Development of a thin membrane glucose sensor using beta-type crystalline chitin for implantable biosensor.

A biocompatible thin membrane glucose sensor has been developed using beta-type crystalline chitin as a supporting material for the purpose of implantable biosensor. Gold electrode was formed by vapor deposition of the surface of glucose oxidase-immobilized beta-chitin membrane. The sensor showed rapid responses to glucose and H2O2 (< 45 s in batch operation), and addition of 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol as a mediator caused expansion of the measuring range. To investigate the possible uses for the implantable, the sensor sterilization and toxicity were studied. Sterilization with ethylene oxide was achieved by exposing samples, and a decrease in activity was permissible for measurements of body fluid. From the results of the toxicity assay using mouse fibroblast cells, beta-chitin sensor, constructed with chitin, glucose oxidase and gold electrode, showed no particular toxicity.