Innovative Lactation Pad Monitors Acetaminophen in Breast Milk
Los Angeles, Wednesday, 14 May 2025.
A new smart lactation pad detects acetaminophen in breast milk, aiming to prevent drug overexposure in infants and reduce liver failure risk.
Groundbreaking Technology for Infant Safety
Researchers at the University of Southern California have developed the first wearable tool for direct biochemical analysis in breast milk, integrating sophisticated sensor technology into ordinary nursing pads [1][2]. This innovation comes at a crucial time, as acetaminophen has emerged as the leading cause of acute liver failure in children and the most frequent reason for liver transplants in the United States [1]. The smart lactation pad incorporates microfluidic channels and electrochemical sensors, enabling real-time monitoring of acetaminophen levels in breast milk [3].
Technical Innovation and Implementation
The device achieves high sensitivity to acetaminophen within a dynamic range of 10–600 μM [4]. The system works by collecting naturally released milk throughout the day and utilizing low-cost electrochemical sensors to detect and measure acetaminophen levels [5]. The data is transmitted to the user’s smartphone via a portable detector, functioning similarly to a glucometer [5]. This real-time monitoring capability represents a significant advancement over traditional testing methods, which are typically expensive, complex, and impractical for routine home use [1].
Validation and Future Applications
The research team has extensively validated the sensor’s accuracy using human milk samples containing various acetaminophen concentrations, ensuring reliability even in the presence of antibiotics and throughout different stages of breast milk composition [5]. The technology’s scope extends beyond acetaminophen monitoring, as researchers are developing additional versions to detect glucose levels, particularly beneficial for maternal nutrition and gestational diabetes management [2]. The team has already secured a provisional patent for the device [3], marking a significant step toward commercialization.