초록 ▼

An optical-based sensor for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte. The sensor has a sensor body which functions as a wave guide, with a source of radiation embedded therein. Radiation emitted by the source interacts with indicator molecules on the surface of the body. At least one optical c

An optical-based sensor for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte. The sensor has a sensor body which functions as a wave guide, with a source of radiation embedded therein. Radiation emitted by the source interacts with indicator molecules on the surface of the body. At least one optical characteristics of the indicator molecules varies with analyte concentration. For example, the level of fluorescence of fluorescent indicator molecules or the amount of light absorbed by light-absorbing indicator molecules vary as a function of analyte concentration. Radiation (light) emitted or reflected by the indicator molecules enters and is internally reflected throughout the sensor body. A photosensitive element embedded within the sensor body generates a signal indicative of the level of internally reflected radiation and, hence, the concentration of the analyte. Preferred embodiments are totally self-contained and are sized and shaped for use in vivo in a human being. Such embodiments further include a power source, e.g. an inductor, which powers the source of radiation using external means, as well as a transmitter, e.g. an inductor, to transmit to external pickup means the signal representing the level of analyte.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [87.]87. A method of determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a medium, said method comprising the steps ofdisposing a sensor in the medium, said sensor comprising an optically transmissive sensor body which functions as an optic wave guide, said sensor body further co

[ We claim:] [87.]87. A method of determining the presence or concentration of an analyte in a medium, said method comprising the steps ofdisposing a sensor in the medium, said sensor comprising an optically transmissive sensor body which functions as an optic wave guide, said sensor body further comprising a source of radiation and a photosensitive element both embedded therein and indicator molecules disposed on a surface thereof, the indicator molecules fluorescing in response to radiation emitted by the source and the level of fluorescence varying with the presence or concentration of the analyte;causing the source to emit radiation and internally illuminate the sensor body, radiation emitted by the source causing said indicator molecules to fluoresce and fluorescent light emitted by said indicator molecules passing into said sensor body;detecting fluorescent light emitted by said indicator molecules and passing into said sensor body with said photosensitive element; andproviding a response signal indicative of the level of fluorescent light detected by the photosensitive element and hence indicative of the presence or concentration of the analyte in the medium.