Abstract
A potentially implantable glucose biosensor for continuous monitoring of glucose levels in diabetic patients has been developed. The glucose biosensor is based on an amperometric oxygen electrode and Glucose Oxidase immobilized on carbon powder held in a form of a liquid suspension. The enzyme material can be replaced (the sensor recharged) without sensor disassembly. Glucose diffusion membranes from polycarbonate (PC) and from polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) coated with silastic are used.
Sensors were evaluated continuously operating in phosphate buffer solution and in undiluted blood plasma at body temperature. Calibration curves of the sensors were periodically obtained. The sensors show stable performance during at least 1200 hours of operation without refilling of the enzyme. The PTFE membrane demonstrates high mechanical stability and is little effected by long-term operation in undiluted blood plasma.