Researchers at the University of Southern California have developed a revolutionary smart sensor integrated into nursing pads to detect acetaminophen levels in breast milk. The innovative device addresses a critical health concern, as acetaminophen is the leading cause of acute liver failure in children in the United States. By providing real-time monitoring through a smartphone-connected sensor, nursing mothers can make informed decisions about potential medication risks to their babies. This breakthrough technology offers a simple, non-invasive solution to prevent accidental medication overdose during breastfeeding.
May 15, 2025
New wearable smart sensors to protect babies from overexposure to painkillers
"Lactating
mothers face unique health challenges" - Maral Mousavi, Biomedical
Engineering Professor"
US
researchers have developed a wearable and "smart" lactation sensor to
prevent babies from overexposure to the common painkiller acetaminophen.
Key
Points
1 Innovative USC lactation pad sensor monitors
acetaminophen in breast milk
2 First non-invasive method to prevent infant
medication overdose
3 Real-time smartphone tracking of medication levels
4 Reduces risk of pediatric liver failure
Acetaminophen,
commonly used for postpartum pain management, is also frequently given to
babies to treat fever, leading to potential double-dosing through both direct
administration and indirectly through breastfeeding.
The
drug is the leading cause of acute liver failure in children and the most
frequent reason for liver transplants in the US.
The
acetaminophen sensor, developed by researchers at the University of Southern
California in the US gets incorporated into an ordinary nursing pad and detects
acetaminophen in breast milk.
For
nursing babies with immature liver metabolism, the presence of acetaminophen in
breast milk poses additional risks, said the team in the paper described in the
scientific journal Device.
“Lactating
mothers face unique health challenges, including nutritional deficiencies, the
risk of developing mastitis -- a breast-tissue infection -- and the potential
transfer of medications and other substances through their milk,” said Maral
Mousavi, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, at the varsity.
While
the currently available methods for measuring levels of acetaminophen or other
ingredients in milk are costly, complex, and unavailable for routine use in the
home, the team zeroed in on lactation pads -- worn inside a bra to absorb leaking
milk.
The
researchers took a simple lactation pad and built tiny microfluidic channels to
guide milk to the sensing area. The pads collect milk naturally released during
the let-down reflex throughout the day. There, low-cost electrochemical sensors
work, detecting and measuring important health markers in the milk.
The
sensor then sends real-time readings to the user’s smartphone via a compact,
portable detector that works similarly to a glucometer, using electrical pulses
to measure levels of acetaminophen.
With
this information, users can make informed decisions -- such as choosing to pump
and discard milk-containing medication -- ensuring safer feeding for their
baby.
Researchers
tested the accuracy of the sensor using human milk samples containing various
levels of acetaminophen. They also verified that the sensor worked in the
presence of antibiotics as well as throughout the changing composition of
breast milk, from colostrum to mature milk.
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