Abstract: Devices for detecting an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte, are provided. The devices include bio-functional, nanostructured, isoporous membranes (BNIM) integrated organic electrochemical transistor (OECT), herein BNIM-OECT, for the rapid and sensitive detection of the presence of an analyte of interest, in a sample, for example, a biological sample. The membrane (i.e., BNIM) is physically separated from the OECT channel therefore the electronic device can be used multiple times. The isoporous membrane is functionalized to include a binding partner for the analyte being detected. The BNIM-OECT can be used for disease detection, by functionalizing the BNIM-OECT with a binding partner to an analyte associated with the disease, applying a collected biological sample to the BNIM-OECT. A decrease in channel current as a result of analyte binding to its binding partner on the isoporous membrane indicates the presence of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Enzyme-based biofuel cells including a bioanode, a biocathode, and an electrolyte solution are disclosed. The bioanode contains (a) a conductive substrate; (b) one or more n-type polymers; and (c) one or more enzymes. The biocathode contains (a) a conductive substrate; and (b) one or more p-type polymers. The electrolyte solution contains one or more metabolites capable of reacting with the enzymes and is in electrical communication with the bioanode and the biocathode. The bioanode is electrically connected to the biocathode. The biofuel generates power when the metabolites react with the enzymes to produce electrons; the electrons are directed through an electrical circuit to the biocathode where an oxidant is reduced to water. The structure of the n-type polymer allows for efficient electron transfer from the enzyme to the polymer, resulting improved biofuel cell performances. Methods of making and using the enzyme-based biofuel cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described are inkjet-printed sensors for detecting metabolites in biological samples obtained non-invasively. The sensors may include a backing layer, and at least one set of three electrodes printed from a conducting polymer onto the backing layer. A set of electrodes includes a three-electrode geometry with a reference electrode, a working electrode with a polymeric coating, and a counter electrode. The sensor may be connected to an acquisition system and/or a display system, forming a sensor system. The biological sample may be saliva, sputum, tear, sweat, urine, exudate, blood, plasma, or vaginal discharge. The sensor typically detects metabolites capable of interacting with oxidase or oxido-reductase enzymes. Some of the exemplary metabolites detected by the sensor include glucose, cholesterol, nicotine, carbon monoxide, nitrite, nitrate, alcohol, and bacterial metabolites.

Abstract: N-type polymer based electrochemical devices include one or more source electrodes, one or more drain electrodes, one or more channels, a gate electrode, and an electrolyte solution are disclosed. The channels include one or more n-type polymers and one or more enzymes. The gate electrode includes one or more n-type polymers and one or more enzymes. The source and the drain electrodes are electrically connected by the corresponding channel. The electrolyte solution contains one or more metabolites capable of reacting with the one or more enzymes in the channel and the gate electrode and is in electrical contact with the channel and the gate electrode. Saturation current that flows through the channel increases when the metabolites react with the enzymes to produce electrons, which are directly transferred to the n-type polymers at the gate electrode and the channel. Methods of making and using the n-type electrochemical device are also disclosed.