Electrochemical analyte

US6134461A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• E. Heller & Company · US

Inventors

• James Say · St. Petersburg, US
• Michael F. Tomasco · Danville, US
• Adam Heller · Austin, US
• Yoram Gal · Morrison, US
• Behrad Aria · Alameda, US
• Ephraim Heller · Piedmont, US
• Phillip John Plante · Sunnyvale, US
• Mark S. Vreeke · Suwanee, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 4, 1998
• Grant date: Oct 17, 2000
• Expiry date: Mar 4, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12Q1/006
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An electrochemical analyte sensor formed using conductive traces on a substrate can be used for determining and/or monitoring a level of analyte in in vitro or in vivo analyte-containing fluids. For example, an implantable sensor may be used for the continuous or automatic monitoring of a level of an analyte, such as glucose, lactate, or oxygen, in a patient. The electrochemical analyte sensor includes a substrate and conductive material disposed on the substrate, the conductive material forming a working electrode. In some sensors, the conductive material is disposed in recessed channels formed in a surface of the sensor. An electron transfer agent and/or catalyst may be provided to facilitate the electrolysis of the analyte or of a second compound whose level depends on the level of the analyte. A potential is formed between the working electrode and a reference electrode or counter/reference electrode and the resulting current is a function of the concentration of the analyte in the body fluid.