In a recent article published in the journal Sensors & Actuators: B, Chemical, researchers presented a novel lab-on-a-chip device that utilizes micro-electrodialysis and a graphene ion-selective sensor to provide a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective solution for measuring sodium ions in breast milk.
Study: High-precision micro-total analysis of sodium ions in breast milk. Image Credit: angellodeco/Shutterstock.com
Background
Breast milk is a vital source of nutrition for infants, and its composition can significantly impact infant health and development. Sodium ions play a crucial role in various physiological processes, including fluid balance and nerve function. The measurement of sodium ion concentration in breast milk is a critical aspect of maternal and infant health, as it can provide valuable insights into potential health issues such as subclinical mastitis (SCM) and inadequate milk supply.
Health organizations advocate for exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant's life; however, many mothers in the United States do not meet this guideline, often due to concerns about insufficient milk production. SCM, an asymptomatic inflammatory condition, can disrupt the sodium-potassium balance in breast milk, leading to decreased milk supply.
Consequently, monitoring sodium ion levels in breast milk serves as an important biomarker for diagnosing SCM and assessing the health of both mother and infant. Traditional methods for measuring sodium levels, such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), are considered the gold standard but are limited in practical applications due to their complexity, size, and cost.
The Current Study
The study introduces a coverslip-sized total analysis device designed for high-accuracy chemical measurement of sodium ions in minimally processed breast milk. The device integrates a micro-electrodialysis (μED) processor and a graphene ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (G-ISFET) sodium sensor. The μED processor extracts sodium ions from the breast milk sample into a simplified acceptor solution, achieving an extraction efficiency of 92 ± 3%. This step is crucial for preparing the sample for accurate analysis by the G-ISFET sensor.
The G-ISFET sensor is engineered to provide high-performance quantification of sodium ions. The device's design allows for minimal sample volume requirements, enabling rapid analysis. The calibration strategy employed in the device is straightforward, allowing for sodium ion measurements to be completed in approximately 141 seconds. The accuracy of the device is comparable to that of ICP-MS, making it a viable alternative for point-of-care diagnostics.
Results and Discussion
The results demonstrate that the integrated device successfully measures sodium ion concentrations in breast milk with high precision and speed. The μED processor effectively isolates sodium ions, simplifying the sample matrix and enhancing the performance of the G-ISFET sensor.
The study highlights the significant improvements in size, analysis time, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional detection methods. The device's ability to provide accurate sodium measurements in a compact format addresses the urgent need for convenient and reliable tools for monitoring breast milk composition.
The implications of this research extend beyond sodium detection. The platform technology developed in this study can potentially be adapted to detect other critical nutrients and heavy metal ions in complex biological fluids. This versatility paves the way for holistic home health monitoring systems that can support personalized healthcare. By enabling mothers to monitor sodium levels in their breast milk, the device can help identify potential health issues early, facilitating timely interventions and promoting better health outcomes for both mothers and infants.
The study also discusses the broader context of breastfeeding and maternal health. With only 25% of mothers in the United States meeting the recommended guidelines for exclusive breastfeeding, there is a pressing need for solutions that can alleviate concerns about milk supply. By providing a reliable method for monitoring sodium levels, the device can empower mothers with the information they need to make informed decisions about breastfeeding and infant nutrition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the development of a lab-on-a-chip device for measuring sodium ion concentrations in breast milk represents a significant advancement in maternal and infant health monitoring. The integration of micro-electrodialysis and graphene ion-sensitive technology offers a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective solution that addresses the limitations of traditional methods.
By enabling the precise measurement of sodium levels, this device has the potential to improve the diagnosis of conditions such as subclinical mastitis and support mothers in their breastfeeding journeys. Furthermore, the technology's adaptability for detecting other analytes in biological fluids opens new avenues for personalized healthcare solutions. This research underscores the importance of innovative approaches in addressing the challenges associated with breastfeeding and maternal health, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for families.
Journal Reference
Bao H., Fan X., et al. (2024). High-precision micro-total analysis of sodium ions in breast milk. Sensors & Actuators: B. Chemical, 422, 136652. DOI: 10.1016/j.snb.2024.136652, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925400524013820