Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting binding of a diabetes-related target molecule analyte in a sample utilizing Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Sensor electrodes include a diabetes-related target-capturing molecule immobilized thereto, and an EIS-based imaginary impedance measurement is utilized to arrive at a concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: A respiratory monitor, systems of respiratory monitoring, and methods of calibrating sensing equipment are described. The respiratory monitor may be configured to identify respiratory patterns while ignoring normal noise aberrations from a sensing device. The monitor may be configured for more comfortable use by a patient. Calibration techniques are also described. These calibration techniques may be employed to adjust sensing systems and to correct for unwanted noise in output signals of sensing equipment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to light amplification technology that has the ability to transform and amplify light to be seen in the visible spectrum by the user (FIG. 2). The biologically-based light amplification system including a reaction center, a proton gradient area, and a light amplification area, and may be configured such that light entering the system through the reaction center produces a proton gradient, which in turn acts upon reactants in the proton gradient area, and then causes a product to enter the light amplification area and thereby drive a bioluminescent or phosphorescent reaction to amplify the light The methods and apparatus use solely biological processes without any external power supply.

Abstract: A prosthetic device includes an internal frame assembled from multiple longitudinal members and multiple transverse members that are substantially planar in character and are arranged to be joined together. A medially arranged opening is defined in each transverse member, and is substantially registered with openings of adjacent transverse members to form a longitudinal passage, such as may be useful to receive an actuator and/or other items. At least some transverse members differ from one another in one or more of shape, length, or width. A covering member may be provided over the internal frame. Rear-facing gaps in transverse members may receive one or more elements such as dampers, batteries, or the like.

Abstract: Devices and methods capable of detecting glucose in saliva (FIG. 12). The devices feature a sensor having a substrate containing electrodes and one or more reagents on the electrodes. A detection device is operably coupled with the sensor to detect glucose based on measurement of an electrical parameter when electricity is applied to the electrode.

Abstract: A transtibial socket for a prosthetic lower limb includes a mesh arranged between rigid struts. The mesh includes a plurality of support members and a plurality of tensile members, optionally in combination with spacer members arranged between different support members. At least one tensioning member coupled with the tensile member extends through of past guides in the struts to an adjustable tensioning apparatus that is configured to allow the mesh to be constricted radially by the amputee-user. The mesh allows for the heat dissipation and volume adjustment, while increasing contact area and force distribution around a residual limb.

Abstract: Methods for detecting one or more analytes in a sample utilizing Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurement. In one method, analyte detection includes comparing an imaginary impedance measurement to a calibration curve of concentrations for each target analyte. The calibration curve of concentrations for each target analyte is established at an optimal frequency. In another method, a signal decoupling algorithm is utilized for detection of more than one analyte on an electrode.

Abstract: Osmolality and osmolality sensors and methods utilizing electrochemical impedance to detect changes in impedance to varying salinity concentrations. By way of example, the impedance reported at the specified frequency varies logarithmically with the concentration of sodium chloride subject to the sensor surface. Measurements obtained by the sensors and methods herein are utilized, for example, to differentiate between the clinical stages of dry eye disease (290-316 mOsm/L) to complement the current diagnostic procedures. Blood serum, urinalysis, and saliva also may be tested and the corresponding osmolarity or osmolality level evaluated for indications of a disease or condition.

Abstract: Electrochemical impedance-based label-free and rapid biosensor for select bodily fluid biomolecule levels. Monoclonal antibodies to of biomolecule such as cortisol were covalently attached to a 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid functionalized gold working electrode using zero-length crosslinkers N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide and 10 mM N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide. Cortisol was detected in phosphate buffered saline (simulated tear fluid) using a simple ferrocyanide reagent with a lower limit of detection of 18.73 pM and less than 10% relative standard deviation.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods involving static or active measurement of pressure, load, or other forces exerted on or between internal anatomical structures are described. A load and/or strain sensor, which may be implantable or otherwise deployed during a medical procedure, along with systems and methods thereof, are also described. These measurements techniques and sensors can provide real-time as well as accumulated data indicative of stresses or other forces being exerted on or between internal anatomical structures of a target patient, e.g., portions or interfaces of the skeletal system.

Abstract: Synthesis of novel and unique PAMAM (poly-amidoamine) polymers. PAMAM polymers can be grown by systematic alternation between ethylenediamine (EDA) and methacrylate. By taking advantage of the alternating terminal ends, successive generations G1 and G0.5 were combined under acidic conditions with Pluronic P123 as a liquid-crystal template. The resulting polymer was imaged with TEM and the product was circular and amorphous of no characteristic size ranging between about 5 nm to about 600 nm, with remarkable electrochemical activity unseen in any of the generations of PAMAM. Applications of this electroactive poly-amidoamine organic polymer include use as a new electron transfer reagent for amperometric biosensors.

Abstract: Electrochemical impedance-based label-free and rapid biosensor for select bodily fluid biomolecule levels. Monoclonal antibodies to of biomolecule such as Cortisol were covalently attached to a 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid functionalized gold working electrode using zero-length crosslinkers N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide and 10 mM N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide. Cortisol was detected in phosphate buffered saline (simulated tear fluid) using a simple ferrocyanide reagent with a lower limit of detection of 18.73 pM and less than 10% relative standard deviation.

Abstract: Flexible sensors incorporating piezoresistive composite materials and their fabrication methods are provided. A flexible sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoresistive element comprising piezoresistive composite material arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode. Piezoresistive composite materials include a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and a conductive filler material (e.g., carbon), and have an elastic modulus value of preferably less than about 1×10?3 GPa. Piezoresistive composite material may be placed between electrodes, and exhibit a change in electrical resistance responsive to a change in pressure applied thereto. Piezoresistive composite materials may be fabricated by fused filament fabrication (FFF) three-dimensional (3D) printing or molding. Exemplary flexible sensors may have a thickness and a feel similar to human skin, may be amenable to simple fabrication techniques, and can be manufactured into user-specific geometries.

Abstract: Synthesis of novel and unique PAMAM (poly-amidoamine) polymers. PAMAM polymers can be grown by systematic alternation between ethylenediamine (EDA) and methacrylate. By taking advantage of the alternating terminal ends, successive generations G1 and G0.5 were combined under acidic conditions with Pluronic P123 as a liquid-crystal template. The resulting polymer was imaged with TEM and the product was circular and amorphous of no characteristic size ranging between about 5 nm to about 600 nm, with remarkable electrochemical activity unseen in any of the generations of PAMAM. Applications of this electroactive poly-amidoamine organic polymer include use as a new electron transfer reagent for amperometric biosensors.

Abstract: A thermally responsive shape memory polymer (SMP) actuator includes a body having at least one non-linear segment arranged between first and second ends, with the body comprising a plurality of dots, rods, or layers of SMP material. The SMP material my include a linear aliphatic thermoplastic polyester and at least one other polymer. The non-linear segment may have a substantially flat zig-zag shape arranged between first and second substantially straight segments. A prosthetic device may include multiple thermally responsive shape memory actuators and a movable joint arranged between structural members having anchors associated therewith. A first group of SMP actuators provides pivotal movement in a first direction, and a second group of SMP actuators provides pivotal movement in a second direction. Methods for forming SMP actuators include body formation by additive manufacturing, heating the body to a glass transition temperature range while applying tension, and cooling the body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally devices for detecting analytes in a subject. More particularly, the present disclosure provides a biosensor array for detecting analytes in a subject. Embodiments of the present disclosure include a biosensor array comprising a plurality of sensor cells for detecting an analyte in a subject. In accordance with these embodiments, the plurality of sensor cells comprise at least one electrode, at least one antibody immobilized on a surface of the at least one electrode, and a biodegradable coating in contact with the at least one antibody.

Abstract: A prosthetic device including an internal frame assembled from multiple longitudinal members and multiple transverse members, wherein each member is substantially planar and defines peripheral slots, and wherein the longitudinal members and transverse members are arranged to mate with one another to join the longitudinal members with the transverse members. In certain embodiments, a first group of longitudinal members is radially arranged relative to a central axis extending through the transverse members, and a second group of longitudinal members is tangentially arranged relative to the central axis, preferably with lateral edges of the second group of longitudinal members extending between two different longitudinal members of the first group of longitudinal members to provide enhanced torsional rigidity. An outer shaping member, which may be tubular in shape, may be arranged to cover at least a portion of the internal frame.

Abstract: Guidewires useful for cooperating with catheters may be actively steered and/or provide adjustable stiffness. Angle or curvature of a guidewire, and/or flexural modulus of a guidewire, may be adjusted at one or more locations between ends thereof. Variable stiffness segments may include electrically operated compressible and/or extensible materials. Multiple tensile elements may terminate at different body elements to adjust angle or curvature at multiple locations. Multiple circumferentially and/or radially contractible fiber regions may be provided and distributed over a length of a guidewire. Adjustable flexure elements arranged in or along a guidewire may be electrically operated. A flexible core member may be centrally arranged in a tubular body. A flexible guide wire or track may cooperate with electrically operable motor units.

Abstract: A blood glucose sensing device includes a substrate, multiple three-dimensionally (3D) printed electrode leads comprising graphene arranged on or over the substrate, and glucose monitoring chemistry arranged in or on (e.g., adsorbed in) at least one of the 3D printed electrode leads. An end portion of a counter electrode lead may partially surround an end portion of a working electrode lead, and a reference lead may be further provided, Optionally, the 3D printed electrode leads may include a thermoplastic material, such as an aliphatic polyester. The glucose monitoring chemistry may include an enzyme.

Abstract: Devices and methods capable of detecting glucose in saliva (FIG. 12). The devices feature a sensor having a substrate containing electrodes and one or more reagents on the electrodes. A detection device is operably coupled with the sensor to detect glucose based on measurement of an electrical parameter when electricity is applied to the electrode.