matters related to national security. There are currently more than two hundred human trials studying the functions of oxytocin in clinical cohorts. However, problems associated with specificity and sensitivity of currently available oxytocin assay methods has been an impediment to advancement of research in the field. Moreover, current assay technology cannot distinguish between bioactive and inert forms of oxytocin. To overcome these limitations, Lynntech proposes to develop a quantitative, electrochemical assay device that combines the high sensitivity of functionalized nanowire based sensor technology with the high specificity of functional interactions of bioactive oxytocin. During Phase I of the proposed effort, this strip-based assay will be developed and optimized so as to reliably and accurately quantify physiological concentrations of different forms of oxytocin normally found in plasma. During the Option period and subsequent Phase II development, the assay will be further optimized to improve Limit of Detection to an order of magnitude lower than normal physiological concentrations in the plasma. This will enable the assay to be applied to nontraditional biospecimens like sweat and saliva, where oxytocin concentrations are likely to be lower than that in plasma.