Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 22, 2026

08:19
Hollow Microneedle-based Sensor for Multiplexed Transdermal Electrochemical Sensing
Published on: June 1, 2012
Glucose sensor with improved haemocompatibilty
Y Yang1, S F Zhang, M A Kingston
1Centre for Science and Technology in Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK. bea00@keele.ac.uk
Biosensors & Bioelectronics
|February 24, 2001
Summary
A novel biocompatible copolymer enhances glucose sensor performance by preventing protein adsorption and improving substrate adhesion. This leads to improved haemocompatibility and extended stability for real-time clinical monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Sensor Technology
Background:
- Development of advanced materials for implantable medical devices is crucial for patient safety and device longevity.
- Protein adsorption on sensor surfaces can lead to biofouling and reduced device functionality.
- Improving the biocompatibility of glucose sensors is essential for effective clinical real-time monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a new biocompatible copolymer for use in electrochemical enzyme-based glucose sensors.
- To evaluate the copolymer's ability to prevent protein adsorption and enhance adhesion to polyurethane substrates.
- To assess the performance and stability of a glucose sensor utilizing the new copolymer for in vitro and in vivo applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a novel three-segment copolymer featuring a phosphorylcholine head group for protein rejection and segments for polyurethane affinity.
- Attachment testing using peel and solution circulation methods.
- Electrochemical enzyme-based glucose sensor fabrication with the copolymer as the outermost layer and polyurethane as the diffusion-limiting membrane.
- In vitro stability testing in bovine serum and in vivo testing in animal models.
Main Results:
- The synthesized copolymer demonstrated strong attachment to polyurethane substrates.
- The glucose sensor exhibited extended linearity up to 50 mM glucose and maintained stable output for 70 hours in bovine serum.
- In vivo tests showed a steady current signal and rapid transient response to glucose concentration changes.
- The copolymer coating significantly improved the haemocompatibility of the glucose sensor.
Conclusions:
- The new biocompatible copolymer effectively enhances glucose sensor performance by improving haemocompatibility and operational stability.
- The material's anti-fouling and substrate-adhesion properties make it suitable for implantable glucose sensors.
- This copolymer holds potential for broader applications in other implantable biomedical devices.
Related Concept Videos
Amperometry: Overview
Amperometry is a technique commonly used to measure the concentration of specific analytes in a solution by monitoring the electric current generated during an electrochemical reaction. It involves applying a constant potential between a working electrode and a reference electrode to measure the resulting current, which is proportional to the concentration of the analyte. The Clark oxygen electrode operates based on this principle of amperometry. It consists of a cathode and an anode enclosed...
Glucose Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose
Carbohydrates consumed through foods are converted into glucose, a crucial energy source for the body. In the prandial state, high blood glucose levels stimulate the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Insulin inhibits hepatic glucose production and stimulates glucose uptake and metabolism by muscle and adipose tissue. The excess glucose is converted into glycogen and stored in the liver and muscles.
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...

