Silicon microprobe with integrated biosensor

Abstract

Microprobe device 10 provides an analyte signal from biosensor 12 to an external analyte meter indicating analyte presence in an analyte-containing bodily fluid of a subject (not shown).

1 - 25 . (canceled)  
     
     
         26 . A microprobe device comprising: 
 a substrate comprising a body, and a microprobe having a body end connected to the body and a penetration end terminating in a point configured to make an incision in the stratum corneum, the penetration end extending along the microprobe from a location recessed from any area of tip formation to the termination of the microprobe and being completely uncovered, any change in overall microprobe thickness along an entire length of the penetration end having a smooth transition; and    one or more sensors non-displaceably adhered to the substrate and located away from the penetration end, such that no sensors are located in any part of the penetration end.    
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the one or more sensors are located sufficiently close to the penetration end to pass uncovered into the subject during use.  
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the body and the microprobe are made from a material used as a substrate for integrated circuit fabrication.  
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the body and the microprobe are fabricated by MEMS processing.  
     
     
         30 . The device of claim of  claim 28 , wherein the body and the microprobe are made of silicon.  
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 29 , further comprising an interface structure on an uncovered surface of the body, the body extending integrally from the body end of the microprobe.  
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 30 , wherein the body is operable to limit penetration of the microprobe during use.  
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 26 , where the biosensor is operable to sense an analyte concentration.  
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the biosensor is coupled to a meter.  
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the microprobe converges along a length of the microprobe, wherein the microprobe converges along an entire length of the terminal point at a rate greater than the rate of convergence along a portion of the microprobe separate from the terminal point.  
     
     
         36 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the microprobe device converges along an entire length of the penetration end, wherein the rate of convergence along the terminal point is greater than the rate of convergence along a portion of the penetration end separate therefrom.  
     
     
         37 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the substrate has one or more cavities extending into the substrate.  
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein the one or more cavities have a cross-section suited to a fluid channel.  
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the substrate has one or more open fluid channels, each defined a cavity extending along a surface of the substrate.  
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 39 , wherein the one or more sensors is in one or more fluid channels.  
     
     
         41 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein the one or more sensors are in direct contact with one or more cavities.  
     
     
         42 . A microprobe device comprising: 
 a substrate comprising a body and a microprobe having a body end connected to the body and a penetration end;    an open fluid channel formed in the substrate, the channel opening along a surface of the substrate; and    a sensor located on the substrate, wherein at least part of the sensor is positioned to pass uncovered into a subject during use.    
     
     
         43 . The device of  claim 42 , wherein the open fluid channel extends from a location away from the penetration end to the body end.  
     
     
         44 . The device of  claim 42 , wherein the sensor is on a non-recessed surface of the substrate.  
     
     
         45 . The device of  claim 42 , wherein the sensor in fluid contact with the open fluid channel.  
     
     
         46 . The device of  claim 42 , wherein the sensor is located within the fluid channel.