Miniaturized multi-enzyme biosensors integrated with pH sensors on flexible polymer carriers for in vivo applications

An electrochemical glucose sensor has been integrated, together with a pH sensor, on a flexible polyimide substrate for in vivo applications. The glucose sensor is based on the measurement of H₂O₂ produced by the membrane-entrapped enzyme glucose oxidase (GOD). To minimize electrochemical interference, an electrode configuration was designed to perform differential measurements. The solid-state pH sensor employs a PVC-based neutral carrier membrane. The enzymes GOD and catalase were immobilized into two layers of photolithographically patterned hydrogels. The intended use of this device is the short-term monitoring of glucose and pH in intensive care units and operating theatres, especially for neurosurgical applications. The developed immobilization technique can also be used to create integrated multi-sensor chips for clinical analysers. The glucose and pH sensor exhibited excellent performance during tests in buffer solutions, serum and whole blood.