The accurate measurement of potassium ion levels in
biological samples is essential given the impact such ion levels have on many
aspects of homeo-stasis. Normal potassium levels are important for the
maintenance of heart and nervous system function. Traditionally, potassium ions
have been measured in plasma or serum using ion-selective electrodes, which are
cumbersome to use and costly to maintain. Therefore, there is a need for the
development of alternative methods of measuring potassium ion concentra- tion in
a variety of sample mediums.
Researchers at the Biodesign Institute of Arizona State
University have developed new, chemical potassium ion sensors and sensing
membrane preparations. The chemical sensors have double bonds which enable the
sensing molecules to be chemically conjugated onto suitable polymer matrices to
form stable sensing membranes.
The new potasium ion sensors are suitable for both
intracellur and extracellur sensing. Due to the crosslinking ability of the
probes, dual sensors can be further fabricated. For example, a polymerizable
oxygen probe was co-polymerized with the potassium ion sensor resulting in a
dual potassium and oxygen sensing film.
Potential Applications
- Highly selective intracellular potassium ion sensors
- Highly selective extracellular potassium ion
sensors
Benefits and Advantages
- Enables the polymerization of the sensors with other
polymerizable probes for dual or multi-sensing
- Alleviates the leaching problems of the sensors
- Great potential to be immobilized onto biomedical
devices.
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For more information about the inventor(s) and their
research, please see
Dr. Meldrum's
directory webpage
Dr.
Meldrum's Biodesign directory webpage
