Innovations in Maternal Health: Flexible Graphene Sensors for Acetaminophen Determination in Breast Milk

Introduction: Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including acetaminophen, provide a considerable risk of toxicity, particularly while nursing due to possible drug transfer to newborns. This work aims to provide a sensitive technique for electrochemically detecting acetaminophen in breast milk using laser-engraved graphene (LIG) electrodes. The major goal is to develop a reliable approach for detecting acetaminophen levels within the physiological drug range seen in breast milk, thus addressing concerns about maternal medicine usage.
This research sheds light on the potential risks associated with OTC medication use during lactation, particularly concerning acetaminophen overdose and its impact on infant health. The developed electrochemical sensing approach offers a promising tool for monitoring acetaminophen levels in breast milk, facilitating informed decisions regarding medication management for lactating mothers. By enhancing our understanding of drug transfer dynamics during breastfeeding and providing a sensitive detection method, this study contributes to mitigating risks associated with OTC medicine toxicity in maternal-infant health.

Materials and

Methods: Electrochemical methodologies represent analytical approaches that primarily involve electron transfer between electrodes and chemical entities within a solution. In Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV), an electric potential is applied to the working electrode, and the resulting current arising from a redox reaction is estimated. The interference caused by capacitive/background current is mitigated by progressively elevating the voltage across successive pulses, ultimately leading to a reduction in the detection threshold.
Laser-induced graphene (LIG) constitutes a three-dimensional porous carbon material generated through the utilization of a laser source to delineate and convert a polymer into graphene. The manufacturing process for LIG electrodes is cost-efficient and scalable, exhibiting desirable attributes for electrochemical sensor applications.
The verification of graphene production was conducted through SEM, EDX, and Raman spectroscopy analyses. Assessment of the electrode's surface area was performed via cyclic voltammetry coupled with scan rate variation using the Randles-Sevcik equation.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions: The calibration curve range for acetaminophen determination spans from 10 µM to 600 µM, encompassing concentrations relevant to breast milk analysis. The achieved limit of detection is approximately 0.9 µM indicating the sensitivity of the method to detect even trace amounts of acetaminophen in breast milk samples. Moreover, the study assesses acetaminophen detection in the presence of common antibiotics frequently administered to postpartum mothers, reflecting real-world scenarios of medication usage during breastfeeding.
In conclusion, this study introduces a novel approach to monitoring acetaminophen levels in breast milk using flexible laser-engraved graphene (LIG) electrodes. This innovation provides a reliable method for detecting acetaminophen within the physiological range found in breast milk, addressing concerns surrounding maternal medication usage during lactation. The demonstrated sensitivity and accuracy of the technique, coupled with its compatibility with real-world medication scenarios, underscore its potential as a practical tool for enhancing maternal-infant health outcomes.

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