Abstract: Provided is a substrate modification method that enables improvement of reproducibility in measurement with use of capillary electrophoresis. The substrate modification method includes immobilizing, to a substrate surface, at least two types of modification groups selected from three types of modification groups that are a type of a modification group having one functional group, a type of a modification group having two to nine functional groups, and a type of a modification group having ten or more functional groups.

Abstract: A method of detection and discrimination of target DNA sequences and of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) directly on double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) samples without the need for denaturation of the target dsDNAs. This is achieved by the use of a PNA chain as a probe. This probe is self-assembled on a gold electrode; hybridization of the probe with the target dsDNA forms a PNA-dsDNA hybrid. The hybrid is then labeled with a mediator, and the PNA-dsDNA hybridization is monitored. Monitoring of the hybrid formation can be achieved using an electrochemical approach. This method is able to detect and discriminate target DNA sequences and SNPs on ds-oligonucleotides. Furthermore, this method is able to detect and discriminate target DNA sequences and SNPs on double-stranded PCR products.

Abstract: Molecular species that are immobilized in discrete locations on a planar support such as protein bands on a gel or a blotting membrane or species applied in dots or spots on a membrane are reacted with binding reagents that are applied through a porous hydrophilic transfer sheet placed over the planar support, the sheet having at least one region that is laterally bordered by a barrier with the binding reagent retained within the bordered region. The bordered region is placed directly over an area on the planar support where the molecular species are expected to reside if they are present on the support. The binding reagent is then delivered into the support to contact the species. Targeted delivery of the binding reagent is thus achieved with improved efficiency.

Abstract: A potentiometric probe, comprising: a housing, which has a first chamber, in which a reference half-cell is formed, which is in communication with a medium surrounding the housing via an electrolytic contact location arranged in a wall of the housing. The housing has a second chamber, in which a measuring half cell is formed, wherein the second chamber is closed on one end by a measuring membrane, such that a surface area of the measuring membrane facing away from the second chamber is in contact with the medium surrounding the housing, and wherein the measuring half cell has a lengthwise extension between the measuring membrane and a closure element bounding the measuring half cell on an end lying opposite the measuring membrane. A quotient of a separation of the measuring membrane from the closure element and an outer diameter of the housing amounts to less than 5, especially less than 2.

Abstract: A biosensor component is provided that provides enhanced characteristics for use in biosensors, such as blood glucose sensors. The biosensor component comprises a substrate and a conductive layer coated on the substrate. The conductive layer includes nickel and chromium, such that a combined weight percent of the nickel and chromium in the conductive layer is in the range of 50 to 99 weight percent.

Abstract: An electrophoresis chip that can be small and simple and that can analyze a sample with high accuracy is provided. The electrophoresis chip includes an upper substrate 4, a lower substrate 1, an introduction reservoir 2a, a recovery reservoir 2b and a capillary channel for sample analysis 3x. The introduction reservoir 2a and the recovery reservoir 2b are formed in the lower substrate 1. The introduction reservoir 2a and the recovery reservoir 2b are in communication with each other via the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x. The introduction reservoir 2a receives a sample to be measured. The sample is electrophoretically introduced directly into the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x by creating a potential difference between the introduction reservoir 2a and the recovery reservoir 2b, and is also analyzed in the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x during the separation of the sample while the sample is being continuously supplied.

Abstract: A gas sensor control apparatus (1) includes a gas sensor (8) having an oxygen pump cell (14); a sensor drive circuit (52) which energizes the gas sensor; terminal voltage output means (54) which detects and outputs a terminal voltage of the oxygen pump cell; anomaly detection means (58) which compares the terminal voltage and a first threshold value, and when the terminal voltage exceeds the first threshold value, outputs a short circuit anomaly signal informing of a short circuit; a controller (55) which compares the terminal voltage and a second threshold value less than the first threshold value, and when the terminal voltage exceeds the second threshold value, generates a cell voltage anomaly signal informing of an application of an overvoltage to the oxygen pump cell; and command means (9) which, when receiving the short circuit anomaly signal or cell voltage anomaly signal, outputs a de-energization command.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a vital information measurement device which measures vital information using a biosensor, with which it is possible to adjudicate more precisely whether a mounted biosensor is usable, and to alleviate inconsistency in measured values therefrom. Specifically, the present invention provides a vital information measurement device comprising: an input terminal to which a biosensor is connected; a voltage application unit which applies a voltage to the input terminal; an adjudication unit which is connected to the input terminal; a control unit which is connected to the adjudication unit; and a display unit which is connected to the control unit. The control unit causes the adjudication unit to carry out a first adjudication, a second adjudication, and a third adjudication.

Abstract: A method of operating a gas sensor is disclosed, wherein the sensor includes a pumping electrode configuration and a measuring electrode configuration, and wherein the method includes operating the sensor in a first mode in which a first, lower pumping potential sufficient to electrochemically remove an interfering compound from the sensor without electrochemically removing the analyte from the sensor is applied across the pumping electrode configuration and a measuring potential sufficient to electrochemically remove the analyte from the sensor is applied across the measuring electrode configuration; and operating the sensor in a second mode in which a second, higher pumping potential sufficient to electrochemically remove the analyte from the sensor is applied to the pumping electrode configuration.

Abstract: An analyte sensor for the continuous or semi-continuous monitoring of physiological parameters and a method for making the analyte sensor are disclosed. In one aspect, the analyte sensor includes an electrode, a sensing layer in contact with a surface of the electrode, and a protective membrane. The sensing layer is a crosslinked, hydrophilic copolymer including poly(alkylene oxide) and poly(vinyl pyridine), and an analyte sensing component is immobilized within the crosslinked, hydrophilic copolymer. The protective membrane is a crosslinked, hydrophilic copolymer including alkylene oxide, vinyl pyridine and styrene units. The method involves the formation of a sensing layer on a surface of an electrode, followed by the formation of a protective membrane on a surface of the sensing layer.

Abstract: Various embodiments for methods, systems, and meters that allow for a more accurate analyte concentration with a biosensor by determining at least one physical characteristic of the sample and determining whether at least one output transient signal of the biosensor is erroneous by monitoring the biosensor and flagging an error if the signal outputs of the biosensor do not meet certain criteria.

Abstract: A three-dimensional digital microfluidic system comprises a first plate with a first electrode, a second plate with a second electrode, and a microfluidic drop in between the first and the second electrode. The electrodes are able to be actuated in sequence such that the microfluidic drop is able to be transported. A bridge plate is able to be included.

Abstract: A method for operating a sensor for biomolecules or charged ions, the sensor comprising a first field effect transistor (FET) and a second FET, wherein the first FET and the second FET comprise a shared node includes placing an electrolyte containing the biomolecules or charged ions on a sensing surface of the sensor, the electrolyte comprising a gate of the second FET; applying an inversion voltage to a gate of the first FET; making a first electrical connection to an unshared node of the first FET; making a second electrical connection to unshared node of the second FET; determining a change in a drain current flowing between the unshared node of the first FET and the unshared node of the second FET; and determining an amount of biomolecules or charged ions contained in the electrolyte based on the determined change in the drain current.

Abstract: A method of testing a system, which has at least one electrochemical sensor for detecting an analyte gas within a housing of the system, and the housing has an inlet, includes exhaling in the vicinity of the inlet of the housing of the system and measuring a response to exhaled breath to test one or more transport paths of the system. Measuring the response to exhaled breath may, for example, include measuring the response of a sensor within the housing of the system that is responsive to the presence of exhaled breath. The sensor responsive to the presence of exhaled breath may, for example, include an electrochemically active electrode responsive to a gas within exhaled breath. The electrochemically active electrode may, for example, be responsive to carbon dioxide or to oxygen.

Abstract: An electrochemical detector includes a carbon based element located between a separator and a current collector of an adjacent electrode. Elements can take the form of a carbon fabric located between the separator and the collector, or a linear, or, circular carbon deposit on a surface of the separator adjacent to the respective current collector. Other conductive coatings including gold, platinum or transition metals, as well as carbon, can be deposited directly onto a porous substrate, such as a masked separator material.

Abstract: A water analysis sensor electrode for determining an analyte in water includes a sensor electrode housing which is configured to be closed. The sensor electrode housing comprises an inner wall and an ion-selective sensor electrode diaphragm arranged at a lower distal end of the sensor electrode housing. An electrolyte solution is in the sensor electrode housing. A measuring electrode is arranged in the sensor electrode housing. A gas bubble is enclosed by the sensor electrode housing. A rigid rod element having a round cross section is arranged in the sensor electrode housing so that a continuous open capillary channel extends over a length of the sensor electrode housing between the rigid rod element and the inner wall.

Abstract: A portable analytical test meter is designed for use with an associated analytical test strip. A test-strip-receiving module receives the analytical test strip and is electrically connected to a dummy load calibration circuit block. That block is configured to provide a dummy magnitude correction and a dummy phase correction; and a memory block is configured to store the dummy magnitude correction and the dummy phase correction. A method for calibrating a portable analytical test meter for use with an analytical test strip includes determining a dummy magnitude correction and a dummy phase correction of the portable analytical test meter using a dummy load calibration circuit block of the portable analytical test meter. The dummy magnitude correction and the dummy phase correction are stored in a memory block of the portable analytical test meter. Using the stored dummy magnitude correction and stored dummy phase correction, an analyte is determined.

Abstract: A sensor device according to an embodiment includes a semiconductor substrate including a plurality of channels, the channels connecting a cavity and a measurement electrode, and a counter electrode arranged to be in contact with the cavity, wherein the cavity, the measurement electrode and the counter electrode are arranged to accommodate a drop of a liquid and to allow a voltage to be applied to the drop of liquid.

Abstract: An electrophoresis gel assembly comprising a gel slab, at least two sample wells and at least one focusing buffer well arranged between two adjacent sample wells and wherein focusing barriers are arranged between the focusing buffer well and the sample wells. A high conductivity focusing buffer can be applied to the focusing buffer well to obtain a lateral focusing of the sample bands during electrophoresis.

Abstract: A method of improving performance of electrochemical gas sensors includes cycling potentials applied to one or more of the electrodes of the respective sensor(s) to improve performance of a different electrode. In a process for treating a reference electrode, potentials can be applied to working and, or counter electrodes so as to modify the environment in the vicinity of the reference electrode. An apparatus can carry out the method automatically.