Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells including a first working electrode 32, a first counter electrode 34, a second working electrode 36, and a second counter electrode 38, wherein the electrodes are spaced such that reaction products from the first counter electrode 34 arrive at the first working electrode 32, and reaction products from the first and second counter electrodes 34, 38 do not reach the second working electrode 36. Also provided is a method of using such electrochemical cells for determining the concentration of a reduced or oxidized form of a redox species with greater accuracy than can be obtained using an electrochemical cell having a single working and counter electrode.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a micro-particle sorting apparatus includes: (a) a microchip in which a flow path through which liquid containing a micro particle flows and an orifice through which the liquid flowing through the flow path is discharged into a space outside the chip; (b) an oscillating element for transforming the liquid into a liquid drop and discharging the liquid drop at the orifice; (c) a charge means for adding an electric charge to the discharged liquid drop; (d) an optical detection means that detects an optical property of the micro particle flowing through the flow path, upstream of a liquid-delivering direction with respect to the orifice; (e) paired electrodes opposed to each other while sandwiching the moving liquid drop along a movement direction of the liquid drop discharged into the space outside the chip; and (f) two containers that collect the liquid drop passing between the paired electrodes.

Abstract: A nanopore device is described wherein is provided a sample input (110), an input chamber (120), and first and second sample chambers (130, 140) connected to the input chambers (120) via first and second nanopores (135, 145).

Abstract: The invention relates to graft copolymers, their preparation, and compositions, such as electrophoresis separation media, containing the same; also to ultra-high molecular weight poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (“poly(DMA)”) polymers, their preparation, and compositions, such as electrophoresis separation media, containing the same; and more particularly to supports, such as capillaries, containing these polymers and methods for separating biomolecules, especially polynucleotides, using capillary electrophoresis. The graft copolymers can be prepared by, e.g., grafting polyacrylamide units onto a poly(DMA) backbone. Separation media comprising such graft copolymers or ultra-high molecular weight poly(DMA) polymers yield superior performance in the analysis and separation of biomolecules by capillary electrophoresis.

Abstract: A microelectrode sensing device includes a substrate and an array of microelectrode sensors. Each sensor includes a first conductive layer that at least partially conducts electricity. The first conductive layer is formed above the substrate and patterned to include a recording electrode that measures electrical activities of target cells. Each sensor also includes a second conductive layer that at least partially conducts electricity. The second conductive layer is elevated above the first layer and patterned to include multiple positioning electrodes arranged to define a sensing region above the recording electrode. The positioning electrodes are designed to generate an electric field pattern in the sensing region to move and confine the target cells to a sub-region of the sensing region that at least partially overlaps the recording electrode.

Abstract: Provided is a method for processing a sample, which method comprises: a) contacting a binding phase, which binding phase is capable of binding an analyte, with the sample in the presence of a medium; b) applying across the medium a first alternating field composed of a plurality of pulses and having a first frequency, a first pulse duration and a first pulse rise time; c) optionally applying across the medium a second alternating field; and d) thereby influencing the sample and/or the binding phase in the medium.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sequencing a biological molecule or polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, are provided. One or more donor labels, which are attached to a pore or nanopore, may be illuminated or otherwise excited. A polymer having a monomer labeled with one or more acceptor labels, may be translocated through the pore. Either before, after or while the labeled monomer of the polymer passes through, exits or enters the pore, energy may be transferred from the excited donor label to the acceptor label of the monomer. As a result of the energy transfer, the acceptor label emits energy, and the emitted energy is detected in order to identify the labeled monomer of the translocated polymer and to thereby sequence the polymer.

Abstract: A bi-state-switch low-voltage fabrication technique is able to be used to construct microfluidic systems leveraging well-established low-voltage semiconductor fabrication technologies to achieve high-voltage droplet actuation applications with lower costs, smaller device sizes, and also less time. Also, the electrode cells are able to be made using the well-established low-voltage CMOS fabrication technologies, which can be used to make large-scale integrated microelectronics and microfluidics.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus is provided with a storage tank, an injection nozzle, a syringe, a collection nozzle, a test sample tank, a microchip having two or more separation channels, detectors, a waste liquid tank, a controller, and a power supply. The collection nozzle collects a specimen which becomes a test sample from a test sample container housing the specimen, and transfers the specimen to the test sample tank. The separation channels separate characteristic components contained in the test sample. The injection nozzle is distanced from the collection nozzle and injects the test sample from the test sample tank into the separation channels. The detectors detect the separated characteristic components in the separation channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode useful in electrochemical nanobiosensors for determining the presence or concentration of analytes in aqueous samples. In particular, the electrode comprises a biocatalyst or other bioreceptor entrapped in a conducting polymeric film deposited on a conducting material and a non-conducting or conducting coating. In particular embodiments, the conducting polymeric layer also comprises metallic nanoparticles. Electrochemical nanobiosensors containing the electrode, methods of making the electrode or sensor and methods of detecting analytes are other aspects of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to enable silver ions in an internal electrolyte solution of a reference electrode to be suppressed from being eluted, and also suppress a potential variation that occurs due to production of a poorly-soluble silver compound on surfaces of a liquid communication part and the like, and specifically provided with: an internal electrode formed of a silver/silver chlorides electrode; an internal electrolyte solution that is in contact with the internal electrode; and a containing body that contains the internal electrolyte solution, in which the containing body is formed of a material that does not have anionic conductivity but has cationic conductivity and moisture permeability.

Abstract: An electrochemical system with reduced limiting-current behavior is disclosed. The electrochemical system is useful for fuel cells and bio-sensors. In part, the invention relates a method of reducing or eliminating limiting-current behavior in the operation electrochemical systems, in particular those with ion-selective membrane or electrochemical electrodes, by spatially reducing the convection near the membrane or the electrode. The invention further relates to electrochemical systems in which micropores, microarrays or pillar arrays are used to reduce convection in comparison to conventional systems without microarrays, micropores or pillar arrays.

Abstract: A device for separating and purifying useful quantities of particles comprises: (a) an anolyte reservoir connected to an anode, the anolyte reservoir containing an electrophoresis buffer; (b) a catholyte reservoir connected to a cathode, the catholyte reservoir also containing the electrophoresis buffer; (c) a power supply connected to the anode and to the cathode; (d) a column having a first end inserted into the anolyte reservoir, a second end inserted into the catholyte reservoir, and containing a separation medium; (e) a light source; (f) a first optical fiber having a first fiber end inserted into the separation medium, and having a second fiber end connected to the light source; (g) a photo detector; (h) a second optical fiber having a third fiber end inserted into the separation medium, and having a fourth fiber end connected to the photo detector; and (i) an ion-exchange membrane in the anolyte reservoir.

Abstract: Methods are provided for concentrating particles on the surface of a drop or bubble in a continuous phase, for separating different types of particles, and for removing particles from the surface of the drop or bubble. The methods also facilitate separation of two types of particles on a drop or bubble, optionally followed by solidification of the drop and/or the continuous phase, for example to produce a particle for which the surface properties vary, such as a Janus particle. The methods can be also used to destabilize emulsions and foams by re-distributing or removing particles on the surface of the drop or bubble, facilitating coalescence of the particle-free drops or bubbles.

Abstract: A precious metal testing apparatus and methods adapted to analyze impurities in a precious metal test sample is described. The testing apparatus contains a test probe that has a replaceable portion and that is connected to a meter to measure resistance. The replaceable portion contains or forms a reservoir that includes at least one electrolyte component, a conductive member, and a fibrous tip. The electrolyte component is fluidly associated with a fiber tip and the conductive member contacts an electrical contact located outside the reservoir. Methods of testing and instructions regarding such methods are also included.

Abstract: A biosensor is disclosed comprising a support; a conductive layer composed of an electrical conductive material such as a noble metal, for example gold or palladium, and carbon; slits parallel to and perpendicular to the side of the support; working, counter, and detecting electrodes; a spacer which covers the working, counter, and detecting electrodes on the support; a rectangular cutout in the spacer forming a specimen supply path; an inlet to the specimen supply path; a reagent layer formed by applying a reagent containing an enzyme to the working, counter, and detecting electrodes, which are exposed through the cutout in the spacer; and a cover over the spacer. The biosensor can be formed by a simple method, and provides a uniform reagent layer on the electrodes regardless of the reagent composition.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods and kits for high speed, high resolution of analytes by capillary electrophoresis starting with uncoated capillaries. The compositions comprise a sieving component, comprising a non-crosslinked acrylamide polymer, and a surface interaction component, comprising at least one uncharged and non-crosslinked water-soluble silica-adsorbing polymer. Methods for employing the novel compositions in capillary electrophoresis are provided. Kits comprising the novel compositions for use in the novel methods are also provided.

Abstract: A series of microactuators for manipulating small quantities of liquids, and methods of using these for manipulating liquids, are disclosed. The microactuators are based on the phenomenon of electrowetting and contain no moving parts. The force acting on the liquid is a potential-dependent gradient of adhesion energy between the liquid and a solid insulating surface.

Abstract: A test method for the ketone number of an animal specimen is characterized in that a test parameter datasheet is set up by data modeling. Then a specimen from tested animal body is obtained. Next, the specimen is dripped onto the sensing end of an electrochemical test specimen, and an electrochemical tester is prepared. A test value correction procedure is built into or input to the electrochemical tester. With a parameter adjustment mode, the operational parameters of test value correction procedure unique to the electrochemical tester could be adjusted for adapting to the test mode of the species of tested animals. The sensing end of the electrochemical test specimen is inserted into the measurement slot of the electrochemical tester, so the ketone number of the specimen is displayed by the electrochemical tester.

Abstract: We introduce a new method for implementing cell-based assays and long-term cell culture. The method is based on digital microfluidics (DMF) which is used to actuate nanoliter droplets of reagents and cells on a planar array of electrodes. DMF method is suitable for assaying and culturing both cells in suspension and cells grown on surface (adherent cells). This method is advantageous for cell culture and assays due to the automated manipulation of multiple reagents in addition to reduced reagent use and analysis time. No adverse effects of actuation by DMF were observed in assays for cell viability, proliferation, and biochemistry. These results suggest that DMF has great potential as a simple yet versatile analytical tool for implementing cell-based assays and cell culture on the microscale.