A device for sensing analyte concentration, and in particular glucose
concentration, in vivo or in vitro is described. An optical conduit,
preferably an optical fiber, has an optical system at the proximal end of
the optical conduit. A sensing element is attached to the distal end of
the optical conduit, and may include at least one binding protein adapted
to bind with at least one target analyte. The sensing element further may
also include at least one reporter group that undergoes a luminescence
change with changing analyte concentrations. Optionally, the sensing
element includes reference groups with luminescence properties that are
substantially unchanged by variations in the analyte concentrations.