Use of charged membranes to control interference by body chemicals in a glucose biosensor

The prerequisite for the continuous in vivo monitoring of glucose concentration is the development of an implantable glucose sensor with long-term stability. A new enzyme electrode concept featuring fluid-state glucose oxidase modified carbon powder along with a cross-linked glucose oxidase enzyme layer has been developed. The glucose sensor incorporating this enzyme electrode has been tested in vitro at 37 degrees C. It has a lifetime of three months after which it can be recharged with fresh enzyme. The next step in the characterization of this sensor is its in vitro behaviour in the presence of interfering substances commonly encountered in human blood. Here we report such a study of the sensor. The glucose diffusion membranes used were polycarbonate membranes. We used standard polycarbonate membranes (membranes treated with polyvinylpyrrolidone or PVP), PVP-free polycarbonate membranes, and standard polycarbonate membranes coated with positively and negatively charged hydrogel layers. The sensors showed a response to glucose concentrations < 300 mg dL-1, both in pure phosphate buffer and in the presence of interferences. The influence of ascorbic acid, bilirubin, creatinine, L-cystine, glycine, uric acid and urea on the amperometric signal of the sensor was investigated. The polycarbonate membrane coated with the negatively charged hydrogel layer provided good protection for the enzyme electrode, especially in the presence of ascorbic acid and uric acid.