Sensors for long-term and continuous monitoring of biochemicals

Abstract

The disclosed subject matter relates to a sensor or system for monitoring a target analyte by using a polymer solution that is capable of binding to the analyte. The sensor of the disclosed subject matter includes a viscosity-based sensor or a permittivity-based sensor. The viscosity-based sensor contains a semi-permeable membrane, a substrate, and a microchamber including a vibrational element. The permittivity-based sensor contains a semi-permeable membrane, a substrate, and a microchamber. The sensor discussed herein provides excellent reversibility and stability as highly desired for long-term analyte monitoring.

1 . A sensor for monitoring a target analyte by using a polymer solution that is capable of binding to the analyte, comprising
 (a) a semi-permeable membrane comprising a material permeable to the analyte;   (b) a substrate; and   (c) a microchamber, formed between the semi-permeable membrane and the substrate, and adapted to receive the polymer solution, such that when the analyte is placed on the semi-permeable membrane, at least a portion of the analyte will permeate the semi-permeable membrane and bind to at least a portion of the polymer solution to thereby cause a change in permittivity of the polymer solution.   
     
     
         2 . The sensor of  claim 1 , further comprising a top electrode and a bottom electrode, each embedded to the microchamber. 
     
     
         3 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the microchamber comprises a gap between the top electrode and the bottom electrode. 
     
     
         4 . The sensor of  claim 1 , further comprising a detector, coupled to the microchamber, for detecting a permittivity change, if any, caused by binding between the analyte and the polymer. 
     
     
         5 . The sensor of  claim 4 , wherein the detector comprises a capacitive detector. 
     
     
         6 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer comprises a polymer that reversely binds to the analyte. 
     
     
         7 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the analyte comprises glucose. 
     
     
         8 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the polymer comprises a plurality of boronic acid moieties. 
     
     
         9 . The sensor of  claim 8 , wherein the polymer comprises poly(acrylamide-ran-3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid). 
     
     
         10 . The sensor of  claim 1 , further comprising a temperature sensor. 
     
     
         11 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the permittivity sensor comprises a first thin-film electrode coated on the top chamber wall and a second thin-film electrode coated on the bottom chamber wall. 
     
     
         12 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the first thin-film electrode and the second thin-film electrode comprise at least one of copper and gold. 
     
     
         13 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein each of the top chamber wall and the bottom chamber wall comprise glass coverslips. 
     
     
         14 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the introduction channel comprises a tube.