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




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

PublisherAmerican Chemical Society (ACS)

2026

 Analytical Chemistry

98

9

6620

6626

0003-2700

1520-6882

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

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

https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/515763130



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.


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