Determination of Cortisol Hormone from Sweat Samples and Interpretation with Microcontroller

Abstract

Cortisol, the body's stress hormone, regulates metabolism and the immune system. It also affects various body systems, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, and musculoskeletal systems. This study aims to quantitatively analyze cortisol hormone levels using colorimetric analysis with microcontrollers. The research focuses on detecting cortisol from artificial sweat samples utilizing microfluidic layers and microcontroller systems. This system employs an ESP 32 microcontroller within a closed environment, where the color changes on the microfluidic layer are photographed and quantified in terms of cortisol levels (ug/mL) based on RGB values obtained through basic image processing algorithms. The blue tetrazolium method used in the colorimetric analysis provides stable color changes and is preferred for its rapid reaction time (10 minutes). The system yields precise and reliable results with low detection limits (0.3 ug/mL), demonstrating high analytical performance. With the integration of the ESP 32 Cam module, the system can accurately measure cortisol levels across a wide concentration range (0.8 – 60 ug/mL). This technological approach leverages the advantages of wearable technologies in the field of biomedical engineering, enabling continuous monitoring of cortisol levels and facilitating the clinical assessment of these data.