Abstract: The present invention provides a microchip for performing electrophoresis with electrochemical means, such as by pulsed amperometric detection (PAD), for the separation and detection of underivatized carbohydrates, amino acids, sulfur-containing antibiotics, etc. The present methods permit the direct detection of amines, thiols, alcohols and carbohydrates and therefore is a useful technique for the development of electrochemical detection for microchip electrophoresis.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing having an outer wall, an axial bore circumscribed by the outer wall, and a barrier wall that aids in defining a reference cavity. The housing further including a plurality of cross members in spaced relation to one another disposed between the axial bore and the outer wall, each cross member defining an aperture. A junction plug is disposed at the distal end of the housing. The junction plug comprises a porous material that enables ionic flow through the junction plug. The sensor enables ionic communication between the target fluid and the reference electrode within the reference cavity through the apertures of the plurality of cross members. In this manner, the sensor provides generally a long, tortuous flow path, or salt bridge, between the target fluid and the reference electrode, resulting in a high resistance factor for the sensor.

Abstract: A sensor capable of measuring a plurality of measuring items quickly and accurately, a measuring device, and a measuring method are provided. The sensor includes a sample-holding unit for holding a sample containing an analyte; a sample-supplying port for supplying the sample to the sample-holding unit; a detecting unit for carrying out an electrochemical measurement, the unit being provided in the sample-holding unit; an optical measuring unit for carrying out an optical measurement, the unit being provided in the sample-holding unit; and a reagent-holding unit for holding a reagent for the optical measurement, the unit being provided in the sample-holding unit; wherein in the flowing direction of the sample supplied from the sample-supplying port in sample-holding unit, the sample-supplying port, the detecting unit, and the reagent-holding unit are positioned in the order recited.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are microfluidic devices for assaying at least one analyte specie in a sample comprising at least one analyte concentration area in a microchannel having insulating structures on or in at least one wall of the microchannel which provide a nonuniform electric field in the presence of an electric field provided by off-chip electrodes; and a pair of passivated sensing electrodes for impedance detection in a detection area. Also disclosed are assay methods and methods of making.

Abstract: Methods for the transport and hybridization of a nucleic acid on an electrode device by providing a low conductivity buffer with a reducing agent to the device. The low conductivity buffer may also contain a zwitterion. A current and voltage is applied to a location of the device to effect electrophoretic transportation of the nucleic acid towards the location. The nucleic acid is then hybridized to a nucleic probed located at the location. The reducing agent in the low conductivity buffer may also be acting as a chaotropic agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for the monitoring of a medical microsample in the flow measuring cell of an analyzer with regard to position and absence of bubbles by means of an alternating voltage applied to the measuring cell, the measuring cell being provided with a multitude of electrode systems placed one behind the other, each system comprising a number of single electrodes for measuring a substance contained in the microsample by means of a measurement voltage which essentially is a DC voltage. To monitor the exact position of the microsample and/or to detect air bubbles in the area of each electrode system, the alternating voltage and the measurement voltage are simultaneously and directly applied to the single electrodes of the corresponding electrode system, and the measured AC component respectively the measured impedance gives a measure for the position of the microsample and the absence of bubbles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a 3-D microscope flow-through cell, consisting of an upper and a lower substrate between which is located a flow channel, an electrode structure penetrating the flow channel and connected with external contacts and with through-connections at the ends of the flow channel for the connection of fluid inlets and outlets. The invention provides a method of producing 3-D microscope micro flow-through cells that are suitable for the reversible assembly of microscope flow-through cells for the ?m-volume range. According to the invention, this is obtained in that a base substrate is first provided with access holes and a flow channel, the flow channel being made of a sandwich of a material non-elastic inside and elastic outside, in that the flow channel for the purpose of a fluid-tight channel closure, is pressed against a second cover glass in order to provide a reversibly sealable flow channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for carrying out and/or monitoring biological reactions in response to electrical stimuli. A programmable multiplexed active biologic array includes an array of electrodes coupled to sample-and-hold circuits. The programmable multiplexed active biologic array includes a digital interface that allows external control of the array using an external processor. The circuit may monitor, digitally control, and deliver electrical stimuli to the electrodes individually or in selected groups.

Abstract: A system for highly sensitive electrochemical detection of trace nitro-aromatic compounds in air, uses a carbon or carbon/gold working electrode with a surface that is modified to increase the electron transfer kinetics of nitro-aromatic compounds. Chemical modifiers of the working electrode surface include amino-aromatic compounds such as aniline and its derivatives. The detection method involves dissolving trace nitro-aromatic compounds in an electrolyte including aprotonic solvents, or dipolar solvents, in the electrochemical cell including a working electrode, a reference electrode and an auxiliary electrode. Voltage is varied across the working electrode and the reference electrode, and an electrical current is measured between the working electrode and the auxiliary electrode. The measured electrical peak current is a sensitive indication of the concentration of the trace compounds. This invention is appropriate for portable, field-testing of trace explosive compounds in air.

Abstract: A microfluidic device has a plurality of H-shaped micro channels not connected to each other and formed on a substrate. Each of the H-shaped micro channels comprises two main channels separately placed on two opposite sides in parallel and a plurality of sub-channels perpendicularly connected to the two main channels. The present invention is designed in such a way that various reagents dropped into different H-shaped micro channels are immobilized on respective sub-channels because of the different widths of the main channel and sub-channel. Afterwards the reagents are coated with a layer of polymer. The polymer has a porous structure that allows the passage of any sample to be tested. Finally, a plurality of upper channels parallel to one another are directly fabricated in the polymer, or in another layer of polymer stacked on the previous polymer.

Abstract: An electric sensor array which is provided with several sensor positions that each have at least two microelectrodes. Molecular substances can be detected electrochemically and charged molecules can be transported or handled using the array. Measuring procedures can be effected, especially using two addressing procedures, in which sensor positions can be individually addressed and electrochemically or electrically controlled by pairing or in groups for voltage or impedance measurements. For biomolecular assays, affinity-binding molecules can be immobilized at the sensor positions, between the microelectrodes, or on auxiliary surfaces.

Abstract: A biological material detection apparatus which detects a charged biological material such as a gene or protein contained in a sample liquid is disclosed. A biological material detection element includes a substrate, at least one first electrode formed on the substrate, and a plurality of second electrodes which are arrayed at predetermined intervals around the first electrode on the substrate along the circumferential direction and to which ligands that react with predetermined biological materials are respectively immobilized. A sample liquid is introduced toward the first electrode on the substrate. The introduced sample liquid is moved radially toward the second electrodes by electrical control.

Abstract: Mobile hand-held apparatus with reusable biosensor, in particular for the local determination of original biological solutions, marked by a functional wheel with valve and pump function, an amperometric biosensor, a measuring cell, supply and waste bags for fresh and waste system solution, a pump, a hose transport system, a sample opening and a sample canal, a sealing lever for sensor exchange, a display, operating elements, a 9 V accumulator, a solar cell, a control unit for signal processing and the whole measuring process and a case.

Abstract: A sealed sensor housing for use in measuring the concentration of an additive or impurity in gasoline comprises a housing body of metal formed by a deformation process with no substantial machining, and the housing body is joined together with an inlet tube, an outlet tube and an electrode such that the electrode is hermetically sealed in the housing body. The deformation process may be hydroforming, deep drawing, coldforming, forging or stamping.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a papermaking process is disclosed in which several electrochemical quantities are measured from at least one liquid flow and fingerprints according to good process situations are determined. The electrochemical measurements are carried out independently of each other using at least three electrode series, each including at least three electrodes. In addition, at least one odor measurement is used from the gases that are emitted from the liquid flow into the gas space over the free liquid surface.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell assembly including a plurality of testing cells, a reference cell, and fluid connections between the testing cells and the reference cell. Each of the testing cells includes a working electrode, which is a rotating disk or ring-disk electrode, and a counter electrode. A chemical composition, whose intrinsic kinetic properties under defined mass-transfer are to be investigated, is deposited on the working electrode. The reference cell holds a reference electrode that serves as a common reference electrode for each of the testing cells. The assembly permits simultaneous testing of many chemical compositions under identical environment.

Abstract: According to one embodiment an apparatus includes a membrane and at least a portion of a nanotube imbedded within the membrane. The portion of the nanotube imbedded within the membrane provides a conduit through the membrane.

Abstract: A method of measuring an electrochemical corrosion potential (ECP) of a material specimen using a detecting device including an ECP detecting array is provided. The method includes locating an offset spacer in close contact to a face of the ECP detecting array, locating the material specimen within the detecting device with a measurement face in close contact to the offset spacer, establishing a flow through the detecting device, and measuring an electrical potential between the detecting device ground and an electrode wire.

Abstract: A flexible diagnostic device has a measurement cell that is sandwiched between the conductive surfaces of two conductive-coated insulating layers. At least one of the conductive surfaces is scored with an insulating pattern, so that the flow of a conductive fluid sample into the cell can be monitored.

Abstract: Methods and insulator electrode devices for performing electrochemical reactions are disclosed. The devices consist of high specific surface area electrodes based on a channeled conducting base material that has been coated with an organic or inorganic insulating film or multiple layers of such films. The chemical reactions are exemplified by exciting one or several label compounds into an excited state which is spontaneously de-excited by emission of ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, in aqueous solution. This provides the basis for reproducible analytical applications in bioaffinity assays such as immunoassays and DNA-probing assays.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing plating solutions. The apparatus generally includes a plating cell, a reference electrolyte input, one or more external additive pumps, and a process controller. In one embodiment, the plating cell includes a cavity therein having a larger volumetric portion adjacent a smaller volumetric portion adapted to hold one or more solutions therein. The plating cell also includes a base disposed adjacent the bottom of the plating cell and adapted to receive and mix one or more test solutions as part of the plating solution analysis. In one configuration, the base includes electrical ports adapted to connect stimulation signals to a working electrode, counter electrode, and reference electrode disposed within the cell. The base also includes a thermal sensor in thermal contact with test solutions contained within the vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for the simultaneous and rapid determination of CoQ10 and CoQ10H2 concentrations in human samples using HPLC-EC. The electrochemical reactions are monitored at electrodes that measure the current produced by the reduction of the hydroquinone group of CoQ10 or by the oxidation of the hydroquinol group of CoQ10H2.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyses, particularly microfluidic devices for the detection of target analytes.

Abstract: A device having a flow channel, wherein at least one flow-terminating interface is used to control the flow of liquid in the flow channel. The flow-terminating interface prevents the flow of the liquid beyond the interface. 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, and the base layer is separated from the cover layer by a spacer layer. The base layer, cover layer, and spacer layer define a flow channel into which a liquid sample is drawn therein and flows therethrough by means of capillary attraction. The flow of the sample is terminated by a flow-terminating interface positioned in the flow channel.

Abstract: An automated self-calibrating water quality monitoring sensor housing assembly includes a number of ion-selective electrodes combined in a single flow train to provide for the multi constituent analysis of a number of samples without direct intervention by a human operator. An operator can enter the laboratory, connect sample bottles to an intake manifold, activate the device, and download data once the analysis is complete. With the exception of periodic probe maintenance, the system is designed to be self-calibrating and self cleaning.

Abstract: An automatable measuring, cleaning and calibrating device for pH-electrodes or electrodes for measuring redox potentials, specifically in process engineering, having an electrode armature which keeps the measuring electrode in an operating position or in a maintenance position, whereby the electrode is retained in the maintenance position in a rinsing chamber in which a cleaning and calibration procedure can be performed. The device has a pump device to supply cleaning fluid and calibration solutions to the rinsing chamber over a delivery line connecting the pump device and the rinsing chamber. In order to configure the device more compactly, the pump device includes several feeds on its intake side, and a device is furnished to selectively activate a particular feed, and the media (cleaning fluid, calibration solution, etc.) brought selectively over the particular feeds to the pump device reach the rinsing chamber over the common delivery line.

Abstract: Planar devices incorporating electrodes for performing chemical analyses are disclosed. The devices include an electrode module in a fluidic housing. The electrode module includes a carrier module and at least one electrode thereon. More specifically, the electrode module includes a planar carrier module made of a laminate of a metal layer and an insulator layer, which metal layer is divided into at least two metal conductor elements; and at least one electrode formed directly on the carrier module and including a membrane element for imparting chemical sensitivity to the electrode, the membrane element being applied to the insulator layer to be in electrical contact with one of the metal conductor elements through the insulator layer. The insulator layer preferably has die cut perforations through which the membrane element extends into electrical contact with the conductor layer. In the most economical embodiment, the carrier module is a common chip carrier according to ISO 7816-2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a durable and reliable miniature liquid junction reference electrode for use with at least one electrode (e.g., an electrochemical sensor cartridge) for measuring certain characteristics of a fluid sample such as blood or other body fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical gas sensor having improved response time and sensitivity. The electrochemical gas sensor includes a substrate for providing a surface upon which a film of conductive material may be deposited, a pair of electrodes deposited on the substrate for permitting a measurement of current, and an electrolytic material for providing an electrical connection between the electrodes. The electrochemical gas sensor further includes a passage in the surface for holding or transporting gas received from a gas source, whereby sensing occurs at a three way interface where the gas, electrolytic material, and electrodes come in direct contact with one another.

Abstract: A method of detecting nucleic acid fragments in plural samples is performed by the steps of: attaching an electroconductive label to nucleic acid fragments in one sample and attaching a different electroconductive label to nucleic acid fragments in another sample; preparing a mixture of these samples; spotting the mixture on an electroconductive microarray having plural electrodes onto which probe molecules complementary to the nucleic acid fragments are fixed, so that hybridization between the nucleic acid fragments and the probe molecules on the electroconductive microarray can proceed to form hybrid structures; applying to the electrode an electric potential corresponding to the oxidation-reduction potential of the former label and detecting on the electrode an electric current; applying to the electrode an electric potential corresponding to the oxidation-reduction potential of the latter label and detecting on the electrode an electric current; and comparing the electric current detected in the former de

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that separation of components of a sample facilitate, and are often necessary for, sample analysis. Dielectrophoretic separation provides an efficient, reliable, nondisruptive, and automatable method for the separation of moieties in a sample based on their dielectric properties. The present invention provides compositions and methods for enhancing the dielectrophoretic separation of one or more moieties in a sample. A first aspect of the present invention is a solution that when mixed with a sample, modifies at least one dielectric property of one or more components of the sample and has a conductivity such that one or more moieties of the sample can be separated using dielectrophoresis. Such solutions can be used in the analysis of samples on chips, and can be used in methods that use binding partners, including microparticles that can be translocated by dielectrophoretic forces, traveling-wave dielectrophoretic forces or magnetic forces.

Abstract: Electrochemical test strips and methods for their use in the detection of an analyte in a physiological sample are provided. The subject test strips have a plurality of reaction zones defined by opposing metal electrodes separated by a thin spacer layer. The reagent compositions present in each reaction zone may be the same or different. In addition, each reaction zone may have a separate fluid ingress channel, or two or more of the reaction zones may have fluid ingress channels that merge into a single channel. The subject electrochemical test strips find application in the detection of a wide variety of analytes, and are particularly suited for use the detection of glucose.

Abstract: The use of impedance measurements to detect the presence of pathogens attached to antibody-coated beads. In a fluidic device antibodies are immobilized on a surface of a patterned interdigitated electrode. Pathogens in a sample fluid streaming past the electrode attach to the immobilized antibodies, which produces a change in impedance between two adjacent electrodes, which impedance change is measured and used to detect the presence of a pathogen. To amplify the signal, beads coated with antibodies are introduced and the beads would stick to the pathogen causing a greater change in impedance between the two adjacent electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and method for high throughput determining and/or monitoring electrophysiological and fluorescence properties of ion channels or ion channel-containing structures, such as cell membranes, by establishing an configuration in which a cell membrane forms a highly resistive seal around an orifice, making it possible to determine and monitor a current flow through the cell membrane. The substrate can be part of an apparatus for simultaneously studying cell membranes using electrical and fluorescent techniques. The apparatus is formed of all transparent materials and preferably part of a multi-well plate.

Abstract: A biosensor having an electrode layer, which includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and a reagent layer 10 are formed on an insulating support. Further, a spacer having a long and narrow cut-out portion on the reagent layer is bonded to a cover having an air hole to form a cavity that sucks blood as a liquid sample by capillary phenomenon, and a portion of side walls of the spacer and the cover, which side walls face the cavity, is subjected to a treatment for making the portion itself have hydrophilicity. Accordingly, when blood is sucked into the cavity by capillary phenomenon, the suction is promoted, and the performance of a sensor of the biosensor is improved. Further, the process of manufacturing the sensor is simplified, thereby resulting in increased productivity.

Abstract: A metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor and a method for production thereof. The sensor comprises a sensor-active metal oxide thin layer applied to a substrate, in contact with at least one electrode. The sensor-active metal oxide thin layer comprises a chromium/titanium oxide (CTO) layer with a thickness of about 10 nm to about 1 &mgr;m. The chromium and titantium layers are applied over each other using thin layer technology and are subsequently tempered.

Abstract: A microelectrode system suitable for use in preparative and analytical chemistry having a laminated structure with one or more apertures. In one embodiment a microelectrode system (1) comprises alternating layers of conductor (3) and dielectric (or insulator) (4). The laminated structure (2) comprises two conductor layers (3) and two dielectric layers (4) formed on a base (5) of silicon or a polymeric material. The conducting layers (3) form electrodes in the microelectrodes system (1). The laminated structure has formed within it an aperture in the form of a well (6) being open at one end (7) and closed at the opposite end (8). In another embodiment, the apertures take the form of through holes.

Abstract: The invention provides a mechanically stable substrate having at least one through-opening, a perforated membrane which is integral or fluid-tightly connected with the substrate and which extends across the through-opening, and at least one semi-permeable layer which is applied in firmly adhering manner to one or both sides of the membrane, at least in the perforated region thereof, in that the semi-permeable layer or semi-permeable layers is/are secured mechanically in the adjacent perforations and/or by chemical-structural and/or physical adhesion and/or adhesive intermediate layers and/or covalent surface bonding to the adjacent surfaces of the membrane, optionally of the substrate, or of a metallic film optionally additionally applied to one or both sides of the membrane. The invention further provides a process for the production of this sensor- and/or separating element and the use thereof.

Abstract: Electrochemical biosensor test strip, fabrication method thereof and electrochemical biosensor are disclosed. The electrochemical biosensor test strip is fabricated by cutting a groove in a first insulation base in the breadth direction, forming two electrodes parallel to length direction on the first insulation base by sputtering using shadow mask, fixing a reaction material comprising an enzyme which reacts an analyte and generates current corresponding to the concentration of analyte across the two electrodes on the groove of the insulation base, and affixing a cover to the first insulation base. The groove of the first insulation base and the cover make a capillary at the position where the reaction material is fixed. The fabrication method can lower the cost for fabricating the test strip by forming thin electrodes.

Abstract: An electrochemical scale detection and control system, for on-line detection and control of nucleation and growth of inorganic scales. The system comprises sensitive microprocessor controlled electrochemical monitoring instrumentation for detecting electrochemical changes which occur as a consequence of scale nucleation, growth and removal, with subsequent processing to provide means of controlling scale inhibitor additions. The device takes measurements continuously and provides uninterrupted output of the scaling tendency. A three-element measurement probe consisting of material having little propensity for corrosion in the scaling medium of interest is used as the scale sensor.

Abstract: An adapter (1) and electrochemical gas sensor (2) is provided with an electrochemical gas sensor housing (14) accommodating an electrolyte (13), with at least one measuring electrode (12) arranged therein and with a membrane (11), which screens the measuring electrode (12) from a measured gas and is permeable to the measured gas. The measuring sensitivity of an electrochemical gas sensor is increased by the adapter (1) having a gas-impermeable surface (15) extending in parallel to and at a spaced location from the membrane (11). The adapter (1) and the membrane (11) form a flow gap (10) for the measured gas delivered by a pump. The adapter (1) may be plugged onto the electrochemical sensor (2) at its outer edge (1a). The measured gas enters through a central opening (17), expands in the flow gap (10) radially to the outside and leaves same via the ring-shaped gap (16).

Abstract: A diagnostic method and device for use in detecting or quantitating an analyte present in a liquid sample. The method includes reacting an analyte-containing sample with reagents capable of generating a first coil-forming peptide in solution form. This peptide is then contacted with a biosensor whose detection surface has surface-bound molecules of a second, oppositely charged coil-forming peptide, under conditions effective to form a stable &agr;-helical coiled-coil heterodimer on the detection surface. The formation of the coiled-coil heterodimer produces a measurable change in biosensor signal, which is measured to detect the presence of or quantitate the amount of analyte in a sample. Also disclosed is a biosensor device for carrying out the reaction.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for a biochemical compound has a channel structure having an inlet port and an outlet port. A passageway extends between the inlet and outlet ports for passing a liquid sample therethrough. The passageway has its inside walls lined with a layer of hydrophilic material. A biosensor is provided in the passageway to detect a biochemical compound contained in the liquid sample. Preferably, the hydrophilic material comprises a metal oxide having a photocatalytic characteristic, which is illuminated with ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: A composite ion selective electrode comprising a calcium ion selective electrode member and a hydrogen ion selective electrode member which is characterized in that a calcium ion selective membrane of the calcium ion selective electrode member has a thickness of 5 to 30 &mgr;m, and the hydrogen ion selective membrane of the hydrogen ion selective electrode member contains tri-n-dodecyl-amine and trisethylhexyl trimellitate. Each of the calcium ion selective electrode member and the hydrogen ion selective electrode member can be employed singly.

Abstract: Provided is a method for determining a zeta potential generated between a solid wall and a solution. The method includes (a) injecting an electrolyte solution into a first inlet of a T channel, which is provided with first and second inlet electrodes and a grounded outlet electrode, and a mixed solution of the electrolyte solution and a fluorescent dye into a second channel of the T channel and maintaining a steady-state of the two solutions; (b) applying a direct current electric field from the first and second electrodes to the outlet electrode to form an interface between the electrolyte solution and the mixed solution; (c) applying an alternating current electric field from one of the two inlet electrodes to the outlet electrode to oscillate the interface; and (d) measuring an amplitude of oscillation of the interface and determining the zeta potential from the standard relationship between the zeta potential and the amplitude.

Abstract: A novel measurement system for determining total NOX, including NO and NO2 concentration without interference from CO, from a gas sample is presented. The measurement system comprises a gas conduit having an upstream end and a downstream end. The gas conduit carries a gas comprising NOX. Disposed within the gas conduit is a catalytic filter comprising platinum and a zeolite. The gas flowing through the gas conduit interacts with the catalytic filter to form an equilibrium mixture of NO and NO2 from the gas comprising NOX. The measurement system further comprises a sensor element comprising an electrolyte substrate upon which are disposed a sensing potentiometric electrode adapted to contact the equilibrium mixture of NO and NO2 and a reference potentiometric electrode. In practice, there should be a temperature difference between the catalytic filter and the sensor element. Also provided is a method of determining the total NOX content in a gas comprising NOX based on the measurement system.

Abstract: A modular microchannel apparatus for analysis of an analyte. The apparatus includes a separation unit and a reservoir unit. The separation unit has a microchannel. The analyte can be driven to pass through the microchannel such that the time for the analyte to pass through the microchannel is indicative of the molecular characteristics of the analyte. The reservoir unit has one or more reservoirs for coupling operatively modularly with the separation unit to supply liquid reagents to the separation unit. The reservoirs has prepackaged liquid reagents in it before the reservoir unit is coupled with the separation unit.

Abstract: A biosensor is provided in accordance with the present invention. The biosensor includes a substrate and a cover extending across at least a portion of the substrate. The cover includes a first surface facing the substrate and a second surface. At least a portion of the first surface is removed to define a capillary channel. The capillary channel has a surface energy ranging from about 60 mN/m to about 72 mN/m.

Abstract: A sensor having a conductive protective sheath, an internal sensor element, and a conductive end cap. The conductive end cap is connected to the distal end of the conductive protective sheath and is in contact with the internal sensor element. The conductive protective sheath has a plurality of apertures symmetrically arranged to prevent fluid flow in a straight direction of a sample fluid through the conductive protective sheath. A sensor having a conductive protective sheath, an internal sensor element, and a conductive end cap. The conductive end cap is connected to the distal end of the conductive protective sheath. The conductive end cap one or more contact areas from the group including a side contact area, an upper contact area, and an internal indentation contact area. The internal sensor is in contact with at least one of the contact areas of the conductive end cap.

Abstract: Single-channel thin film devices and methods for using the same are provided. The subject devices comprise cis and trans chambers connected by an electrical communication means. At the cis end of the electrical communication means is a horizontal conical aperture sealed with a thin film that includes a single nanopore or channel. The devices further include a means for applying an electric field between the cis and trans chambers. The subject devices find use in applications in which the ionic current through a nanopore or channel is monitored, where such applications include the characterization of naturally occurring ion channels, the characterization of polymeric compounds, and the like.