Communications of the ACM
Smart Pacifier Developed to Monitor Infant Health in Hospitals
Using a common, commercially available pacifier, the researchers created a system that samples a baby’s saliva through microfluidic channels.
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U.S. and South Korean researchers have designed a wireless, bioelectronic pacifier to monitor the electrolyte levels of infants in Newborn Intensive Care Units (NICUs).
Washington State University's Jong-Hoon Kim said the non-invasive device can provide real-time electrolyte readings in lieu of blood draws.
The researchers adapted a commercially available pacifier to sample the infant's saliva via microfluidic channels, which are equipped with sensors that measure sodium and potassium ion concentrations.
Caregivers receive this data wirelessly through Bluetooth.
Kim said the device is part of an overarching project to make NICU treatment less disruptive for babies.
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