Abstract: The present invention relates to biosensors having improved sample application and measuring properties and their uses for detection, preferably, quantitative measurement, of analyte in a liquid sample. In particular, the invention provides for a biosensor having a sample application, reaction area and liquid soluble hydrophilic material facilitating the speed and uniformity of sample application, especially small volume sample application, via capillary flow. Methods for assaying analytes or enzymes using the biosensors are further provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical sensor for the determination of analytes in body fluids, e.g. glucose in blood. The sensor involves a non-conductive base which provides a flow path for the body fluid with the base having a working and counter electrode on its surface which are in electrical communication with a detector of current. The base and a cover therefore provide a capillary space containing the electrodes into which the body fluid is drawn by capillary action. The counter electrode has a sub-element which contains an electroactive material and is configured in the system (sensor and meter) to provide an error signal when insufficient body fluid is drawn into the capillary.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of retentate chromatography for resolving analytes in a sample. The methods involve adsorbing the analytes to a substrate under a plurality of different selectivity conditions, and detecting the analytes retained on the substrate by desorption spectrometry. The methods are useful in biology and medicine, including clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

Abstract: Novel transition metal complexes of iron, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, and vanadium are described. The transition metal complexes can be used as redox mediators in enzyme based electrochemical sensors. In such instances, transition metal complexes accept electrons from, or transfer electrons to, enzymes at a high rate and also exchange electrons rapidly with the sensor. The transition metal complexes include at least one substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand and may further include a second substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand or a substituted or unsubstituted bipyridine or pyridylimidazole ligand. Transition metal complexes attached to polymeric backbones are also described.

Abstract: An electric-current biosensor has first and second supports, a pair of positive and negative electrodes on the first supports, an activity area covers the positive and negative electrodes, a pair of testing ports on two sides of the second support, and an electrode film mating with the activity area. The pair of testing ports force the sample to flow into the activity area and stops the sample from flowing outside the support along the surface thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for improved electrochemical measurement of analytes. The preferred embodiments employ electrode systems including an analyte-measuring electrode for measuring the analyte or the product of an enzyme reaction with the analyte and an auxiliary electrode configured to generate oxygen and/or reduce electrochemical interferants. Oxygen generation by the auxiliary electrode advantageously improves oxygen availability to the enzyme and/or counter electrode; thereby enabling the electrochemical sensors of the preferred embodiments to function even during ischemic conditions. Interferant modification by the auxiliary electrode advantageously renders them substantially non-reactive at the analyte-measuring electrode, thereby reducing or eliminating inaccuracies in the analyte signal due to electrochemical interferants.

Abstract: Novel transition metal complexes of iron, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, and vanadium are described. The transition metal complexes can be used as redox mediators in enzyme-based electrochemical sensors. The transition metal complexes include substituted or unsubstituted (pyridyl)imidazole ligands. Transition metal complexes attached to polymeric backbones are also described.

Abstract: A biosensor for quantifying a specific substance contained in a biological sample includes an electrically insulating base plate, a plurality of lead terminals formed on the base plate, a plurality of lead wires connected to the lead terminals, respectively, an electrode system including two working electrodes and one reference electrode connected to the lead wires, respectively, an insulating layer that insulates the electrodes, an enzyme reaction layer formed on the insulating layer and the electrodes, a spacer formed on the enzyme reaction layer so as to ensure a sufficient space that receives a sample, and a cover formed on the spacer. Further, the spacer has a sample introduction port opened at one side of the spacer, the cover has at least one slit for venting air existing in a sample receiving space defined by the spacer and the cover, and the slit extends to above the electrodes from one end of the cover.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided that comprises a substrate, a sample site positioned on the substrate, a cover coupled to the substrate, and biocide positioned between the substrate and the cover. The biosensor may also include desiccant. The cover is operative to selectively block access to the sample site. The cover includes a fixed end coupled to the substrate, an opposite free end, and a middle portion extending across the sample site. The middle portion is releasably and recloseably adhered to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor having a favorable response characteristic up to a high concentration range, a low blank response and a high storage stability. This sensor comprises an electrode system including a working electrode and a counter electrode, for forming an electrochemical measurement system by coming in contact with a supplied solution; an electrically insulating supporting member for supporting the electrode system; a first reagent layer formed on the working electrode; and a second reagent layer formed on the counter electrode, wherein the first reagent layer comprises an enzyme as the main component, and the second reagent layer comprises an electron mediator as the main component.

Abstract: To provide an improved biosensor which allows easy addition of whole blood to the sensor and rapid supply of the added whole blood to a filter even in the case of collecting blood by fingertip centesis for measurement, a second air aperture is provided in a sample solution supply pathway including an electrode system and a reaction layer and communicating with a first air aperture on the terminal end side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly sensitive biosensor capable of yielding good response even when the amount of a sample is extremely small. The biosensor of the present invention includes: a first insulating base plate which has a working electrode comprising a plurality of branches and a first counter electrode comprising a plurality of branches, the branches of the working electrode and the first counter electrode being arranged alternately; a second insulating base plate which has a second counter electrode and which is disposed at a position opposite to the first insulating base plate; a reagent system comprising an oxidoreductase; and a sample supply pathway formed between the first and second insulating base plates, wherein the branches of the working electrode and the first counter electrode that are arranged alternately, the second counter electrode, and the reagent system are exposed in the sample supply pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-performance glucose sensor having excellent storage stability and an improved response characteristic. This sensor comprises: an electrically insulating base plate; an electrode system including at least a working electrode and a counter electrode formed on the base plate; and a reaction layer containing at least pyrrolo-quinoline quinone dependent glucose dehydrogenase, formed in contact with or in the vicinity of the electrode system, and the reaction layer contains at least one kind of additive selected from the group consisting of gluconic acid and salts thereof.

Abstract: Diagnostic dry reagent tests capable of reacting with a single drop of whole blood and reporting both glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels are taught. Such dry reagent tests may employ electrochemical detection methodologies, optical detection methodologies, or both methodologies. These tests help facilitate the early detection of the onset of ketoacidosis in diabetes.

Abstract: In biosensor system 1, biosensor 2 is mounted in measuring apparatus 3 for quantifying or detecting existence of a targeted substrate in a sample solution. Mounting end portion 20 of biosensor 2 to be mounted in measuring apparatus 3 has an extension of one base plate in the length direction, and further extensions of the other base plate in the width direction. Sensor mounting portion 30 of measuring apparatus 3 has a shape matching up with the shape of mounting end portion 20. Thereby wrong insertion of biosensor 2 in measuring apparatus 3 can be prevented. Further, varying shapes of plural biosensors 5 and 6 to have a common part and a non-common part, such biosensors can be handily measured by one measuring apparatus 7.

Abstract: A system for measuring a glucose level in a blood sample includes a test strip and a meter. The test strip includes a sample chamber or other testing zone, a working electrode, a counter electrode, fill-detect electrodes, and an auto-on conductor. A reagent layer is disposed in the testing zone. The auto-on conductor causes the meter to wake up and perform a test strip sequence when the test strip is inserted in the meter. The meter uses the working and counter electrodes to initially detect the blood sample in the sample chamber and uses the fill-detect electrodes to check that the blood sample has mixed with the reagent layer. The meter applies an assay voltage between the working and counter electrodes and measures the resulting current. The meter calculates the glucose level based on the measured current and calibration data saved in memory from a removable data storage device associated with the test strip.

Abstract: A system for measuring a glucose level in a blood sample includes a test strip and a meter. The test strip includes a sample chamber, a working electrode, a counter electrode, fill-detect electrodes, and an auto-on conductor. A reagent layer is disposed in the sample chamber. The auto-on conductor causes the meter to wake up and perform a test strip sequence when the test strip is inserted in the meter. The meter uses the working and counter electrodes to initially detect the blood sample in the sample chamber and uses the fill-detect electrodes to check that the blood sample has mixed with the reagent layer. The meter applies an assay voltage between the working and counter electrodes and measures the resulting current. The meter calculates the glucose level based on the measured current and calibration data saved in memory from a removable data storage device associated with the test strip.

Abstract: A disposable electrode strip for testing a fluid sample including a laminated strip with a first and second end, a vent, an open path for receiving a fluid sample of less than one microliter beginning from the first end and connecting to the vent, a working electrode, a reference electrode and a pseudo-working electrode embedded in the laminated strip within the open path and proximate to the first end, a reagent matrix coextensive within the open path and covering the three electrodes, and conductive contacts located at the second end of the laminated strip.

Abstract: A biosensor comprises a space part for sucking and housing a sample formed of two upper and lower plates, the two plates being stuck together by an adhesive layer, the space part for sucking and housing the sample being constituted so as to be partially opened in the peripheral part and partially closed by the adhesive layer, and has a working electrode having at least glucose oxidase immobilized thereon and a counter electrode on the same plane of the plate.

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: A nucleic acid detection sensor comprises a plurality of nucleic acid chain fixed electrodes to which a probe nucleic acid chain is fixed, and a counter electrode which is arranged opposite to the nucleic acid chain fixed electrode, and a current flowing between the counter electrode and the nucleic acid chain fixed electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the concentration of a substrate in a sample solution using an electrode system comprising a working electrode, a counter electrode, and a reaction layer which contains at least an oxidoreductase and an electron mediator and is formed on the electrode system to electrochemically measure a reduced amount of the electron mediator resulting from enzyme reaction in the reaction layer, wherein a third electrode is formed as an interfering substance detecting electrode. A current flowing between the counter electrode and the third electrode is measured which is taken as a positive error. Subsequently, voltage application between the counter electrode and the third electrode is released and a voltage for oxidizing the reduced form electron mediator is applied between the working electrode and the counter electrode to measure a current flowing between the two electrodes.

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: A sensor strip comprises an electrode substrate, an electrode set, on the electrode substrate, and a heat conducting layer, on the electrode substrate opposite the electrode set. A sensor instrument for use with this sensor strip comprises a temperature sensor, at a side of a gap for accepting the sensor strip, opposite electrical contacts. The invention provides an accurate determination of the temperature of a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved electrode for use in an electrochemical sensor for measuring an analyte in a sample. The electrode includes a thin working layer whose thickness is from 2 to 10 microns. Also disclosed is an electrode strip that includes an electrode with a thin working layer. Typically, the thin working layer includes an enzyme and a redox mediator. In an electrode for measuring glucose, the enzyme can be glucose oxidase and the redox mediator can be ferrocene.

Abstract: A system for measuring a glucose level in a blood sample includes a test strip and a meter. The test strip includes a sample chamber, a working electrode, a counter electrode, fill-detect electrodes, and an auto-on conductor. A reagent layer is disposed in the sample chamber. The auto-on conductor causes the meter to wake up and perform a test strip sequence when the test strip is inserted in the meter. The meter uses the working and counter electrodes to initially detect the blood sample in the sample chamber and uses the fill-detect electrodes to check that the blood sample has mixed with the reagent layer. The meter applies an assay voltage between the working and counter electrodes and measures the resulting current. The meter calculates the glucose level based on the measured current and calibration data saved in memory from a removable data storage device associated with the test strip.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of NAD+ and NADP+ mediator compounds that do not bind irreversibly to thiol groups in the active sites of intracellular dehydrogenase enzymes. Such mediator compounds avoid a common mode of enzyme inhibition. The mediators can therefore increase the stability and reliability of the electrical response in amperometric electrodes constructed from NAD- or NADP-dependent enzymes.

Abstract: The invention is the design of a biological measuring device for the determination of the concentration of biomolecules (e.g. glucose) in an environment which is designed for implantation into an individual or for use in the context of an external apparatus. The device contains a composite membrane that is essentially entirely permeable to oxygen and permeable to larger biomolecules only in discrete hydrophilic regions. The membrane diffusionally limits the access of biomolecules to an enzyme, present in the hydrophilic region that catalyzes the oxidation of the biomolecule to produce hydrogen peroxide. A sensor in communication with the hydrophilic region is used to determine the amount of product produced or the amount of excess oxygen present allowing for the concentration of the biomolecule to be determined.

Abstract: There is provided electrochemical biosensors with a sample introducing part, comprising a sample introducing passage, an air discharge passage, and a void. The sample introducing passage communicates with the air discharge passage, and the void is formed at the point of communication. Also, disclosed is the electrochemical biosensor with the said sample introducing part and a fluidity determining electrode.

Abstract: Novel transition metal complexes of iron, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, and vanadium are described. The transition metal complexes can be used as redox mediators in enzyme based electrochemical sensors. In such instances, transition metal complexes accept electrons from, or transfer electrons to, enzymes at a high rate and also exchange electrons rapidly with the sensor. The transition metal complexes include at least one substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand and may further include a second substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand or a substituted or unsubstituted bipyridine or pyridylimidazole ligand. Transition metal complexes attached to polymeric backbones are also described.

Abstract: A sensor for the detection and measurement of an analyte in a biofluid. The sensor includes two enzymes. One type of sensor measures the concentration of hydrogen peroxide using a thermostable peroxidase enzyme that is immobilized in a redox hydrogel to form a sensing layer on a working electrode. This sensor also includes a hydrogen peroxide-generating second enzyme which is insulated from the redox hydrogel and electrode. This second enzyme generates hydrogen peroxide in response to the presence of an analyte or analyte-generated compound. The second enzyme may be insulated from the electrode by placement of an electrically insulating layer between the sensing layer and the second enzyme layer. Alternatively, the second enzyme is immobilized in an inorganic polymeric matrix, preferably made using a sol-gel polymerization process. Such matrices include those made of silica. Often, the second enzyme is stabilized by immobilization in a sol-gel.

Abstract: An electrode layer comprising a working electrode 1 and a counter electrode 2, and a reagent layer 10 are formed on an insulating support 5 and, further, a spacer 7 having a long and narrow cut-out portion on the reagent layer 10 is bonded to a cover 6 having an air hole 9 to form a cavity 12 that sucks blood as a liquid sample by capillary phenomenon, and a portion of side walls of the spacer 7 and the cover 6, which side walls face the cavity 12, is subjected to a treatment for making the portion itself have hydrophilicity.

Abstract: Novel transition metal complexes of iron, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, and vanadium are described. The transition metal complexes can be used as redox mediators in enzyme-based electrochemical sensors. The transition metal complexes include substituted or unsubstituted(pyridyl)imidazole ligands. Transition metal complexes attached to polymeric backbones are also described.

Abstract: A biosensor device for adding the amperage of the conductive film, the biosensor comprises a base comprising a first base and a second base and both those be clapped to each other and said second base be located a test hole; a electrode film comprising a first electrode film and a second electrode film, said first electrode be located on said first base and including a anode electrode film and a cathode electrode film and said second electrode film be located on the second base and located the side of side test hole; a conductive film be located on said first base, including a anode and cathode conductive film of phase separation; a bioactive layer be located on the said first electrode film to form a active area that at least covering a portion of said anode and cathode electrode film; and a adhesive layer connected between said first base and said second base to adhere said first base and said second base that said test hole of it corresponded to said active area of said first base.

Abstract: Novel polymeric transition metal complexes of iron, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, and vanadium are described. The polymeric transition metal complexes can be electron transfer mediators in enzyme-based electrochemical sensors. In such instances, transition metal complexes accept electrons from, or transfer electrons to, enzymes at a high rate and also exchange electrons rapidly with the sensor.

Abstract: Novel transition metal complexes of iron, cobalt, ruthenium, osmium, and vanadium are described. The transition metal complexes can be used as redox mediators in enzyme based electrochemical sensors. In such instances, transition metal complexes accept electrons from, or transfer electrons to, enzymes at a high rate and also exchange electrons rapidly with the sensor. The transition metal complexes include at least one substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand and may further include a second substituted or unsubstituted biimidazole ligand or a substituted or unsubstituted bipyridine or pyridylimidazole ligand. Transition metal complexes attached to polymeric backbones are also described.

Abstract: Described are micro-arrays of electrodes disposed proximal to a flexible substrate, electronic components and sensors comprising such arrays, and methods of use for such arrays.

Abstract: In order to provide a cholesterol sensor capable of measuring whole blood with high accuracy and excellent response, where plasma with hemocytes therein filtered promptly reaches an electrode system, in a biosensor comprising: an insulating base plate; an electrode system which is provided on the base plate and has a measurement electrode and a counter electrode; a reaction layer including at least oxidoreductase and an electron mediator; a sample solution supply pathway which includes the electrode system and the reaction layer and has an air aperture on the termination side thereof; a sample supply portion; and a filter which is disposed between the sample solution supply pathway and the sample supply portion and filters hemocytes, where plasma with the hemocytes therein filtered with the filter is sucked into the sample solution supply pathway due to capillarity, the central part of a secondary side portion of the filter is protruded into the sample solution supply pathway more than both the right and left

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: A recloseable biosensor is provided that comprises a substrate, a sample site positioned on the substrate, and an openable and recloseable cover coupled to the substrate. The cover is operative to selectively block access to the sample site. The cover includes a fixed end coupled to the substrate, an opposite free end, and a middle portion extending across the sample site. The middle portion is releasably and recloseably adhered to the substrate.

Abstract: A method of making a set of metallic deposits includes injection molding a substrate, where a pattern of channels is in a surface of the substrate, applying a metallic layer on the surface, to form metallic deposits in the pattern, and removing a portion of the metallic layer, to expose a portion of the surface. The set of metallic deposits can form an electrode set for an electrochemical sensor strip.

Abstract: A system (10) for subscription monitoring of a medically significant characteristic of a bodily fluid which includes a meter (12), a ROM circuit (36), a test strip (34), and a registry (50). Meter (12) has an identifier corresponding to a subscription user. ROM circuit (36) is provided with test strips (34), and contains calibration data and an identifier. The meter (12) requires an activation code before it may conduct a biosensing test. The meter (12) communicates with registry (50) through communication means (40) and provides the meter identifier and ROM circuit identifier. Registry (50) checks for valid association of the meter identifier, ROM circuit identifier, and user identifier. If a valid association is established, the registry (50) provides an activation code to the meter (12), enabling meter (12) to conduct testing during a subscription period.