Description:FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is related to a non-invasive method for detecting potassium ion concentration using an ion-selective layer that exhibits self-sustainable oscillations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Monitoring potassium (K+) levels is crucial for maintaining body function and fluid balance. Blood potassium should be 3.8-5.4 mmol/L, sweat is 5-10 mmol/L, and urine is 20 mmol/L. Abnormal K+ levels can lead to serious complications, such as cardiac arrest and muscle cramps.
Hence, monitoring potassium ions in biofluids such as sweat, food, serum, and urine via ion-selective layer (ISL) is critical for well-being, diagnosis, and healthcare. The ion-selective membrane used in sensors must have a precisely balanced combination of essential constituents to ensure optimal accuracy and dependability. The changes in the composition of the membrane, both quantitative and qualitative affect the analytical performance of sensors.
The existing technologies for detection and sensing of K+ ions often depend on ionophores like valinomycin, which are expensive and can limit sensor performance and commercial viability. Additionally, the significant problem with traditional ion-selective layer (ISLs) is that they suffer from stability issues during sensor development and operation.
The patent document US2011152643A1 describes a "band-aid"-type potassium ion (K+) biosensor. The biosensor is designed in a skin patch or "band-aid" configuration to allow monitoring of potassium ion concentrations. The sensor uses a potassium ion-selective membrane or receptor that binds to potassium ions and generates an electrical signal proportional to the potassium ion concentration.

The patent document US20210076988A1 describes non-invasive and wearable chemical sensors and biosensors. The sensor is designed in a skin patch or "tattoo" configuration to allow for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of various analytes. The sensor uses a substrate with an electrode assembly that can detect and measure the concentration of target analytes, such as potassium ions, glucose, or other chemicals.
The prior art describes general wearable and non-invasive chemical sensor platform, not specifically configured for potassium ions.
In order to overcome the drawbacks associated with ionophores, the present invention demonstrates ion-selective layer (ISL) exhibiting self-sustained oscillation to mimic the performance and promote specific affinity towards the K+ ions.
The proposed invention highlights the sensitivity, stability, and selectivity of the method specifically for determination of potassium ions using self-oscillating ion-sensitive layer, which is cost-effective alternative to existing technologies. This method provides several opportunities for developing new biomimetic electrochemical sensors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a method for non-invasive detection of potassium ion (K+) concentration using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with an ion-selective layer (ISL). The ISL utilizes the principle of self-sustained oscillation to achieve high selectivity and sensitivity towards potassium (K+) ions. It demonstrates self-sustained oscillations that change with the concentration of potassium ions. The proposed invention provides cost-effective and stable alternative to traditional ionophore-based ISLs.
Embodiments of the present disclosure may include a method for non-invasive detection of potassium ion concentration in biofluids including but not limited to sweat, blood, serum, urine, food including the steps of providing an ion-selective layer (ISL) exhibiting self-sustained oscillations on a substrate. Embodiments may also include contacting the ion-selective layer (ISL) with biofluid. Embodiments may also include measuring a change in the self-sustained oscillations of the ion-selective layer (ISL). In some embodiments, the change may be indicative of the potassium ion concentration in the biofluid.
In some embodiments, the ion-selective layer (ISL) may include a material formulated to mimic the performance of ionophores for potassium ion detection. In some embodiments, the ion-selective layer may include of acetonitrile, potassium iodide, and polyethylene glycol (PEG). In some embodiments, the substrate may include of nickel foam coated with graphene oxide (GO).
In some embodiments, the change in self-sustained oscillations may include a chemical inductor effect at a very low-frequency range. In some embodiments, the substrate may include nickel foam. Embodiments may also include it limits self sustained oscillations at higher concentrations of analyte.
Embodiments of the present disclosure may also include an ion-selective electrode (ISE) for detecting potassium ion concentration, including a substrate. Embodiments may also include a graphene oxide (GO) layer deposited on the substrate. Embodiments may also include an ion-selective layer (ISL) exhibiting self-sustained oscillations disposed over the GO layer.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

1. Non-invasive: The method is non-invasive, making it suitable for continuous monitoring without discomfort to the user.
2. Cost-effective: By mimicking the function of ionophores using less expensive materials, the invention reduces the overall cost of the sensor.
3. High Sensitivity and Selectivity: The self-sustained oscillation property of the ISL enhances the sensitivity and selectivity towards potassium ions.
4. Stability: The use of stable materials like graphene oxide and nickel foam increases the durability and operational stability of the sensor.

APPLICATIONS OF THE INVENTION

1. Healthcare: Monitoring K+ ion levels in sweat, food, serum, and urine for diagnosis and treatment purposes.
2. Environmental monitoring: Detection of K+ ions in water samples.
3. Food and beverage industry: Analysis of K+ content in food and beverages.
, Claims:We claim,
1. A method for non-invasive detection of potassium ion concentration in biofluids, comprising the steps of:
providing an ion-selective layer (ISL) exhibiting self-sustained oscillations on a substrate;
contacting the ion-selective layer (ISL) with biofluid; and
measuring a change in the self-sustained oscillations of the ion-selective layer (ISL), wherein the change is indicative of the potassium ion concentration in the biofluid.

2. The method for non-invasive detection of potassium ion concentration as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ion-selective layer (ISL) comprises a material formulated to mimic the performance of ionophores for potassium ion detection.

3. The method for non-invasive detection of potassium ion concentration as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ion-selective layer comprises of acetonitrile, potassium iodide, and polyethylene glycol (PEG).

4. The method for non-invasive detection of potassium ion concentration as claimed in claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises of nickel foam coated with graphene oxide (GO).

5. The method for non-invasive detection of potassium ion concentration as claimed in claim 1, wherein the change in self-sustained oscillations comprises a chemical inductor effect at a very low-frequency range.

6. The method for non-invasive detection of potassium ion concentration as claimed in claim 1, wherein it limits self sustained oscillations at higher concentrations of analyte.

7. An ion-selective layer (ISL) for detecting potassium ion concentration, comprising:
a substrate;
a graphene oxide (GO) layer deposited on the substrate; and
an ion-selective membrane (ISM) exhibiting self-sustained oscillations disposed over the GO layer.

8. An ion-selective layer (ISL) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the substrate comprises nickel foam.