REFERENCE ELECTRODES HAVING AN EXTENDED LIFETIME FOR USE IN LONG TERM AMPEROMETRIC SENSORS
First Claim
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1. A method of replenishing a level of AgCl on a reference electrode of a electrochemical sensor, the method comprising:
- inserting a electrochemical sensor into skin of a patient, wherein the electrochemical sensor comprises a flexible substrate comprising(i) at least one working electrode comprising a sensing layer and a membrane disposed over the sensing layer,(ii) at least one reference electrode comprising a layer of Ag/AgCl,(iii) at least one contact pad coupled to each of the working and reference electrodes,wherein the electrochemical sensor is adapted for implantation of a portion of the electrochemical sensor comprising the working and reference electrodes through skin; and
applying an electrical potential across the reference electrode and another electrode of the sensor for a period of time sufficient to convert Ag to AgCl in order to replenish the level of AgCl present on the reference electrode.
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Abstract
The present application provides Ag/AgCl based reference electrodes having an extended lifetime that are suitable for use in long term amperometric sensors. Electrochemical sensors equipped with reference electrodes described herein demonstrate considerable stability and extended lifetime in a variety of conditions.
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Citations
27 Claims
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1. A method of replenishing a level of AgCl on a reference electrode of a electrochemical sensor, the method comprising:
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inserting a electrochemical sensor into skin of a patient, wherein the electrochemical sensor comprises a flexible substrate comprising (i) at least one working electrode comprising a sensing layer and a membrane disposed over the sensing layer, (ii) at least one reference electrode comprising a layer of Ag/AgCl, (iii) at least one contact pad coupled to each of the working and reference electrodes, wherein the electrochemical sensor is adapted for implantation of a portion of the electrochemical sensor comprising the working and reference electrodes through skin; and applying an electrical potential across the reference electrode and another electrode of the sensor for a period of time sufficient to convert Ag to AgCl in order to replenish the level of AgCl present on the reference electrode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for monitoring a level of an analyte, the method comprising:
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inserting an electrochemical sensor into skin of a patient, wherein the electrochemical sensor comprises a flexible substrate comprising (i) at least one working electrode comprising a sensing layer and a membrane disposed over the sensing layer, (ii) at least one reference electrode comprising a layer of Ag/AgCl, (iii) at least one contact pad coupled to each of the working and reference electrodes, wherein the electrochemical sensor is adapted for implantation of a portion of the electrochemical sensor comprising the working and reference electrodes through skin; and attaching the electrochemical sensor control unit to the skin of the patient, wherein the electrochemical sensor control unit comprises (i) a housing adapted for placement on skin; (ii) a plurality of conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to the contact pads of the electrochemical sensor; and (iii) an rf transmitter disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the electrochemical sensor; coupling a plurality of conductive contacts disposed in the sensor control unit to a plurality of contact pads disposed on the sensor; collecting data, using the sensor control unit, regarding a level of an analyte from signals generated by the sensor; transmitting the collected data to the display unit using the rf transmitter of the sensor control unit; and displaying an indication of the level of the analyte on the display of the display unit, wherein following insertion of the electrochemical sensor into skin of the patient, an electrical potential is applied across the reference electrode for a period of time sufficient to convert Ag to AgCl in order to replenish the level of AgCl present on the reference electrode. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification