A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Development of an Anti-Immunocomplex Antibody and Non-competitive Immunoassay for the Detection of Testosterone




AuthorsBäckström, Ida; Lamminmäki, Urpo; Juntunen, Etvi; Leivo, Janne

PublisherAmerican Chemical Society (ACS)

Publication year2026

Journal: Analytical Chemistry

Volume98

Issue9

First page 6620

Last page6626

ISSN0003-2700

eISSN1520-6882

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06003

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06003

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/515763130

Self-archived copy's licenceCC BY

Self-archived copy's versionPublisher`s PDF


Abstract

Accurate and sensitive quantification of testosterone using simple, high-throughput, and low-cost methods has remained a longstanding analytical challenge, despite the issue being highlighted by the endocrinology community more than a decade ago. Existing competitive immunoassays lack sensitivity and specificity, while reference methods based on mass spectrometry are complex, costly, and unsuitable for routine large-scale testing. Alternative approaches are needed to aid in the diagnosis of androgen deficiency and excess in men, women, and children. In this study, we report a novel anti-immunocomplex (anti-IC) antibody that recognizes a monoclonal anti-testosterone antibody bound to testosterone. The anti-IC antibody was generated using phage display, and the antibody pair was utilized in the development of a non-competitive time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay for the detection of testosterone. The assay demonstrated reliable detection within the physiological range of testosterone in men, women, and children and compatibility with plasma as a sample matrix. These findings emphasize the potential of novel anti-IC antibodies in the development of more sensitive immunoassays, offering accessible alternatives to existing methods for testosterone analysis.


Downloadable publication

This is an electronic reprint of the original article.
This reprint may differ from the original in pagination and typographic detail. Please cite the original version.




Funding information in the publication
This research was supported by the Research Council of Finland’s Flagship InFLAMES and the Finnish National Doctoral Education Pilot ImmuDocs. The funding decision numbers are 337530, 357910, and 358823.


Last updated on 12/03/2026 08:35:28 AM