Paper-Based Optode Devices (PODs) for Selective Quantification of Potassium in Biological Fluids

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Background:

• Traditional optode membranes face limitations in biological fluid analysis.
• Existing paper-based sensors often lack selectivity or user-friendly interfaces.
• Accurate potassium monitoring is crucial for managing various diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, fabricate, and assess the feasibility of paper-based optode devices (PODs) for selective potassium detection.
• To develop an integrated system combining PODs with a smartphone-connected optical reader.
• To offer a user-friendly and accessible platform for remote potassium monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Development of novel paper-based optode devices (PODs) operating in exhaustive mode.
• Integration of PODs with a portable, smartphone-based optical reader.
• Validation of the system's performance for selective potassium sensing in biological fluids.

Main Results:

• The developed PODs demonstrate selective sensing of potassium in biological fluids.
• The integrated system provides a linear optical response to potassium concentration.
• The smartphone interface enables straightforward data acquisition and potential remote monitoring.

Conclusions:

• Paper-based optode devices (PODs) offer a feasible and advantageous approach for potassium sensing.
• The smartphone-integrated system simplifies potassium measurement and facilitates remote disease monitoring.
• This technology holds promise for accessible and efficient point-of-care diagnostics.