Optical oxidative enzyme-based sensors

Abstract

The invention discloses enzyme-based optical sensors for detecting blood components which are substrates for oxidative enzymes, the sensors advantageously employing a multiple-layer structure featuring a thin, rapidly responding, optical, oxygen sensing layer. The sensors comprise, in order, a) an enzymatic layer containing an oxidative enzyme or enzyme cascade in a water and oxygen-permeable matrix; b) an oxygen sensing layer containing luminescent dye in a light-transmissive, oxygen-permeable matrix; and which is preferably deposited onto c) a light-transmissive substrate. Embodiments of the invention may further include a rapidly hydrating gas-permeable cover, or spacer, layer deposited over the enzymatic layer. A particulate filler material may be included in an effective amount in the oxygen sensing layer to reduce sample light scattering effects. The sensors of the disclosure may be used to detect creatinine and other enzyme-oxidizable analytes such as glucose, lactate or cholesterol, and may be made easily using standard coating techniques known in the art. These sensors are suitable for multiple analyses, but the materials and methods used allow the sensors to be disposable as well, allowing their wide use in medical and analytical applications.