Research Projects

The stringent prohibition of doping in sports arises from profound health concerns and the inherent contradiction of the foundational competitive sports principle, emphasizing fair competition where the 'best shall win.' Oversight of performance-enhancing substances falls under the jurisdiction of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which enforces standards outlined in its universally ratified code. However, numerous reported cases at the national and international levels consistently highlight widespread confusion in interpreting analysis results and prolonged analysis time, resulting in detrimental consequences for athletes. To maintain public confidence in anti-doping endeavors, transparency and adherence to established scientific methodologies are imperative. Conventional mass spectrometry based techniques play a significant role in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of doping samples, offering detailed structural information. Nevertheless, their limitations encompass cost, time consumption, complexity, and confinement to laboratory settings. In this context, the emergence of point-of-care devices becomes pivotal, enabling rapid and accurate testing at local facilities. Our proposal introduces an innovative dual-mode (colorimetric and photothermal) multi-test pattern lateral flow-based point-of-care device designed for the simultaneous detection of various doping substances on a single platform and within a single test. The envisioned device, featuring copper sulfide@gold nanocomposite (CuS@AuNPs), demonstrates enhanced capabilities for local testing with superior speed and precision. The photothermal and colorimetric sensing probes, incorporating CuS@Au, exhibit improved efficiency facilitated by the presence of gold nanoparticles on the CuS surface. This enhancement is attributed to the provision of ample adsorption sites conducive to antibody coupling. The device is specifically designed for the simultaneous detection of various doping substances [erythropoietin, human growth hormone, testosterone, Hypoxia-inducible factor-1] in a singular test, presenting a rapid re-evaluation option for athletes encountering potentially misinterpreted results. The system operates on a duplex dissociation mechanism, and in the case of positive samples, the sensing probes undergo distinct binding processes at both the test line (T line) and control line (C line). This binding occurs as the fluid progresses through the test strip propelled by capillary forces, allowing preliminary visual assessment. Additionally, the T line is stimulated using an 808 nm laser, and quantitative analysis is conducted by capturing temperature variations and images through a portable infrared camera. Further, its clinical significance will be proved by the analysis of real sample in collaboration with agencies. The key advantage of deploying such advanced technologies is imperative for maintaining the integrity of sports and safeguarding the well-being of athletes.