Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to the stabilization of 1,2-quinone mediators, especially those containing 1,10-phenanthroline quinone (PQ) and more especially transition metal complexes of PQ, in the presence of enzymes when contained in dry reagent layers for biosensor electrodes, through the use of various metal salts, particularly those of lithium.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to methods and apparatus for determining whether a particular test bath is able to successfully fill a feature on a substrate. In various cases, the substrate is a semiconductor substrate and the feature is a through-silicon-via. Generally, two experiments are used: a first experiment simulates the conditions present in a field region of the substrate during the fill process, and the second experiment simulates the conditions present in a feature on the substrate during the fill process. The output from these experiments may be used with various techniques to predict whether the particular bath will result in an adequately filled feature.

Abstract: A device for determining the presence of a single cell and/or determining a state of a single cell includes a first nanotube disposed on a first electrode, and a second nanotube disposed on a second electrode, wherein the first and second nanotubes are spaced apart at a length that is smaller than a cell size to be detected. A method for determining the presence of a single biological cell includes sensing impedance between a first nanotube and a second nanotube. A method of manufacturing includes providing a nanotube, providing an electrode coated with an insulating material, wherein an aperture is defined in the insulating material through to the electrode, and using electrophoresis deposition to deposit a nanotube within the aperture and in electrical communication with the electrode.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for the identification of chemical agents and determination of their level of exposure using electrochemical detection and advanced signal processing. In one aspect, a method includes collecting a sample from a surface containing a chemical agent to an electrode on a sensor such that the chemical agent transfers on the electrode, detecting an electrochemical signal of the chemical agent on the electrode to transduce chemical information associated with the chemical agent to an electrical signal, processing the electrical signal to obtain electrochemical spectral signature data to identify the chemical agent and generating a series of coefficients of the electrochemical spectral signature data to reduce the data, and classifying the chemical information based on the series of coefficients among preselected data sets to determine a level of exposure to the chemical agent.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor includes a substrate, a plurality of layered active metal parts, a plurality of layered electrodes, a reaction confinement layer, an electrochemical reactive layer and a cover piece. The substrate is formed with through holes each of which is defined by an interior wall surface and penetrates top and bottom surfaces. Each of the layered active metal parts is formed at least upon a respective one of the interior wall surfaces. The layered electrodes are formed on the layered active metal parts. The reaction confinement layer confines a reactor space over a region where the through holes are formed. The electrochemical reactive layer is disposed in the reactor space and is electrically coupled to the layered electrodes.

Abstract: Devices for detecting an analyte are provided. Devices for voltage sensing of analytes may comprise a plurality of fluidic channels defined in a substrate, each channel having a pair of sensing electrodes disposed in or adjacent to the fluidic channel and defining a detection volume for sensing voltage therein. At least one pair of electromotive electrodes for applying potential along at least one fluidic channel is provided as well.

Abstract: Electrochemical or electrochemical and photochemical experiments are performed on a collection of samples by suspending a drop of electrolyte solution between an electrochemical experiment probe and one of the samples that serves as a test sample. During the electrochemical experiment, the electrolyte solution is added to the drop and an output solution is removed from the drop. The probe and collection of samples can be moved relative to one another so the probe can be scanned across the samples.

Abstract: Electrochemical experiments are performed on a collection of samples by suspending a drop of electrolyte solution between an electrochemical experiment probe and one of the samples that serves as a test sample. During the electrochemical experiment, the electrolyte solution is added to the drop and an output solution is removed from the drop. The probe and collection of samples can be moved relative to one another so the probe can be scanned across the samples.

Abstract: A non-invasive glucose sensor (10) for detecting an amount of glucose in bodily fluid, comprising: an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) having a gate electrode (20); wherein a surface of the gate electrode (20) is modified with an enzyme and a nanomaterial to increase sensitivity and selectivity of the gate electrode (20).

Abstract: Methods and devices for sequencing nucleic acids are disclosed herein. Devices are also provided herein for measuring DNA with nano-pores sized to allow DNA to pass through the nano-pore. The capacitance can be measured for the DNA molecule passing through the nano-pore. The capacitance measurements can be correlated to determine the sequence of base pairs passing through the nano-pore to sequence the DNA.

Abstract: Methods and devices for determining factor Xa inhibitors, in particular heparins and fractionated or low-molecular-weight heparins, as well as direct factor Xa inhibitors in blood samples. The methods include contacting a blood sample with a detection reagent that contains at least one thrombin substrate having a peptide residue that can be cleaved by thrombin and is amidically bound via the carboxyl end to an electrogenic substance, and with a known amount of factor X reagent and an activator reagent which induces the conversion of factor X into factor Xa. Subsequently, in a second step, the amount or activity of the electrogenic substance that is cleaved from the thrombin substrate by the factor Xa-mediated thrombin activation and/or the time course thereof is determined as the measurement signal using electrochemical methods.

Abstract: An O2 sensor has a sensor element, which includes a solid electrolyte layer and a pair of electrodes. The solid electrolyte layer is held between the electrodes, which includes an atmosphere side electrode and an exhaust side electrode. A constant current circuit is installed in an electric path, which connects between the atmosphere side electrode and a ground, to induce a flow of a predetermined constant electric current between the electrodes through the solid electrolyte layer. A voltage circuit is installed in an electric path, which connects between the exhaust side electrode and a ground, to increase an electric potential of the exhaust side electrode by a predetermined amount relative to an electric potential at an output side of the constant current circuit, from which the electric current flows out of the constant current circuit.

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: 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: A measuring arrangement for registering an analyte concentration in a measured medium includes a three electrode arrangement having a working electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode. The working electrode includes an analyte-insensitive, redox mediator, and the reference electrode a pH-sensitive electrode. The counter electrode can be formed of an inert, electrically conductive material. The measuring arrangement can be embodied to provide a desired voltage between the working electrode and the reference electrode and to register the electrical current flowing, in such case, through the measured medium, between the counter electrode and the working electrode.

Abstract: A method of testing a system having at least one electrochemical sensor for detecting an analyte gas within a housing of the system, the housing having an inlet, the at least one electrochemical sensor including an electrically active working electrode in fluid connection with the inlet of the system, the method including biasing the electrically active working electrode at a first potential, to detect the analyte gas and biasing the electrically active working electrode at a second potential, different from the first potential, such that the at least one electrochemical sensor is sensitive to a driving force created in the vicinity of the inlet to test at least one transport path of the system. The method may further include creating the driving force in the vicinity of the inlet of the housing of the system and measuring a response of the electrically active working electrode to the driving force.

Abstract: An analyte test sensor for use in measuring the concentration of a particular analyte in a test sample includes a non-conductive substrate, a reference electrode deposited on the substrate, a working electrode deposited on the substrate and a compensation electrode deposited on the substrate. The compensation electrode is provided with a resistive ladder and is designed to correct for test result inaccuracies which are the result of variances in the manufacturing of the test sensor. Specifically, in one embodiment, the compensation electrode corrects for test result inaccuracies in an analog manner by shunting a portion of the working current away from working electrode. In another embodiment, the compensation electrode corrects for test result inaccuracies in a digital manner by providing a calibration code which is proportional its resistance value. A batch of analyte test sensors are preferably manufactured in the following manner. An initial batch of the test sensors is constructed.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and a method of controlling a fluid included in the microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes: a chamber; a first fluid that is disposed in the chamber and in which a hygroscopic material is dissolved; a second fluid that is disposed in the chamber and is immiscible with the first fluid; and an electrode portion provide in the chamber and is configured to form an electrical field in the chamber when a voltage is applied to the electrode portion, wherein an interface between the first and second fluids is varied according to the electrical field.

Abstract: A method of operating a system having at least one sensor for detecting an analyte gas in an ambient atmosphere and a sensor responsive to oxygen includes providing a volume in fluid connection with the sensor responsive to oxygen. The volume has an open state in which the volume is in fluid connection with the ambient atmosphere and at least a first restricted state in which entry of molecules from the ambient atmosphere into the volume is restricted as compared to the open state. The method further includes placing the volume in the open state, subsequently placing the volume in the first restricted state, and measuring a dynamic output of the sensor responsive to oxygen while the volume is in the first restricted state. The dynamic output provides an indication of the status of one or more transport paths of the system.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor measuring concentration of an analyte in a test fluid at 50° C. or above by voltammetry uses electrodes in contact with an electrolyte containing the analyte and a redox-active species electrochemically convertible between reduced and oxidised forms. At least one form of the redox active species is present within surfactant micelles. The surfactant micelles enhance thermal stability of the redox active species and may also solubilise a species with poor water solubility, such as t-butylferrocene. A downhole tool incorporating such a sensor comprises a barrier, permeable to the analyte, to separate the electrolyte from subterranean reservoir fluid, so that the sensor directly measures analyte which has passed through the barrier and thereby indirectly measures analyte in the test fluid.