Abstract: An apparatus and method of detecting bio molecular by measuring a variation of an electrical characteristic of a circuit having an inductance device and a capacitance device. The bio molecular detection method comprises providing a signal converting unit having at least one inductance device and at least one capacitance device connected with each other, disposing a biochip, which has capturing probe biomolecules attached to a substrate, at a location in the signal converting unit, and measuring an electrical characteristic of the signal converting unit, performing a coupling reaction of the biochip and a sample to be analyzed; and measuring an electrical characteristic of the signal converting unit after the coupling reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical sensor or biosensor that contains a substrate which bears at least one working electrode and a heating element, optionally also a temperature measuring element. This electrochemical sensor or biosensor allows to achieve better mass transport towards the working electrode during the measurement process. The invention further relates to a method of electrochemical measurement using the sensor or biosensor of the invention.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide electrochemical analyte sensors having elements designed to modulate their electrochemical reactions as well as methods for making and using such sensors.

Abstract: A bilirubin sensor has a working electrode with a first chemical matrix disposed thereon that contains a binder, a substrate electrode with a second chemical matrix dispose thereon that contains a binder and a chemical agent that consumes bilirubin, a reference electrode, a sample chamber containing the working electrode, the substrate electrode and the reference electrode, and a method of measuring bilirubin in a body fluid.

Abstract: Gas sensing material and gas sensor employing the same are provided. The gas sensing material includes an inorganic metal oxide and an organic polymer, wherein the organic polymer includes a repeat unit having the structure of wherein R1 and R2 are an independent alkyl group, alkoxy group, alkoxycarbonyl group, aryl group, heteroaryl group, or aliphatic group.

Abstract: This invention provides an electrochemically active organic thin film capable of repeating reversible oxidation/reduction a number of times. Further, the invention provides a novel approach to so-called “molecular nanoelectronics” utilizing organic molecules as operating units, with the use of such organic thin film. Such electrochemically active organic thin film comprises a substrate, an organic molecular film comprising organic molecules having terminal amino groups chemically fixed on the surface of the substrate, and metal atoms or metal ions coordinately hound to the amino groups.

Abstract: A hybridization detecting device, wherein a probe cell has a body of semiconductor material forming a diaphragm, a first electrode on the diaphragm, a piezoelectric region on the first electrode, a second electrode on the piezoelectric region and a detection layer on the second electrode. The body accommodates a buried cavity downwardly delimiting the diaphragm.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring parameters in ferromagnetic steel structures, e.g. railway rails and drill pipes, to detect mechanical stress, damage and deterioration. On the monitored structure, devices for magnetization or demagnetization e.g. an electromagnet, will be installed. Two or more electrodes for feeding of a pulse shaped electrical voltage are installed. Across another pair of electrodes, a voltage response signal is measured, and compared with another response signal measured under known conditions or compared with calibration data for the structure. The deviation between these voltages is analyzed to quantify the relative or absolute deviations, and the condition of the steel structure is estimated. The device can measure the transient voltage curves with reference to one or more of the magnetization curves and includes algorithms for analyzing the voltage response curve for determination of mechanical stress and/or fatigue and/or cracks and/or metal loss in steel materials.

Abstract: A method for measuring a concentration of creatinine includes the steps of: (A) mixing a sample containing creatinine with a creatinine quantitative reagent containing a metal complex of at least one of hexacyanoferrate and hexacyanoruthenate in the absence of picric acid and any enzyme responsive to creatinine, to cause the creatinine to reduce the metal complex; (B) electrochemically or optically measuring the amount of the metal complex reduced in the step (A); and (C) determining the concentration of the creatinine contained in the sample from the amount of the reduced metal complex measured in the step (B).

Abstract: A disposable electrochemical sensor strip is provided. The sensor strip includes an isolating sheet having at least a through hole, at least a conductive raw material mounted in the through hole, a metal film covered on the conductive raw material to form an electrode which comprises an electrode working surface for processing an electrode action, and an electrode connecting surface, at least a printed conductive film mounted on the isolating sheet and having a connecting terminal for being electrically connected to the electrode connecting surface, and a signal output terminal for outputting a measured signal produced by the electrode action.

Abstract: A probe for measuring an electric potential of a cell includes a plate having a surface having a first cavity provided therein, and a sensor element provided in the first cavity. A second cavity is provided in the bottom surface of the first cavity. The first flow passage having first and second openings is provided in the plate. The first and second openings of the first flow passage open to the second cavity and outside the plate, respectively. The sensor element includes a thin plate, and a supporting substrate provided around the thin plate and in the first cavity of the plate. The thin plate has a through-hole therein having a first opening and a second opening communicating with the second cavity of the plate. The first flow passage allows fluid to flow therein. A sucking device is coupled with the second opening of the first flow passage as to suck the fluid flowing in the first flow passage. This probe can measure an electric potential of a cell floating in solution as it is in this environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing electrochemiluminescence assays are presented. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention an apparatus comprises an ECL-inactive electrode surface having a first assay-ligand immobilized thereon and an ECL-active microparticle having a second assay ligand immobilized thereon. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention a method comprises (a) forming a mixture comprising an electrochemiluminescent label and a microparticle having a first assay-ligand immobilized thereon, (b) applying electrochemical energy to an electrode surface in the presence of said mixture, and (c) measuring emitted electrochemiluminescence, where the microparticle is ECL-active and where the electrode surface is ECL-inactive when electrochemical energy is applied to it in the presence of said mixture.

Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed toward a novel hybrid spintronic device for converting chemical absorption into a change in magnetoresistance. This device uses a novel magnetic material which depends on the attachment of an organic structure to a metallic film for its magnetism. Changes in the chemical environment lead to absorption on the surface of this organometallic bilayer and thus modify its magnetic properties. The change in magnetic properties, in turn, leads to a change in the resistance of a magnetoresistive structure or a spin transistor structure, allowing a standard electrical detection of the chemical change in the sensor surface.

Abstract: An electrolytic sensing system for measuring a blocking signal allows for controlled translocation of a molecule, such as DNA, through a fluid channel. A substantially constant electric field supplied by a DC source is applied across the fluid channel and induces translocation of the molecule within the system. An oscillating electric parameter (e.g. current or voltage) supplied by an AC source is also applied across the fluid channel as a means for measuring a blocking signal. The substantially constant electric field can be altered to provide more detailed control of the molecule and, optionally, run a select portion of the molecule through the channel multiple times to provide numerous signal readings. A temperature control stage cools the system, providing further control of molecule translocation. A modified or non-modified protein pore may be utilized in the fluid channel. The system allows for long DNA strands to be sequenced quickly without amplification.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor (40) is provided, the sensor comprising a working electrode (44); a counter electrode (46); and an ionic liquid medium extending between the working electrode and the counter electrode, the ionic liquid medium comprising an ionic liquid retained in a support material. The ionic liquid may comprise a cation selected from 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium ([CnMIM]), N-alkylpyridinium, tetraalkylammonium or tetraalkylphosphonium cations and an anion selected from hexafluorophosphate [PF6]; tetrafluoroborate [BF4]; trifluoromethylsulfonate [CF3SO3]; bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amide [(CF3SO2)2N]; trifluoroethanoate [CF3CO2]; acetate [CH3CO2]; nitrate, and halides, including fluoride [F] 1 chloride [Cl], and bromide [Br]. The sensor is particularly useful in the detection of gaseous components in the exhaled breath of a subject and for use in monitoring the lung function of the subject, for example to identify the onset of asthma and/or COPD.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrodes for electrochemical analysis comprising: —an insulating surface; —carbon nanotubes situated on the insulating surface at a density of at least 0.1 ?mCNT Um?2; and—an electrically conducting material in electrical contact with the carbon nanotubes; wherein the carbon nanotubes cover an area of no more than about 5.0% of the insulating surface. Methods of making such electrodes and assay devices or kits with such electrodes, are also provided.

Abstract: Analytical methods and devices are disclosed for separating low abundance analytes by electrophoretically driving the analytes through a sieving matrix to first remove high molecular weight species. Subsequently the remaining low abundance analytes are electrophoretically focused onto a capture membrane where the analytes become bound within a small capture site. After this step the capture membrane may be allowed to dry and then attached to a conductive MALDI sample plate.

Abstract: An analysis instrument for processing a microfluidic device, having sample storage means, a microfluidic device holder, sample loading means for loading sample into a microfluidic device disposed in the holder, processing means for enabling a reaction in a microfluidic device, and detection means for detecting and/or measuring the reaction is disclosed. The microfluidic device holder is adapted to hold the microfluidic device including a tape in position for processing and/or detection. A microfluidic processing device is also disclosed which includes a reaction chamber, and a sample loading chamber into which a sample is injectable. The reaction chamber is operatively connected to the sample loading chamber. A cover extends across at least part of the sample loading chamber. The cover and the reaction chamber include pierceable material and are separated by an overspill cavity configured to accept any overspill of an injected sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrochemical corrosion sensor. The sensor may include an array of electrodes wherein each electrode may include a diamond like carbon coating disposed on at least a portion of the electrodes. The coating thickness may be at least about 1 micron. The electrodes may therefore provide relatively more accurate determination of electrode corrosion rates that may be more consistent with coupon type gravimetric testing.

Abstract: A sensing probe intended to measure the content of an oxygen reducible substance in a fluid, includes: a probe body containing an interface and processing circuit, a dry sensing head including an amperometric sensor intended to measure the content of the oxygen reducible substance. The sensing head is removable. The sensing head and the probe body include respectively coupling elements cooperating with each other and able to be separated, and the sensing probe furthermore includes connecting elements designed to connect the removable sensing head to the interface and processing circuit of the probe body.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to electronic devices and methods. In some cases, the invention provides a sensor device comprising a pair of interdigitated microelectrodes (60), coated with an electrically conducting polymer material (70). The microelectrodes (60) may be surrounded by a first electrode (22), a second electrode (40), and a hydrophobic wall (50).

Abstract: Various methods, compounds and apparatus for the detection of analytes are provided. In one aspect, the direct oxidation of an alcohol is detected electrochemically. In another aspect, a reaction of an analyte is detected, wherein the reaction is catalysed by an enzyme and a cofactor, and wherein the cofactor comprises a moiety which is capable of acting as an electron mediator. In a further aspect, a chiral analyte is detected by resolving a enantiomeric mixture of the analyte and subsequently detecting at least one of the resolved enantiomers electrochemically. The invention is particularly relevant to the detection of alcohols, especially chiral alcohols.

Abstract: Briefly, disclosed is a method and apparatus for detecting an analyte wherein an enhanced charge marker may enhance steric, electrostatic, optic and/or mechanical changes associated with a recognition event between an analyte and a probe.

Abstract: Sensors and switches for detecting hydrogen include an electrically-insulating support; a first and second electrode; and a palladium structure alone or in combination with an organic insulating film. The palladium structures of the sensors are deposited on and contact a first electrode and a portion of the palladium structure extends to and contacts the second electrode to create a conductive path. The palladium structures of the switches are deposited on and contact a first electrode and a portion of the palladium structures extend to and contact an organic insulating film deposited on the second electrode. Upon exposure of the switch to hydrogen, portions of the palladium structure extend through the film and contact the second electrode to create a conductive path. Methods of detecting hydrogen and methods of fabricating a sensor for detecting an analyte of interest are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical sensors for measuring an analyte in a subject. More particularly, the sensor comprises a non-working electrode, the non-working electrode comprising a non-working electroactive surface, and a layer covering at least a portion of the non-working electroactive surface, the layer configured to prevent or reduce endogenous or exogenous components from contacting the non-working electrode surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide electrochemical analyte sensors having elements designed to modulate their electrochemical reactions as well as methods for making and using such sensors.

Abstract: A mixed potential NOx sensor apparatus for measuring the total NOx concentration in a gas stream is disclosed. The NOx sensing apparatus comprises a multilayer ceramic structure with electrodes for sensing both oxygen and NOx gas concentrations and includes screen-printed metallized patterns that function to heat the ceramic sensing element to the proper temperature for optimum performance. This design may provide advantages over the existing technology by miniaturizing the sensing element to provide potentially faster sensor light off times and thereby reduce undesired exhaust gas emissions. By incorporating the heating source within the ceramic sensing structure, the time to reach the temperature of operation is shortened, and thermal gradients and stresses are minimized. These improvements may provide increased sensor performance, reliability, and lifetime.

Abstract: An ozonesonde for in-situ measurement of stratospheric ozone concentration profiles by balloon launches includes a hydrothermal buffer having a vessel surrounding a measurement cell having an aqueous reaction solution. The aqueous reaction solution has melting and boiling points dependent on a salt content. A pump is configured to pass ambient air through the aqueous reaction solution. The vessel of the hydrothermal buffer is fillable with water to a level that is at least as high as a level of the aqueous reaction solution in the measurement cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical electrode probe includes an elongated body of a porous material disposed in a housing. The porous material is permeated with an electrolyte. A body of electrode material surrounds the porous body and functions as one electrode of an electrochemical system. A portion of the elongated body of porous material projects beyond the electrode body and functions to establish ionic and electrical conductivity with a sample of material which is to be tested. The sample of material functions as a working electrode, and the electrode body of the probe functions as a counter electrode/reference electrode. Further disclosed is an electrochemical analysis system which includes the probe and a support plate operable to retain a plurality of samples of test material thereupon. The probe is moved across the plate to sequentially measure the electrochemical properties of the various samples of material. Also disclosed are methods for using the system.

Abstract: A test system for measuring analyte concentration in a fluid sample includes: (i) a capillary-fill biosensor (20) having a working electrode (24), a reference electrode (22) and a separate counter electrode (23), arranged such that a fluid sample which flows evenly along the capillary flow path will substantially completely cover the reference electrode (22) before the fluid sample makes contact with any part of the counter electrode (23); and (ii) a test meter (42) for receiving the biosensor (20), the meter (42) including: first signal circuitry (31) for producing a first signal when an electrical circuit is detected between the reference electrode (22) and the working electrode (24); second signal circuitry (33) for producing a second signal when an electrical circuit is detected between the counter electrode (23) and at least one of the reference electrode (22) and the working electrode (24); a timer (35) for determining the time interval between production of said first signal and said second signal;

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microcantilevers having structural shapes that are less sensitive to turbulence and drift effects yet provide greater deflections due to analyte concentration. The structural shapes include a C-shaped microcantilever, an E-shaped microcantilever, an L-shaped microcantilever, a double microcantilever, a slit microcantilever, a tapered microcantilever, and a triangular microcantilever. The microcantilevers may be piezoresistive microcantilevers. Also disclosed are microsensors, microfluidic devices, and biochips that comprise the microcantilevers as well as methods of using the microcantilevers to detect analytes in a fluid sample.

Abstract: A process analytic sensor for sensing a characteristic of a process fluid is disclosed. The sensor includes a housing including a sensing portion having an electrical characteristic that varies with a characteristic of the process fluid. An instrument cable has at least one electrical conductor. An electrode connection space is located within the housing and the at least one electrical conductor is electrically coupled to a respective conductor of a sensing element of the sensing portion. A fill material is disposed in the electrode connection space. The fill material cures through exposure to moisture and the fill material is uncured and sealed within the electrode connection space.

Abstract: A nano-crystal diamond film synthesized on a substrate and containing, as a major component, nano-crystal diamond having a grain diameter from 1 nm to less than 1000 nm. This nano-crystal diamond film can be formed on a substrate by means of a plasma CVD method using a raw material gas containing a hydrocarbon and hydrogen, allowing the formation of the nano-crystal diamond film to take place outside the plasma region. This nano-crystal diamond film is applicable to the manufacture of an electrochemical device, an electrochemical electrode, a DNA chip, an organic electroluminescent device, an organic photoelectric receiving device, an organic thin film transistor, a cold electron-emission device, a fuel cell and a catalyst.

Abstract: A pair of measuring electrodes comprising a first and a second, preferably in each case sheet-like electrode comprises an insulation layer arranged between said electrodes. One or more nanopores, which extend through said insulation layer as far as said first electrode, the surface of which is at least partially uncovered by said nanopores, are provided in each second electrode. The invention also describes a biosensor comprising a pair of measuring electrodes of this type, an electrochemical cell comprising a biosensor of this type and a process for producing said pair of measuring electrodes.

Abstract: A device for forming waves at the interface (I) of a liquid drop (F1) by electrowetting, enabling the micro-mixing and concentration of constituents at the interface (I) of the drop (F1). The device comprises at least one excitation electrode suitable for generating an oscillating and radial electric field about a first axis of symmetry, under the effect of an electric control, and a liquid drop (F1) arranged on said excitation electrode and having an axis of symmetry coinciding substantially with said first axis of symmetry, such that said electric field generates essentially axisymmetric waves at the interface (I) of said drop (F1).

Abstract: A self-propelled apparatus for analyzing a component contained in a fluid medium. The self-propelled apparatus uses kinetic energy of the apparatus to drive a fluid under analysis through the apparatus. This is accomplished by use of a conveyance system that is attached to the analytical system of the apparatus. A sensor system is used to analyze the component collected within the confines of an analysis chamber, a part of the analysis system. The invention also includes a method of using the analytical apparatus.

Abstract: Sensor devices and compositions can be used for detecting the presence of a target substance in a medium. The sensor devices and compositions can be configured to include at least one nanosensor through a high concentration of nanosensors that interact with the target substance to provide a detectable signal as an indication of such an interaction. The interaction is evidence that the medium includes the target substance. Various types of target substances can be detected with the sensor device, including inorganic molecules, organic molecules, atoms, ions, polypeptides, polynucleotides, cells, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Novel membranes comprising various polymers containing heterocyclic nitrogen groups are described. These membranes are usefully employed in electrochemical sensors, such as amperometric biosensors. More particularly, these membranes effectively regulate a flux of analyte to a measurement electrode in an electrochemical sensor, thereby improving the functioning of the electrochemical sensor over a significant range of analyte concentrations. Electrochemical sensors equipped wish such membranes are also described.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical assay apparatus and method for determining chemical oxygen demand (COD) of a water sample is described. The photoelectrochemical assay comprises: a) a measuring cell for holding a sample to be analysed b) a titanium dioxide nanoparticle photoelectric working electrode and a counter electrode disposed in said cell, c) a UV light source adapted to illuminate the photoelectric working electrode d) control means to control the illumination of the working electrode e) potential measuring means to measure the electrical potential at the working and counter electrodes f) analysis means to derive a measure of oxygen demand from the measurements made by the potential measuring means.

Abstract: A measuring device for the detection and determination of the concentration of at least one analyte in a liquid medium consists of a polymeric carrier having biologically active specific binding molecules dried on its upstream portion. A multiple electrode set consisting of at least one reference electrode and at least one working electrode is located thereon in a downstream region. The working electrode is provided with biologically active specific binding molecules. The carrier has a sample application zone, which is adjoined, in the downstream direction, by a non-deformable, through-flow reaction and detection chamber, a variably dimensioned interstice, and a liquid absorption element. For a qualitative and quantitative analyte determination, two liquid media are applied in succession to the sample application zone. While the first can contain the wanted analyte, the second provides for the formation of an electrical signal.

Abstract: Provided are the preparation, characterization, and application of a nanopore membrane device. The nanopore device comprises a thin membrane prepared from glass, fused silica, ceramics or quartz, containing one or more nanopores ranging from about 2 nm to about 500 nm. The nanopore is prepared by a template method using sharpened metal wires and the size of the pore opening can be controlled during fabrication by an electrical feedback circuit. The nanopore device is particularly useful for counting and analyzing nanoparticles of radius less than 400 nm.

Abstract: A biosensor is a sensor strip that is folded to form a base and a cover. The base has sides, a reactive layer and two electrodes. One of the electrodes is mounted longitudinally on the base, extends from the base to the cover and is covered with insulating materials. The other electrode is mounted on the base from an end of the base to the reactive layer. The cover bonds to and is shorter than the base and has a sample notch. The sample notch is formed in one side of the cover, corresponds to the reactive layer and is near the electrode on the reactive layer. A sample reacts thoroughly with the reactive layer because the anode on the cover takes time to transfer electrons therefore accurate test results are obtained.

Abstract: An electrochemical test system comprising an electrochemical test strip capable of initiating an instrument, determining if it is inserted into a correct position of the instrument, a sample is injected into a reaction region of the electrochemical test strip, and the sample covers the reaction region properly. The electrochemical test strip includes an insulating substrate, an electrode system, and an insulating layer. The electrode system includes a resistor, a set of measurement electrodes which includes a reference electrode and a working electrode insulated from each other, and a set of identifying electrodes which includes first and second identifying electrodes connected through the resistor. A method for detecting a sample includes the steps of inserting the electrochemical test strip into a measurement instrument, providing the sample in the reaction region, and applying a voltage between the reference electrode and the working electrode, and measuring a current corresponding to the voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test tool (X1) attached to an analyzing device (1) for analyzing a sample. The test tool (X1) includes a pinching portion (6) for attachment to the analyzing device (1) or removal from the analyzing device (1). The pinching portion (6) may include recesses or projections.

Abstract: A dual gas sensor is described, having first and second working electrodes separated by a gas impermeable portion. The electrodes are preferably located on a gas permeable polymer support, with the gas impermeable portion being formed by compression of the permeable support. The sensor may also include one or more filters for location adjacent the electrodes to filter certain gases from the air. The preferred sensor is able to detect carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. The sensor housing is formed with four connection pins, allowing a standard sensor housing to be used for dual sensors as well as single sensors having a dummy pin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to diamond material comprising a boron doped single crystal diamond substrate layer having a first surface and a boron doped single crystal diamond conductive layer on said first surface, wherein the distribution of boron in the conductive layer is more uniform than the distribution of boron in the substrate layer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a test strip with identification openings and a test instrument using the same, which are characterized in that the test strip incorporates an identification area. Different combinations of the notched and unnotched positions, or the holed and unholed positions, on the identification area create different digital identification signals. After the test strip is inserted into the test instrument, the test instrument will obtain the digital identification signal and learn the test code, analysis parameters, expiry date and batch number of the test strip. Thereby, the test instrument can verify the batch number and expiry date of the test strip, perform calibration according to the analysis parameters, and provide a correct test result. The present invention can provide many sets of digital identification signals to differentiate test strips.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a test strip with optical identification patterns and a test instrument using the same characterized in that the test strip incorporates an identification area. Different combinations of optical identification patterns on the identification area create different digital identification signals. After the test strip is inserted into the test instrument, the test instrument will obtain the digital identification signal and learn the test code, analysis parameters, expiry date and batch number of the test strip. Thereby, the test instrument can verify the batch number and expiry date of the test strip, perform calibration according to the analysis parameters, and provide a correct test result. The present invention can provide many sets of digital identification signals to differentiate test strips. Therefore, the present invention can be operated fast, conveniently and correctly and can prevent a user from forgetting to calibrate the test instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for testing a catalysis electrode of a fuel cell. The apparatus includes a driving module, a loading module, a containing module and an analyzing unit. The containing module includes a hollow threaded bolt, a sleeve and a contact plate. The hollow threaded bolt is operatively connected to driving module. The sleeve receives and is operatively connected to the hollow threaded bolt. The contact plate is located below the hollow threaded bolt in the sleeve. The analyzing unit includes a working electrode, an auxiliary electrode and a reference electrode. The working electrode is connected to the contact plate. The auxiliary electrode includes an end located below the containing module in the loading module. The reference electrode is connected to the loading module.

Abstract: A self powered sensing device (100) comprising: a first electrode (110) comprising a conducting polymer; a second electrode (120); and an electrolyte (130), the self-powered sensing device configured such that said first and second electrodes (110, 120) and said electrolyte (130) operate as an electrochemical cell following an occurrence of a condition to be sensed and at least the first electrode functions as the sensing indicator.