Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controllably wetting a microstructured surface.

Abstract: An explosion-proof sensor for detecting combustible gases is provided with a glass seal (9) for establishing an electrically conductive connection with the interior of the housing. The sensor is improved in terms of the pressure resistance of the housing. The glass seal (9) has a bending-resistant casting compound (16, 17, 18) mechanically stabilizing the glass seal (9) on at least one side.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for concentrating particles (e.g., bacteria, viruses, cells, and nucleic acids) suspended in a liquid. Electric-field-induced forces urge the particles towards a first electrode immersed in the liquid. When the particles are in close proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the first electrode, the electrode is withdrawn from the liquid and capillary forces formed between the withdrawing electrode and the surface of the liquid immobilize the particles on the electrode. Upon withdrawal of the electrode from the liquid, the portion of the electrode previously immersed in the liquid has particles immobilized on its surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for manipulation of a micro component includes a gripper subsystem for lifting, holding, and releasing a micro component. The gripper subsystem includes a base substrate having a work side and an opposing side, a positive electrode secured to the work side of the base substrate, a negative electrode suitably spaced from the positive electrode and secured to the work side of the base substrate, a dielectric layer formed over the work side of the base substrate and the positive and negative electrodes, and a hydrophobic layer comprising a hydrophobic material with predictable electrowetting behavior formed over the dielectric layer such that the dielectric layer is between the work side of the base substrate and the hydrophobic layer. A method for manipulation of a micro component is also provided as well as a method of manufacturing the system for manipulation of a micro component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for identifying biopolymers, such as strands of DNA, as they pass through a constriction such as a carbon nanotube nanopore. More particularly, the invention is directed to such systems, devices and methods in which a newly translocated portion of the biopolymer forms a temporary electrical circuit between the nanotube nanopore and a second electrode, which may also be a nanotube. Further, the invention is directed to such systems, devices and methods in which the constriction is provided with a functionalized unit which, together with a newly translocated portion of the biopolymer, forms a temporary electrical circuit that can be used to characterize that portion of the biopolymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable circular electrophoretic device having uniform electric field over a small surface area. It also provides a multidirectional process of electrophoresis for separation of charged molecules thereby increasing the resolution of macromolecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, devices and methods for detecting esterase activity. The present invention also provides devices and methods of detecting esterase inhibitors, for example, organophosphates. In particular, the present invention provides a biosensor comprising Neuropathy Target Esterase (NTE) polypeptides. Further, the present invention relates to medicine, industrial chemistry, agriculture, and homeland security.

Abstract: A wet flow-type ion selective electrode device requires not only a large amount of test solution but also cumbersome management works such as flow path cleaning and device conditioning. Provided is an ion selective electrode cartridge which includes at least one ion selective electrode forming an electrical path with a reference electrode when a test solution is infused, and in which the ion selective electrode and the reference electrode is arranged to surround a container.

Abstract: A test sensor includes a body, a first conductive trace, a second conductive trace, and a third conductive trace. The body includes a first region that has a fluid-receiving area, a second region separate from the first region, and a first temperature sensing interface disposed at or adjacent to the fluid-receiving area. The fluid-receiving area receives a sample. The first trace is disposed on the body, and at least a portion of the first trace is disposed in the first region. The second and third traces are disposed on the body. The third trace extends from the first to the second regions. The third trace is connected to the first trace at the first temperature sensing interface. The third trace includes a different material than the first trace. A first thermocouple is formed at the first temperature sensing interface. The thermocouple provides temperature data to determine an analyte concentration.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor includes a polymeric housing and at least a first electrode within the housing. The first electrode includes an electrochemically active surface. The electrochemical sensor further includes a first connector in electrically conductive connection with the first electrode. The first connector includes a first extending member formed from a conductive loaded polymeric material. The first extending member is formed such that an interior thereof comprises conductive elements within a matrix of the polymeric material so that the interior is electrically conductive and an exterior surface thereof comprises the polymeric material and is less conductive than the conductive interior. The conductive interior of the first extending member is in electrically conductive connection with the first electrode. The first connector further includes a first extending conductive element in electrical connection with the conductive interior.

Abstract: A complete capillary electrophoresis (CE) system that is capable of providing a continuous flow of effluent at the exit of the flow-through outlet vial is provided. A self-contained capillary electrophoresis system with a flow-through outlet vial for interfacing with mass spectrometry includes a capillary having an upstream inlet end and a downstream terminus end; an electrically conductive hollow needle having an inner wall defining an internal tapered chamber, the internal tapered chamber dimensioned and configured to slidably accept the terminus end of the capillary, the capillary longitudinally inserted into and mounted within the internal tapered chamber to a distance whereby the terminus end of the capillary abuts the inner wall of the needle at the taper; and wherein a micro-reservoir is formed between the terminus end of the capillary and the downstream exit orifice.

Abstract: A system for electrochemical quantitative analysis is provided. The system includes a measuring apparatus having a plurality of analysis modes. Each of the analysis modes is for quantitatively analyzing different biochemical substance. The system further includes a plurality of test strips. Each of the test strips has a different identification component for a different analysis mode. When one of the plurality of test strips is selected to electronically connect to the measuring apparatus, the measuring apparatus executes one of the plurality of analysis modes according to the identification component of the selected test strip to quantitatively analyze a corresponding biochemical substance.

Abstract: Provided is an ion sensor with which the concentration of ions in a solution can be determined without any reference electrode. The ion sensor is equipped with: a first electrode plate; a second electrode plate which has been disposed opposite the first electrode plate and has one or multiple openings; an ion-sensitive film continuously formed so that the film is interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, blocks up one side of each opening of the second electrode plate, and extends from the end of that side of the opening to the outer surface of the second electrode plate through the inner wall surface of the opening; and a sensor support which supports the second electrode plate so that when the ion concentration of a test solution to be examined is determined, the ion-sensitive film comes into contact with the test solution only in the portions thereof that have been formed in each opening and on the outer surface of the second electrode plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and to a process for the detection and/or quantification of cesium ions Cs+ in solution in a liquid medium. The apparatus of the invention comprises: a) an electrical device comprising two electrodes and a substrate comprising at least one portion made of a semiconductor material, the electrodes being in electrical contact with said semiconductor material; and b) a device for measuring the variation of the conduction current between the two electrodes, and at least one ligand comprising at least one calix[n]arene group bonded by grafting to the semiconductor material of the substrate of the electrical device or to one of the electrodes of the electrical device. The invention finds an application in the field of the detection of cesium ions in particular.

Abstract: A fluid-application mechanism is to cause fluid to be applied onto media. An electrowetting mechanism is to generate an electric field to affect the fluid applied onto the media.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for determining the concentration of a reduced form of a redox species. For example, a device can include a working electrode and a counter electrode spaced by a predetermined distance so that reaction produces from the counter electrode arrive at the working electrode. An electric potential difference can be applied between the electrodes, and the potential of the working electrode can be selected such that the rate of electro-oxidation of the reduced form of the species is diffusion controlled. Current as a function of time can be determined, the magnitude of the steady state current can be estimated, and a value indicative of the diffusion coefficient and/or of the concentration of the reduced form of the species can be obtained from the change in current with time and the magnitude of the steady state current. Other embodiments of apparatuses, devices, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A pre-packaged electrophoresis cassette (1), the cassette (1) comprising a gel layer (2) and a buffer solution layer (3), the gel layer comprising a first polymer made from a monomer and a cross-linker, and being in contact with the buffer solution layer to form a gel-buffer interface (4) for receiving a sample which is to undergo electrophoresis. The gel and/or the buffer solution are such that absorption of water by the gel layer from the buffer solution layer is inhibited, thereby maintaining the performance capabilities of the electrophoresis cassette during storage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for the separation of proteins, comprising a capillary isoelectric focusing unit (2) for primarily separating protein samples on the basis of pI; and a hollow fiber flow field flow fractionation unit (4), connected to one side of the capillary isoelectric focusing unit (2), for secondarily separating the protein samples. The apparatus allows proteins to be separated on the basis of pI and molecular weight without denaturation and can further be applied for the identification of proteins in conjunction with nanoflow liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry after enzymatic digestion of the protein fractions.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a working electrode 101, a counter electrode 102 opposing the working electrode 101, a working electrode terminal 103 and a working electrode reference terminal 10 connected to the working electrode 101 by wires, and a counter electrode terminal 104 connected to the counter electrode 102 by a wire. By employing a structure with at least three electrodes, it is possible to assay a target substance without being influenced by the line resistance on the working electrode side.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electrode for an electrochemical measurement apparatus that is less susceptible to influence from interference substances as compared to conventional technology and an electrochemical measurement apparatus using such an electrode. A working electrode 9 (an electrode 1 for an electrochemical measurement apparatus) used in an electrochemical measurement apparatus 3 of the present invention uses an alloy containing iridium and rhenium with such a composition that selectivity for hydrogen peroxide can be obtained.