Penn State researchers have developed a proof-of-concept device that can detect endometriosis biomarkers from menstrual blood in 10 minutes at home. The test shows 500% greater sensitivity than existing laboratory approaches for detecting HMGB1, a protein implicated in endometriosis development and progression.
The device operates similarly to a pregnancy test, displaying two lines if the biomarker is detected in the sample. The technology uses nanosheets made from borophene, a 2D material derived from boron that offers advantages over more commonly used graphene for biomedical applications.
“Despite the significant potential of menstrual effluent as a diagnostic tool for women’s health, it often faces substantial challenges due to social stigma and limited access to affordable diagnostic methods,” said Dipanjan Pan, Dorothy Foehr Huck & J. Lloyd Huck Chair Professor in Nanomedicine and corresponding author of the study published in ACS Central Science.
The researchers developed a novel technique to synthesize borophene nanosheets using water instead of harsh solvents like isopropyl alcohol, making the material more suitable for biomedical applications. They fixed antibodies that recognize HMGB1 protein to the nanosheets, creating a detection platform.
To test sensitivity, researchers added various concentrations of HMGB1 to menstrual blood samples. The device successfully detected the protein at low concentrations with five times more sensitivity compared to existing laboratory tests that require extensive preparation and analysis.
“Clinical evidence indicates that HMGB1 levels in menstrual blood are significantly elevated in individuals with endometriosis compared to healthy controls,” Pan said. “However, early-stage or asymptomatic cases may present with only modest increases — that’s why high sensitivity to low HMGB1 concentrations is essential.”
The test could potentially be integrated into menstrual pads, enabling discreet monitoring of biomarker levels at home. This approach addresses unmet needs in endometriosis screening, particularly in rural areas or settings without extensive medical resources.
Endometriosis affects approximately 200 million people globally. The research team plans to scale up their approach for clinical studies, improve device sensitivity further, and expand the test to detect additional disease biomarkers including HPV and cervical cancer. The work was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and National Institutes of Health.
