Biosensors and Methods of Preparing Same

Abstract

A biosensor strip having a low profile for reducing the volume of liquid sample needed to perform an assay. In one embodiment, the biosensor strip includes an electrode support; an electrode arrangement on the electrode support; a cover; a sample chamber; and an incompressible element placed between the cover and the electrode support, the incompressible element providing an opening in at least one side or in the distal end of the sample chamber to provide at least one vent in the sample chamber. In another embodiment, the biosensor strip has an electrode support; an electrode arrangement on the electrode support; a cover; and a sample chamber, the cover having a plurality of openings formed therein, at least one of the openings in register with the sample chamber. The invention further includes methods for preparing such a biosensor strips in a continuous manner.

1 - 43 . (canceled) 
     
     
         44 . A sensor, comprising:
 a substrate;   an electrode positioned on the substrate, the electrode comprising an analyte responsive-enzyme thereon;   a spacer layer positioned between the substrate and the cover and forming a sample chamber there between, wherein a portion of the electrode is present in the sample chamber, the sample chamber comprising a proximal end where a sample is introduced into the sample chamber and a distal end toward which the sample flows; and   an incompressible element placed over the spacer layer, said incompressible element positioned at the distal end of the sample chamber and spanning from firsta lateral side of the sensor to a second lateral side of the sensor; and   a cover placed over the incompressible element and spacer layer.   
     
     
         45 . The sensor of  claim 44 , wherein the at least one vent is in at least one side of the sample chamber. 
     
     
         46 . The sensor of  claim 44 , wherein the at least one vent is in a distal end of the sample chamber. 
     
     
         47 . The sensor of  claim 44 , wherein the incompressible element is selected from the group consisting of at least one filament, at least one thread, at least one ribbon, and at least one tape. 
     
     
         48 . The sensor of  claim 44 , further comprising at least one layer of mesh is interposed between the cover and the electrode arrangement. 
     
     
         49 . The sensor of  claim 48 , wherein the at least one layer of mesh comprises polyester. 
     
     
         50 . The sensor of  claim 48 , wherein the at least one layer of mesh comprises a surfactant thereon. 
     
     
         51 . The sensor of  claim 44 , wherein the cover includes a backing having a layer of adhesive on one major surface thereof. 
     
     
         52 . The sensor of  claim 44 , wherein the volume of the sample chamber is no more than about 1 microliter. 
     
     
         53 . The sensor of  claim 44 , wherein the volume of the sample chamber is no more than about 0.5 microliters. 
     
     
         54 . The sensor of  claim 44 , wherein the volume of the sample chamber is no more than about 0.3 microliters. 
     
     
         55 . The sensor of  claim 44 , wherein the volume of the sample chamber is no more than about 0.1 microliter. 
     
     
         56 . The sensor of  claim 44 , wherein the sensor is a glucose sensor. 
     
     
         57 . The sensor of  claim 56 , configured to determine the concentration of the glucose in about 1-10 seconds. 
     
     
         58 . The sensor of  claim 56 , configured to determine the concentration of the glucose in about 3-5 seconds. 
     
     
         59 . The sensor of  claim 56 , configured to determine the concentration of the glucose in about 1-3 seconds. 
     
     
         60 . The sensor of  claim 44 , wherein the incompressible element is comprised of a hydrophobic material. 
     
     
         61 . The sensor of  claim 44 , wherein the incompressible element is a monofilament, a thread, a ribbon, or a tape.