Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for determining single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in P450 genes. In preferred embodiments, self extension of interrogation probes is prevented by using novel non self-extension probes and/or methods, thereby improving the specificity and efficiency of P450 SNP detection in target samples with minimal false positive results. The invention thus describes a variety of methods to decrease self-extension of interrogation probes. In addition, this invention provides a unique collection of P450 SNP probes on one assay, primer sequences for specific amplification of each of the seven P450 genes and amplicon control probes to evaluate whether the intended p450 gene targets were amplified successfully. The invention also describes a variety of array platforms for performing the assays of the invention; for example: CodeLink™, eSensor™, multiplex arrays with cartridges etc., all described herein.

Abstract: This invention is directed to novel methods of amplifying and detecting DNA. More specifically, the invention applies variations of Rolling Circle Amplification to several detection platforms.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection of molecular interactions between biological molecules. Specifically, the invention relates to electrical detection of interactions such as hybridization between nucleic acids or peptide antigen-antibody interaction using arrays of peptides or oligonucleotides. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and methods for detecting nucleic acid hybridization or peptide binding using electronic methods including AC impedance. In some embodiments, no electrochemical or other label moieties are used. In others, electrochemically active labels are used to detect reactions on hydrogel arrays, including genotyping reactions such as the single base extension reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for efficient, high-throughput electrical or electrochemical detection of biomolecules. More specifically, the invention provides an apparatus in which an independent set of electrodes is used to increase the occurrence of a desired bio-conjugation event at a test site.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for the electrical detection of molecular interactions between a probe molecule and target molecule, but without requiring the use of electrochemical or other reporters to obtain measurable signals. The methods can be used for electrical detection of molecular interactions between probe molecules bound to defined regions of an array and protein or peptide target molecules which are permitted to interact with the probe molecules.peptide.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection of biomolecules. Specifically, the invention relates to electronic or electrochemical detection of biomolecules using biochip arrays. In particular, the invention provides an apparatus comprising a platform for a column-and-row addressable, high-density, enhanced-sensitivity biochip array, and methods of use thereof. The devices and methods of the invention can be used to detect molecular interactions such as nucleic acid hybridization or protein binding.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to characterize, optimize, and control the quality and production of hydrogel media. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for determining the size, size distribution, and spatial distribution of the pores of a porous substrate. More particularly, the invention provides a method for determining the size, size distribution, and spatial distribution of the pores of a polymeric hydrogel-based substrate.

Abstract: An electrolyte for an electrochemical cell is described comprising two or more polyanion-based compounds of the general formula:M.sub.m [X.sub.x Y.sub.y O.sub.z ].nH.sub.2 OwhereM is selected from the group consisting of ammonia and the elements of Groups IA and IIA of the Periodic Table;X and Y are different and are selected from the group consisting of the elements of Groups IIIB, IVB, VB, and VIB of the Periodic Table, and boron, aluminum, gallium, silicon, germanium, tin, phosphorous, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, selenium, tellurium, polonium, indium, and astatine;O is oxygen; andm is an integer from 1 to 10, inclusive;x is an integer from 0 to 1, inclusive;y is an integer from 2 to 13, inclusive;z is an integer from 7 to 80, inclusive; andn is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.

Abstract: A material for use as an electrode, and particularly the anode (20) of an electrochemical device, such as an electrochemical capacitor device (10). The material is a multicomponent alloy material, including a host matrix material consisting of antimony, and at least one modifier element selected from the group consisting of bismuth, nickel, cadmium, zinc, silver, manganese, lead, lithium, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A hybrid capacitor with improved energy density employs a cathode including an organic material and optionally a gel, solid, or composite electrolyte material. However, like conventional electrolytic capacitors, said hybrid capacitor employs a valve metal and its respective oxide dielectric layer on the anode side of the cell.

Abstract: A capacitor (100) includes first and second electrodes (102, 103) that each have an electroactive material (115, 120) disposed on a metallic substrate (105, 110). A solid electrolyte (125) including a polyacid is positioned between the first and second electrodes (102, 103). Polyacids are relatively low in cost, and their high ionic conductivity together with their thermal stability makes polyacids a viable alternative to solid polymer electrolytes.

Abstract: A method for making high power electrochemical charge storage devices, provides for depositing an electrically conducting polymer (16), (18), onto a non-noble metal substrate (10), which has been prepared by treatment with a surfactant. Using this method, high power, high energy electrochemical charge storage devices may be fabricated with highly reproducible low cost.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell, particularly an electrochemical capacitor device (30) includes first and second electrodes (24) and (28) having an electrolyte (26) disposed therebetween. At least one of the electrodes (24) is fabricated on a substrate (12) and includes a multilayer composite electrode active material disposed thereon. The multilayer composite electrode includes first and second layer (16) and (22), in which the ratios of electroactive materials therein is varied so as to promote good adherence to the electrode substrate as well as excellent electrochemical performance.

Abstract: A capacitor (100) includes first and second electrodes (102, 103) an adhesive electrolyte (125) positioned therebetween. The adhesive electrolyte (125) includes an organic polymer and an inorganic component, which is either a polyacid or a polysalt.

Abstract: An electrochemical battery cell (10) including a zinc electrode (20), and may be fabricated with an electrolyte (50) system including an electrolyte active species and a modifier. The electrolyte active species is typically a metal hydroxide such as KOH or NaOH, while the modifier may be a porphine such as a metal porphine, and/or a polymeric material. The polymeric material may be, for example, a polyvinyl resin such as polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl acetate. The resulting electrolyte typically includes between 3 and 10 weight percent of the polyvinyl resin, 5 and 50 weight percent of the metal hydroxide, and between 1 PPM and 1 wt % of the modifier. Employing such an electrolyte in a cell including a zinc electrode results in an energy storage device having improved power density and substantially longer cycle life.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided with first (10) and second (11) electrodes and a solid polymer electrolyte (15) disposed therebetween. The electrodes include a current collecting layer, a layer of electrode active material, and a layer of an electrically conductive, polymeric protection material disposed therebetween. The protective layer protects, for example, the current collecting layer from the deleterious effects of the acid or alkaline electrolyte active species found in most electrochemical cells. The protective layer is formed of an intermetallic compound dispersed through a layer of appropriately chosen polymeric material.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided with first (10) and second (11) electrodes and a solid polymer electrolyte (15) disposed therebetween. The solid polymer electrolyte is preferably fabricated by providing a linear powdered polymeric precursor material which is thereafter heated to temperatures sufficient to drive off moisture and in the presence of an electrolyte active species. The electrolyte active species is preferably an acidic electrolyte active species which has the effect of protonating the powdered polymeric precursor material. Electrochemical cells fabricated using these devices demonstrate performance characteristics far better than those available in the prior art.

Abstract: An electrochemical capacitor cell (140) is provided with first and second electrodes (146) (148), and a solid polymer electrolyte (154) is disposed therebetween. The electrodes may either be of the same or different materials and may be fabricated from ruthenium, iridium, cobalt, tungsten, vanadium, iron, molybdenum, hafnium, nickel, silver, zinc, and combinations thereof. The solid polymer electrolyte is in intimate contact with both electrodes, and is made from a polymeric support structure having dispersed therein an electrolyte active species. Also a method of fabricating a biopolar electrochemical charge storage device by assembling at least the first and second bipolar subassemblies together with the second layer of electrode active material for the first bipolar subassembly in direct contact with the first layer of electrode active material for the second bipolar subassembly without a current collector disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A method for making high power electrochemical capacitors provides for depositing an electrically conducting polymer (20) (22) onto a non-noble metal substrate (10) which has been prepared by coating with an adhesion enhancing material (16) (18). Using the method, high power, high energy devices may be fabricated by arranging a plurality of individual capacitor cells into a stacked, bipolar device.

Abstract: A hybrid electrode for a high power, high energy, electrical storage device contains both a high-energy electrode material (42) and a high-rate electrode material (44). The two materials are deposited on a current collector (40), and the electrode is used to make an energy storage device that exhibits both the high-rate capability of a capacitor and the high energy capability of a battery. The two materials can be co-deposited on the current collector in a variety of ways, either in superimposed layers, adjacent layers, intermixed with each other or one material coating the other to form a mixture that is then deposited on the current collector.