Abstract
Mastitis occurs when blocked milk ducts lead to inflammation of the breast tissue and can cause significant discomfort for breastfeeding mothers. A key biomarker for mastitis is the altered sodium-to-potassium (Na~+/K~+) ratio in breast milk due to tight junction dysfunction. In this work, MAMAWEL is introduced, the first potentiometric sensor designed for at-home mastitis diagnosis. This device integrates Na~+ and K~+ sensors with an ionic-liquid-based reference electrode, enabling early detection of mastitis before clinical symptoms arise. To ensure reliable, calibration-free operation, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyloxy (TEMPO) is incorporated, a redox buffer that establishes a thermodynamically controlled interface, enhancing sensor reproducibility. Comparative analysis with commercially available sensors demonstrates that MAMAWEL effectively differentiates between healthy and mastitis-affected milk samples, achieving a concentration estimation error margin of less than 10%. Designed for both wearable and point-of-care applications, MAMAWEL has the potential to transform early mastitis detection, reducing maternal discomfort and promoting breastfeeding health.
NETL
NSTL
Wiley