Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-invasively determining the concentration of a substance in blood, such as glucose, include a sample portion arranged for contacting an eye region of a user to obtain a tear fluid sample, a sensor in communication with the sample portion for generating a signal related to the tear substance concentration, and a processor in communication with the sensor for determining a blood substance concentration corresponding to the tear substance concentration.

Abstract: Biocompatible materials that have the ability to release nitric oxide (NO) in situ at the surface-blood interface when in contact with blood. The materials which may be polymers (e.g., polyurethane, poly(vinyl chloride), silicone rubbers), metals, such as stainless steel, carbon, and the like are provided with biocatalysts or biomimetic catalysts on their surface that have nitrite, nitrate, and/or nitrosothiol-reducing capability. Illustratively, the catalysts are adsorbed or immobilized at the surface of the material. The catalysts can act on endogenous nitrite, nitrate, or nitrosothiols within the blood creating a local increase in the NO levels at the surface of the material. An illustrative enzymatic biocatalyst is mammalian xanthine oxidase. In another illustrative embodiment, a biomimetic catalyst is a copper (Cu(II)-ligand complex, e.g. dibenzo[e,k]-2,3,8,9-tetraphenyl-1,4,7,10-tetraaza-cyclododeca-1,3,7,9-tetraene. In some cases, lipophilic salts of nitrite/nitrate (e.g.

Abstract: A film for detecting fluoride concentrations is disclosed. The film includes an organic matrix having a lipophilic aluminum compound incorporated therein. The lipophilic aluminum compound is adapted to selectively bind with fluoride ions via a binding interaction. The fluoride is detectable through optical or electrochemical detection of the binding interaction.

Abstract: A marker molecule for monitoring cleaving enzyme activity is disclosed. The marker molecule includes a protein, a peptide, or an oligonucleotide. A co-factor is conjugated to the protein, the peptide, or the oligonucleotide, thereby forming a co-factor labeled protein, a co-factor labeled peptide, or a co-factor labeled oligonucleotide. The co-factor is adapted to produce an enzymatic signal that is optically detectable.

Abstract: An oligonucleotide probe for DNA detection is disclosed. The oligonucleotide probe includes a site-specific sequence. Either a co-factor or a mediator is conjugated to the site-specific sequence. The co-factor is adapted to produce an enzymatic signal that is electrochemically detectable. The mediator is adapted to enhance an enzymatic signal that is electrochemically detectable.

Abstract: A marker molecule for monitoring cleaving enzyme activity is disclosed. The marker molecule includes a protein, a peptide, or an oligonucleotide. A co-factor is conjugated to the protein, the peptide, or the oligonucleotide, thereby forming a co-factor labeled protein, a co-factor labeled peptide, or a co-factor labeled oligonucleotide. The co-factor is adapted to produce an enzymatic signal that is at least one of electrochemically and optically detectable.

Abstract: A polymeric coating is adapted to substantially eliminate thrombus formation when in contact with blood. The polymeric coating includes a first polymeric layer and a second polymeric layer. Interposed between the first and second polymeric layers is a polymeric matrix layer doped with at least one of a nitric oxide donor and a nitric oxide generator. The nitric oxide donor and/or the nitric oxide generator are capable of releasing or generating NO. A bioactive agent is either immobilized to the surface of the second polymeric layer or is incorporated into the polymeric matrix layer.

Abstract: A method for increasing, prolonging, and/or controlling the release rates of nitric oxide (NO) from polymeric materials containing NO adducts. Such NO-containing polymeric materials may find use in devices such as blood contacting devices, and biocompatible devices utilizing the same. The method and device utilizes anionic site additives, acidic site additives and/or acidic producing site additives in a polymer that contains NO-adducts to generate higher fluxes of NO to exceed NO threshold levels desirable to substantially prevent and/or minimize reactions such as platelet activation or adhesion.

Abstract: An improved ion-sensing electrode for detecting ions or polyions is provided having an electrically conducting member sheathed or coated with a layer of insulation except at an exposed, uninsulated area, where the insulation free surface of the electrically conducting member is texturized, and a polymeric membrane coated on the insulation-free surface of the electrically conducting member, where the ion selective membrane includes an ionophore. The texturized surface improves the starting EMF stability and reproducibility of the ion-sensing electrodes, and further improves membrane adherence to the electrically conducting member.

Abstract: An electroanalytical electrode assembly includes an electrically conductive working electrode having a body of electrolyte material thereupon and separated from the analytical environment by a hydrophobic membrane. The membrane has an electrical conductivity greater than the electrical conductivity of the remainder of the measuring circuit and is selectably permeable for a preselected and ionic species, so as to provide a stable membrane potential. Use of an assembly of this type allows for placement of a reference electrode external of the membrane.