In a recent article published in 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 plays a crucial role in supporting infant health and development. Sodium ions, in particular, are essential for several physiological processes, including maintaining fluid balance and supporting nerve function. Measuring sodium ion concentrations in breast milk is an important aspect of maternal and infant health, as it can provide valuable insights into potential health concerns, such as subclinical mastitis (SCM) and insufficient milk supply.
Health organizations generally recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant's life. However, some reports indicate that many mothers in the United States may not meet this guideline, with concerns about milk production being one potential factor. SCM, an asymptomatic inflammatory condition, is thought to affect the sodium-potassium balance in breast milk, which some researchers suggest could contribute to a decrease in milk supply.
Monitoring sodium ion levels in breast milk serves as a key biomarker for diagnosing SCM and assessing the overall health of both mother and infant. While traditional methods like inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) are considered the gold standard for measuring sodium levels, they are limited in practical applications due to their complexity, size, and cost.
The Current Study
This study introduces a coverslip-sized total analysis device designed for high-accuracy chemical measurement of sodium ions in minimally processed breast milk. The device incorporates 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 essential for preparing the sample for precise analysis by the G-ISFET sensor.
The G-ISFET sensor is designed for high-performance sodium-ion quantification. It requires only a small sample volume, allowing for rapid analysis. Its straightforward calibration process enables sodium ion measurements to be completed in approximately 141 seconds. The device's accuracy is reported to be comparable to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), positioning it as a potential 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