(393l) Diagnostic Na+ Sensor for the Real-Time Screening and Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis

We present the conception of an electrochemical sodium ion sensor for the real-time screening and early diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease that attacks the lungs, pancreas, liver, and intestines. CF is characterized by the abnormal transport of sodium and chloride ions across the epithelium and therefore is most commonly diagnosed by sweat testing. In this work, a flexible electronic sensor has been developed to quantify the amount of sodium ions in sweat in real-time alleviating the wait time, large sample size, possible contamination, and equipment needed currently associated with sweat testing. This sensor is composed of Nylon 6, a high strength polymer possessing a high elastic modulus that is chemical and abrasion resistant and is used in such materials as surgical sutures and toothbrush bristles. This non-conductive polymer has been functionalized with conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or graphene to allow for charge carrier transport to the electrodes. For transduction, it has been functionalized with a cyclo-oligomeric calix[4]arene, which has been shown to form a supramolecular complex with sodium ions. Upon complex formation with the sodium analyte, the current is impeded and the sodium ion detection is prevalent at levels appropriate for accurate diagnosis of CF. This device could also be applied to common diabetic neurological complications, including autonomic /peripheral neuropathy. This poster will discuss the optimization of carbon- and calix[4]arene- functionalization, nylon conditions, as well as the selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor.