FLEXIBLE INDWELLING ELECTROCHEMICAL-BASED BIOSENSOR AND RELATED METHODS

摘要

A flexible indwelling electrochemical-based biosensor includes an elongated framework and an integrated electrochemical-based biosensor. The elongated framework is formed of an electrically conductive flexible material (e.g., a Nitinol) with a body portion, a sharp head, a distal end and a proximal end. The integrated electrochemical-based biosensor (such as an electrochemical-based glucose sensor) is integrated with the elongated framework in that the biosensor has a sensing element that is disposed over the body portion or sharp head of the elongated framework and a portion of the elongated framework is configured as an electrode component that electrically cooperates with the sensing element. The electrode component can, for example, be configured to electrically cooperate as a working electrode, counter electrode, reference electrode or combined reference/counter electrode of the sensing element. Moreover, the sharp head is disposed at the distal end of the elongated framework and the sharp head, the electrode component and at least the sensing element of the biosensor are configured for insertion into a target site (for example, a subcutaneous target site).