Abstract: A wound dressing that efficiently absorbs fluid from fluid exuding wounds and can easily be released from the wound without disrupting the wound surface and a process for its manufacture is provided. The dressing comprises a layer of film bonded to a fibrous absorbent web containing a mixture of a particulate superabsorbent and a hydrocolloid. The fibrous absorbent web has a glazed exposed surface wherein the fibers comprising the glazed exposed surface are substantially fused to each other. The glazed exposed surface has a multiplicity of particles comprising a mixture of an adhesive and a hydrocolloid distributed throughout and adherent to the surface. Preferably about 25% to about 50% of the surface is left uncovered by particles comprising the adhesive and the hydrocolloid to enable more efficient transfer of wound exudate into the fibrous absorbent web while the hydrocolloid contained in the particles of adhesive facilitates release of the dressing from the wound without disrupting the surface.

Abstract: A device is provided for the topical localized administration of zinc to tissue. The device comprises a central layer of absorbent material, with the central layer containing a mixture of particulate superabsorbent and zinc chloride that is sandwiched between a first and second layer of perforated polymeric film that is sealed at the edges. The device is activated by exposure to aqueous media prior to application to tissue. The quantity of zinc chloride contained in the device is varied according to the intended use. High levels of zinc chloride are used to form more concentrated solutions or gels for fixation of necrotic, gangrenous or cancerous tissue to facilitate excision or amputation while lower levels are used for more dilute solutions or gels to promote formation of granulation tissue and healing of lesions in non-necrotic tissue. The device is wrapped on the site to be treated or attached by adhesive means and is kept in place for a period appropriate to the intended use.

Abstract: A method of determining the concentration of glycoproteins and glycosylated hemoglobin in whole blood and whole blood components by means of an amperometric biosensor and an amperometric biosensor for this determination are provided. In one embodiment, whole blood is introduced into a version of an amperometric sensor having a component that removes erythrocytes. Redox mediators are used to obtain a current flow based on the oxidation of fructosamine derivatives that can be correlated with the concentration of glycosylated proteins in the fraction of the blood from which erythrocytes have been excluded. To obtain the concentration of glycosylated hemoglobin, whole blood is introduced into a version of the sensor which includes a component that produces lysis of the erythrocytes yielding a current flow proportional to the total quality of glycosylated proteins including glycosylated hemoglobin.

Abstract: A highly sensitive sensor for the amperometric assay of glucose in aqueous media having a face-to-face sandwich configuration is provided which comprises a sensing electrode strip containing a first redox mediator in an electrically conductive coating and a reference electrode strip in simultaneous contact with a reagent strip containing a second redox mediator which is sandwiched between the active electrode surfaces. An opening is provided in the reference electrode for the introduction of samples. In one embodiment, a whole blood separation membrane is interposed between the reference electrode and the reagent strip to filter red blood cells and other particles from whole blood to enable direct assay of glucose without sample preparation. The sensing electrode comprises a non-conductive support member having an electrically conductive layer containing the first redox mediator.

Abstract: A solid film lubricant useful for aerospace and other heavy machinery applications comprising a mixture of boric acid and molybdenum disulfide in a polymeric binder comprising a silicone polymer and an epoxy resin is provided. Boric acid and compounds related to boric acid can be effectively used as inorganic lubricant components in solid film lubricants in place of graphite thereby avoiding galvanic corrosion induced by graphite. The boric acid containing solid film lubricant provides superior lubrication at the high stress levels common for booster rockets and other aerospace applications, but without inducing galvanic corrosion, or exposing workers and the environment to toxic materials such as lead compounds. In addition, it affords substantial savings in labor, due to the need for only one coat, and savings in energy due to the substantially lower cure temperature of about 450.degree. F. compared to 1000.degree. F. for a currently used two coat ceramic system.

Abstract: An amperometric glucose biosensor having high sensitivity and accuracy over a wide range of glucose concentrations and a method for the rapid detection of glucose in urine are provided. The biosensor strip comprises an electrically conductive carbon layer, having a first redox mediator, a reagent strip containing an enzyme system for the oxidation of glucose and a second redox mediator, and a silver/silver chloride reference electrode. In a preferred form of the sensor that has high sensitivity, a sensing electrode and a reference electrode are arranged so that the electrically conductive layers of the electrodes are face-to-face and sandwich the reagent strip between them. Screening for glucose is achieved by contacting the sensor with a drop of the patient's urine and comparing the current read-out with a standard calibration curve or by automatically converting the current flow generated by the test sample to units of glucose concentration. The sensor can measure urine glucose concentrations below 3 mg/dl.

Abstract: A self contained glucose sensor is provided that generally comprises a strip type glucose sensing electrode having an active surface comprising an organic conducting redox salt dispersed in a polymeric membrane, with the membrane coating a conductive strip and a strip type Ag/AgCl reference electrode having its active surface separated from physical contact with the strip type glucose sensor and a carrier strip of water absorbent paper or film containing an enzyme system and an oxidizable dye. The water absorbent carrier strip is in simultaneous contact with both the active surface of the strip type glucose electrode and the active surface of the strip type reference electrode. When an aqueous solution containing glucose is brought in contact with the carrier strip containing the enzyme system an electrical potential, proportional to the concentration of glucose in the solution, is created which can be detected by an electrometer or other suitable device.

Abstract: A wound dressing is provided which comprises a blend of silicone fluid and fumed silica having the consistency of a stiff cream prepared in the presence of a volatile diluent that reduces the consistency of the silicon fluid-fumed silica blend to that of a spreadable cream or grease which can applied to a wound without producing further injury or undue discomfort. After the blend is in place on the wound, evaporation of the volatile diluent restores the consistency of the silicone fluid silica blend to its undiluted state, thereby allowing the advantages of increased wound adhesion and "smear proofing" to be achieved without producing further damage to the wound or undue pain and discomfort during application. The consistency of any particular blend of silicone fluid and fumed silica may be adjusted by varying the quantity of volatile diluent, thereby allowing the physician to vary the thickness of the film to help control the loss of water from the protected area.

Abstract: A sensor for the amperometric assay of cholesterol is provided which comprises a sensing electrode containing a first redox mediator and a reference electrode in simultaneous contact with a reagent strip containing a second redox mediator. The presence of the second redox mediator greatly amplifies the current flow produced by the presence of cholesterol and produces linear correlation of current flow with concentration over an extended range. The sensing electrode comprises a non-conductive support member having an electrically conductive layer containing the first redox mediator. The reference electrode is typically a Ag/AgCl electrode formed by coating an ink containing Ag/AgCl dispersed in a resin on a non-conductive base.

Abstract: A redox electrode for the rapid detection of glucose in aqueous media and a method for its use are provided. The redox electrode comprises an electrically conductive member such as copper, and a redox membrane in direct contact with said electrically conductive member. The redox membrane comprises a polymer matrix such as PVC containing a plasticizer, and a complex of 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane and tetrathiafulvalene with the complex having a burgundy-red coloration and characterized by a broad absorption from about 340 nm to about 550 nm and weaker absorption between about 650 nm to about 800 nm having about six small peaks with an absorption maximum at about 750 nm. Glucose is rapidly assayed by bringing the redox electrode and a reference electrode into simultaneous contact with an aqueous medium containing KCl, phosphate buffer, glucose oxidase, peroxidase, and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine dihydrochloride. The potential of the redox membrane is then monitored until it is stable.

Abstract: A redox electrode for the rapid detection of glucose in aqueous media and a method for its use are provided. The redox electrode comprises an electrically conductive member such as copper, and a redox membrane in direct contact with said electrically conductive member. The redox membrane comprises a polymer matrix such as PVC containing a plasticizer, and a complex of 7,7,8,8 -tetracyanoquinodimethane and tetrathiafulvalene with the complex having a burgundy-red coloration and characterized by a broad absorption from about 340 nm to about 550 nm and weaker absorption between about 650 nm to about 800 nm having about six small peaks with an absorption maximum at about 750nm. Glucose is rapidly assayed by bringing the redox electrode and a reference electrode into simultaneous contact with an aqueous medium containing KCl, phosphate buffer, glucose oxidase, peroxidase, and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine dihydrochloride. The potential of the redox membrane is then monitored until it is stable.

Abstract: An ion-selective electrode having an ion-selective membrane in direct contact with an electrical conductor is provided in which the membrane coats an uninsulated zone surrounded by insulation on the surface of a conductor which is coated with a layer of electrical insulation. The membrane overlays the insulation surrounding the insulation free zone and comprises a polymer which is generally of sufficiently similar composition to that comprising the electrical insulation layer so that it adheres to the insulation forming a membrane with increased structural strength. Embodiments of the electrode containing phosphatidylcholine in the ion-selective membrane have increased sensitivity.