Abstract: The subject invention provides devices, and methods of making and using the same, for the non-invasive detection of ethanol in a sample. In specific embodiments, the fuel cell based ethanol detector of the subject invention is capable of measuring the concentration of ethanol vapor in the presence of water vapor, which is known to confound signal readings in conventional detectors. Advantageously, the electrochemical sensors provided herein are highly stable and accurate, especially suitable for low-cost, continuous monitoring of ethanol content in transdermal perspiration samples.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mask set for use in fabricating thin film tunneling devices includes a first photomask configured to form bottom electrodes of the devices, the first photomask comprising a first alignment mark including multiple corner markers, and a second photomask configured to form a continuous top layer of the devices, the second photomask comprising a second alignment mark including a corner marker configured to be aligned with one of the corner markers of the first photomask, wherein a degree of overlap between the bottom electrodes and the continuous top layer depends upon the corner marker of the first photomask with which the corner marker of the second photomask aligns.

Abstract: Mobile power transfer methods and apparatuses for charging electric vehicles both statically and dynamically are provided. A mobile electric charging station can include a chassis, a power source connected to the chassis, a power control system connected to the chassis and the power source, and a wireless power transmitter deployment structure connected to the chassis and the power control system. The power source can be one more of an electric grid connection, a battery, a generator, and solar panels.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials and methods of fabricating and using an electrochemical biosensor for continuous detection of biological analytes. In a specific embodiment, the biosensor detects a given analyte when the analyte binds with a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) matrix immobilized atop a sensing substrate eliminating the need for a redox probing agent commonly found in electrochemical biosensors. Furthermore, the detection sensitivity of the biosensor is enhanced by modifying the electrode surface with a plurality of nanoscopic metallic structures. Advantageously, technologies provided herein can be used in a variety of low-power electronics for wearable applications.

Abstract: The subject invention provides devices, and methods of making and using the same, for the non-invasive detection of ethanol in a sample. In specific embodiments, the fuel cell based ethanol detector of the subject invention is capable of measuring the concentration of ethanol vapor in the presence of water vapor, which is known to confound signal readings in conventional detectors. Advantageously, the electrochemical sensors provided herein are highly stable and accurate, especially suitable for low-cost, continuous monitoring of ethanol content in transdermal perspiration samples.

Abstract: Apparatuses and associated methods for manipulating an assembly of glass slides employed in cellular assay processes are provided. Each apparatus can accommodate at least one removable rack of slides to undergo electrophoresis in a comet assay. The slides can remain in the same apparatus while being subjected to a sequence of fluid staining and washing with temperature control, advantageously shortening the amount of time required for processing the slides by keeping them in the same work station for the entire duration of the assay.

Abstract: An apparatus for the insertion, placement, attachment, and removal of a surgical device includes a handle and an elongate shaft. Opposing spring fingers that open and close relative to one another are partially and slidably disposed within the distal end of the elongate shaft opposite the handle. The opposing spring fingers are adapted to grasp a surgical device and power the surgical device via physical conductors on the spring fingers or graspers attached thereto, resulting in the surgical device being fully functional. A first trigger mechanism opens and closes the spring fingers via a piston disposed within the elongate shaft. A second trigger mechanism rotates the surgical device grasped by the spring fingers.

Abstract: The subject invention provides the materials and methods for fabricating and using an electrochemical immunosensing device to detect a target antigen. In a preferred embodiment, the subject invention utilizes Camelid-derived, single-domain antibodies as the sensing agents immobilized onto the surface of the immunosensing device, more specifically, the working electrode of the immunosensing device. Furthermore, embodiments of the subject invention provide means for increasing the device's detection sensitivity by utilizing a working electrode optionally configured with an array of interdigitated electrodes.

Abstract: Microneedles with sharpened tips are fabricated without any reduction to the shaft diameter below the tip. By sharpening the tip and not the entire length of the microneedle, their mechanical strength is maintained. The microneedles are fabricated out of a wafer substrate using lithography and deep reactive-ion etching (DRIE). By controlling the timing of the DRIE as the photoresist depletes, the sharpness and angle of the tips are controlled.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a Coupled Domain Sensor (CDS) that can be used to, for example, evaluate hydration and occlusion of blood in patients with edema using electrical and optical measurements. Advantageously, the CDS provides a quicker, more effective and accurate way of monitoring this medical condition.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for fabricating thin film tunnel devices includes forming multiple bottom electrodes on a substrate, depositing an insulating layer of material on top of each bottom electrode, and directly depositing a single, continuous top layer of conductive material on the insulating layers that does not contact the bottom electrodes, wherein the bottom electrodes, insulating layers, and continuous top layer together form multiple thin film tunnel devices in which the continuous top layer forms the top electrode for each tunnel device and electrically connects the tunnel devices.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system for evaluating coupled components includes a first diffraction grating provided on a first component, a second diffraction grating provided on a second component, a light source that emits light having a wavelength that is larger than the grating periods of the first and second diffraction gratings, and a photodetector that senses the intensity of the light after it passes through the diffraction gratings.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vertical microcoaxial interconnect includes a dielectric substrate having a top side and a bottom side, an inner conductor extending through the substrate from its top side to its bottom side, an outer conductor that extends through the substrate from its top side to its bottom side, the outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, a signal line extending to the inner conductor without contacting the outer conductor, and a ground line extending to the outer conductor without contacting the inner conductor or the signal line.

Abstract: The current invention pertains to electrochemical biosensors. The electrochemical biosensor of the current invention comprises: a) a sensing electrode having attached to its surface a binding agent capable of specifically binding to the analyte to form a binding agent-analyte complex and wherein the binding of the analyte to the binding agent alters the electron transfer properties at the sensing electrode surface thereby providing a change in the electrochemical response at the sensing electrode surface proportional to the number of binding agent-analyte complexes, and b) a test equipment capable of measuring the electrochemical response at the sensing electrode surface. The binding agent can be a binding protein, an antibody, or an aptamer, and the analyte can be a biomolecule. Accordingly, the current invention provides a method of detecting the presence or assessing the likelihood of development of a disease associated with an abnormal level of a biomolecule in a subject.

Abstract: An electrical impedance sensing device which integrates multielectrode automated impedance spectroscopy capability with automatic parameter extraction and data analysis to create an automated cell behavior monitoring system. The device comprises radial electrodes and an out-of-plane counter electrode. Quantitative impedance data provided information on cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation and detachment due to cell cycle processes as well as cell-drug interaction, with spatio-temporal resolution. The resulting dataset is processed for impedance distribution and used to characterize cellular motion, morphology, electrochemical and dielectric properties. Also, a method is described for studying cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, determining electrical characteristics of cell layers, and identifying specific impedance parameters for cancer screening, drug screening, bacterial growth monitoring, organ transplant compatibility, and cell-drug interaction among other applications.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electrical circuit formed on a substrate includes a first multi-layer stack and a second multi-layer stack that share a top layer that comprises a continuous piece of conductive material.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vertical microcoaxial interconnect includes a dielectric substrate having a top side and a bottom side, an inner conductor extending through the substrate from its top side to its bottom side, an outer conductor that extends through the substrate from its top side to its bottom side, the outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, a signal line extending to the inner conductor without contacting the outer conductor, and a ground line extending to the outer conductor without contacting the inner conductor or the signal line.

Abstract: An imaging device for in vivo medical applications that enables minimally invasive surgical procedures. The imaging device includes an elongated frame having a base, a module housing, and an optional helical member interposed between the base and module housing. The imaging device further includes an actuation unit positioned within the frame that engages the module housing causing the frame to bend at the optional helical member. The module housing includes an imaging module and may include other modules including tools used for laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical devices and methods for detecting, measuring or monitoring gene expression by detecting hybridization of nucleic acids to arrays. A support wafer with at least one immobilized detection spot is joined with a well-generating wafer to form a sample well above each detection spot. Electrodes transmit electrical impulses upon sample detection from the sample well to an output connector, which are then read by an automated measurement device. The electrode is disposed on either the support wafer, well generating wafer, or on an electrode support wafer. An enzyme-associated probe detects hybridization of molecules to the array, through generation of electrical impulses. Optionally, electron transport mediators and dyes are used in conjunction with the enzyme to aid in detection.

Abstract: A microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) microgenerator cell and array is disclosed. The MEMS microgenerator cell of the present invention is effective in the conversion of thermal energy to electrical energy. In accordance with the present invention, an explosive material is loaded into a chamber. A diaphragm seals the chamber, containing a plasma material. The explosive material is subsequently heated to its ignition temperature thereby raising the pressure in the chamber until the diaphragm ruptures. The rupture of the diaphragm results in the flow of plasma out of the chamber. Upon exiting the chamber, the plasma is forced to flow between two parallel rectangular electrodes. A magnetic field is applied in a direction orthogonal to both the plasma flow and the electrodes, thereby generating an electromagnetic field sufficient to a power source for MEMS devices.