title: Carbon fibre composites: integrated electrochemical sensors for wound management.
abstract: The applicability of employing a carbon fibre mesh as an electrochemical sensing substructure for assessing urate transformations within wound exudates is evaluated. Prototype sensor assemblies have been designed and their response characteristics towards uric acid and other common physiological components are detailed. Modification of the carbon fibre sensor through surface anodization and the application of cellulose acetate permselective barriers have been shown to lead to optimized responses and much greater sensitivity (1440% increase) and specificity. These could enable the accurate periodic monitoring of uric acid in wound fluid. The performance characteristics of the composite sensors in whole blood, serum and blister fluid have been investigated.
authors.affiliation: School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK. duncan.sharp@ntu.ac.uk
authors.forename: Duncan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sharp
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Forsythe
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D004563:Electrochemistry; D006801:Humans; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000175:diagnosis*
chemical_list: D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D014527:Uric Acid; D002244:Carbon