Abstract: Plate and electrode assemblies include configurations allowing for relatively uniform electric field production. The electrodes may comprise strips of conductive material plated onto the bottom surface of sample wells or they may comprise plate electrodes extending down into the well. In some embodiments, the electric field strength varies by less than about 10% from a mean field intensity over at least about 20% of the surface area of the bottom surface of a sample well.

Abstract: A novel process and apparatus to combinatorially screen a large number of discrete compositions for electrocatalytic activity have been developed. The apparatus contains a cell body adjacent to a fluid permeable catalyst array support supporting multiple solids. A catalyst mask having holes that are in alignment with the multiple locations for supporting solids is placed over the catalyst array support, masking the solids. A cell cover is positioned adjacent to the catalyst array support, with the cell cover having a passage for monitoring the solids through the mask. A detector may be in alignment with the passage of the cell cover.

Abstract: An electronic system for selectively detecting and identifying a plurality of chemical species, which comprises an array of nanostructure sensing devices, is disclosed. Within the array, there are at least two different selectivities for sensing among the nanostructure sensing devices. Methods for fabricating the electronic system are also disclosed. The methods involve modifiying nanostructures within the devices to have different selectivity for sensing chemical species. Modification can involve chemical, electrochemical, and self-limiting point defect reactions. Reactants for these reactions can be supplied using a bath method or a chemical jet method. Methods for using the arrays of nanostructure sensing devices to detect and identify a plurality of chemical species are also provided.

Abstract: Fixed volumes of samples are metered into the reaction channel of a microfluidic device using one or more slidable blocks having at least one fixed-length sample metering channel. In another aspect of the present invention, fixed volumes of samples are metered into the reaction channel using one or more slidable blocks having at least one fixed-length sample metering channel. In another aspect of the present invention, a sample injection scheme based on injection time is implemented using relatively sliding blocks of separation channels and sample channels. In a further aspect of the present invention, separation channels are configured in relation to the slidable block in a manner that enables separations to be conducted continuously for high-throughput assays.

Abstract: A test apparatus having a base which performs a plurality of tests for different analytes in body fluids. A portable tester, such as a glucose meter, is detachably mounted to the base and provides a convenient and ergonomic hand-held instrument which a diabetic may carry to frequently monitor blood glucose levels. When mounted or docked to the base, the portable tester is data linked to the base. The invention provides a communications network among the base, the portable tester and another device such as a PC. The portable tester can therefore be kept small and inexpensive since advanced computing and data storage capabilities are provided in the base or a PC.

Abstract: A conductive microplate device for the detection of target biomolecules in a sample is described. The microplate comprises an assembly of a porous substrate and a conductive layer, wherein the assembly is sealed into bottom of at least some wells of the microplate. The porous substrate has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface comprises a plurality of covalently attached probe biomolecules. The covalently attached probe biomolecules are reactive with the target biomolecules contained in the sample. The conductive layer, which is attached to the bottom surface of the porous substrate, is adapted to receive voltage. Microplates of the present invention can be easily adapted for use with robotic workstations. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the power supply is incorporated into a robotic arm tool for fast microplate processing.

Abstract: A disposable biosensor for testing a fluid sample including a laminated strip with a first and second end, a reference electrode embedded in the laminated strip proximate to the first end, at least one working electrode embedded in the laminated strip proximate to the first end and the reference electrode, an open path for receiving a fluid sample beginning from the first end and connecting to a vent spaced from the first end, the open path being sufficiently long to expose the reference electrode and the working electrode to the fluid sample, and conductive contacts located at the second end of the laminated strip. The laminated strip has a base layer with a conductive coating, a reagent holding layer, a channel forming layer and a cover having an inlet notch at the first end. The working electrode contains a reagent having an enzyme.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for detecting urea in a sample includes a composite membrane that includes an enzymatic layer and an outer diffusional layer. The outer diffusional layer is disposed between the enzymatic layer and the analytical sample, preventing direct contact between the enzymatic layer and the analytical sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sensor allowing the concentration of a constituent to be determined and being formed by a tongue of small dimensions including a thin plastic substrate (1) supporting at least two current conducting strips (4, 5) separated by a narrow insulating strip (3) of the substrate (1), said substrate (1) and said strips (4, 5) being covered with a plastic covering (2) into which are cut, at one end an opening (8) allowing portions of strip (4, 5) to appear for connection to an electronic apparatus and at the other end two windows (9a, 9b) separated by a strip (11) of the covering (2), said windows (9a, 9b) delimiting on the strips (4, 5) the useful surfaces of a reference electrode beneath a first window (9b) and a measuring electrode beneath a second window (9a) covered with a specific reactant. It is characterised in that at least the measuring window (9a) has an oblong contour in the direction of the tongue.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of reducing noise associated with biomolecular measurement systems. Sensor detection system noise characteristics in the presence of other sensor detection systems are determined and advantageously used to determine an arrangement of the individual sensor cells. The sensor cells are arranged on a substrate such that the system noise is determinable and can thus be filtered from the measurement signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for point of care diagnosis and/or analysis of body fluids of a patient, comprising:—a cartridge (2),—a diagnosis and/or analysis apparatus (3),—means (6) for measurement of the concentration of at least one specific component of a sample of the body fluids,—connecting means (8, 13) providing communication for electrical and/or Ooptical values between the cartridge (2) and the diagnosis and/or analysis apparatus (3),—wherein said values correlate with at least one of the respective concentrations,—diagnosing and/or analyzing means (14) measuring the respective concentration value via the connecting means (8, 13),—storage means (10) for storing cartridge specific data and/or information,—reading means (15) for reading the data and/or information out of the storage means (10),—wherein the diagnosing and/or analyzing means (14) evaluate the respective concentration values in accordance to the cartridge specific data a

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for a biochemical compound has a channel structure having an inlet port and an outlet port. A passageway extends between the inlet and outlet ports for passing a liquid sample therethrough. The passageway has its inside walls lined with a layer of hydrophilic material. A biosensor is provided in the passageway to detect a biochemical compound contained in the liquid sample. Preferably, the hydrophilic material comprises a metal oxide having a photocatalytic characteristic, which is illuminated with ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for nucleotide or DNA sequencing by monitoring the molecular charge configuration as the DNA moves through a protein that is capable of transcribing the DNA. The apparatus and method provides a nanoscale electrometer that immobilizes the protein. The protein receives the DNA and transcribes the DNA. The nanoscale electrometer is a sensitive device that is capable of sensing and measuring the electronic charge that is released during the transcription process. The apparatus and method of the present invention further provides monitoring means that are attached to the nanoscale electrometer to monitor the electronic charge configuration as the DNA moves through the protein. Once the electronic charge configuration is established, a correlation is computed, using computing means, between the electronic charge configuration and a nucleotide signature of the DNA.

Abstract: An improved biosensor having at least a first working electrode and a first electrode material disposed on the first working electrode. The first electrode material is a mixture made by combining at least one enzyme where the at least one enzyme is a capable of reacting with the analyte to be measured, a redox mediator capable of reacting with a product of an enzymatic reaction or a series of enzymatic reactions involving the at least one enzyme, a peroxidase capable of catalyzing a reaction involving the redox mediator where the redox mediator is oxidized, a binder and a surfactant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a strip for analyzing a sample. The strip includes two insulating layers, a spacer layer, and a conducting circuit. The spacer layer is disposed between the two insulating layers, and configured to define, together with the two insulating layers, an adsorption port, a sample chamber, a capillary for delivering a sample from the adsorption port to the sample chamber through the capillary, and a vent for facilitating delivery of the sample into the sample chamber. The conducting circuit, also disposed between the two insulating layers, includes a working electrode, a counter electrode, conducting wires, and connectors. A test agent, reactive to an analyte in a sample, is in association with the electrodes.

Abstract: A modular microchannel apparatus for analysis of an analyte. The apparatus includes a separation unit and a reservoir unit. The separation unit has a microchannel. The analyte can be driven to pass through the microchannel such that the time for the analyte to pass through the microchannel is indicative of the molecular characteristics of the analyte. The reservoir unit has one or more reservoirs for coupling operatively modularly with the separation unit to supply liquid reagents to the separation unit. The reservoirs has prepackaged liquid reagents in it before the reservoir unit is coupled with the separation unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device which permits a very simple positioning of cells and vesicles respective of cell membranes on planar carriers. The invention also relates to a corresponding highly efficient method for the positioning and electric characterization of such membranes with a consistently high signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, statements concerning interactions of substances with lipid membranes respective of materials bonded thereon or therein respective of signal transduction mechanisms connected thereto are possible.

Abstract: An electro-chemical analysis device and method for analyzing biomolecular samples, including a means for holding a sample on a substrate platform, a thermal sensor, a biosensor formed having a specific spatial resolution as related to the thermal sensor, and a means for providing radiation to the biomolecular sample. The means for holding the sample, the thermal sensor, the biosensor, and the means for providing radiation all three-dimensionally integrated with the substrate platform, thereby defining a compact biomolecular analysis device having a volume resolution of less than 50 micro liters. During operation, radiation is provided to the biomolecular sample to provide for a constant temperature at which hybridization of the biomolecules takes place. The temperature of the biomolecular sample is monitored and controlled by the integrated thermal sensor and the integrated heater. Once hybridization takes place, the change in electric condition (e.g.

Abstract: A small volume sensor, and methods of making, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and can include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector. In one embodiment, the sensor determines the concentration of the analyte by discharging an amount of charge into the sample, determining the time needed to discharge the charge, and determining the current used to electrolyze a portion of the analyte using the amount of charge and the amount of time.

Abstract: A portable multi-functional electrochemical biosensor system includes a plurality of sample cells, pluggable information memories and a multi-functional signal analysis processor. The biosensor system uses a set of sample cell and pluggable information memory to detect the concentration of a corresponding selected analyte. Each sample cell has a reaction zone on which a chemical substance is placed to react with the corresponding analyte and has at least two independent electrodes. During detection, each corresponding pluggable information memory can provide parameters used for analysis. The multi-functional signal analysis processor has a microprocessor, an electrically erasable programmable read/write memory and an environmental temperature sensor. The concentration of the selected analyte is calculated by using the electrochemical reaction signal output from the sample cell and the parameters with cooperation of the environmental temperature sensor, and then an analysis result is output.

Abstract: An apparatus for detection and quantitation of an electrochemically-detectable analyte, such as glucose, in blood or interstitial fluid includes a meter unit, a lancet and an electrochemical sensor. Of these components, the meter is preferably reusable, while the lancet and the electrochemical sensor are preferably incorporated in assemblies intended for single-use. The meter unit has a housing, within which a lancet is engaged with a mechanism for moving then lancet; a connector disposed within the housing for engaging an electrochemical sensor specific for the analyte and transmitting a signal indicative of the amount of analyte, and a display operatively-associated with a connector for displaying the amount of the analyte to user. The electrochemical sensor is adapted for detection of a particular analyte. In addition, the electrochemical sensor has an absorptive member for uptake of a sample of blood or interstitial fluid.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a cell for electrochemical analysis is provided, comprising a body having a chamber, and a pair of electrodes opposing each other within the camber comprising a electrically conductive rod extending through the body transverse to the longitudinal direction and removed within the capillary channel. According to a preferred embodiment, at least one reagent is provided within the capillary channel. The cell may be part of a plurality of such cells connected in seriatim.

Abstract: A small volume sensor, and methods of making, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and can include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector. In one embodiment, the sensor determines the concentration of the analyte by discharging an amount of charge into the sample, determining the time needed to discharge the charge, and determining the current used to electrolyze a portion of the analyte using the amount of charge and the amount of time.

Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in fluids comprising a plurality of alternating nonconductive regions (comprising a nonconductive material) and conductive regions (comprising a conductive material). In preferred embodiments, the conducting region comprises a nanoparticle. Variability in chemical sensitivity from sensor to sensor is provided by qualitatively or quantitatively varying the composition of the conductive and/or nonconductive regions. An electronic nose for detecting an analyte in a fluid may be constructed by using such arrays in conjunction with an electrical measuring device electrically connected to the conductive elements of each sensor.

Abstract: Systems for positioning and/or analyzing samples such as cells, vesicles, cellular organelles, and fragments, derivatives, and mixtures thereof, for electrical and/or optical analysis, especially relating to the presence and/or activity of ion channels.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an electrochemical cell for analysis of a sample is provided, comprising a dual electrode having a dielectric strip with electrical conductors on opposite sides. According to a preferred embodiment, the electrochemical cell comprises a base, and a first reagent the proximate the dual electrode. According to a further preferred embodiment, a second reagent is provided proximate the dual electrode. A cover may also be provided comprising a sample aperture. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second reagents are superposed, and the dual electrode is between the first and second reagents. The dual electrode separates the two and preserves chemical stability until a sample is applied.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the development of a biosensor based on the immuno-chromatographic method that can provide an assay speed and convenience required for point-of-care (the doctor's office and emergency room) testing or home-version diagnosis. Though certain physical symptoms, such as pregnancy and ovulation, or bacterial infection may be identified by a qualitative analysis for the presence of indicating substances, most analytes for clinical investigation demand their concentrations known in specimens. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have developed a novel biosensor by combining the immuno-chromatographic method and the electric conductivity detection technology so that on-site quantitative determination at the points of care or at home may be carried out.

Abstract: A small volume sensor, and methods of making, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and can include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector. In one embodiment, the sensor determines the concentration of the analyte by discharging an amount of charge into the sample, determining the time needed to discharge the charge, and determining the current used to electrolyze a portion of the analyte using the amount of charge and the amount of time.

Abstract: A small volume sensor, and methods of making, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and can include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector.

Abstract: A sensor utilizing a non-leachable or diffusible redox mediator is described. The sensor includes a sample chamber to hold a sample in electrolytic contact with a working electrode, and in at least some instances, the sensor also contains a non-leachable or a diffusible second electron transfer agent. The sensor and/or the methods used produce a sensor signal in response to the analyte that can be distinguished from a background signal caused by the mediator. The invention can be used to determine the concentration of a biomolecule, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. An enzyme capable of catalyzing the electrooxidation or electroreduction of the biomolecule is typically provided as a second electron transfer agent.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided in accordance with this invention. The biosensor includes a bottom section with an edge and a flange extending from the edge, a top section supported on the bottom section and having an edge and flange extending from the edge in alignment with the flange of the bottom section. The flanges of the top and bottom sections cooperate to form a capillary channel, and first and second electrodes. Additionally, the first electrode is positioned on the flange of the bottom section in the capillary channel and the second electrode is positioned on the flange of the top section in the capillary channel.

Abstract: A small volume sensor, and methods of making, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and can include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector. In one embodiment, the sensor determines the concentration of the analyte by discharging an amount of charge into the sample, determining the time needed to discharge the charge, and determining the current used to electrolyze a portion of the analyte using the amount of charge and the amount of time.

Abstract: A small volume sensor, and methods of making, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose or lactate, in a biological fluid, such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and can include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector. In one embodiment, the sensor determines the concentration of the analyte by discharging an amount of charge into the sample, determining the time needed to discharge the charge, and determining the current used to electrolyze a portion of the to analyte using the amount of charge and the amount of time.