# A Cortisol Sensing Enzyme System: A New Platform Utilizing Dehydrogenases in Biosensors

> **NIH NIH R43** · DESIGN-ZYME, LLC · 2020 · $252,126

## Abstract

Project Abstract
The goal of this Phase I SBIR is to develop a new platform that enables dehydrogenases to be used as enzymes
in amperometric biosensors. Regardless of the platform or measurement modality, all biosensor designs require
the use of an enzyme to properly function. Biosensors are devices that measure compounds important for
human health. FDA approval has already been achieved for amperometric biosensors that monitor glucose in
humans, and several new biosensor platforms are currently under development. Biosensors require an enzyme
that is specific for the compound to be measured.
This proposal will showcase our platform’s utility by developing an enzyme system that provides the ability to
monitor cortisol in point-of-care devices and biosensors. The major impediment to the development of a
continuous cortisol monitoring system is the lack of an enzyme that can be used as part of device fabrication.
At this time, no enzyme suitable for cortisol detection and suitable for biosensing applications has been described
or commercialized. This illustrates the importance of developing new enzyme systems specific for analytes
important in human health. Once proof-of-concept is demonstrated in Phase I, our Phase II will extend the
platform for use with other dehydrogenases to monitor analytes important in human health and disease. Phase
II targets include maleate dehydrogenase, GABA dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, pyruvate
dehydrogenase, acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, and alcohol dehydrogenase. These dehydrogenase enzymes
either have no known oxidase counterpart or have oxidase counterparts that are so unstable as to render the
enzyme essentially useless in biosensor fabrication for studies in freely moving animals. At the end of the Phase
II SBIR, we will have an optimized platform that produces highly stabilized dehydrogenase enzymes for use in
biosensors. In addition, a functioning cortisol biosensor suitable for use in humans will be developed. No
diagnostic device presently exists to continuously measure cortisol level in vivo.
In this study we will use our proposed platform to create a cortisol enzyme system by coupling together two novel
enzymes to produce a signal that can be detected on an electrode with high sensitivity. This dual enzyme
approach that features a covalently attached co-enzyme molecule, is highly innovative and will enable, for the
first time, the continuous monitoring analytes important to human health such as cortisol. New devices based
on this technology will allow clinicians to monitor and manage pain, stress, and other conditions that negatively
impact human health. Our platform will positively impact the development and manufacturing of other devices
for novel sensing applications. The Phase I deliverable will be a prototype of the coupled enzyme system
demonstrating proof-of-concept for a selective, sensitive and efficient mechanism of monitoring cortisol levels in
tissues and fluids. The successful completi...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10081461
- **Project number:** 1R43GM137652-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** DESIGN-ZYME, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Peter A Petillo
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $252,126
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-08-01 → 2022-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10081461

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10081461, A Cortisol Sensing Enzyme System: A New Platform Utilizing Dehydrogenases in Biosensors (1R43GM137652-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10081461. Licensed CC0.

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