Polymer Chemistry of Ion-Selective Membranes and Hydrogels for Clinical Sodium Sensing: Advances and Perspectives

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 06 | Page : 895 901
    By

    Virendra C. Patil,

  • Yogesh R. Chavan,

  1. Professor, Department of General Medicine, Krishna Institute of Medical Science, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Malkapur, Karad, Satara, Maharshtra, India
  2. Junior Resident, Department of General Medicine, Krishna Institute of Medical Science, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Malkapur, Karad, Satara, Maharshtra, India

Abstract

Accurate and timely monitoring of serum sodium levels is critical in diagnosing and managing hyponatremia, a common and potentially life-threatening electrolyte disorder. Recent advances in polymer chemistry have driven the development of ion-selective membranes and hydrogels tailored for clinical sodium sensing, bridging the gap between material science and biomedical diagnostics. This review critically examines the design and synthesis of polymeric materials—focusing on block copolymers, conductive polymers, and stimuli-responsive hydrogels—used to fabricate ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) and biosensors for sodium detection. Emphasis is placed on polymerization strategies, functional group modification, and crosslinking methods that enable tunable ion selectivity, mechanical stability, and biocompatibility. Fabrication techniques such as electrospinning, layer-by-layer assembly, and solvent casting are discussed in relation to membrane morphology and sensor performance. Furthermore, emerging smart polymers capable of responding to pH, temperature, or enzymatic triggers show promise for real-time and non-invasive sodium monitoring. Current translational challenges—including calibration drift, biofouling, and regulatory hurdles—are highlighted, alongside future research directions integrating polymer chemistry with flexible electronics and wearable diagnostics. By mapping the interplay between chemical structure and sensing function, this review aims to guide the rational design of next-generation polymer-based sodium sensors to improve patient care in electrolyte disorders such as hyponatremia.

Keywords: Polymer chemistry, ion-selective membrane, sodium sensing, hydrogels, block copolymer, hyponatremia monitoring, biomedical sensor, stimuli-responsive polymers, electrolyte detection, conductive polymers.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Virendra C. Patil, Yogesh R. Chavan. Polymer Chemistry of Ion-Selective Membranes and Hydrogels for Clinical Sodium Sensing: Advances and Perspectives. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):895-901.
How to cite this URL:
Virendra C. Patil, Yogesh R. Chavan. Polymer Chemistry of Ion-Selective Membranes and Hydrogels for Clinical Sodium Sensing: Advances and Perspectives. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):895-901. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=227668


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Special Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Special Issue 06
Received 09/07/2025
Accepted 23/07/2025
Published 23/09/2025
Publication Time 76 Days
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