High-precision micro-total analysis of sodium ions in breast milk

Given the importance of sodium ions in milk for detecting subclinical mastitis and changes in milk composition (see post on February 13, 2024), it is important to develop low cost, sensitive, and accurate methods of measuring sodium concentration in milk. In this publication our collaborators in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Massachusetts developed a coverslip-sized, high-precision lab-on-a chip device that processes and detects sodium ions in human milk. The device uses micro-electrodialysis to extract sodium ions into a simple acceptor solution with high efficiency and employs a graphene ion selective sensor for high-performance quantification. This approach offers a promising pathway to efficient, point-of care diagnosis of conditions associated with metal-ion levels in complex liquid-biopsy samples. View the full publication below.