Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining Botulinum toxin (BoNT) based on a luminescence assay. The present application further relates to a peptide that is susceptible to proteolytic cleavage by BoNT which is suitable for that method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying analyte molecules and in particular to a component of this type in which a separation section is used for separating analyte molecules and other constituents of a sample, and in which provision is made of at least one sample chamber for receiving a sample containing the analyte molecules and at least one collecting chamber for receiving the purified analyte molecules. According to the invention, the microfluidic component has at least one integrated receptor device for detecting the presence and/or the concentration of the purified analyte molecules. In accordance with one advantageous development of the present invention, the separation section is formed by an electrophoretic gel filtration section.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of nanoparticles. The subject matter of the invention is a method for treating nanoparticles for the reduction of ligand spheres.

Abstract: The present invention relates to phaseguide patterns for use in fluid systems such as channels, chambers, and flow through cells. In order to effectively control filling and/or emptying of fluidic chambers and channels, techniques for a controlled overflowing of phaseguides are proposed. In addition, techniques of confined liquid patterning in a larger fluidic structure, including approaches for patterning overflow structures and the specific shape of phaseguides, are provided. The invention also proposes techniques to effectively rotate the advancement of a liquid/air meniscus over a certain angle. In particular, a phaseguide pattern for guiding a flow of a liquid contained within a compartment is provided, wherein an overflow of the phaseguide by a moving liquid phase is controlled by a local change in capillary force along the phaseguide, wherein said overflow by the liquid over the phaseguide is provoked at the position of the local change in capillary force.

Abstract: A medical sensor system (10, 10?) for detecting at least one characteristic (12) of an human and/or animal body has a sensor (14), a first characteristic carrier (16), and a characteristic carrier receptor (18). The first characteristic carrier (16) differs, in terms of at least one characteristic parameter, from a second characteristic carrier (20) which is present at least at the time of detection. The sensor (14) is preferably located in vivo at the time of detection of the at least one characteristic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fingerprint recognition module comprising a substrate consisting of a material that is electrically insulating at least on its upper side and at least partially thermally insulating. Said substrate receives a composite of structured thin films on its surface, which directly forms a measuring field on the surface of the substrate for measuring a fingerprint. Said composite consists of an array of resistive, temperature-dependent elements, and contains strip conductors which connect the resistive, temperature-dependent elements to at least one connection field located on the substrate, outside the measuring field, and form part of the composite of structured thin films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying analyte molecules and in particular to a component of this type in which a separation section is used for separating analyte molecules and other constituents of a sample, and in which provision is made of at least one sample chamber for receiving a sample containing the analyte molecules and at least one collecting chamber for receiving the purified analyte molecules. According to the invention, the microfluidic component has at least one integrated receptor device for detecting the presence and/or the concentration of the purified analyte molecules. In accordance with one advantageous development of the present invention, the separation section is formed by an electrophoretic gel filtration section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme electrode arrangement comprising a substrate with a surface roughness in the range of 20 nm to 10 microns, a metal electrode, an ultrathin semipermeable membrane with a thickness in the range of 10-100 nm and at least one enzyme membrane, a method for the fabrication of such arrangement and a biosensor arrangement comprising such electrode arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fingerprint recognition module comprising a substrate consisting of a material that is electrically insulating at least on its upper side and at least partially thermally insulating. Said substrate receives a composite of structured thin films on its surface, which directly forms a measuring field on the surface of the substrate for measuring a fingerprint. Said composite consists of an array of resistive, temperature-dependent elements, and contains strip conductors which connect the resistive, temperature-dependent elements to at least one connection field located on the substrate, outside the measuring field, and form part of the composite of structured thin films.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme electrode arrangement comprising a substrate with a surface roughness in the range of 20 nm to 10 microns, a metal electrode, an ultrathin semipermeable membrane with a thickness in the range of 10-100 nm and at least one enzyme membrane, a method for the fabrication of such arrangement and a biosensor arrangement comprising such electrode arrangement.

Abstract: Sensors that are capable measuring the rate of flow of a fluid that passes over the electrodes of the sensor. In these sensors, an electrode, designated the flow rate-determining electrode, is used in conjunction with the conventional electrodes, e.g., the working electrode, the reference electrode, and the counter electrode, to determine the rate of flow of the fluid. In one aspect, this invention provides a sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of fluid when the sample flows continuously over the electrodes of the sensor, especially when the rate of flow of the sample is relatively low. In another aspect, this invention provides a method for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of fluid, wherein the rate of flow of the sample varies during the period of time that the sensor is in place. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor employs four electrodes, namely, a working electrode, a reference electrode, a counter electrode, and a flow rate-determining electrode.

Abstract: Sensors that are capable measuring the rate of flow of a fluid that passes over the electrodes of the sensor. In these sensors, an electrode, designated the flow rate-determining electrode, is used in conjunction with the conventional electrodes, e.g., the working electrode, the reference electrode, and the counter electrode, to determine the rate of flow of the fluid. In one aspect, this invention provides a sensor for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of fluid when the sample flows continuously over the electrodes of the sensor, especially when the rate of flow of the sample is relatively low. In another aspect, this invention provides a method for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample of fluid, wherein the rate of flow of the sample varies during the period of time that the sensor is in place. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor employs four electrodes, namely, a working electrode, a reference electrode, a counter electrode, and a flow rate-determining electrode.

Abstract: Reactants containing amino, mercapto or hydroxy groups such as proteins, peptides, ligands, coenzymes or enzymes are immobilized on a support containing amino, mercapto or hydroxy groups by coupling the reactant to the support with a compound having the following formula (I) or (IA): ##STR1## wherein X is a halogen and R.sub.1, R.sub.2 are the same or different and are X, R, COR, COOR, wherein R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl, COOH, CNS, N.sub.3 or CN. The support may be first reacted with the compound to produce a derivatized support which is then reacted the reactant or the reactant may be first reacted with the compound and the resultant product then reacted with the support. An electrochemical biosensor can be prepared by using a conductive support.

Abstract: A tubular device for the treatment of hollow organs is flexibly arranged and comprises a coating of silver. This coating is connected to a current source via connecting wires. Particularly, the tubular device is used for the treatment of the esophagus, and by the irritation caused by the electric current it is to effect an inflammation of the esophagus wall and thus a thickening of the latter so as to reduce the danger of hemorraghes of varicose veins within the esophagus or to prevent the hemorraghes. The tubular device is expansible in order to secure a close abutment of the silver coating against the mucous membrane of the esophagus.