Patent ID: 9453833
Filing Date: 2016-09-27
CPC Classification: A61B,C12Q,G01N

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus for detecting or monitoring proteolysis of a protein matrix, comprising (i) a synthetic protein matrix, (ii) a working electrode, (iii) a counter electrode, (iv) an elactomer, and (v) a small molecule electroactive species; wherein the synthetic protein matrix is in contact with at least a portion of the working electrode or the counter electrode; wherein the elactomer comprises a ferrocene-derivitized polymer wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl pirrolidone (PVP), and derivatives thereof; wherein the elactomer and the small molecule electroactive species are of an opposing oxidation state and are provided in contact with the synthetic protein matrix by diffusion within and across pores of the synthetic protein matrix; wherein the elactomer is capable of generating diffusion-limited electrochemical currents at the working electrode and the small molecule electroactive species is capable of generating counter currents at the counter electrode; and wherein the diffusion limited electrochemical currents are indicative of a level of proteolysis of the synthetic protein matrix.