Tissue-penetrating electrochemical sensor featuring a co-electrodeposited thin film comprised of polymer and bio-recognition element
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Publication Number
US-10492708-B1
Publication Date
2019-12-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method and device to impart the ability to selectively quantify chemical/biochemical analytes occupying physiological fluids via an automated process that allow the precise and spatially-defined simultaneous deposition of a thin-film of polymer containing an immobilized biorecognition element dispersed therein. A tissue penetrating electrochemical sensor comprises at least one working electrode and at least one of a reference electrode and a counter electrode.
Core Innovation
The disclosed device and fabrication method concern a tissue-penetrating electrochemical sensor for quantifying a chemical or biochemical entity in a physiological fluid. A solution contains a dissolved organic electroactive monomer precursor and a biomolecular recognition element; applying an oxidizing or reducing potential at the working electrode causes their co-electrodeposition as a polymer film, with the recognition element entrapped in a spatially uniform manner.
The film is described as porous, and its properties and thickness are controlled through applied electrical conditions, including voltage, current, charge, or duration. The stated purpose is to improve reproducibility and manufacturing throughput while reducing manual steps, reagent use, cost, and film nonuniformity. The background section is not included in the supplied content, so the problem it identifies is not explicitly described.
Claims Coverage
The three independent claims cover a tissue-penetrating electrochemical sensor device and two methods for fabricating such a sensor.
Sensor device with a spatially uniform polymer film
The device comprises a working electrode, a counter electrode, and a reference electrode, and a conducting polymer film containing an organic electroactive monomer precursor and at least one biomolecular recognition element entrapped in a spatially uniform manner. The film is produced by co-electrodeposition from a solution containing the recognition element and dissolved precursor. The precursor is selected for one or more stated film properties, including charge rejection, anti-biofouling, porosity, diffusion limitation, or self-limited growth.
Co-electrodeposition method for sensor fabrication
The method immerses a tissue-penetrating electrochemical sensor comprising at least one working electrode in a solution containing a biomolecular recognition element and a dissolved organic electroactive monomer precursor. An oxidizing or reducing potential at the working electrode causes co-electrodeposition of a polymer film in which the recognition element is entrapped in a spatially uniform manner. The dependent claims further describe fixed or time-varying potentials and film formation controlled through applied potential, duration, or charge.
Electrodeposition on a spatially defined working electrode
The method immerses a sensor comprising a working electrode and at least one additional electrode in a solution containing the recognition element and dissolved precursor, then uses a potentiostat to apply a potential to the working electrode. The polymer film is electrodeposited on the spatially defined working electrode, has a specified thickness range, and entrains the recognition element in a spatially uniform manner.
The independent claims cover a sensor device and fabrication methods that co-electrodeposit a polymer film and biomolecular recognition element onto a tissue-penetrating sensor’s working electrode. They emphasize spatially uniform entrapment, selected polymer properties, and, in one method claim, a specified potential and film-thickness range.
Stated Advantages
The process is presented as improving reproducibility and manufacturing throughput.
The process is presented as reducing manual steps, reagent use, cost, and film nonuniformity.
Documented Applications
The tissue-penetrating electrochemical sensor is for quantifying a chemical or biochemical entity in a physiological fluid.
The method is for fabricating a tissue-penetrating electrochemical sensor.
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