Sensor assembly and porous membrane sensor element

Abstract

The present invention relates a porous membrane sensor element for the detection of an analyte in a complex fluid sample. The porous membrane sensor element comprises: a porous membrane sensor housing penetrated by a flow channel defining an axial direction, the flow channel comprising a sample space; a porous membrane with a front side defining a sensor surface for contacting the fluid sample, the sensor surface facing towards the sample space, the porous membrane comprising pores extending from respective openings at the sensor surface into the porous membrane, wherein the pores are configured with regard to the analyte for diffusive fluid communication with the sample space; and an optical subassembly comprising a light guide core, the light guide core comprising an input branch, an output branch, and a coupling interface arranged to contact a backside of the porous membrane opposite to the front side and facing away from the sample space; wherein the input and output branches are directed towards the coupling interface. The input branch and the output branch are arranged in a common light guide plane arranged perpendicular to the sensor surface. According to a further aspect, a sensor assembly comprises a porous membrane sensor element integrated within a sample chamber thereof.