Abbott Laboratories Corporation

Kenneth S Johnson

David Dean Cunningham

Timothy P Henning

Thomas G Schapira

R Hayes Helgren

Ted J Hanagan

Steven G Schultz

Edmund T Marciniec

Neal T Sleszynski

Jill M Geist

Laura S Morici

Susan B Brontman

John D Norlie, Jr

Jay R Ford

Lance K Safford

The present invention provides a diagnostic flow cell for determining the presence or amount of an analyte which may be contained in a test sample. The flow cell comprises a spacing layer having a longitudinal void disposed between a pair of opposed substrates. The spacing layer and the opposed substrates define a flow channel wherein reagent means can be immobilized. When the immobilized reagent means is contacted with an analyte, the reagent means can produce an electrically, optically, or electrically and optically detectable response to the analyte. Hence, the reagent means that is immobilized within the flow channel can comprise (i) a counter electrode, a reference electrode and a working electrode, (ii) an optically sensitive dye or (iii) a counter electrode, a reference electrode and a working electrode and an optically sensitive dye. The flow cell can be interfaced with means for introducing a test sample into and out of the flow cell's flow channel and detection means for detecting a signal generated by the immobilized reagent means. The present invention also provides methods for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte which may be contained in a test sample.

Diagnostic flow cell device

A sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a solution is disclosed. The sensor may be adapted for use as either an amperometric or a potentiometric sensor. It includes a membrane having a biologically active protein immobilized within. The membrane is attached and reliably sealed to a housing by means of ultrasonic welding, either directly or indirectly. Further, the membrane may be compressed to a fraction of its original dimensions. Metallic parts of the device may, optionally, be physically isolated from the sample solution to reduce corrosion. These features operate synergistically so that the claimed device exhibits relatively fast response and recovery times, is reliably leak-proof, and may be constructed in relatively small sizes.

Biosensor with a membrane containing biologically active material

A porous carrier containing an immobilized biologically active material is prepared in which a relatively large amount of an enzyme or an antibody has been immobilized in a manner that produces a low diffusion resistance toward reagents and products. The porous carrier is produced by fixing enzymes or antibodies within internal micropores of the carrier and mechanically compressing the carrier to a final thickness which is in the range of about 0.20 to 0.80 times the uncompressed carrier thickness. The compressed carrier may have a density about 1.25 to about 5.0 times the density of the carrier before compressing. Surprisingly, the compressed carrier exhibits less diffusion resistance to specific reagents and products than would an uncompressed carrier. A preferred porous carrier is a semi-permeable membrane made from synthetic polymers, such as polyvinylidine difluoride.

Preparation of a compressed membrane containing immobilized biologically

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Buffalo Grove, IL, United States of America

Kenneth S Johnson