Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An implantable enzyme-based monitoring system suitable for long term in vivo use to measure the concentration of prescribed substances such as glucose is provided. In one embodiment, the implantable enzyme-based monitoring system includes at least one sensor assembly, an outer membrane surrounding the sensor assembly and having a window therein, and a polymeric window cover affixed to the outer membrane and covering the window. Preferably, the outer membrane of the monitoring system is silicone and the window cover is a polymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), N,N,-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and methacrylic acid (MA). Also provided herein is an implantable enzyme-based monitoring system having at least one sensor assembly, an outer membrane surrounding the sensor assembly and a coating affixed to the exterior surface of the outer membrane, wherein the coating resists blood coagulation and protein binding to the exterior surface of the outer membrane. Preferably, the coating is polyethylene glycol (PEG) and heparin in an 80:20 molar ratio. Finally, provided herein is a method of coating the exterior surface of the outer membrane of an implantable enzyme-based monitoring system comprising the steps of forming hydroxyl groups on the silicone surface by plasma etching; reacting the silicone surface with amino functionalized silane, thereby forming amino groups on the silicone surface; simultaneously, covalently binding polyethylene glycol (PEG) and heparin to the amino groups; and ionically binding heparin to the monitoring system surface.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim