Abstract: An electrochemical cell for detection and quantification of analytes in a liquid sample, particularly a liquid sample having a small volume. In a preferred embodiment, the electrochemical cell comprises an assembly of conducting layers and insulating layers. The electrochemical cell can be formed by depositing conducting materials and insulating materials in alternating layers on an insulating substrate. It is preferred that the layer furthest from the insulating substrate be an insulating layer to minimize the damage of the conducting layers during handling of the electrochemical cell. A passage can be formed through the conducting layers and the insulating layers to expose the edges of the layers, which collectively form the wall or walls of the passage. The exposed edges of the conducting layers form the electrodes of the electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell comprises at least one working electrode and at least one other electrode, e.g., a dual-purpose reference/counter electrode.

Abstract: A biosensor in which at least one reagent constitutes a portion of a working electrode, a conductive track leading from a working electrode to an electrical contact associated with a working electrode, or an electrical contact associated with a working electrode. For example, the biosensor can have a mediator or an enzyme or both incorporated into the working electrode itself. Other reagents can be dispensed on the electrode itself either directly or by impregnating a matrix, such as a mesh or a membrane, with the enzyme, and then placing the impregnated mesh or membrane over the electrode. Alternatively, the biosensor can have a mediator or an enzyme or both incorporated into the conductive track leading from the working electrode to an electrical contact associated with the working electrode. In another alternative, the biosensor can have a mediator or an enzyme or both incorporated into the electrical contact associated with the working electrode itself.