Abstract: A simple, fast, selective and highly sensitive electrochemical method assay and disposable device for detection of viruses, bacteria, proteins, DNA, and/or organic/inorganic compounds. The sensor has a multi-layered construction, with each successive layer performing a different function. The design further allows for the packing of numerous microscopic electrode transducers onto the small footprint of a biochip device, allowing for a high-density array of sensors.

Abstract: A conductor/insulator/porous film device is provided which is used in electrochemiluminescence methods and instrumentation based on the chemical excitation of label molecules with subsequent measurement of the luminescence in order to quantitate analyte concentrations especially in bioaffinity assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer membrane enhanced with cured epoxy resin for use as the outer membrane of biosensors. The membrane includes approximately 30-80% epoxy resin adhesives, 10-60% polymer such as poly(vinyl chloride), polycarbonate and polyurethane and 0-30% plasticizers and 5-15% surface modifier reagent such as polyethylene oxide-containing block copolymers. Utilizing the polymer membrane of the present invention, a three-layered sensing element has been developed. This sensing element will be particularly useful for miniaturized biosensors used for in vitro blood measurements or for continuous in vivo monitoring such as implantable biosensors. This element includes an enzyme layer, an interference-eliminating layer and the novel polymer member of the present invention as the outer polymer layer. This novel sensing element shows excellent response characteristics in solutions and has an extremely long lifetime.

Abstract: An integrated array of electronic sensing elements outputs a bio-fingerprint of an analyte. System is preferably constructed of as a series of three layers but need not be so arranged. An upper layer defines a fluid volume or analyte chamber; a middle layer contains the sensing elements; and a third layer contains electronic readout elements. The analyte chamber contains an electrolyte and the analyte to be detected. The sensing elements are optimized for maximum detection sensitivity in the minimum response time. The response of each sensing element is read out by a dedicated sensing electrode. Around each electrode is a control ring. The potential of the control ring is set to attract analytes of interest to the sensing elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for conducting a variety of assays for the determination of analytes in liquid samples, and relates to the methods for such assays. In particular, the invention relates to a single-use cartridge designed to be adaptable to a variety of real-time assay protocols, preferably assays for the determination of analytes in biological samples using immunosensors or other ligand/ligand receptor-based biosensor embodiments. The cartridge provides novel features for processing a metered portion of a sample, for precise and flexible control of the movement of a sample or second fluid within the cartridge, for the amending of solutions with additional compounds during an assay, and for the construction of immunosensors capable of adaptation to diverse analyte measurements.

Abstract: A sensor element for determining the concentration of gas components in gas mixtures, e.g., for determining the oxygen concentration in exhaust gases of combustion engines, includes: at least one electrochemical measurement cell that encompasses a first and a second electrode in contact with a solid electrolyte material; a heating element for heating the sensor element to operating temperature; and a cavity integrated into the sensor element. The cavity exhibits, in at least one region close to the lateral delimiting surfaces of the cavity, a diameter that is greater than zero and smaller than the diameter in its central region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable electrochemical sensor which can measure redox species in a liquid sample

Abstract: Water processing method, in particular for producing fresh water from salt water by membrane distillation. In comparison with previously known methods, a significant reduction in investment cost and operating cost can be achieved by the combination of the following measures: The water to be processed is kept in a supply chamber the wall of which is formed at least in part by a hydrophobic membrane being permeable for water vapor. A hydrophilic membrane having a greater thickness in comparison with the hydrophobic membrane and a lower thermal conductivity per unit area runs in parallel with the hydrophobic membrane. By the pumping action a vapor pressure difference is produced between the water to be processed and the fresh water so that the membrane distillation is driven by the vapor pressure difference resulting from the pumping action, the water condensing in the pores of the hydrophilic membrane.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided that exhibits improved adhesion of the membrane to the nitride layer used as an insulating layer in silicon- or silicon-oxide-based electrochemical sensing devices. The sensing devices include a substrate, an oxide disposed on the substrate, a nitride disposed on the oxide, an electrically conductive structure disposed on the oxide layer, and an electrode disposed on the oxide layer and electrically coupled to the electrically conductive structure. At least one opening is formed in the nitride layer to form at least one adhesion trench that exposes a surface region of an oxide layer underlying the nitride layer. The membrane covers the electrode, and contacts the oxide surface regions exposed by the adhesion trenches. The contact between the membrane and the oxide surface region provides for improved adhesion of the membrane to the electrochemical sensing device.

Abstract: A method for preparing sensing devices (biosensors) includes the steps of: (1) applying a photopatternable silicone composition to a surface in a sensing device to form a film, (2) photopatterning the film by a process comprising exposing the film to radiation through a photomask without the use of a photoresist to produce an exposed film; (3) removing regions of the non-exposed film with a developing solvent to form a patterned film, which forms a permselective layer or an analyte attenuation layer covering preselected areas of the sensing device.

Abstract: Novel membranes comprising various polymers containing heterocyclic nitrogen groups are described. These membranes are usefully employed in electrochemical sensors, such as amperometric biosensors. More particularly, these membranes effectively regulate a flux of analyte to a measurement electrode in an electrochemical sensor, thereby improving the functioning of the electrochemical sensor over a significant range of analyte concentrations. Electrochemical sensors equipped with such membranes are also described.

Abstract: A biosensor for determining the concentration of an analyte in a biological sample. The biosensor comprises a support, a reference electrode or a counter electrode or both disposed on the support, a working electrode disposed on the support, the working electrode spaced apart from the other electrode or electrodes on the support, a covering layer defining a sample chamber over the electrodes, an aperture in the covering layer for receiving a sample, and at least one layer of mesh in the sample chamber between the covering layer and the electrodes. The at least one layer of mesh has coated thereon a silicone surfactant. Certain silicone surfactants are as effective as fluorinated surfactants with respect to performance of biosensors. These surfactants, when coated onto the mesh layer of the biosensor, are effective in facilitating the transport of aqueous test samples, such as blood, in the sample chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a test device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a sample. This method involves contacting a membrane with a mixture including derivatized, marker-loaded liposomes, and substantially dehydrating the mixture on the membrane under vacuum pressure at a temperature of from about 4° C. to about 80° C., wherein said mixture further includes one or more sugars in an amount sufficient to promote the stability of the liposomes during dehydration and rehydration. The present invention also relates to a test device and method for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a sample. The test device includes a membrane which includes an immobilized liposome zone, wherein the immobilized liposome zone has bound thereto dehydrated, derivatized, marker-loaded liposomes dehydrated under vacuum pressure at a temperature of from about 4° C. to about 80° C.

Abstract: A bio-battery includes a biomolecular energy source, a first electrode and a second electrode. In some configurations, a bio-battery may also include a first cell containing the first electrode and the biomolecular energy source, and a second cell having a reducible substrate and the second electrode. The first cell can be in ionic communication with the second cell, for example by a proton exchange membrane. Various biomolecular energy sources can be used, including proton donor molecules or electrolytically oxidizable molecules. For example, the biomolecular energy source can be selected from the group consisting of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH), Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) and 5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (FADH).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for identifying and sequencing a biopolymer translocating a nanopore. The apparatus of the present invention provides a first electrode, a second electrode and a potential means for applying a bias ramping potential across the electrodes to produce resonant tunneling of current carriers between the two electrodes. As the bias potential is ramped across the electrodes the increase in tunneling current occurs as the carrier energy sequentially matches the conduction band energies of the translocating biopolymer. This technique allows for real-time identification and sequencing of a biopolymer as the band energy spectra of the individual portions of the bipolymer are recorded, differentiated and identified. A method for identifying the biopolymer is also disclosed.

Abstract: Sensor devices, methods and kits for detection of biomolecules are provided. According to various embodiments, the devices, methods and kits provide enhanced sensitivity through the measurement of electrochemical impedance and related properties. Certain embodiments employ nanostructured electrode elements including nanotubes, nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanocones. In a particular embodiment, single walled carbon nanotubes disposed in interconnected networks are used as electrodes. The device, methods and kits described herein have application for detection and measurement of biomolecular species including polynucleotides, proteins, polysaccharides and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for detecting biological and chemical species in liquid and gaseous phase. The systems and methods utilize carbon nanotubes to enhance sensitivity and selectivity towards the reacting species by decreasing interference and detecting a wide range of concentrations.

Abstract: A device for spectroscopy using charged analytes has an electron generator, which sends electrons through membrane into a charging chamber. The thermal strain of the membrane may be lowered significantly if a material is selected for the membrane which contains at least one component from the group of oxides, nitrides, and carbides with at least one of the elements B, Al, C, Si, and Ti or polysilicon.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for increasing oxygen availability to implantable devices. The preferred embodiments provide a membrane system configured to provide protection of the device from the biological environment and/or a catalyst for enabling an enzymatic reaction, wherein the membrane system includes a polymer formed from a high oxygen soluble material. The high oxygen soluble polymer material is disposed adjacent to an oxygen-utilizing source on the implantable device so as to dynamically retain high oxygen availability to the oxygen-utilizing source during oxygen deficits. Membrane systems of the preferred embodiments are useful for implantable devices with oxygen-utilizing sources and/or that function in low oxygen environments, such as enzyme-based electrochemical sensors and cell transplantation devices.

Abstract: An electrolytic sensing system for measuring a blocking signal allows for controlled translocation of a molecule, such as DNA, through a fluid channel. A substantially constant electric field supplied by a DC source is applied across the fluid channel and induces translocation of the molecule within the system. An oscillating electric parameter (e.g. current or voltage) supplied by an AC source is also applied across the fluid channel as a means for measuring a blocking signal. The substantially constant electric field can be altered to provide more detailed control of the molecule and, optionally, run a select portion of the molecule through the channel multiple times to provide numerous signal readings. A temperature control stage cools the system, providing further control of molecule translocation. A modified or non-modified protein pore may be utilized in the fluid channel. The system allows for long DNA strands to be sequenced quickly without amplification.

Abstract: A device for detecting a physicochemical change in a biological sample comprising at least one measuring electrode provided by causing a conductive material to enter into a porous film, and a conductor connected to the measuring electrode.

Abstract: A biosensor for determining the concentration of an analyte in a biological sample. The biosensor comprises a support, a reference electrode or a counter electrode or both a reference and a counter electrode disposed on the support, a working electrode disposed on the support, the working electrode spaced apart from the other electrode or electrodes on the support, a covering layer defining a sample chamber over the electrodes, an aperture in the covering layer for receiving a sample, and at least one layer of mesh in the sample chamber between the covering layer and the electrodes. The at least one layer of mesh has coated thereon a silicone surfactant. Certain silicone surfactants are as effective as fluorinated surfactants with respect to performance of biosensors. These surfactants, when coated onto the mesh layer of the biosensor, are effective in facilitating the transport of aqueous test samples, such as blood, in the sample chamber.

Abstract: A biosensor that is highly responsive and capable of rapid and highly sensitive quantification of a specific component contained in a sample is provided. The biosensor of this invention comprises: an electrically insulating base plate; an electrode system comprising a working electrode and a counter electrode disposed on the base plate; and a reagent system comprising an oxidoreductase which catalyzes the oxidation reaction of glucose, gluconolactonase and a buffer. The buffer is selected from the group consisting of phthalic acid and its salts, maleic acid and its salts, succinic acid and its salts, phospholic acid and its salts, acetic acid and its salts, boric acid and its salts, citric acid and its salts, glycine, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, piperazine-N,N?-bis(2-ethane sulfonic acid) and the like.

Abstract: A silicon substrate device is formed to include circuitry for testing for various agents of interest. The novel solid state miniaturized microprocessor based electro-chemical sensor device includes a substrate with a plurality of electrodes formed thereon for sensing the various agents of interest. A cell structure includes electrodes deposited over silicon dioxide over a silicon substrate. Circuitry is formed within a semiconductor portion formed within a portion of the silicon substrate or, alternatively, formed in a separate solid state device or substrate material (doped substrate to generate biasing voltages to the electrodes in the silicon substrate to detect the agent of interest. A polymer film or membrane is formed upon the electrodes to receive and pass the agent of interest to allow detection by the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a measuring instrument (1) comprising a channel (60) for moving a sample liquid (BL) containing a solid component (B1) and providing a liquid reaction field and first and second electrodes (31, 32) which are used to apply voltage to the liquid reaction field. The first electrode (31) has an electron transfer interface (31a) for transferring electrons between it and the liquid reaction field when voltage is applied to the liquid reaction field via the first and second electrodes (31, 32). The measuring instrument (1) comprises concentrating means (51) for increasing the concentration of solid components at portions thereof which contact the electron transfer interface (31a) in the liquid reaction field. The concentrating means (51) preferably comprises a water-absorbing layer containing an absorbent polymer material.

Abstract: A membrane for a sensor, a method for the preparation thereof, a layered membrane structure and a sensor for analytical measurements which require controlled analyte permeability. The membrane, layered structure and sensor may be used for biological, physiological and chemical measurements, however, are especially applicable for electrochemical measurements of glucose, lactate, urea and creatinine. The membrane comprises at least one polymer material, at least one surfactant, and at least one hydrophilic compound in admixture to provide a membrane structure in which micelles of hydrophilic compound lined with thin layers of surfactant are randomly distributed in the bulk polymer of the membrane. Upon conditioning of the membrane a structure of a perculating network of pores lined with surfactant is formed which has excellent permeability properties. The membrane has the additional advantage of a proper adhesion to polymer encapsulant structures.

Abstract: Microcavities and micropores that are microscopic (<1 mm) in width and depth and contain any number of individually-addressable electrodes, separated by insulators, along the walls of each cavity. The conducting materials, and the insulator materials can be deposited alternately onto a starting substrate, which is typically an oxidized silicon wafer or polyimide film, but may be any substrate that shows good adhesion to the materials layered on it. The cavities are etched through these layers, perpendicular to the plane of the substrate, exposing the layers at their edges. Pores may be carved entirely through the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods useful in the acceleration of binding of target analytes to capture ligands on surfaces. Detection proceeds through the use of an electron transfer moiety (ETM) that is associated with the target analyte, either directly or indirectly, to allow electronic detection of the ETM.

Abstract: A biosensor (I) which comprises a capillary (3) having a passage (30) fined with an inlet (30a) for taking a sample solution therein, a membrane (8) for accelerating the transference of a sample solution in the passage (30), and a reaction portion (7) containing a reagent which reacts with a component to be detected in a sample solution.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided, which can measure an analyte in a sample with high precision. The biosensor is produced by disposing a electrode system including a working electrode 12 and a counter electrode 13 on a substrate 11, and then forming a reagent layer 16 containing a reagent and particulates on the electrode system. The influence of the impurities in the sample on the electrode system can be eliminated by the particulates. The average particle diameter of the particulates preferably is in the range from 0.1 to 45 ?m.

Abstract: A sensor including an insulating base plate; an electrode system, provided on the base plate, having a measuring electrode and a counter electrode; a reaction layer including at least an oxidoreductase and an electron mediator; a sample solution supply pathway including the electrode system and the reaction layer; and a sample supply unit, wherein the sensor is so structured that, between the sample supply unit and the sample solution supply pathway, there is provided a filter having a function to filter out hemocytes and having a cross-sectional area larger than an opening of the sample solution supply pathway, and that plasma of a blood with hemocytes thereof having been filtered out is sucked into the inside of the sample solution supply pathway owing to capillary phenomena.

Abstract: Novel membranes comprising various polymers containing heterocyclic nitrogen groups are described. These membranes are usefully employed in electrochemical sensors, such as amperometric biosensors. More particularly, these membranes effectively regulate a flux of analyte to a measurement electrode in an electrochemical sensor, thereby improving the functioning of the electrochemical sensor over a significant range of analyte concentrations. Electrochemical sensors equipped with such membranes are also described.

Abstract: A biosensor for detecting contents of biochemical components in a sample, comprising an electrically insulating substrate, a working electrode disposed on said substrate, a reference electrode disposed on said substrate, which is spaced from said working electrode, a reaction layer disposed on said working electrode and said reference electrode, wherein said reaction layer and said electrodes form a reaction area for reacting with the sample, an electrically insulating layer disposed on said substrate and having an opening for receiving the sample, wherein said opening exposes a portion of said reaction area and the end of said opening is located at the edge of the biosensor; and a reticular covering layer which covers said opening and the end of said opening of said insulating layer wherein said reticular layer and said insulting layer form a sampling area from said reticular covering area to the edge of said biosensor.

Abstract: A nanopore system, and manufacturing method therefor, is provided with a substrate having a support material over the substrate. A nano-structure in the support material forms a nanopore.

Abstract: Planar devices incorporating electrodes for performing chemical analyses are disclosed. The devices include an electrode module in a fluidic housing. The electrode module includes a carrier module and at least one electrode thereon. More specifically, the electrode module includes a planar carrier module made of a laminate of a metal layer and an insulator layer, which metal layer is divided into at least two metal conductor elements; and at least one electrode formed directly on the carrier module and including a membrane element for imparting chemical sensitivity to the electrode, the membrane element being applied to the insulator layer to be in electrical contact with one of the metal conductor elements through the insulator layer. The insulator layer preferably has die cut perforations through which the membrane element extends into electrical contact with the conductor layer. In the most economical embodiment, the carrier module is a common chip carrier according to ISO 7816-2.

Abstract: A micron-scale self-referencing microsensor is disclosed which uses an enzyme-based electrode to measure the flux of an electrochemically inactive analyte such as glucose. The electrode oscillates between at least two positions. In the presence of the analyte, the enzyme generates a species detectable by the electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the concentration of substances in living organisms using microdialysis, whereby bodily fluid is mixed with a perfusate and passed through a membrane and a substance value is determined for the bodily fluid with the aid of a sensor unit. According to the invention, to allow for the limited transport through the membrane, so that the measured substance value differs from the actual substance value in the organism, a reference substance present in said organism with a known value is also measured after passing through the membrane and mixing with the perfusate and the actual substance value is determined, based on the quotient from the known reference substance value divided by the measured reference substance value, multiplied by the measured substance value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor that enables highly-accurate measurement of a sample solution including a solid component like hemocytes and has a little variation in response. The biosensor includes: an insulating base plate, an electrode system having at least a working electrode and a counter electrode provided on the base plate, a cover member that is combined with the base plate to define a sample solution supply pathway for leading a sample solution from a sample supply unit to the electrode system, a reaction reagent system including at least an oxidation-reduction enzyme and an electron mediator, and a filter disposed between the electrode system and the sample supply unit in the sample solution supply pathway. The biosensor has a space that encircles surface of the filter in an area from one end of the filter close to the sample supply unit to the other end of the filter close to the electrode system.

Abstract: A sensor including a sensing layer is disposed over an electrode or an optode and a layer-by-layer assembled mass transport limiting membrane disposed over the sensing layer. The membrane includes at least one layer of a polyanionic or polycationic material. The assembled layers of the membrane are typically disposed in an alternating manner. The sensor also optionally includes a biocompatible membrane.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having an auxiliary area that contains a redox species on a working electrode. The auxiliary area provides a low resistance current path between the working electrode and a pseudo reference/counter electrode. The auxiliary area is an integral part of the working electrode and allows an enhanced current to flow. The enhanced current adds to the measurement signal. This reduces non-monotonic current decay, which can lead to erroneous analyte measurements.

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: A biosensor includes: 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 ends thereof.

Abstract: A method of using experimental data determines the structure and voltage dependence of transition rates for states in models of ion channels.

Abstract: A chemical sensor selectively detects an analyte in a solution. The sensor comprises a flow-through chamber, a selective membrane, a transducer, an inlet for a liquid flow containing a recognition element, and an outlet. To detect an analyte in a solution, a recognition element is contacted with the solution containing the analyte via a selective membrane. This results in a response detectable by a transducer. The recognition element is injected into a flow, and the flow is passed into a flow-through chamber comprising the transducer and the selective membrane, where it contacts the analyte passing from the solution outside the chamber. The recognition element and the analyte interact to provide a signal that is detected by the transducer. The chemical sensor is used for detecting analyte(s) in a reactor system, a flow system or in an in vivo system.

Abstract: There is provided a cholesterol sensor with high-accuracy and excellent response, whose object to be measured is whole blood, where plasma with hemocytes therein filtered can rapidly reach an electrode system. In a biosensor where plasma with hemocytes therein filtered with a filter is sucked into a sample solution supply pathway due to capillarity, there are formed: a first pressing part for holding a primary side portion of the filter from the bottom; a second pressing part for holding a secondary side portion of the filter from the top and the bottom; a third pressing part for holding the central portion of the filter from the top; and a void for surrounding the filter between the second pressing part and third pressing part.

Abstract: Devices and methods for determining analyte levels are described. The devices and methods allow for the implantation of analyte-monitoring devices, such as glucose monitoring devices, that result in the delivery of a dependable flow of blood to deliver sample to the implanted device. The devices comprise a unique microarchitectural arrangement in the sensor region that allows accurate data to be obtained over long periods of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for detecting substance concentration or activity or for determining the presence of substances based on electrochemical reactions. The electrochemical sensor comprises an electrode with surfaces inside the electrode, wherein electrochemical detection reactions occur. Said sensor guarantees high flow densities and is suitable for miniaturization. A substance-recognizing agent is advantageously placed in the electrode in contact with the inner surfaces. This enables not only short response times and long service life but also measurements with excellent linearity.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor for quantifying one or more redox species in a liquid sample comprising a background electrochemical activity, wherein said biosensor comprises:

Abstract: A method for evaluating a polymer molecule including linearly connected monomer residues includes providing a polymer molecule in a liquid, contacting the liquid with an insulating solid-state membrane having a detector capable of detecting polymer molecule characteristics, and causing the polymer molecule to traverse a limited region of the solid-state membrane so that monomers of the polymer molecule traverse the limit region in sequential order, whereby the polymer molecule interacts linearly with the detector and data suitable to determine polymer molecule characteristics are obtained. The limited region may be defined by a nanometer-sized aperture in the membrane.

Abstract: There is provided a cholesterol sensor with high-accuracy and excellent response, whose object to be measured is whole blood, where plasma with which is obtained by filtering out hemocytes therein filtered in blood can rapidly reach an electrode system. In a biosensor where plasma with which is obtained by filtering out hemocytes therein filtered with by a filter is sucked into a sample solution supply pathway due to capillarity, there are formed: a first pressing part for holding a primary side portion of the filter from the bottom; a second pressing part for holding a secondary side portion of the filter from the top and the bottom; a third pressing part for holding the central portion of the filter from the top; and a void for surrounding the filter between the second pressing part and third pressing part.