Abstract: The present disclosure provides a test strip including: a conductive pattern formed on a substrate, the conductive pattern being formed from a thin film material, the conductive pattern including: a plurality of electrodes configured to perform a reagent-free measurement of hematocrit levels in a blood sample; a plurality of conductive contacts configured to communicate with a test meter; and a plurality of conductive traces configured to electrically connect the plurality of electrodes to the plurality of conductive contacts; an inert layer positioned on at least a portion of the conductive pattern; and a capillary chamber exposing at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes, the capillary chamber being defined by the inert layer for receiving a blood sample and delivering the blood sample to the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to methods for modification of functionalized substrates. In another aspect, the invention relates to systems and methods for fabricating multilayer polymer compositions. In certain embodiments, the multilayer polymer compositions described herein can comprise heterobifunctional polymers and heterotrifunctional molecules.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to methods for modification of functionalized substrates. In another aspect, the invention relates to systems and methods for fabricating multilayer polymer compositions. In certain embodiments, the multilayer polymer compositions described herein can comprise heterobifunctional polymers and heterotrifunctional molecules.

Abstract: A biocompatible capsule comprising a biological material encapsulated by a covalently stabilized coating and a method of making the same are disclosed. The biological material can be a material selected from the group consisting of cells, such as islets of Langerhans, pharmaceuticals, and biological agents. The coating can be formed by reacting an alginate-[polyalkylene glycol (PAG)-X1]n, and a multi-functional PAG-X2, to form covalent bonds, wherein n is an integer greater than 0, a first one of X1 and X2 is N3, and a second one of X1 and X2 is selected from the group consisting of: wherein R1=CH3, CH2CH3, CH(CH3)2, R2=N(CH3)2, OCH3, OH, CH3, H, F, Cl, Br or NO2, and R3=OCH3, CH3, H, F, Cl or NO2.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to methods for modification of functionalized substrates. In another aspect, the invention relates to systems and methods for fabricating multilayer polymer compositions. In certain embodiments, the multilayer polymer compositions described herein can comprise heterobifunctional polymers and heterotrifunctional molecules.

Abstract: A biocompatible capsule comprising a biological material encapsulated by a covalently stabilized coating and a method of making the same are disclosed. The biological material can be a material selected from the group consisting of cells, such as islets of Langerhans, pharmaceuticals, and biological agents. The coating can be formed by reacting an alginate-[polyalkylene glycol (PAG)-X1]n, and a multi-functional PAG-X2, to form covalent bonds, wherein n is an integer greater than 0, a first one of X1 and X2 is N3, and a second one of X1 and X2 is selected from the group consisting of: wherein R1=CH3, CH2CH3, CH(CH3)2, R2=N(CH3)2, OCH3, OH, CH3, H, F, Cl, Br or NO2, and R3=OCH3, CH3, H, F, Cl or NO2.