Abstract: The sensitivity of enzyme-based polarographic electrodes to oxygen concentration can be significantly reduced or eliminated by providing an oxygen-reservoir in intimate contact with the oxidative enzyme. This is achieved by making a stabilized emulsion between the enzyme and a compound in which oxygen is extremely soluble. An aqueous glucose oxidase solution is emulsified with a perfluorocarbon liquid, and the resulting emulsion is stabilized by chemically crosslinking the mixture to form a gel. Thin layers of the emulsion are fabricated by spreading a layer of the liquid emulsion before gelation occurs. Additional carrier proteins such as albumin may be added to the enzyme prior to crosslinking to protect enzymatic activity and enhance gel strength. Additional electron transport compounds may be added to further reduce sensitivity to oxygen concentration.

Abstract: The sensitivity of enzyme-based polarographic electrodes to oxygen concentration can be significantly reduced or eliminated by providing an oxygen-reservoir in intimate contact with the oxidative enzyme. This is achieved by making a stabilized emulsion between the enzyme and a compound in which oxygen is extremely soluble. An aqueous glucose oxidase solution is emulsified with a perfluorocarbon liquid, and the resulting emulsion is stabilized by chemically crosslinking the mixture to form a gel. Thin layers of the emulsion are fabricated by spreading a layer of the liquid emulsion before gelation occurs. Additional carrier proteins such as albumin may be added to the enzyme prior to crosslinking to protect enzymatic activity and enhance gel strength. Additional electron transport compounds may be added to further reduce sensitivity to oxygen concentration.

Abstract: The sensitivity of enzyme-based polarographic electrodes to oxygen concentration can be significantly reduced or eliminated by providing an oxygen-reservoir in intimate contact with the oxidative enzyme. This is achieved by making a stabilized emulsion between the enzyme and a compound in which oxygen is extremely soluble. An aqueous glucose oxidase solution is emulsified with a perfluorocarbon liquid, and the resulting emulsion is stabilized by chemically crosslinking the mixture to form a gel. Thin layers of the emulsion are fabricated by spreading a layer of the liquid emulsion before gelation occurs. Additional carrier proteins such as albumin may be added to the enzyne prior to crosslinking to protect enzymatic activity and enhance gel strength. Additional electron transport compounds may be added to further reduce sensitivity to oxygen concentration.

Abstract: A sensor that is capable of accurately measuring glucose and other analytes in low oxygen environments is provided. The sensor employs an enzyme-containing membrane comprising a semi-interpenetrating polymer network which is infiltrated by an enzyme. The enzyme-containing membrane increases oxygen transport to the enzyme such that oxygen is not a limiting factor in the oxidation taking place at the enzyme.

Abstract: An implantable sensor comprising a biocompatible electroconductive case which houses a measuring electrode, a reference electrode, an auxiliary electrode, and an electronic circuit for measuring the response of the measuring electrode where the measuring electrode, reference electrode and auxiliary electrode are not in direct electrical contact with one another is provided. The implantable sensor of the present invention is particularly useful as a glucose sensor, especially when an enzyme-containing membrane is included in the measuring electrode.