Abstract: A method of operating a sensor to detect an analyte in an environment, wherein the sensor includes a working electrode and circuitry in operative connection with the working electrode, includes performing a sensor interrogation cycle including applying electrical energy to the working electrode to generate a non-faradaic current, measuring a response to the generation of the non-faradaic current to determine a state of the sensor, and actively controlling the circuitry to dissipate the non-faradaic current.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention provides an electrochemical analytical apparatus for electrochemical bath analysis. The apparatus comprise a static electrode and a rotatable unit. As steady liquid flow can be generated on the electrolytic surface of the static electrode by the rotatable unit through rotation, the static disk electrode does not involve any movement during the bath analysis such that the design of the electrical contact in the electrode can be substantially simplified.

Abstract: Electrode configurations for electric-field enhanced performance in catalysis and solid-state devices involving gases are provided. According to an embodiment, electric-field electrodes can be incorporated in devices such as gas sensors and fuel cells to shape an electric field provided with respect to sensing electrodes for the gas sensors and surfaces of the fuel cells. The shaped electric fields can alter surface dynamics, system thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, and adsorption/desorption processes. In one embodiment, ring-shaped electric-field electrodes can be provided around sensing electrodes of a planar gas sensor.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor (10) has a housing (20), a working electrode (51), a counterelectrode (52) and a reference electrode (53). The housing (20) has an electrolyte reservoir (30), a gas inlet orifice (21) and at least one gas outlet orifice (22). The electrolyte reservoir (30) is filled with a liquid electrolyte (40). The gas sensor (10) has a counterelectrode carrier (26). The counterelectrode (52) is suspended on the counterelectrode carrier (26) in such a way that the counterelectrode (52) is suspended in the electrolyte reservoir (30) and the electrolyte (40) flows around the counterelectrode (52) on all sides. Preferably, the electrolyte includes (I) a solvent, e.g. water, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate or mixtures thereof; (ii) a conductive salt, especially an ionic liquid; and/or (iii) an organic mediator, for example substituted quinones, anthraquinones, etc.

Abstract: A biosensor system including the underfill management system determines the analyte concentration in a sample from the at least one analytic output signal value. The underfill management system includes an underfill recognition system and an underfill compensation system. The underfill recognition system determines whether the test sensor initially is substantially full-filled or underfilled, indicates when the sample volume is underfilled so that additional sample may be added to the test sensor, and starts or stops the sample analysis in response to the sample volume. The underfill recognition system also may determine the initial degree of underfill. After the underfill recognition system determines the initial fill state of the test sensor, the underfill compensation system compensates the analysis based on the initial fill state of the test sensor to improve the measurement performance of the biosensor system for initially underfilled test sensors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for hydrating and calibrating an electrochemical sensor are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for distinguishing between an aqueous non-blood sample (e.g., a control solution) and a blood sample are provided herein. In one aspect, the method includes using a test strip in which multiple current transients are measured by a meter electrically connected to an electrochemical test strip. The current transients are used to determine if a sample is a blood sample or an aqueous non-blood sample based on characteristics of the sample (e.g., amount of interferent present, reaction kinetics, and/or capacitance). The method can also include calculating a discrimination criteria based upon these characteristics. Various aspects of a system for distinguishing between a blood sample and an aqueous non-blood sample are also provided herein.

Abstract: Perturbed oscillatory kinetics electrochemistry methods include methods of determining an electrochemical response of a test coupon to a mechanical load. Such methods include applying a cell of electrolyte solution to a test region on a test coupon, contacting the electrolyte solution with a counter electrode, and applying a mechanical load to the test coupon to produce a deflection event. Additionally, methods include measuring a pre-event value of an electrical parameter of the test coupon, before applying the mechanical load, and measuring a post-event value of the electrical parameter, after applying the mechanical load. Methods include determining an electrochemical response of the test coupon to the mechanical load based on the post-event value and the pre-event value.

Abstract: By slowing down the passing velocity of a DNA molecule in a nanopore, the accuracy of the reading of a nucleotide sequence of DNA is improved. A small temperature difference is introduced between a DNA molecule having an asymmetric and periodic structure and a nanopore membrane that carries the DNA molecule, whereby the DNA molecule that passes through a nanopore can move in one direction and the passing velocity of the DNA molecule in the nanopore can be controlled and reduced. In this manner, the accuracy of the analysis of a nucleotide sequence can be improved. Furthermore, it becomes possible to dissociate double-stranded DNA into single-stranded DNA molecules by the action of temperature and subject the single-stranded DNA molecules to a measurement selectively. Furthermore, it also becomes possible to select the polarity of a DNA molecule and subject the DNA molecule to a measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring a concentration of sulphite in a substance in a gas cleaning process, the method comprising the steps of sending a plurality of voltage pulses through the substance by a first electrode (11) and a second electrode (20), which first and second electrodes (11, 20) are in contact with the substance, receiving current responses generated by the plurality of voltage pulses, and analyzing the current responses using a multivariate data analysis for calculation of the concentration of sulphite in the substance. The present invention further relates to a sulphite sensor (1) for performing such a method.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing dielectrophoresis are described. The devices contain sample channel which is separated by physical barriers from electrode channels which receive electrodes. The devices and methods may be used for the separation and analysis of particles in solution, including the separation and isolation of cells of a specific type. As the electrodes do not make contact with the sample, electrode fouling is avoided and sample integrity is better maintained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to planar electrochemical sensors with membrane coatings used to perform chemical analyses. The object of this invention is to provide unit-use disposable sensors of very simple and inexpensive construction, preferably with only a single membrane coating on an electrode. The invented devices are potentiometric salt-bridge reference electrodes and dissolved gas sensors constructed with a heterogeneous membrane coating of a conductor. The heterogeneous membrane, which is an intimate admixture of a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic compartment, concurrently supports constrained transport of non-volatile species through its hydrophilic compartment and rapid gas and water vapor transport through its hydrophobic compartment.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an amperometric gas sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte, comprising: a solid support; and a working electrode in contact with the solid support; wherein the analyte comprises a dopant which when in contact with the solid support increases the electrical conductivity of the solid support. A sterilization process employing the amperometric gas sensor is disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an amperometric gas sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte, comprising: a solid support; and a working electrode in contact with the solid support; wherein the analyte comprises a dopant which when in contact with the solid support increases the electrical conductivity of the solid support. A sterilization process employing the amperometric gas sensor is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for passing a biopolymer molecule includes a nanochannel formed between a surface relief structure, a patterned layer forming sidewalls of the nanochannel and a sealing layer formed over the patterned layer to encapsulate the nanochannel. The surface relief structure includes a three-dimensionally rounded surface that reduces a channel dimension of the nanochannel at a portion of nanochannel and gradually increases the dimension along the nanochannel toward an opening position, which is configured to receive a biopolymer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for size selecting nucleic acid molecules having wide range of applications including the production of DNA libraries for sequencing technologies. An automated high throughput system for size selection of multiple nucleic acid samples that uses imaging technique to detect the progress of a target fraction and feedback from the imaging to control electrophoresis. Predictive algorithms for timed nucleic acid extractions are generated to provide size selected nucleic acid molecules of required size ranges.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor includes an electrolyte including at least one ionic liquid which includes an additive portion including at least one organic additive, at least one organometallic additive or at least one inorganic additive.

Abstract: A gas sensor element includes a cup-shaped solid electrolyte body having closed and open ends, a reference electrode provided on an inner surface of the solid electrolyte body, and a measurement electrode provided on an outer surface of the solid electrolyte body. The reference electrode has a detection portion located closer to the closed end than to the open end of the solid electrolyte body, a terminal portion located closer to the open end than to the closed end of the solid electrode body, and a lead portion connecting the detection and terminal portions. Moreover, the reference electrode has a first thickness in a large-thickness region and a second thickness smaller than the first thickness in a small-thickness region. The large-thickness region includes at least part of the detection portion of the reference electrode, and the small-thickness region includes at least the lead and terminal portions of the reference electrode.

Abstract: Methods for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample, and devices and systems used in conjunction with the same. The hematocrit value can be determined on its own, and further, it can be further used to determine a concentration of an analyte in a sample. In one exemplary embodiment of a method for determining the hematocrit value in a blood sample, a volume of blood is provided in a sample analyzing device having a working and a counter electrode. An electric potential is applied between the electrodes and an initial fill velocity of the sample into the device is calculated. The hematocrit of the blood, as well as a concentration of an analyte in view of the initial fill velocity can then be determined. Systems and devices that take advantage of the use of an initial fill velocity to determine hematocrit levels and make analyte concentration determinations are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the innovations presented herein relate to improved systems that in some embodiments perform capillary electrophoresis (CE) and CE in conjunction with electrospray ionization (ESI) as an input to a mass spectrometry system (MS). Some embodiments use a high voltage isolated CE power supply that is configured to float on the high voltage output of an ESI-MS power supply, with a protective resistance in the ESI-MS path, as well as DC/DC converter isolation and communication system isolation for the isolated CE power supply. Some embodiments additionally use a cartridge assembly integrating separation and conductive fluid capillaries with fluid cooling and protective retractable housings for the capillary end portions and for the ESI output. The protective housing may further be used with an adapter for interfacing with different MS systems.