An origami paper-based analytical device for rapid detection of testosterone in healthcare food

Abstract

An integrated origami paper-based analytical device (oPAD) based on competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for testosterone (TES) detection. In this design, a positive correlation between the signals and analytes was observed due to the connection of the reaction zone and signal readout zone by a “detachable bridge”. The device displayed rapid (35 min), sensitive (LOD: 1 μg L⁻¹) and highly selective characteristics for TES detection. In addition, complex matrices in healthcare food such as oral solutions and tablets showed a negligible effect on the accuracy of this assay (recovery: 95.4–109.1% and RSD < 6%), demonstrating its potential for hazardous chemical testing in real samples.