Importance

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Abstract

An improved glucose sensor adapted for in vivo implantation includes one or more optical fiber optrodes mounted within a semipermeable probe housing designed for differential diffusion of glucose and oxygen. In a preferred form, an enzyme optrode comprises an optical fiber with an enzyme coating such as glucose oxidase for catalyzing glucose in the presence of oxygen (O.sub.2) to produce gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. An oxygen sensitive coating such as a fluorescent dye is provided on the enzyme optrode in close proximity with the enzymatic reaction, and also on a reference optrode at a position spaced substantially from the enzymatic reaction. Optical monitoring of the fluorescent activity of the optrode coatings provides an indication of oxygen depletion as a result of the enzymatic reaction, and thus also indicates glucose concentration level. The semipermeable housing is designed to ensure that the reaction proceeds with a stoichiometric excess of oxygen (O.sub.2).

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First Claim