Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pellistor comprises providing a porous catalyst layer (11) on a heater by electrodepositing material from a mixture containing the catalyst and a structure-directing agent in an amount sufficient to form an homogenous lyotropic liquid crystalline phase in the mixture.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for denaturing nucleic acids. The methods involve contacting a solution comprising double stranded nucleic acid with a surface having denaturation activity sufficient to produce denaturation within a period of not more than one hour.

Abstract: A method for indicating the concentration of a substance in solution includes passing an alternating voltage between a first electrode structure having coated thereon a polymer and a second separate counter electrode in the solution. The polymer is in one of an oxidized and a reduced state, between which states its conductivity varies. Changes in the conductivity of the polymer coating are measured, the measurement being representative of the state of the polymer and thereby of the concentration of the substance in the solution. Electrodes for use in this method are also described.