Methods and devices for removing interfering species

A method of reducing a presence of a compound in an ionically conductive material wherein the presence of the compound interferes with detecting an analyte in the material, the method comprising

• a) placing the ionically conductive material comprising the compound in contact with a reactive face of a sensor element such that, when an electric current is flowing to the sensor element, the current flows through the ionically conductive material, and
• b) activating the sensor element to provide the electrical current for a period of time and under conditions sufficient to polymerize the compound on the reactive face of the sensor element, thus reducing the presence of the compound in the ionically conductive material.

A method of forming a permeation selective barrier in situ on a reactive face of a sensor element, the method comprising

• a) formulating an ionically conductive material comprising a phenolic compound capable of polymerizing under the influence of an electrical current,
• b) placing the ionically conductive material in contact with the reactive face of the sensor element such that when the electric current is flowing to the sensor element, the current flows through the ionically conductive material, and
• c) activating the sensor element to provide the electrical current for a period of time and under conditions sufficient to polymerize the compound on the reactive face of the sensor and form a permeation selective barrier.

A collection assembly for use in a sampling system comprising

• a) a collection insert layer comprising an ionically conductive material, wherein the ionically conductive material comprises a compound that will polymerize on a reactive face of a sensor element placed in working relationship with the ionically conductive material.

An autosensor assembly for use in a sampling system, comprising

• a) a collection insert layer comprising an ionically conductive medium, an enzyme capable of reacting with an analyte to produce hydrogen peroxide, and a phenolic compound that will polymerize under an electric current, and
• b) a sensor element in operative contact with the collection insert layer, wherein the sensor element reacts electrochemically with the phenolic compound to provide a selectively permeable barrier at an interface between the sensor element and the collection insert layer.

The hydrogel of claim 57, wherein the hydrophilic compound is present in an amount in the range of from about 8% to about 12% based on total weight of the hydrogel containing the humectant.