Abstract: Provided is a device for assaying one or more analytes, said device comprising an electrode, a means for optical detection; and a means for electrochemical detection, wherein the device is configured such that the electrode is capable of promoting transport of an analyte when a field is applied to the analyte via the electrode, and wherein the means for electrochemical detection employs the electrode and the means for optical detection employs the electrode, and wherein the device is configured to carry out dielectrophoresis. Further provided is the use of the device of the present invention for promoting transport of an analyte, detecting the optical properties of the analyte and detecting the electrochemical properties of the analyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides a macromolecular switch (51) suitable for use in a data acquisition and/or processing device. The switch comprises a macromolecular structure (10) having an ion binding site (14), and is flippable between a plurality of discretely different conformations corresponding to different ion binding conditions at the ion binding site (14). The macromolecular structure (10) is provided with at least one electrochemical input device (43) for applying such different ion binding conditions to the ion binding site (14) in response to corresponding external input signals. The invention also provides a method for data acquisition and/or processing, using a macromolecular structure switch of the invention.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical structure and device and methods of forming and using the structure and device are disclosed. The structure includes a mechanical element, an ion conductor and a plurality of electrodes. Mechanical properties of the structure are altered by applying a bias across the electrodes. Such structures can be used to form devices such as resonators for RF applications.