Abstract: A bio-battery includes a biomolecular energy source, a first electrode and a second electrode. In some configurations, a bio-battery may also include a first cell containing the first electrode and the biomolecular energy source, and a second cell having a reducible substrate and the second electrode. The first cell can be in ionic communication with the second cell, for example by a proton exchange membrane. Various biomolecular energy sources can be used, including proton donor molecules or electrolytically oxidizable molecules. For example, the biomolecular energy source can be selected from the group consisting of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH), Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate (NADPH) and 5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (FADH).

Abstract: An analyte test device is constructed as an integrated, single-use, disposable cartridge which can be releasably installed into a compatible analyte test monitor. In use, the device can be used in conjunction with the monitor to lance the skin of a patient to create a blood sample and, in turn, calculate the concentration of a particular analyte in the expressed blood sample. In one embodiment, the device includes a base and a cover which are affixed together to create a test cartridge which has a substantially flat and low profile design. A lancet carrier is disposed between the base and the cover and includes a anchor fixedly mounted on the base and a lancet support member which is slidably mounted on the base, the anchor and the lancet support member being connected by a spring. A lancet is removably mounted on the lancet support member is disposed directly beneath an analyte test strip which secured to the underside of the cover.

Abstract: Sensor devices, methods and kits for detection of biomolecules are provided. According to various embodiments, the devices, methods and kits provide enhanced sensitivity through the measurement of electrochemical impedance and related properties. Certain embodiments employ nanostructured electrode elements including nanotubes, nanoparticles, nanowires, and nanocones. In a particular embodiment, single walled carbon nanotubes disposed in interconnected networks are used as electrodes. The device, methods and kits described herein have application for detection and measurement of biomolecular species including polynucleotides, proteins, polysaccharides and the like.

Abstract: Plasmons on a waveguide may deliver energy to photocatalyze a reaction. The waveguide or other energy carrier may be configured to carry electromagnetic energy and generate plasmon energy at one or more locations proximate to the waveguide, where the plasmon energy may react chemically with a medium or interaction material.

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: Compositions and methods for reducing the rate of loss of oxygen from a solution and increasing the effective life span of oxygen-containing calibration solutions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for detecting blood cells and a microscopic hole sensor assembly thereof. The device includes a microscopic hole sensor assembly positioned between a front pool and a back pool. The microscopic hole sensor assembly further includes a microscopic hole plate with a microscopic hole positioned thereon for communicating the front pool and the back pool. The end surface of the inlet is a flow-guiding surface gradually narrowing from the front pool to the back pool. The end surface of the outlet is a downstream surface gradually distending and extending towards the back pool. A straight effective orifice area is formed connecting the ends of the flow-guiding surface and the downstream surface.

Abstract: A device for accessing biological fluid, sampling biological fluid constituents and determining the concentration of at least one target constituent within the accessed biological fluid is provided. The device has at least one micro-piercing member used to penetrate the skin to a selected depth and to access biological fluid, a constituent sampling means and a constituent measuring means. The constituent sampling means comprises a constituent transfer medium, such as a hydrophilic gel material, by which sampled constituents are transferred from the micro-piercing member to the measuring means. The measuring means includes an electrochemical cell having at least one porous electrode through which at least one sampled constituent is caused to enter into the electrochemical cell. Methods of sampling constituents within the skin and measuring the sampled constituents, as well as kits for practicing the invention are provided.

Abstract: A biosensor measuring an analyte contained in a sample is provided, including: an insulative lower substrate that has at least one electrode on which an enzyme reaction layer reacting with the analyte is formed; an upper substrate that faces the lower substrate and is made of a conductive material; and an adhesive layer that has a sample feed with a predetermined height on the enzyme reaction layer and attaches the upper and lower substrates to each other, where an end of the upper substrate acts as an electrode in which an electron-transfer mediator contained in the enzyme reaction layer is oxidized or reduced, and the other end acts as an electrical contact part that electrically contacts a measurement unit.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for detection and quantification of analytes in a liquid sample, particularly a liquid sample having a small volume. In a preferred embodiment, the electrochemical cell comprises an assembly of conducting layers and insulating layers. The electrochemical cell can be formed by depositing conducting materials and insulating materials in alternating layers on an insulating substrate. It is preferred that the layer furthest from the insulating substrate be an insulating layer to minimize the damage of the conducting layers during handling of the electrochemical cell. In another embodiment, the assembly of conducting layers and insulating layers can be formed on both major surfaces of the insulating substrate. The assembly can comprise at least one working electrode and at least one other electrode, e.g., a dual-purpose reference/counter electrode.

Abstract: Plasmons on a waveguide may deliver energy to photocatalyze a reaction. The waveguide or other energy carrier may be configured to carry electromagnetic energy and generate plasmon energy at one or more locations proximate to the waveguide, where the plasmon energy may react chemically with a medium or interaction material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a continuous analyte sensor, such as a continuous glucose sensor. One such system utilizes first and second working electrodes to measure additional analyte or non-analyte related signal. Such measurements may provide a background and/or sensitivity measurement(s) for use in processing sensor data and may be used to trigger events such as digital filtering of data or suspending display of data.

Abstract: Plasmons on a waveguide may deliver energy to photocatalyze a reaction. The waveguide or other energy carrier may be configured to carry electromagnetic energy and generate plasmon energy at one or more locations proximate to the waveguide, where the plasmon energy may react chemically with a medium or interaction material.

Abstract: There is provided electrochemical biosensors with a sample introducing part, comprising a sample introducing passage, an air discharge passage, and a void. The sample introducing passage communicates with the air discharge passage, and the void is formed at the point of communication. Also, disclosed is the electrochemical biosensor with the said sample introducing part and a fluidity determining electrode.

Abstract: Electrodes and configurations for electrochemical bioreactor systems that can use electrical energy as a source of reducing power in fermentation or enzymatic reactions and that can use electron mediators and a biocatalyst, such as cells or enzymes, to produce electricity are disclosed. Example electrodes in the system may comprise: (1) neutral red covalently bound to graphite felt (FIG. 1); (2) a carboxylated cellulose bound to the graphite fell, neutral red bound to the carboxylated cellulose, NAD+ to the graphite fell, and an oxidoreductase (e.g., fumarate reductase) bound to the graphite fell; or (3) a metal ion electron mediator bound to graphite. Various biocatalysts, such as an oxidoreductase, cells of Actinobacillus succinogenes, cells of Escherichia coli, and sewage sludge, are suitable for use in the electrochemical bioreactor system.

Abstract: A biosensor that is highly responsive and capable of rapid and highly sensitive quantification of a specific component contained in a sample is provided. The biosensor of this invention comprises: an electrically insulating base plate; an electrode system comprising a working electrode and a counter electrode disposed on the base plate; and a reagent system comprising an oxidoreductase which catalyzes the oxidation reaction of glucose, gluconolactonase and a buffer. The buffer is selected from the group consisting of phthalic acid and its salts, maleic acid and its salts, succinic acid and its salts, phospholic acid and its salts, acetic acid and its salts, boric acid and its salts, citric acid and its salts, glycine, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, piperazine-N,N?-bis(2-ethane sulfonic acid) and the like.

Abstract: Microcavities and micropores that are microscopic (<1 mm) in width and depth and contain any number of individually-addressable electrodes, separated by insulators, along the walls of each cavity. The conducting materials, and the insulator materials can be deposited alternately onto a starting substrate, which is typically an oxidized silicon wafer or polyimide film, but may be any substrate that shows good adhesion to the materials layered on it. The cavities are etched through these layers, perpendicular to the plane of the substrate, exposing the layers at their edges. Pores may be carved entirely through the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for increasing oxygen generation in electrochemical sensors in order to overcome the oxygen limitations. The preferred embodiments employ electrode systems with at least two electrodes in relatively close proximity to each other; wherein at least one electrode is configured to generate oxygen and at least one other electrode is configured to sense an analyte or a product of a reaction indicative of the concentration of analyte. The oxygen generated by the oxygen-generating electrode is available to the catalyst within a membrane system and/or the counter electrode, thereby enabling the electrochemical sensors of the preferred embodiments to function even during ischemic conditions.

Abstract: A novel biosensor was accomplished using a plasma-polymerized membrane. The biosensor of the present invention is a high-performance biosensor produced by a simpler method and applicable to a wide range of fields.

Abstract: A device having a flow channel, wherein a layer of mesh is adhered to a surface forming a wall of a flow channel, but the layer of mesh is of such dimensions that the layer of mesh does not contact those portions of the device where electrochemical reactions occur and electrons flow. In one aspect, the invention provides a sensor, such as, for example, a biosensor, in the form of a strip, the sensor being suitable for electrochemical or optical measurement. The sensor comprises a base layer and a cover layer having a layer of mesh adhered thereto, and the base layer is separated from the cover layer by a spacer layer. The base layer, the cover layer having a layer of mesh adhered thereto, and the spacer layer define a flow channel into which a liquid sample is drawn therein and flows therethrough by means of wicking.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for improved electrochemical measurement of analytes. The preferred embodiments employ electrode systems including an analyte-measuring electrode for measuring the analyte or the product of an enzyme reaction with the analyte and an auxiliary electrode configured to generate oxygen and/or reduce electrochemical interferants. Oxygen generation by the auxiliary electrode advantageously improves oxygen availability to the enzyme and/or counter electrode; thereby enabling the electrochemical sensors of the preferred embodiments to function even during ischemic conditions. Interferant modification by the auxiliary electrode advantageously renders them substantially non-reactive at the analyte-measuring electrode, thereby reducing or eliminating inaccuracies in the analyte signal due to electrochemical interferants.

Abstract: Sensors (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) and a method for detecting an analyte are described. Sensors (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) each have a volume of a hydrophilic medium (24) that retains an amount of analyte proportionate to the concentration of analyte in a biological fluid, electrodes (12) and a redox enzyme in contact with medium (24), and an electron transfer mediator. The fluid contacts sensors (10, 110, 210, 310, 410) and at initially predetermined intervals intermittently applies a potential to electrode (12) sufficient to oxidize the mediator and sensing current through electrode (12) as a function of the duration of the applied potential. The applied mediator oxidizing applied potential is maintained for a period of time sufficient to determine the rate of change of current with time through electrode (12). The current flow is correlated with the current flow for known concentrations of the analyte in medium (24).

Abstract: The subject invention provides new materials and methods for the efficient isolation and purification of stem cells. Specifically, conductive immunopolymers with stem cell specific antibodies can be used to remove stem cells from biological fluids.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of target molecules bound to a working electrode in a first location. The first location is coated with a detection solution containing labeling molecules that include a first charge-separation moiety attached to a first molecule that binds to the target molecule. The first charge-separation moiety includes a material that generates hole-electron pairs in response to being illuminated by light in a first band of wavelengths. After removing any unbound labeling, the working electrode is immersed in a solution containing a compound that is oxidized by the generated holes. The first location is then selectively illuminated with light in the first band; and the change in the current and/or potential is measured between the working electrode and a reference electrode in contact with the solution. The first charge-separation moiety is preferably constructed from particles of a semiconducting material such as TiO2.

Abstract: Diagnostic dry reagent tests capable of reacting with a single drop of whole blood and reporting both glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate levels are taught. Such dry reagent tests may employ electrochemical detection methodologies, optical detection methodologies, or both methodologies. These tests help facilitate the early detection of the onset of ketoacidosis in diabetes.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for detecting biopolymers (DNA) capable of total analysis including non-reacted samples without complicated operations such as washing. A DNA probe is fixed to one of electrodes and direct current voltage is placed between the electrodes, so that it becomes possible to separate complementary strand sample DNA and non-complementary strand sample DNA. By analyzing from a ratio in the whole reaction system, it is possible to obtain clearer results. Further, by using electrophoresis by gel together, it is possible to separate reacted samples and non-reacted samples to perform measurements therefor in the same reaction field.

Abstract: A biosensor for use in determining a concentration of a component in an aqueous liquid sample is provided including: an electrochemical cell having a first electrically resistive substrate having a thin layer of electrically conductive material, a second electrically resistive substrate having a thin layer of electrically conductive material, the substrates being disposed with the electrically conductive materials facing each other and being separated by a sheet including an aperture, the wall of which aperture defines a cell wall and a sample introduction aperture whereby the aqueous liquid sample may be introduced into the cell; and a measuring circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell culture chamber (10) having a sterile environment (12) for the culture of cells, a cover (14) for allowing for a transfer of pits and a sensor array.

Abstract: A method of measuring an analyte in a biological fluid comprises applying an excitation signal having a DC component and an AC component. The AC and DC responses are measured; a corrected DC response is determined using the AC response; and a concentration of the analyte is determined based upon the corrected DC response. Other methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a biosensor capable of determining the concentration of a substrate with higher precision. The biosensor has a member for elimination of interfering compounds including: a redox agent which functions as an oxidant for oxidizing interfering compounds in a sample, and a carrier for immobilizing the redox agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a highly responsive biosensor comprising a cholesterol-oxidizing enzyme and cholesterol esterase. The biosensor comprises: an electrically insulating base plate; an electrode system including a working electrode and a counter electrode formed on the base plate; a cover member joined with the base plate to define a sample supply pathway through which a sample solution is introduced from a sample supply port to the electrode system, the sample supply pathway being formed between the cover member and the base plate; and a reagent layer formed in the sample supply pathway, wherein the reagent layer contains a cholesterol-oxidizing enzyme, cholesterol esterase, an electron mediator, and a buffer having a buffering capacity in an acidic pH range.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the concentration of a substrate in a sample solution using an electrode system comprising a working electrode, a counter electrode, and a reaction layer which contains at least an oxidoreductase and an electron mediator and is formed on the electrode system to electrochemically measure a reduced amount of the electron mediator resulting from enzyme reaction in the reaction layer, wherein a third electrode is formed as an interfering substance detecting electrode. A current flowing between the counter electrode and the third electrode is measured which is taken as a positive error. Subsequently, voltage application between the counter electrode and the third electrode is released and a voltage for oxidizing the reduced form electron mediator is applied between the working electrode and the counter electrode to measure a current flowing between the two electrodes.

Abstract: A micron-scale self-referencing microsensor is disclosed which uses an enzyme-based electrode to measure the flux of an electrochemically inactive analyte such as glucose. The electrode oscillates between at least two positions. In the presence of the analyte, the enzyme generates a species detectable by the electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor based on a three-electrode method containing a reference electrode, comprising: A working electrode 2, a counter electrode 3 and a reference electrode 4 formed on an insulating substrate 1; an examining electrode 8 provided to examine an electric potential of the reference electrode 4; a combining layer 20, an immobilized enzyme layer 21 and a diffusion-limiting layer 22 made of a fluororesin provided on voltmeter is provided on these electrodes, between the examining electrode 8 and the reference electrode 4 so that the electric potential of the reference electrode can be examined; to detect an abnormality in the reference electrode immediately after its occurrence, recover a high reliability of measured value by removing the abnormality quickly, make it possible to conduct a continuous measurement for a long time and furthermore try to reduce a running cost.

Abstract: There is provided a microchip-based differential-type carbon dioxide gas sensor for detecting dissolved carbon dioxide levels. It functions with at least one working electrode composed of an unbuffered hydrogel membrane containing a certain amount of sodium bicarbonate and a pH-sensitive gas-permeable membrane; and a reference electrode composed of a buffered hydrogel membrane and a pH-sensitive gas-permeable membrane. The unbuffered hydrogel membrane contains carbonic anhydrase, which reduces the time period for the hydration of carbon dioxide, thereby allowing the quick measurement of the level of carbon dioxide. In addition to being significantly improved in stabilization, sensing, and recovering time periods, the differential-type carbon dioxide gas sensor can be fabricated in small sizes and quickly measure levels of carbon dioxide dissolved in sample solution.

Abstract: There is disclosed a biosensor comprising a conducting surface, a layer of dielectric material overlying the conducting surface, a plurality of micro electrodes constituted by a plurality of pores extending through the thickness of said dielectric layer, a biopolymer positioned on the conducting surface in said pores, and a counter electrode arranged such that electrical connection can be made between it and at least part of said conducting surface by a fluid to be assessed. Such a device can be made using a method comprising the steps of providing a conducting surface; providing a layer of dielectric material adjacent to said conducting surface, said dielectric material comprising a plurality of pores extending through the thickness of the dielectric layer; providing a biopolymer on the conducting surface in said pores; and providing a counter electrode insulated from said conducting surface.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having an auxiliary area that contains a redox species on a working electrode. The auxiliary area provides a low resistance current path between the working electrode and a pseudo reference/counter electrode. The auxiliary area is an integral part of the working electrode and allows an enhanced current to flow. The enhanced current adds to the measurement signal. This reduces non-monotonic current decay, which can lead to erroneous analyte measurements.

Abstract: A sensor and method for detecting biological and chemical agents comprising metal interdigitized electrodes coated with hybrid polymer-based conducting film and an instrument for applying electrical voltage to the electrodes and registering the change in voltage. The hybrid film also comprises indicator biomolecules encapsulated within the film or attached to it. When these indicator biomolecules come in a contact with a biological and chemical agent, morphological changes occur in the film and electrical current flowing through the electrodes is modulated. The change in current indicates the presence of a biological and chemical agent and is registered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a porous membrane built-in biosensor comprising (a) at least one substrate; (b) an electrode layer patterned on the substrate, consisting of an electrode system and a circuit connector; (c) an insulator, formed on parts of the electrode layer, for electrically separating the electrode system from a circuit connector; and (d) a porous membrane via the insulator on the electrode system, wherein, when a whole blood sample is introduced to the biosensor, the whole blood sample is separated into its components during the chromatographic motion through the porous membrane so that only blood plasma can be contacted with the electrode system. The porous membrane built-in biosensor is provided with a sample inlet, which allows samples to be introduced in a constant quantity to the biosensors porous membranes without pretreatment.

Abstract: The invention is the design of a biological measuring device for the determination of the concentration of biomolecules (e.g. glucose) in an environment which is designed for implantation into an individual or for use in the context of an external apparatus. The device contains a composite membrane that is essentially entirely permeable to oxygen and permeable to larger biomolecules only in discrete hydrophilic regions. The membrane diffusionally limits the access of biomolecules to an enzyme, present in the hydrophilic region that catalyzes the oxidation of the biomolecule to produce hydrogen peroxide. A sensor in communication with the hydrophilic region is used to determine the amount of product produced or the amount of excess oxygen present allowing for the concentration of the biomolecule to be determined.

Abstract: A chemical sensor selectively detects an analyte in a solution. The sensor comprises a flow-through chamber, a selective membrane, a transducer, an inlet for a liquid flow containing a recognition element, and an outlet. To detect an analyte in a solution, a recognition element is contacted with the solution containing the analyte via a selective membrane. This results in a response detectable by a transducer. The recognition element is injected into a flow, and the flow is passed into a flow-through chamber comprising the transducer and the selective membrane, where it contacts the analyte passing from the solution outside the chamber. The recognition element and the analyte interact to provide a signal that is detected by the transducer. The chemical sensor is used for detecting analyte(s) in a reactor system, a flow system or in an in vivo system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ionic electrodes, particularly microelectrodes and electrode arrays, and also relates to fabrication methods for such electrodes. In particular, the present invention relates to planar polymer electrodes for making patch clamp measurements of ionic currents through biological membranes, such as the plasma membranes of living cells. The electrodes of the present invention are useful for measuring individual and multisite cell membrane currents and voltages, as well as in high-throughput screening procedures.

Abstract: A biosensor enabling accurate measurement of the concentration of a substrate contained in a trace amount of a sample solution is disclosed. The electrochemical analysis element in accordance with the present invention which should be included in the biosensor comprises a sensor body having a hollow space which space is open at its both ends, an electrode system having a working electrode and a counter electrode, a reagent segment containing an enzyme, wherein the electrode system and the reagent segment are disposed on an inner wall of the hollow space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for detecting substance concentration or activity or for determining the presence of substances based on electrochemical reactions. The electrochemical sensor comprises an electrode with surfaces inside the electrode, wherein electrochemical detection reactions occur. Said sensor guarantees high flow densities and is suitable for miniaturization. A substance-recognizing agent is advantageously placed in the electrode in contact with the inner surfaces. This enables not only short response times and long service life but also measurements with excellent linearity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a component for a device for detecting the presence of an analyte of interest in a sample, the component comprising an electrically conducting solid support having immobilised thereon a chemical moiety, said chemical moiety comprising an electroactive portion with an electrochemical property capable of being directly modulated in a detectable manner by the binding thereto of a binding partner having a specific binding activity for the electroactive portion, together with apparatus comprising the component, and a method of detecting the presence of an analyte of interest.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor system and membrane and method thereof for increased accuracy and effective life of electrochemical and enzyme sensors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor having a favorable response characteristic up to a high concentration range, a low blank response and a high storage stability. This sensor comprises an electrode system including a working electrode and a counter electrode, for forming an electrochemical measurement system by coming in contact with a supplied solution; an electrically insulating supporting member for supporting the electrode system; a first reagent layer formed on the working electrode; and a second reagent layer formed on the counter electrode, wherein the first reagent layer comprises an enzyme as the main component, and the second reagent layer comprises an electron mediator as the main component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor having a favorable response characteristic up to a high concentration range, a low blank response and a high storage stability. This sensor comprises an electrode system including a working electrode and a counter electrode, for forming an electrochemical measurement system by coming in contact with a supplied solution; an electrically insulating supporting member for supporting the electrode system; a first reagent layer formed on the working electrode; and a second reagent layer formed on the counter electrode, wherein the first reagent layer comprises an enzyme as the main component, and the second reagent layer comprises an electron mediator as the main component.

Abstract: A biosensor for detecting and measuring analytes in an aqueous solution. The biosensor device has a sensor design based on modeling of the active-site chemistry of reactive molecules such as enzymes, antibodies and cellular receptors. The sensor design takes advantage of a synthetic polymer modeled after these reactive molecules to provide reversible, sensitive and reliable detection of analytes in the form of a versatile and economical device.

Abstract: A method and device for detection and quantification of biologically significant analytes in a liquid sample is described. The method includes contacting a volume of a liquid sample with predetermined amounts of at least a first and second redox reversible species having redox potentials differing by at least 50 millivolts. At least one of the redox reversible species comprises a liquid sample diffusible conjugate of a ligand analog of an analyte in the liquid sample and a redox reversible label. A predetermined amount of at least one specific binding partner for each analyte to be measured is combined with the sample and current flow is measured at first and second anodic and cathodic potentials and correlated with current flows for known concentrations of the respective diffusible redox reversible species. Diagnostic devices and kits, including such devices and the specified specific binding partner(s) and redox reversible species are also described.