Electrochemical sensor

Abstract

A sensor (10,110) is provided for determination of various concentrations of one or more components within a fluid sample. The sensor (10,110) includes an injection molded body (12,112), at least two electrodes (30,31,32,130,131,132), an enzyme (57,157), and, if desired, an electron transfer mediator. The body includes a reaction zone (24,124) for receiving a fluid sample. The electrodes (30,31,32,130,131,132) are at least partially embedded within the plastic body (12,112) and extend into the reaction zone (24,124). Also contained within the reaction zone is an enzyme (57,157) capable of catalyzing a reaction involving a compound within the fluid sample.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending prior U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 820,372 filed Mar. 23, 2001.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention generally relates to electrochemical sensors and, in particular, to molded electrochemical sensors for detection or measurement of analytes in test samples, such as fluids and dissolved solid materials, and the methods of making and using these sensors. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Electrochemical sensors are used to determine the concentrations of various analytes in testing samples such as fluids and dissolved solid materials. For instance, electrochemical sensors have been made for measuring glucose in human blood. Such sensors have been used by diabetics and health care professionals for monitoring blood glucose levels. The sensors are usually used in conjunction with a meter, which measures light reflectance, if the strip is designed for photometric detection of a die, or...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] As noted, the electrodes are molded into the plastic. In one embodiment, the electrodes are conductive wires. In another embodiment, the electrodes are constructed from a metal plate. The electrodes may be coated with a different conductive material to enhance their performance.

Problems solved by technology

Variations in the morphology of the electrode can result in very significant changes in the electrochemical signal readout.

While many advances have been made in the field of screen printing and conductive ink production, the technology still suffers from poor reproducibility of the electrode surface area, dimensional variations, thickness variations, micro-cracks, and shrinkage due to the repetitive and high temperature curing processes involved in using film printing technology.

Loss of solvent during printing is another factor that leads to variations in the thickness of electrodes.

Slight variations in positioning the screens can lead to substantial errors in IR drop and the applied potentials.

Wear and tear of these screens is another source of error.

Also, sensor strip production by screen printing suffers from a high level of raw material waste.

Generally, for every gram of ink used, there is a gram of ink wasted.

Manufacture of such sensors also involves several lamination processes that add to the production complexity and cost of the final product.

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