Abstract: An electrochemical detector is an electrochemical detector for detecting a substance in a liquid by generating a redox cycle, the electrochemical detector comprising: a first working electrode having a first electrode surface, a second working electrode having a second electrode surface, and a plurality of insulating spacer particles, wherein the first and second electrode surfaces are placed so as to face each other so that an electric field is formed between the first and second electrode surfaces, and the plurality of spacer particles are placed along the first and second electrode surfaces so as to separate the first and second electrode surfaces from each other.

Abstract: Various embodiments that allow a more accurate electrochemical test strip measurement by identifying erroneous output signals during a glucose measurement thereby ensuring a much more accurate glucose test system.

Abstract: Described are devices and methods for forming one or more nanomembranes including electroactive nanomembranes within a nanowell or nanotube, or combinations thereof, in a support material. Nanopores/nanochannels can be formed by the electroactive nanomembrane within corresponding nanowells. The electroactive nanomembrane is capable of controllably altering a dimension, a composition, and/or a variety of properties in response to electrical stimuli. Various embodiments also include devices/systems and methods for using the nanomembrane-containing devices for molecular separation, purification, sensing, etc.

Abstract: Measurement systems and methods are disclosed for minimizing the effects created by a meter's output amplifier during electrochemical measurements. In the systems and methods, transition of an excitation potential applied between electrodes of a test strip is controlled so that it is at a sufficiently slow rate below a slew rate capability of the system (but still fast enough to minimally impact overall test time) to reduce variability in the test results. The methods and systems therefore use a transition having a ramp-shaped waveform, a sinusoidal-shaped waveform or an exponential-shaped waveform. Additionally, the excitation potential can be purposefully controlled by a processor, memory driven digital-to-analog converter or external circuitry at a rate sufficiently slow to make variations in the analog electronics slew rate insignificant for all sample types and test conditions.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and apparatus for determining leveler concentration in an electroplating solution. The approach allows the concentration of leveler to be detected and measured, even at very low leveler concentrations. According to the various embodiments, the methods involve providing an electrode with a metal surface, exposing the electrode to a pre-acceleration solution with at least one accelerator, allowing the surface of the electrode to become saturated with accelerator, measuring an electrochemical response while plating the electrode in a solution, and determining the concentration of leveler in the solution by comparing the measured electrochemical response to a model relating leveler concentration to known electrochemical responses. According to other embodiments, the apparatus includes an electrode, a measuring apparatus or an electrochemical cell configured to measure an electrochemical response, and a controller designed to carry out the method outlined above.

Abstract: A microfluidic system has a monolithic biocompatible substrate with both a surface having an ordered array of nano-scale elements for plasmonic response monitoring and a network of microchannels. Advantageously, low-volume consumption, rapid low-cost fabrication of molds with easily interchangeable microfluidic channel layouts, mass production, and in situ label-free real-time detection of cellular response, viability, behavior and biomolecular binding using plasmonic techniques can be provided. A ratio of greater than 0.2 of the cross-sectional dimension and the spacing between the nano-scale elements is useful for plasmonic response monitoring. Producing such a system involves a master mold with the nano-scale elements etched into a hard substrate, and the network provided in a soft membrane bonded to the hard substrate. A stamp may be created by setting a settable liquid polymer or metal placed in the master mold. Features of the intended device can be transferred to a polymeric substrate using the stamp.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a device substrate including an array of sensors. Each sensor of the array of sensors can include a electrode structure disposed at a surface of the device substrate. The apparatus further includes a wall structure overlying the surface of the device substrate and defining an array of wells at least partially corresponding with the array of sensors. The well structure including an electrode layer and an insulative layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an in vitro medical diagnostic device that includes a removable calibration fluid cartridge. The device also includes a removable assay cartridge containing a polymer body with channels for fluid movement.

Abstract: A method for making a single molecule receptor in a nanopore structure includes depositing a material by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique onto a selected interior surface of a nanochannel and functionalizing a surface of the material with a chemical compound having at least two functional groups. The material forms a patch having a diameter of about 3 to about 10,000 nanometers (nm). Also disclosed are embodiments of a nanopore structure including a single molecule receptor.

Abstract: The presence of a select analyte in the sample is evaluated in an an electrochemical system using a conduction cell-type apparatus. A potential or current is generated between the two electrodes of the cell sufficient to bring about oxidation or reduction of the analyte or of a mediator in an analyte-detection redox system, thereby forming a chemical potential gradient of the analyte or mediator between the two electrodes After the gradient is established, the applied potential or current is discontinued and an analyte-independent signal is obtained from the relaxation of the chemical potential gradient. The analyte-independent signal is used to correct the analyte-dependent signal obtained during application of the potential or current.

Abstract: A nanopore sensor comprises second electrophoresis electrode or micropump, second fluidic reservoir, second micro-nanometer separation channel, substrate, sub-nanometer-thick functional layer, first micro-nanometer separation channel, first electrophoresis electrode or micropump, and first electrophoresis electrode or micropump that are sequentially assembled. An opening and a nanopore are provided through the substrate and the sub-nanometer-thick functional layer, respectively. A first electrode for measuring ionic current is provided in the first micro-nanometer separation channel, and a second electrode for measuring ionic current is provide in the second micro-nanometer separation channel. The present invention provides a simple method to prepare a sub-nanometer functional layer having a nanopore extending through the sub-nanometer-thick functional layer. The pore size is comparable to the spacing between two adjacent bases in a DNA strand required for single-base resolution sequencing.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for nanopore sequencing. The invention provides for using the signals from n-mers to provide sequence information, for example where the system has less than single base resolution. The invention includes arrays of nanopores having incorporated electronic circuits, for example, in CMOS. In some cases, the arrays of nanopores comprise resistive openings for isolating the electronic signals for improved sequencing. Methods for controlling translocation of through the nanopore are disclosed.

Abstract: A method to detect beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) is described. The method includes the steps of adding a known concentration of hydrogen peroxide to a sample known to, or suspected of containing BLG; and electrolyzing the sample using a working electrode at a fixed potential sufficient to electrolyze BLG, and measuring a current signal within the sample. A diminution of the current signal in the sample as compared to a corresponding current signal from a standard solution containing a known concentration of hydrogen peroxide and no BLG indicates that the sample contains BLG.

Abstract: A gas sensor element (100) includes a laminate of a detection element (300) and a heater (200), and a porous protection layer (20) covering a forward end portion thereof. The laminate has a measuring chamber (107c) into which a gas-to-be-measured is introduced via a diffusion resistor (115). The porous protection layer includes an inner porous layer (21), and an outer porous layer (23). The inner porous layer has a higher porosity than the outer porous layer and the diffusion resistor. As viewed in a plurality of 100 ?m×100 ?m regions a1 to a3 and b1 to b3 on sections of the inner porous layer and the diffusion resistor, respectively, a pore diameter greater than the greatest pore diameter CDIF in the regions of the diffusion resistor exists in each of the regions of the inner porous layer.

Abstract: In a biosensor measuring system, a biosensor includes a bio-sensing unit embedded in a main body formed with a visually identifiable character pattern that corresponds to identification information associated with the biosensor. A biosensor measuring device includes an image capturing unit for capturing an image of the character pattern. An image processing unit identifies the captured image to obtain identification data, which is displayed on a display unit. A signal processing unit analyzes a reactive signal generated by the bio-sensing unit and associated with a specific component in a test sample based on an input signal, which is generated by an input unit when the displayed identification data matches the character pattern, to obtain a measurement result.

Abstract: The method includes: providing a test strip comprising a reference electrode and a working electrode coated with a reagent layer; applying a fluid sample to the test strip for a reaction period; applying a test voltage between the reference electrode and the working electrode; measuring a test current as a function of time; measuring a steady state current value when the test current has reached an equilibrium; calculating a ratio of the test current to the steady state current value; plotting the ratio of the test current to the steady state current value as a function of the inverse square root of time; calculating an effective diffusion coefficient from the slope of the linearly regressed plot of the ratio of the test current to the steady state current value as a function of the inverse square root of time; and calculating a hematocrit-corrected concentration of analyte.

Abstract: An electrochemical detection system for determining a concentration of a gas in exhaust gases of a combustion process. The system includes an electrolyte, a reference electrode, and a sense electrode that cooperate to form an electrochemical sensor that exposes both the reference electrode and the sense electrode to the exhaust gases. The electrochemical sensor is configured to output a sensor signal indicative of a species concentration of a species gas in the exhaust gases. The sensor signal exhibits a transient error in response to a change in a reference concentration of a reference gas in the exhaust gases. The processor is configured to determine the species concentration based on the sensor signal, and to determine an estimate of the transient error based on an operating condition of the combustion process.

Abstract: The method for detection of cyanide in water is a method for the detection of a highly toxic pollutant, cyanide, in water using ZnO2 nanoparticles synthesized locally by an elegant Pulsed Laser Ablation technique. ZnO2 nanoparticles having a median size of 4 nm are synthesized from pure zinc metal target under UV laser irradiation in a 1-10% H2O2 environment in deionized water. The synthesized ZnO2 nanoparticles are suspended in dimethyl formamide in the presence of Nafion, and then ultrasonicated to create a homogenous suspension, which is used to prepare a thin film of ZnO2 nanoparticles on a metal electrode. The electrode is used for cyanide detection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.

Abstract: In a method for operating a heatable exhaust-gas sensor, which supplies at least one measuring signal and in which a sensor heater is operated using a pulse-width modulated operating voltage, the detection of the at least one measuring signal has priority over the supply of the pulse-width modulated operating voltage for sensor heater, and at least during a predefined time window in which the measuring signal is detected, the supply of the pulse-width modulated operating voltage for the sensor heater is suppressed using a blocking signal.

Abstract: A device for signal processing. The device includes a signal generator, a signal detector, and a processor. The signal generator generates an original waveform. The signal detector detects an affected waveform. The processor is coupled to the signal detector. The processor receives the affected waveform from the signal detector. The processor also compares at least one portion of the affected waveform with the original waveform. The processor also determines a difference between the affected waveform and the original waveform. The processor also determines a value corresponding to a unique portion of the determined difference between the original and affected waveforms. The processor also outputs the determined value.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining analyte concentrations, for example glucose concentrations, that utilizes a dynamic determination of the appropriate time for making a glucose measurement, for example when a current versus time curve substantially conforms to a Cottrell decay, or when the current is established in a plateau region. Dynamic determination of the time to take the measurement allows each strip to operate in the shortest appropriate time frame, thereby avoiding using an average measurement time that may be longer than necessary for some strips and too short for others.

Abstract: A biosensor system determines an analyte concentration of a biological sample using an electrochemical process without Cottrell decay. The biosensor system generates an output signal having a transient decay, where the output signal is not inversely proportional to the square root of the time. The transient decay is greater or less than the ?0.5 decay constant of a Cottrell decay. The transient decay may result from a relatively short incubation period, relatively small sample reservoir volumes, relatively small distances between electrode surfaces and the lid of the sensor strip, and/or relatively short excitations in relation to the average initial thickness of the reagent layer. The biosensor system determines the analyte concentration from the output signal having a transient decay.

Abstract: An electrochemical detector can be powered partly, or entirely by voltages generated by the sensor. Using either active circuits or a passive component which produces a predetermined voltage drop in the respective sensor, two electrode consumable anode oxygen sensors can be provided which do not evolve hydrogen during operation.

Abstract: Oxidation/reduction measurement is described. An aspect provides an oxidation/reduction quantification method, including: receiving intermittent oxidizer/reducer reference measurements from one or more reference sensors; receiving one or more substantially continuous oxidizer/reducer-related measurements from one or more corroboration sensors; and processing the one or more substantially continuous oxidizer/reducer-related measurements with the intermittent oxidizer/reducer reference measurements to generate substantially continuous representative oxidizer/reducer measurements. Other aspects are described.

Abstract: The presence of a select analyte in the sample is evaluated in an an electrochemical system using a conduction cell-type apparatus. A potential or current is generated between the two electrodes of the cell sufficient to bring about oxidation or reduction of the analyte or of a mediator in an analyte-detection redox system, thereby forming a chemical potential gradient of the analyte or mediator between the two electrodes After the gradient is established, the applied potential or current is discontinued and an analyte-independent signal is obtained from the relaxation of the chemical potential gradient. The analyte-independent signal is used to correct the analyte-dependent signal obtained during application of the potential or current.

Abstract: A test strip for use with an analyte meter comprises an integrated power source, such as a battery wherein the test strip is configured upon insertion into the meter to provide sufficient power for completing a sample assay without requiring a separate power source in the meter.

Abstract: A device for sensing a property of a fluid comprising a first substrate having formed thereon a sensor configured in use to come into contact with a fluid in order to sense a property of the fluid, and a wireless transmitter for transmitting data over a wireless data link and a second substrate having formed thereon a wireless receiver for receiving data transmitted over said wireless link by said wireless transmitter. The first substrate is fixed to or within said second substrate. Additionally or alternatively, the device comprises a first substrate defining one or more microfluidic structures for receiving a fluid to be sensed and a second substrate comprising or having attached thereto a multiplicity of fluid sensors, the number of sensors being greater than the number of microfluidic structures.

Abstract: Described and illustrated herein are one exemplary method and a measurement system having a meter and a test strip. The test strip has a first working electrode, reference electrode and second working electrode. In this method, acceptable fill data from known first current and known second current are used to predict an estimated second current at proximate the second time period (for a given batch of test strips) during the test sequence. The estimated second current at proximate the second time interval is then compared with a measured actual second current at proximate the second time interval during an actual test to determine if the measured actual second current is substantially equal to or within an acceptable percent deviation from the estimated second current so as to determine sufficient volume of a physiological fluid sample in the test strip.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention may include a method for electrochemically monitoring the mobility of particles in a fluid in response to an external field, the method may include monitoring an electrical characteristic of the fluid in an electrochemical cell, the fluid comprising particles that can be moved under the influence of an externally applied field; observing changes in the electrical characteristic caused by particle movement induced by the external field; and inferring a change in the physical state of the fluid from a change in the magnitude of the electrical characteristic observed.

Abstract: A microchamber electrochemical cell and method of using the cell for performing quantitative analysis of various charged macromolecules is presented. The microchamber electrochemical cell includes a substrate, opposing electrodes and at least one nanoslot. The substrate is configured to define a pair of opposing fluid reservoirs. The pair of opposing electrodes are respectively positioned within the opposing fluid reservoirs. Each nanoslot is configured to fluidly connect the opposing fluid reservoirs together. The opposing fluid reservoirs of the microchamber electrochemical cell are fluidly connected to each other only through each nanoslot. Each nanoslot is physically restricted to less than 500 nanometers. One method includes the steps of coupling, filling, measuring, obtaining, performing and preparing.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods and devices for rapidly detecting a biological or other residue in a liquid sample. In some embodiments of the instant invention, a single electrode is employed to contact a flowing aqueous solution, with electrical outputs being recorded by an electrical metering device. Injection or flow of sample leads to changes in solution electrostatic behavior; those changes are recorded in the metering device, with absence of predetermined residues or targets yielding the highest signals. General and specific target detection may be performed with various embodiments of the instant invention.

Abstract: A catalytic conversion characteristic of a catalyst, which indicates a relationship between an air-to-fuel ratio and a catalytic conversion efficiency of the catalyst, includes a second air-to-fuel ratio point, which is a point of starting an outflow of NOx from the catalyst and is located on a rich side of a first air-to-fuel ratio point that forms an equilibrium point for a rich component and oxygen. A constant current circuit, which induces a flow of an electric current from an exhaust side electrode to an atmosphere side electrode through a solid electrolyte layer in a sensor element, is connected to the sensor element. A microcomputer controls a current value of the electric current, which is induced by the constant current circuit, based on a difference between the first air-to-fuel ratio point and the second air-to-fuel ratio point at the catalyst.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for electrochemical gas sensing, comprising a plurality of different electrodes and a freestanding electrolyte film covering said electrodes, wherein at least two of those electrodes present a different distance from its top surface to the electrolyte film surface. The disclosure also relates to an electronic system and a method for electrochemical gas sensing.

Abstract: An electrochemical-based analytical test strip for the determination of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in a bodily fluid sample (such as a whole blood sample) includes an electrically insulating base layer and a patterned conductor layer (for example, a gold patterned conductor layer) disposed over the electrically-insulating layer. The patterned conductor layer includes at least one electrode with the electrode having electrochemically inert areas and an electrochemically active area(s). Moreover, the electrochemically inert areas and electrochemically active area(s) are of a predetermined size and a predetermined distribution such that electrochemical response of the electrode during use of the electrochemical-based analytical test strip is essentially equivalent to a predetermined electrochemical response.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing a control solution from a sample in an electrochemical test sensor is performed. The method includes adding a control marker to the control solution. The control solution includes the control marker and analyte. The test sensor includes working and counter electrodes, and a reagent. A potential is applied to the test sensor to oxidize the control marker and the analyte. The resulting electrical current is measured. A potential is applied to the test sensor lower than the other potential in which the potential is sufficient to oxidize the analyte and not the control marker. The resulting electrical current is measured. Determining whether a control solution or a sample is present based on the measured electrical currents. To increase the measured current, a salt may be added to the control solution in an amount sufficient to increase the electrical current by at least 5% as compared to a control solution in the absence of a salt.

Abstract: An integrated sensing device is capable of detecting analytes using electrochemical (EC) and electrical (E) signals. The device introduces synergetic new capabilities and enhances the sensitivity and selectivity for real-time detection of an analyte in complex matrices, including the presence of high concentration of interferences in liquids and in gas phases.

Abstract: A device, a method, and a use thereof for detecting a concentration of a gas or of a gas component. The device as a gas sensor includes at least one sensor element including a gas-sensitive layer and a heating element for heating the gas-sensitive layer. The heating element is able to heat the sensitive layer to a desired temperature prior to the detection and/or is able to maintain it at a desired temperature during the detection. The heating element allows the gas-sensitive layer to be outgassed if needed, so as to allow absorption again. To heat the heating element, there is a first contacting to which a first voltage may be applied. Moreover, subsequent to the heating step, a second voltage may be applied to the sensor element or to the gas-sensitive layer for measured value detection with the aid of a second contacting.

Abstract: A sample substance S is captured by a capture substance 10 which is immobilized on a working electrode body 161 to provide a method of electrochemically detecting a sample substance capable of detecting the sample substance with high sensitivity. A complex which includes, on a soluble carrier 21, a sample substance S and a labeled binder 20 that has a modified labeled substance 23 containing a labeled substance 20 bound to modified labeled substance 23 containing a labeled substance 24 and a binder 22 that binds to the sample substance S, formed on the working electrode 161. The soluble carrier 21 is dissolved, and the modified labeled substance 23 is attracted to the working electrode 161.

Abstract: The invention describes novel chemiluminescence electrode devices and their novel properties to enable achieving luminescence signal by electrical excitation by cathodic or bipolar pulses in aqueous electrolyte solutions. These devices form a significant improvement in construction of cheap and reliable means for especially diagnosis of health conditions in point-of-need purposes.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor incorporates a ferrocenophane which is a compound with at least one bridging group covalently attached to and connecting the two cyclopentadiene rings associated with the same iron atom. This bridging group maybe tetramethylene. As compared to an equivalent sensor with ferrocene, the tolerance of elevated temperature is improved and so is the working life at ambient temperature.

Abstract: Cantilever Sensors made of piezoelectric material may be structured with various configurations of asymmetric anchors as well as asymmetric electrodes. Such asymmetry enables measurement of resonant properties of the cantilever that are otherwise unmeasurable electrically, resulting in significant advantages for ease of measurement. In addition the asymmetry enables expression of torsional and/or lateral modes that are otherwise absent, and these modes also exhibit excellent mass-change sensitivity. The asymmetries may enable resonant mode impedance-coupling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the detection of particulates in a sample, wherein the particulates are introduced into a plasma and the potential difference between a common electrode and each of a plurality of indicator electrodes is measured. The invention further provides an electrode array and an apparatus which can be used for the potentiometric detection of particulates in a sample.

Abstract: Techniques are generally described for a gas sensor testing device. In some examples, the gas sensor testing device comprises a chamber including a wall having an inside surface and an outside surface, the inside surface defining a gas channel, the wall including at least one water molecule. In some examples, the gas sensor testing device includes a first electrode wire coupled to the outside surface of the wall. In some examples, the gas sensor testing device includes a second electrode wire coupled to the inside surface of the wall. In some examples, the wires are operable to generate a current through the wall when a voltage is applied across the wires. In some examples, the current is effective to electrolyze the at least one water molecule to generate a gas.

Abstract: Chemical modification of the surface of elemental carbon comprises a first stage of attaching a compound with an azo group to the elemental carbon and then a second stage of decomposing the azo group in the presence of one or more compounds with an olefinic group so that decomposition of the azo group forms radicals attached to the carbon surface and a said radical forms a covalent bond to a said olefinic group. The second stage may proceed as a polymerization of a vinyl monomer with a redox active group such as ferrocene, anthracene or anthraquinone. The resulting polymer-modified carbon may be used in an electrochemical sensor.

Abstract: Electromechanical sensors that employ Janus micro/nano-components and techniques for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a method of fabricating an electromechanical sensor includes the following steps. A back gate is formed on a substrate. A gate dielectric is deposited over the back gate. An intermediate layer is formed on the back gate having a micro-fluidic channel formed therein. Top electrodes are formed above the micro-fluidic channel. One or more Janus components are placed in the micro-fluidic channel, wherein each of the Janus components has a first portion having an electrically conductive material and a second portion having an electrically insulating material. The micro-fluidic channel is filled with a fluid. The electrically insulating material has a negative surface charge at a pH of the fluid and an isoelectric point at a pH less than the pH of the fluid.

Abstract: The presence of oxygen or red blood cells in a sample applied to an electrochemical test strip that makes use of a reduced mediator is corrected for by an additive correction factor that is determined as a function of the temperature of the sample and a measurement that reflects the oxygen carrying capacity of the sample. The measured oxygen carrying capacity can also be used to determine hematocrit and to distinguish between blood samples and control solutions applied to a test strip.

Abstract: A capacitor for a hydrogen sensor includes a dielectric substrate, a first electrode on the dielectric substrate, a second electrode on the dielectric substrate, and palladium islands on the dielectric substrate and between the first and second electrodes. The palladium islands are electrically isolated from the first and second electrodes and from each other.

Abstract: A portable analytical test meter is designed for use with an associated analytical test strip. A test-strip-receiving module receives the analytical test strip and is electrically connected to a dummy load calibration circuit block. That block is configured to provide a dummy magnitude correction and a dummy phase correction; and a memory block is configured to store the dummy magnitude correction and the dummy phase correction. A method for calibrating a portable analytical test meter for use with an analytical test strip includes determining a dummy magnitude correction and a dummy phase correction of the portable analytical test meter using a dummy load calibration circuit block of the portable analytical test meter. The dummy magnitude correction and the dummy phase correction are stored in a memory block of the portable analytical test meter. Using the stored dummy magnitude correction and stored dummy phase correction, an analyte is determined.

Abstract: An electrochemical test sensor adapted to assist in determining the concentration of analyte in a fluid sample is disclosed. The sensor comprises a base that assists in forming an opening for introducing the fluid sample, a working electrode being coupled to the base, and a counter electrode being coupled to the base, the counter electrode and the working electrode being adapted to be in electrical communication with a detector of electrical current, and a sub-element being coupled to the base. A major portion of the counter electrode is located downstream relative to the opening and at least a portion of the working electrode. The sub-element is located upstream relative to the working electrode such that when electrical communication occurs between only the sub-element and the working electrode there is insufficient flow of electrical current through the detector to determine the concentration of the analyte in the fluid sample.