Abstract: A hydrogel sensor device can include a crosslinked hydrogel body which changes in volume in response to an environmental stimulus, a support post positioned to mechanically support the crosslinked hydrogel body during the change in volume, and a sensor positioned to detect the change in volume in the crosslinked hydrogel body.

Abstract: A sensor, especially for a reactor, bioreactor, or a clinical or animal research application, is disclosed including a sensor probe having at least one sensor unit associated therewith, each sensor unit including a hydrogel, a magnetic sheet disposed on one side of the hydrogel, and a magnetometer disposed on a side of the hydrogel opposite the magnetic sheet.

Abstract: A hydrogel sensor device can include a crosslinked hydrogel network having a first affinity ligand and a second affinity ligand positioned and configured to concurrently and reversibly bind to a common target molecule. The crosslinked hydrogel network can be further configured to decrease in volume with concurrent binding of the common target molecule. Generally, one or both of the first affinity ligand and the second affinity ligand are at least one of a protein, a peptide, and a synthetic biomimetic ligand. The hydrogel sensor device can also include a detector positioned to detect a change in volume of the crosslinked hydrogel network.

Abstract: A sensor sheath for a catheter. The sensor sheath includes a substrate having at least one sensor associated therewith; and an electronics unit in communication with at the at least one sensor, wherein the substrate is configured to attach to a catheter.

Abstract: A sensor sheath for a catheter. The sensor sheath includes a substrate having at least one sensor associated therewith and an electronics unit in communication with the at least one sensor, wherein the substrate is configured to attach to a catheter.

Abstract: A hydrogel sensor device can include a crosslinked hydrogel body which changes in volume in response to an environmental stimulus, a support post positioned to mechanically support the crosslinked hydrogel body during the change in volume, and a sensor positioned to detect the change in volume in the crosslinked hydrogel body.

Abstract: Osmolarity-responsive hydrogel sensors, particularly biosensors, containing quaternary ammonium functionality, which are useful for, inter alia, continuous osmolarity monitoring with no pH interference, are disclosed. Methods of using the osmolarity-responsive hydrogels are also disclosed.

Abstract: Osmolarity-responsive hydrogel sensors, particularly biosensors, containing quaternary ammonium functionality, which are useful for, inter alia, continuous osmolarity monitoring with no pH interference, are disclosed. Methods of using the osmolarity-responsive hydrogels are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor, especially for a reactor, bioreactor, or a clinical or animal research application, is disclosed including a sensor probe having at least one sensor unit associated therewith, each sensor unit including a hydrogel, a magnetic sheet disposed on one side of the hydrogel, and a magnetometer disposed on a side of the hydrogel opposite the magnetic sheet.

Abstract: A sensor sheath for a catheter. The sensor sheath includes a substrate having at least one sensor associated therewith; and an electronics unit in communication with at the at least one sensor, wherein the substrate is configured to attach to a catheter.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an array of micro electrodes enabled to have customizable lengths. A substantially criss-cross pattern of channels on a top surface of the work-piece substrate (10) is formed using electrical discharge machining to form a plurality of shaped columns (20) having tapered profiles. The shaped columns have a tapering profile which extends at least 50% of the length of the columns. The plurality of shaped columns is etched to sharpen the tapered tips into needle tips forming the array of microelectrodes.

Abstract: A hybrid optical-electrical neural interface is disclosed and described. The neural interface can include an array (100) having a plurality of micro-optrodes (HO). The micro-optrodes (110) are capable of optical and optionally electrical stimulation and recording, allowing bidirectional, multi-modal communication with neural tissue. At least a portion of the plurality of micro-optrodes (110) are independently optically addressable and include an optical waveguide along each micro-optrode (HO). Combining optical stimulation with electrical recording can allow artifact-free recording from nearby electrodes and in some cases even the same electrode, which is difficult to achieve with combined electrical recording and stimulation. The optical waveguide is configured to direct light towards a distal end (125) of the micro-optrode, allowing focal stimulation and recording. Penetrating micro-optrodes (110) can allow access to deep tissue, while non-penetrating micro-optrodes can be used for extraneural stimulation.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an array of micro electrodes enabled to have customizable lengths. A substantially criss-cross pattern of channels on a top surface of the work-piece substrate (10) is formed using electrical discharge machining to form a plurality of shaped columns (20) having tapered profiles. The shaped columns have a tapering profile which extends at least 50% of the length of the columns. The plurality of shaped columns is etched to sharpen the tapered tips into needle tips forming the array of microelectrodes.