Abstract: A biochip includes a flat carrier and an array of spots containing catcher molecules which are arranged on the carrier. Each spot is associated with a microelectrode arrangement for impedance spectroscopic detection of binding events occurring between the catcher molecules and the target molecules applied via an analyte solution. In order to increase the sensitivity or the binding-specific measuring effects of the bio-chip, the electrode arrangement is at least partially embedded in a hydrophilic reaction layer containing catcher molecules and which is permeable to target molecules.

Abstract: A photostructurable liquid composition is for producing a hydrogel layer based on polyacrylamide. The composition, in addition to containing the monomer precursor of the polyacrylamide, the cross-linking agent and the photoinitiator, contains at least one film former, at least one comonomer having reactive linker groups, and at least one softener.

Abstract: A hydrophilic immobilization layer for biosensors is made of a radically cross-linkable hydrogel based on polyacraylamide. The starting composition includes acrylamide, cross-linkers, radical initiator(s), at least one comonomer having reactive linker groups and optionally may include softeners. Alternatively, the inventive layer may be of a photostructured hydrogel based on polyacrylamide. The starting composition includes acrylamide, cross-linkers, photoinitiators, at least one film former, at least one comonomer having reactive linker groups and optionally may include softeners.

Abstract: Electrically charged molecules need to be transported in order to create a DNA sensor. The following measures are undertaken: base metals are introduced into a solution as a positive ion; negatively charged molecules are transported in an opposite direction and are enriched in the vicinity of the measuring electrodes. Binding-specific separation of the charged molecules can be achieved by forming metal layers on the measuring electrodes by depositing metal ions from the solution when a suitable potential is selected. Target DNA can more particularly be introduced into the vicinity of the catcher molecules on the measuring electrodes and non-specifically bound DNA can be removed. According to the associated device, the electrode arrangement may be associated with a sacrificial electrode made of more base metal than the material of the measuring electrodes. The measuring electrodes in particular may be made of noble metal, preferably gold, and the sacrificial electrode may be made of cooper.

Abstract: A method is for performing a high-throughput analysis, according to which processing simultaneously ensues in a continuous manner at a number of work stations. In order to improve the sample throughput, a support, which includes a multitude of spots, particularly a number of spot arrays, is used that is moved in a time manner through the work stations. The corresponding device includes a bio-chip arrangement having a multitude of spots, particularly a number of spot arrays that are arranged in an interspaced manner on a common support made of a flat material.

Abstract: A process is proposed for preparing a microarray including a multiplicity of analytical positions or spots and arranged on a support. The spots include probe molecules and a polymer which has been solidified to give a film. A spot is generated by applying an initially flowable spotting solution to the support, which solution includes a polymer and probe molecules, the polymer being solidified after application to the support. A spotting solution is further proposed which includes, in aqueous solution, probe molecules and a polymer which can be solidified in a non-free radical manner.

Abstract: An intention is for liquids to be dispensed in a micro-grid pattern, i.e. at grid spacings of less than 1 mm. Either a single liquid at a plurality of spots or a plurality of different liquids are released to the substrate simultaneously from microcapillaries by way of a simultaneous capillary/liquid/substrate contact, but without capillary/substrate contact. In the associated apparatus, by way of a macro-head and individual macrocapillaries, which are arranged in a macro-grid pattern, the liquid is transferred, via a coupling location, into a dispensing head with microcapillaries. The macrocapillaries are coupled to the microcapillaries, which transfer the liquid into the micro-grid pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a detection system for detecting different analytes in a sample, characterised by the following steps: providing a planar or essentially planar substrate which has sensors for chemically, optically or electrically detecting the analytes; applying an already microstructured layer to the substrate or applying a continuous layer to the substrate and microstructuring said layer, the layer being applied in such a way in either case that the areas of the substrate that are separated from each other are not covered by the layer, the layer and substrate being sealingly interconnected at least around the uncovered areas; bringing at least some of the uncovered areas into contact with at least one liquid containing catcher molecules, in such a way that said catcher molecules are able to adhere or bond to the surface of the substrate and/or on the surface of the sensors; removing the non-adhering constituents of the liquid and removing the microstructured layer or parts th

Abstract: An analysis device that may be used in biochemical analyses includes a module in a first housing, including a chip support, a sensor chip and electrical contacts between the chip and the chip support. The chip is encapsulated so that the electrical contacts are insulated and the sensitive surface of the sensor chip remains accessible to a fluid to be tested. The module and the first housing form an exchangeable applicator or chip card with mocrofluidic components or functions and is inserted into a second housing that has an evaluation unit for reading and analyzing measured data.

Abstract: The invention presents methods and systems for plating conductive patterns which at least result in a high uniformity and avoid parasitical plating effects. A plating system is disclosed for plating conductive patterns formed at a first surface of a substrate. The system is such that exposure surfaces not to be plated is inhibited. A first electrode of the system is immersed in the plating solution while the second electrode is in contact with another than the first surface of the substrate. The conductive patterns to be plated are temporarily electrically connected with the second electrode.

Abstract: A microfluidic diagnosis kit used in biochemical analysis obtains a premeasured amount of reagents in an applicator for an analysis system. The required reagents are proportioned as non-volatile agents and a microfluidic system is provided, whereby the reagents are automatically dissolved in a solvent and fed to a sensor module to carry out measurement.

Abstract: Redox (re)cycling is improved in terms of the measurement technique in such a way that the redox potential created by a redox pair is measured on a reference electrode in an electroless manner. A configuration adapted to the method contains an electrode system having at least three electrodes: one working electrode, one counter electrode and one reference electrode. The reference electrode is arranged in such a way that it is adjacent to at least partial areas of the two other electrodes, and preferably, at an equal distance from the partial areas. In terms of redox recycling, the electrode system is suitable, for example, for detecting enzyme-coupled identification reactions, but also for measuring an oxygen partial pressure or hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method for biochemical analysis uses a micro-reaction array with at least two reaction chambers for materials which react together chemically or biochemically. The reaction chambers are smaller than 1 &mgr;l, the reaction chambers are filled together by throughflow, the chemical or biochemical reactions of the substances retained therein then occurs in the individual isolated reaction chambers, thus preventing an interference between the reactions in the individual reaction chambers and the reaction products remain enclosed in the relevant reaction chambers. In the system the planar array has at least two reaction chambers for substances, whereby the reaction chambers are closed with the goal of preventing an exchange of substances.

Abstract: The calibration fluid is composed of a biocompatible electrolyte that, at 37° C., exhibits a concentration of bicarbonate ions that lies in the normal physiological range of the concentration of the bicarbonate ions of the blood, exhibits a pH value that lies within a pH value range within 2 through 13 containing the value 7.41 and has a specific ionic strength. In order to enable a calibration of the sensor with a higher precision compared to a known calibration fluid of this type both in vivo as well as in vitro, the ionic strength of the fluid at 37° C. is selected such that it lies in the normal physiological range of the ionic strength of the blood.

Abstract: A biosensor is used for measuring principal metabolites in blood and other substances. The biosensor has a special structure formed of a two-layer enzymatic membrane with a considerably increased functionality compared with enzymatic membranes of the prior art.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a flat bag made of a gas-tight flexible material, to be filled with a fluid has an apparatus hollow space that is limited by a concavely cylindrically curved fixed side wall surface for a flat application of the flat bag, and two fixed front wall surfaces that face one another and are each convexly curved, for an inward bending of edge sides, positioned opposite one another, of the bag lying flat against the side wall surface.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a combination of a pressure sensor and an electrochemical sensor, a basic structure for an ISFET is manufactured on a substrate made of silicon. After depositing a nitride layer as a pH-sensitive layer, the region of the ISFET is covered with a protective layer. In a region provided for a pressure sensor, a structured layer of polysilicon, provided as a membrane, is manufactured above a hollow space. Additional method steps for manufacturing electrical terminals of the sensors and, if required, additional integrated components, and for manufacturing printed conductor planes, are carried out in the context of a CMOS process. IMOX layers in the region of the gas sensor are wet-chemically removed down to the nitride layer. A platinum contact and an additional protective layer made of a PECVD oxide and a PECVD nitride are deposited. Additional layer structures for the gas sensor are manufactured.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided on a substrate whereby a precious metal layer is arranged in an inner region under an electrolyte layer that is surrounded by a polyimide structure. A hydrophobic layer is surrounded by an outer polyimide structure and further is located on top of the electrolyte layer and extends laterally beyond the electrolyte layer. A lead for electrical connection of the precious metal layer extends under the hydrophobic layer laterally from the electrolyte layer is sealed from the hydrophobic layer by a protective layer. The protective layer prevents the penetration of analysis fluid into the gap between the hydrophobic layer and the surrounding polyimide structure into the inner region of the sensor. The material of the protective layer is preferably a double layer of PECVD oxide and PECVD nitride.

Abstract: A flow-through cell for extra-corporeal measurement of blood parameters has a pressure sensor arranged in a measurement chamber. The pressure sensor has an active pressure sensor part and an inactive pressure sensor part. The inactive pressure sensor part is constructed identically to the active pressure sensor part, and is insulated from the pressure prevailing in the measurement chamber by a rigid covering. The active and inactive sensor parts produce respective electrical signals which are subject to the same disturbing influences, so that by subtracting the signal of the inactive sensor part from the signal of the active sensor part, a measured value free of disturbing influences is obtained.

Abstract: Method for calibrating gas measuring sensors for dissolved gasses and method for measuring the concentration of CO.sub.2 in blood with the assistance of such a calibration method two or more separate calibration fluids in which a gas to be measured is dissolved with respectively different partial pressures are employed. For simplification, another (i.e., a second) calibration fluid is produced from one (i.e., a first) calibration fluid by modifying the partial pressure of the first calibration fluid to a different value, preferably by material transport between the first fluid and a gas phase. Analysis equipment operating with this method, particularly for CO.sub.2 measurement of blood, become simpler, smaller and less expensive.