Methods and materials for controlling the electrochemistry of analyte sensors

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide electrochemical analyte sensors having elements designed to modulate their electrochemical reactions as well as methods for making and using such sensors.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 273,767 filed Oct. 18, 2002 (published as US-2004-0074785-A1), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 861,837, filed Jun. 4, 2004 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 301,512, filed Dec. 13, 2005, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]This invention relates to devices and methods for controlling the electrochemistry of analyte sensors such as glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]Electrochemical measurements are widely used to determine the concentration of specific substances in fluids including biological analytes such as glucose and lactate. Maintaining the appropriate concentrations of glucose in the blood of an individual for example is extremely important for maintaining homeostasis. A concentration of glucose below the no...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein include electrochemical analyte sensors comprising elements such as electrodes and/or electrode combinations (e.g. working and counter electrode combinations) designed to optimize factors including the reactivity, sensitivity, functioning and lifespan of the analyte sensors. An illustrative embodiment of the invention is a method of performing an electrochemical reaction within an analyte sensor comprising using an analyte sensor constructed to include an electrode layer configuration that is designed to optimize the electrochemical reaction at the electrode when the electrode is exposed to an analyte. In such methods the analyte sensor typically includes at least one electrode disposed upon a base substrate where this base substrate comprises a geometric feature selected to increase the surface area of an electrochemically reactive surface o

Problems solved by technology

A concentration of glucose below the normal range, or hypoglycemia, can cause unconsciousness and lowered blood pressure, and may even result in death.

While numerous devices for determination of glucose and lactate have been described, most of them have some limitations with respect to sensitivity, reproducibility, speed of response, number of effective uses, and / or the range of detection.

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