Abstract: A sensor for the in vivo detection of glucose comprises: components of an assay for glucose, a readout of which is a detectable optical signal which can be interrogated transcutaneously by external optical means when the sensor is implanted in vivo; and a shell of biodegradable material encapsulating the assay components while allowing analyte to contact the assay components, wherein the biodegradable material comprises a co-polymer having hydrophobic and hydrophilic units. A method of preparing such a sensor preferably comprises coacervation, solvent evaporation and/or extraction, spray drying, spray coating, spray chilling, rotary disk atomisation, fluid bed coating, coextrusion and/or pan coating. A method of detecting glucose using such a sensor suitably comprises implantation of the sensor into the skin of a mammal, transdermal detection or measurement of glucose using external optical means and degradation of the biodegradable material.

Abstract: One aspect is a method for improved preparation of molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) particles, where initial compositions comprising insoluble MIP particles are enriched for those MIP particles that bind a particular target molecule, thus excluding non-binding and weakly binding particles from the final composition. Enrichment is typically accomplished via use of chromatographic methods capable of separating particulate material or by means of agglutination. Another aspect is preparation of improved insoluble MIPs by use of extended micronization of raw MIP particles with a view to expose a large number of binding sites per mass unit of MIP particles. In preferred embodiments the two aspects are combined. The resulting improved MIPs may be used for diagnostic, analytical and therapeutic purposes, notably as orally administered drugs which can bind substances such as cholesterol and bile acids and bile acid salts in the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A sensor for the in vivo detection of glucose comprises: components of an assay for glucose, a readout of which is a detectable optical signal which can be interrogated transcutaneously by external optical means when the sensor is implanted in vivo; and a shell of biodegradable material encapsulating the assay components whilst allowing analyte to contact the assay components, wherein the biodegradable material comprises a co-polymer having hydrophobic and hydrophilic units. A method of preparing such a sensor preferably comprises coacervation, solvent evaporation and/or extraction, spray drying, spray coating, spray chilling, rotary disk atomisation, fluid bed coating, coextrusion and/or pan coating. A method of detecting glucose using such a sensor suitably comprises implantation of the sensor into the skin of a mammal, transdermal detection or measurement of glucose using external optical means and degradation of the biodegradable material.