Method for forming a test sensor
View Patent ↗Systems and methods for electrochemically oxidizing components of a test-sensor reagent prior to deposition on a test sensor comprise at least a first electrode and a second electrode for contacting the test-sensor reagent. The first electrode and the second electrode may have hollow interior portions for contacting the test-sensor reagent to produce a modified test-sensor reagent having a reduced background current.
1. A method for forming an electrochemical test sensor, the method comprising the acts of:
providing a base, a second layer and a plurality of electrodes, the base and the second layer assisting in forming a channel for receiving a fluid sample;
providing a pre-oxidized reagent material with an oxidizable species therein;
applying current to the pre-oxidized reagent material to oxidize the oxidizable species therein and form a modified reagent material having a reduced background current; and
placing the modified reagent material with the reduced background current on the test sensor in close relationship with at least one of the plurality of electrodes
wherein the reagent includes a mediator and an enzyme.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mediator is ferricyanide.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the mediator is 3-phenylimino-3H-phenothizaine or 3-phenylimino-3H-phenoxazine.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the enzyme includes glucose oxidase.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein enzyme includes glucose dehydrogenase.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reagent further includes a binder.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the binder is a cellulose polymer.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the reagent further includes a surfactant.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein applying current to the pre-oxidized reagent material to oxidize the oxidizable species therein includes flowing the pre-oxidized reagent material through a system comprising a first electrode and a second electrode and applying the current to at least one of the first electrode or the second electrode to oxidize any oxidizable species in the pre-oxidized reagent material.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second layer is a spacer, a lid or a combination thereof.