Research Shows Benefits of Contactless ph Measurements

Know Labs Inc. has completed extensive laboratory research using its patented Radio Frequency Dielectric Spectroscopy (RFDS) sensor technology to identify changes in pH levels in real time. The research has been submitted for peer reviewed publication but is available on the company’s website.

“We describe an experiment in which we employ a radio frequency sensor to measure pH changes in a liquid solution. The experiment is novel in a few ways,” states an abstract of the paper. “First, the sensor does not have contact with the liquid but rather detects the change from the outside of a PVC pipe. Second, the change is detected using a Linear Discriminant Analysis model using values from an inverse Fourier transform of the frequency data as its features. We believe this to be the first use of Fourier analysis in contactless pH measurement using radio frequencies.”

How Does Contactless pH Measurement Work?

A Central Washington Universituy study used Know Labs’ patented RF dielectric sensor, which measures changes in frequency response when placed near a liquid sample. The sensor was positioned against the outside of a PVC pipe containing a liquid solution, and a frequency sweep from 300 MHz to 4100 MHz was conducted to capture RF signal variations. By applying inverse discrete Fourier transform (IDFT) analysis, researchers identified sinusoidal patterns in the frequency response data that correspond to changes in pH.

Unlike previous RF-based pH measurement methods that relied on chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI or single-frequency microstrip antennas, this new approach leverages a wide spectrum analysis combined with machine learning techniques to enhance accuracy and reliability.

Key findings:

• High sensitivity and accuracy: The system detected even minor pH changes by analyzing the ways in which RF signals interacted with hydronium ion concentrations in solution.
• Non-invasive and versatile: The RF sensor does not require direct contact with the liquid, reducing contamination risks and eliminating the need for disposable electrode probes. This method can be applied to solutions contained in plastic, making it particularly useful for industrial and biomedical applications where traditional probes may be impractical.
• Potential for broader applications: The ability to detect pH changes without contact opens doors for real-time monitoring in pharmaceuticals, food production, and medical diagnostics.

Future studies will explore whether this method can be used to distinguish between different acid types and evaluate its effectiveness in complex solutions.

Next Steps

This study marks a major step forward in RF-based chemical sensing. While initial results are promising, future research will aim to refine the technique by expanding the range of pH values tested, investigating its application in real-world scenarios, and enhancing machine learning models for even greater predictive accuracy. The potential of RF technology in non-invasive diagnostics continues to grow, and this study highlights yet another innovative application.

The impetus for the Know Labs research on pH levels derives from the company’s historic focus on medical diagnostics with an emphasis on its proof-of-concept work on blood glucose monitoring. At the same time, the Know Labs team explores other applications of its sensor technology. In this case, pH monitoring is important in medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical manufacturing and food quality and safety and more.

The importance of pH in medical diagnostics cannot be overstated. Accurate pH measurement provides critical insights into the body’s physiological state and helps healthcare providers detect, diagnose, and manage a wide range of health conditions. From blood and urine to saliva and cerebrospinal fluid, pH monitoring is an indispensable tool in modern medicine.

The importance of pH in pharmaceutical manufacturing also is significant. From drug formulation to production processes, and final product testing, pH control is essential for ensuring the efficacy, stability, and safety of pharmaceutical products. As technology advances, the precision and reliability of pH control will continue to improve, contributing to the development of high-quality pharmaceuticals that meet the needs of patients worldwide.

“The application of the Know Labs RFDS sensor technology to the medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and food safety and quality is exactly what we had in mind when we created Know Labs Technology Licensing (KTL) program,” Know Labs Chairman/CEO Ron Erickson stated. “KTL is committed to empowering global corporations, universities, and research institutions to harness RFDS technology securely, efficiently, and at scale across diverse industries and their respective value chains. And by so doing, we plan to bring low-cost, high-quality results to every realm of human activity.”

Know Labs Technology Licensing (KTL) is the dedicated licensing division of Know Labs Inc., facilitating the global adoption of its patented RFDS technology. With an intellectual property portfolio, a structured licensing framework, and the proprietary e-RFDS digital watermark, KTL enables corporations, universities, and research institutions to innovate with confidence while securing their developments from counterfeiting and unauthorized use.

Know Labs Inc.’s platform technology uses radio frequency dielectric spectroscopy (RFDS) to direct electromagnetic energy through a substance or material to capture a unique molecular signature. The technology is designed to be able to integrate into various wearable, mobile, or bench-top form factors. The company is confident its patented and patent-pending technology makes it possible to effectively identify and monitor analytes that could only previously be performed by invasive and/or expensive and time-consuming lab-based tests. Among the company’s first expected applications of the technology will be in a product marketed as a non-invasive glucose monitor. The device is designed to provide the user with accessible and affordable real-time information on blood glucose levels. This product will require U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance prior to its introduction to the market. Other products, developed through KTL, may not require prior FDA approval.