Abstract: A sensor and method for detecting biological and chemical agents comprising metal interdigitized electrodes coated with hybrid polymer-based conducting film and an instrument for applying electrical voltage to the electrodes and registering the change in electrical current. The hybrid film also comprises indicator biomolecules encapsulated within the film or attached to it. The bioindicator molecules preferably comprise enzyme acetylcholinesterase. When these indicator biomolecules come in a contact with a pathogen, chemical and/or morphological changes occur in the film and electrical current flowing through the electrodes is modulated. The pathogen comprise inhibitors of enzymes, preferably organophosphates, thiophosphates or phosphonates. The change in current indicates the presence of a biological and chemical agent and is registered.

Abstract: A sensor for the detection of organisms and a method for the detection of organisms is provided, the sensor comprises a substrate; at least one pair of electrodes; a sol gel matrix comprising at least one enzyme; at least one reactant; and at least one transducer material; wherein (a) an organism expresses an enzyme on the surface of the sensor; (b) the enzyme catalyzes a reaction of the reactant of the sensor; (c) the product according to process step (b) catalytically reacted by said enzyme of the sensor; (d) the products of process step (c) modulate at least one property of the transducer material; and (e) the modulated property is measured.

Abstract: A sensor and method for detecting biological and chemical agents comprising metal interdigitized electrodes coated with hybrid polymer-based conducting film and an instrument for applying electrical voltage to the electrodes and registering the change in voltage. The hybrid film also comprises indicator biomolecules encapsulated within the film or attached to it. When these indicator biomolecules come in a contact with a biological and chemical agent, morphological changes occur in the film and electrical current flowing through the electrodes is modulated. The change in current indicates the presence of a biological and chemical agent and is registered.

Abstract: A sensor and method for detecting biological and chemical agents comprising metal interdigitized electrodes coated with hybrid polymer-based conducting film and an instrument for applying electrical voltage to the electrodes and registering the change in electrical current. The hybrid film also comprises indicator biomolecules encapsulated within the film or attached to it. The bioindicator molecules preferably comprise enzyme acetylcholinesterase. When these indicator biomolecules come in a contact with a pathogen, chemical and/or morphological changes occur in the film and electrical current flowing through the electrodes is modulated. The pathogen comprise inhibitors of enzymes, preferably organophosphates, thiophosphates or phosphonates. The change in current indicates the presence of a biological and chemical agent and is registered.

Abstract: A novel, inexpensive sensor and method for detecting volatile compounds in the gas phase at concentrations of less than about 500 ppm in ambient air are provided. The sensor comprises (a) a dielectric substrate having a major surface; (b) a pair of electrically conductive electrodes disposed on the major surface of the substrate; and (c) a conductive polymer covering the pair of electrically conductive electrodes, with the conductive polymer doped with appropriate dopants in measurable excess of that stoichiometrically required to change the conductive polymer from a neutral state to a charged state to provide requisite conductivity. A method for making the sensor is provided, as is a method of use of the sensor which relates to its use in a monitoring system comprising a means for measuring the conductivity of the sensor connected to a warning means for providing an indication when the conductivity reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing the surface of a cyanate ester polymer or composite for metal plating. The surface is treated with a preheated solution containing a compound selected from the group consisting of at least one quaternary ammonium hydroxide and at least one primary amine. The method of the invention operates to improve adhesion between the treated surface and a subsequently plated metal, such that the resulting cyanate ester polymer or composite may replace certain metallic components in such applications as aircraft, spacecraft, and automobiles given its highly conductive metallic coating.

Abstract: A novel, inexpensive sensor (10) for detecting volatile hydrocarbons and other solvent vapors detects leaks in the fittings and valves of petroleum refineries and chemical manufacturing and processing plants. The sensor comprises (a) a dielectric substrate (12) having a major surface; (b) a pair of interdigitated, electrically conductive electrodes (14a, 14b) disposed on the major surface of the substrate; and (c) a composite coating (16) covering the interdigitated electrodes and comprising (1) a conductive polymer, and (2) a dielectric polymer with an affinity for the solvent vapors to be detected.

Abstract: A novel, inexpensive sensor (10) for detecting volatile hydrocarbons and other solvent vapors detects leaks in the fittings and valves of petroleum refineries and chemical manufacturing and processing plants. The sensor comprises (a) a dielectric substrate (12) having a major surface; (b) a pair of interdigitated, electrically conductive electrodes (14a, 14b) disposed on the major surface of the substrate; and (c) a composite coating (16) covering the interdigitated electrodes and comprising (1) a conductive polymer, and (2) a dielectric polymer with an affinity for the solvent vapors to be detected.

Abstract: A grating (22) of narrow parallel ridges (24) is formed in the surface (26) of a substrate (20) made of a hard material such as silicon dioxide. Metal (40) is deposited onto the grating (22) perpendicular to the ridges (24) at an angle of approximately 45.degree. to the surface (26) of the grating such that the metal (40) is deposited onto the top (24a) and one of the sides (24b) of the each of the ridges (24) to form generally L-shaped metal strips (12') thereon. The metal strips (12') are cut at periodic intervals along the ridges (24) to produce anisometric metal needles (12). The substrate (20) is immersed in a dielectric fluid (14), and ultrasonic energy is applied to cause the needles (12) to release from the substrate (20) into suspension in the fluid (14). The L-shape of the needles (12) makes them resistant to bending. The suspension (10) has birefringent properties similar to liquid crystals, but may be electrically switched at much higher speed.

Abstract: A grating (22) of narrow parallel ridges (24) is formed in the surface (26) of a substrate (20) made of a hard material such as silicon dioxide. Metal (40) is deposited onto the grating (22) perpendicular to the ridges (24) at an angle of approximately 45.degree. to the surface (26) of the grating such that the metal (40) is deposited onto the top (24a) and one of the sides (24b) of the each of the ridges (24) to form generally L-shaped metal strips (12') thereon. The metal strips (12') are cut at periodic intervals along the ridges (24) to produce anisometric metal needles (12). The substrate (20) is immersed in a dielectric fluid (14), and ultrasonic energy is applied to cause the needles (12) to release from the substrate (20) into suspension in the fluid (14). The L-shape of the needles (12) makes them resistant to bending. The suspension ( 10) has birefringent properties similar to liquid crystals, but may be electrically switched at much higher speed.

Abstract: A grating (22) of narrow parallel ridges (24) is formed in the surface (26) of a substrate (20) made of a hard material such as silicon dioxide. Metal (40) is deposited onto the grating (22) perpendicular to the ridges (24) at an angle of approximately 45.degree. to the surface (26) of the grating such that the metal (40) is deposited onto the top (24a) and one of the sides (24b) of the each of the ridges (24) to form generally L-shaped metal strips (12') thereon. The metal strips (12') are cut at periodic intervals along the ridges (24) to produce anisometric metal needles (12). The substrate (20) is immersed in a dielectric fluid (14), and ultrasonic energy is applied to cause the needles (12) to release from the substrate (20) into suspension in the fluid (14). The L-shape of the needles (12) makes them resistant to bending. The suspension ( 10) has birefringent properties similar to liquid crystals, but may be electrically switched at much higher speed.