Electrochemical Sensing of C-Terminal Telopeptide of Type I Collagen (CTX-I) for Osteoporosis Detection

As people age, maintaining strong and healthy bones becomes increasingly important for independence and quality of life. Osteoporosis is a common aging-related condition in which bones gradually become weaker and more likely to break. These fractures can lead to long recovery times, reduced mobility, and loss of independence for many older adults. Because osteoporosis often develops silently over many years, detecting early signs of bone loss is important for supporting healthy aging. Currently, bone health is often monitored using bone density scans or laboratory tests. However, these methods can be expensive, require specialized equipment, and may not always detect early changes in bone breakdown. This project will explore whether electrochemical biosensors could be used to detect a small biological marker related to bone breakdown called CTX-I. Detecting this marker may help identify early changes in bone health before major bone loss occurs. The goal of this project is to explore whether this type of biosensor could eventually provide a faster, and less invasive way to monitor bone health in aging populations. The project will also include input from older adults through Voice Canada to understand what features would make a monitoring tool useful and practical in real life. By combining laboratory research with community perspectives, this work aims to support earlier monitoring of bone health and promote healthier aging.