Patent ID: 7192766

Claim:
A sensing device formed by a process, said process comprising: providing a protein matrix in a hardened state, said step of providing said protein matrix in said hardened state comprising: obtaining a protein mixture; adding a cross-linking reagent to the protein mixture to form a combined mixture; molding the combined mixture in a recess in a block of a mold; and allowing the molded combined mixture to harden so as to form said protein matrix in said hardened state; providing a sensor body having a cavity for receiving said protein matrix in said hardened state; and placing said protein matrix in said hardened state into said cavity of said sensor body; wherein said protein matrix in said hardened state is sufficiently immobilized prior to being placed within the cavity of the sensor body such that the protein matrix in said hardened state minimizes swelling that would deform a shape of the sensor body and such that the protein matrix in said hardened state minimizes shrinkage that would create voids between the protein matrix in said hardened state and the sensor body once the protein matrix in said hardened state has been placed within the cavity of the sensor body.