Abstract: Apparatus for recording electrical activity produced by cells in-vitro, which comprises a device having a polymeric structure (12) comprising a well (14) for housing and culturing cells, a duct (15) disposed at right angles to said well and connected to its bottom region, and two electrodes (13,13?) for recording a potential in said well, wherein the width of said well is at least ten times, preferably twenty times and more preferably fifty times, the width of said duct, and the width of at least of said electrodes (13) is at least ten times the width of said duct. The polymeric structure preferably comprises two such wells (14,14?) connected by said duct (15), so that one of the electrodes can be placed in one well and another one of the electrodes can be placed in the other well.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a method for measuring a target component in an erythrocyte-containing specimen with high reliability while suppressing the influence of the Ht value of the specimen. [Solution to Problem] In the measurement method of the present invention, first, prior to measurement, a relationship between amounts of the target component and a plurality of signals corresponding thereto is provided. Then, a plurality of signals derived from the target component in the erythrocyte-containing specimen are acquired with a biosensor. With reference to the relationship, the amount of the target component in the specimen is determined based on the thus-acquired plurality of signals.

Abstract: A method of determining the condition of a bulk tissue sample, by: positioning a bulk tissue sample between a pair of induction coils (or antennae); passing a spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) through a first of the induction coils (or antennae); measuring spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) produced in the second of the induction coils (or antennae); and comparing the phase shift between the spectrum of alternating currents (or voltages) in the first and second induction coils (or antennae), thereby determining the condition of the bulk tissue sample.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of determining or adjusting the sensitivity of a biosensor arrangement comprising at least one field effect biosensor is provided, each of the at least one field effect biosensor comprising: a semiconductor substrate comprising a source region, a drain region and a channel region disposed between the source region and the drain region; a gate isolation layer covering the channel region; and a reference electrode disposed over the gate isolation layer such that a electrolytic solution to be sensed can be provided between the reference electrode and the gate isolation layer.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices, systems, and methods for assaying cells using cell-substrate impedance monitoring. In one aspect, the invention provides cell-substrate impedance monitoring devices that comprise electrode arrays on a nonconducting substrate, in which each of the arrays has an approximately uniform electrode resistance across the entire array. In another aspect, the invention provides cell-substrate monitoring systems comprising one or more cell-substrate monitoring devices comprising multiple wells each having an electrode array, an impedance analyzer, a device station that connects arrays of individual wells to the impedance analyzer, and software for controlling the device station and impedance analyzer. In another aspect, the invention provides cellular assays that use impedance monitoring to detect changes in cell behavior or state. The methods can be used to test the effects of compounds on cells, such as in cytotoxicity assays.

Abstract: A follower amplifier with power supply biased by a controlled voltage source such that the power supply potentials are, for the frequencies of interest, as close as possible to the potential of the follower output. There is proposed a front-end electronic circuit for biopotential and impedance measurements with outstanding performances (very high input impedance and gain very close to unity). Preferably, the explicit guard electrode and the explicit electronic unit at the belt are no longer necessary; all electronics is embedded in units placed directly at the measurement sites. Moreover, the proposed front-end electronic circuit allows a drastic simplification of the cabling and connectors since all units are connected to only one wire (the theoretical minimum) for potential reference and current return. Preferably, this wire does not even require an electrical isolation and can be easily embedded in the textile of a shirt, in a garment, mesh, belt, etc.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure is directed to a mixer amplifier that can be utilized within a chopper stabilized instrumentation amplifier. The chopper stabilized instrumentation amplifier may be used for physiological signal sensing, impedance sensing, telemetry or other test and measurement applications. In some examples, the mixer amplifier may include a current source configured to generate a modulated current at a modulation frequency for application to a load to produce an input signal, an amplifier configured to amplify the input signal to produce an amplified signal, and a demodulator configured to demodulate the amplified signal at the modulation frequency to produce an output signal indicating an impedance of the load.

Abstract: A first measurement device is a measurement device for measuring the concentration of a target substance in a sample deposited on a biosensor, and more particularly is constituted such that at least two kinds of voltage of mutually different levels are applied at mutually different timings to the electrode system of the biosensor, and the concentration is corrected on the basis of the amount of change in the current value.

Abstract: According to a device and system for measuring the properties of cells, there is an advantage in that, since a cell accommodation unit having a volume is provided, the properties of three-dimensional cells can be measured. Further, the present invention is advantageous in that it enables passive measurement of multiple properties which passively measures the electrical, mechanical and/or optical properties of cells, and active measurement of multiple properties which actively applies electrical, mechanical and optical types of stimulation to cells and measures their electrical, mechanical and/or optical reactions, thus measuring the multiple properties of cells with high reliability.

Abstract: A system for electrical impedance tomography and method thereof are disclosed, by which electrical characteristics within a measurement target can be precisely detected. The present invention includes the steps of injection a current to a measurement target via at least one electrode pair selected form a plurality of electrodes (250) attached to the measurement target, detecting voltage of a surface of the measurement target using a plurality of voltmeters (260) connected to the electrodes that are not selected, respectively, adjusting gains of the voltmeters according to maximum values of the detected voltages, respectively, amplifying the detected voltages using the gain-adjusted voltmeters, respectively, and imaging an internal part of the measurement target based on the amplified voltages.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed for detecting biomolecules. More specifically, by measuring the change in the electrical properties of a complex between a probe and carbon nanotubes, a non-label detection is achieved, capable of a rapid, sensitive and electrical detection of the presence and concentration of biomolecules in a sample solution.

Abstract: A sample measurement device (110), in which a biosensor (30) having an electrode is mounted, voltage is applied to the electrode, and the concentration of a specific component in a sample deposited on the biosensor (30) is measured, comprises a voltage source (19) configured to apply voltage to the electrode, a time measurement component (22), and a controller (18) configured to control the voltage to be applied and measure the concentration of the specific component. The time measurement component (22) measures a detection time, which is the length of time between the mounting of the biosensor (30) and the deposition of a sample on the biosensor (30). The controller (18) changes a set value for measuring the concentration of a specific component according to the detection time. Consequently, measurement accuracy can be improved regardless of the temperature of the biosensor (30).

Abstract: A method for measuring membrane potential using dielectric spectroscopy is described. A new theoretical model allows for the determination of membrane potential from low-frequency impedance measurements to provide a non-evasive method which is both rapid and inexpensive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analysis tool including a reagent portion and electrodes. The electrodes include a porous conductive portion where the reagent portion is formed. The porous conductive section is formed by, for instance, coating at least a part of a surface and an inner surface of a porous body with a conductive film. The porous body is, for instance, an insulating fiber mesh cloth. Preferably, the electrodes are formed in a sheet shape.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an instrument for measuring the dielectric properties of biological tissue. The instrument includes a top electrode assembly and a bottom electrode assembly, the top electrode assembly including a top electrode and at least one shaft adjustably positionable to move the top electrode relative to the bottom electrode assembly, the bottom electrode assembly including a bottom test plate and a bottom electrode. The instrument also includes a testing cylinder coupled to the shaft and having an inner cavity defined therein that houses the top electrode and which is designed to enclose the bottom electrode therein. The testing cylinder is configured to reduce at least one of electric current, magnetic current, stray radiative RF fields and external capacitive leakage currents during activation of the top and bottom electrodes.

Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus and a method for detecting the presence of pathogenic agents with sensors containing functionalized nanostructures integrated into circuits on silicon chips. The nanostructures are functionalized with molecular transducers that recognize and bind targeted analytes which are diagnostic of the pathogenic agent of interest. The molecular transducer includes a receptor portion, which binds the analyte, and an anchor portion that attaches to the nanostructure. Upon binding of the analyte, a change in molecular configuration represented by the newly formed receptor-analyte complex creates a force that is transmitted to the nanostructure via the anchor portion of the transducer. The effect of the force transmitted to the nanostructure is to alter its conductivity. The change in conductivity of the nanotube thus represents a signal that indicates the presence of the pathogenic agent of interest.

Abstract: A diagnostic test for a head and facial pain disorder in a human patient includes providing test strip containing one or more antibodies corresponding one or more biological markers associated with the disorder or with multiple disorders. A saliva sample is collected from the human patient and applied to the test strip. The test strip is subsequently evaluated for evidence of binding of one or more of the antibodies with any biological markers present in the saliva sample. The progression of the head and facial pain disorder in the patient may be measured by collecting and evaluating additional saliva samples over time and comparing any changes in the amount of binding activity between or among samples.

Abstract: A live finger detection system and method includes a drive plate configured to inject radio frequency signals into an object proximate the drive plate. The injected radio frequency energy causes the object to radiate an electric field. A pickup plate is configured to detect an intensity associated with the electric field radiated by the object. A sensor coupled to the pickup plate is configured to determine whether the object is a live finger based on the detected intensity of the electric field radiated by the object.

Abstract: A method of determining and monitoring the safety of a foodstuff by subjecting the foodstuff to bioelectrical impedance analysis including measurement and calculation of values of resistance, reactance, impedance, capacitance, and phase angle of the foodstuff, and then tracking the values over time to illustrate freshness, palatability and safety of the foodstuff, and ascertaining difference in rate of change from established averages of freshness and palatability to show possible contamination of the foodstuff.

Abstract: A method for identifying a selective persistent Na+ channel blocker by measuring the ability of the blocker to reduce or inhibit a persistent Na+ current to a greater degree than a transient Na+ current. Aspects of the present method provide Na+ depletion/repletion methods for identifying a selective blocker of a persistent Na+ channel, hyperpolarization methods for identifying a blocker of a persistent Na+ channel, and Na/K ATPase pump inhibitor methods for identifying a selective blocker of a persistent Na+ channel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate plate (12), a set (16) of microelectrodes arranged on the upper face (14) of the substrate plate (12) and a tank (24) which is capable of containing living cells and an perfusion liquid, and which includes a vertical cylindrical lateral skirt (36) which is open towards the top and which surrounds an area including the set (16) of microelectrodes; characterized in that the lateral skirt (36) is attached in a sealed and detachable way with respect to the substrate plate (12).

Abstract: A probe for use in performing impedance measurements on a subject. The probe includes a housing for being held by an operator in use, a contact surface for contacting the subject and a connector for connecting the contact surface to a measuring device.

Abstract: A biosensor reader and a biosensor reader system are provided. The biosensor reader has a field-effect transistor (FET) biosensor attached thereto, and the FET biosensor includes between electrodes a probe channel to which probe materials are immobilized. The biosensor reader analyzes an electrical conductivity change of the probe channel caused by the binding between the probe material and a target material contained in an analysis solution. The biosensor reader includes a measurement module and an output module. The measurement module connects the probe channel electrically to a reference resistance with a fixed resistance value by the attachment of the FET biosensor, measures a reference voltage drop across the reference resistance and a channel voltage drop across the probe channel, and analyzes an electrical conductivity change of the probe channel from the reference voltage drop and the channel voltage drop.

Abstract: A measurement system for examining a section of tissue on a patient in which electric current and/or voltages are applied to a patient in at least one location and are measured on the section of tissue to be examined by at least one electrode of a contact surface of the measurement system. As a result, conclusions can be drawn about the interior of the section of tissue to be examined. The electrode is at least partially surrounded by a conductor element for contacting with a potential which deviates from that of the conductor element.

Abstract: A method for identifying a selective persistent Na+ channel blocker by measuring the ability of the blocker to reduce or inhibit a persistent Na+ current to a greater degree than a transient Na+ current. Aspects of the present method provide Na+ depletion/repletion methods for identifying a selective blocker of a persistent Na+ channel, hyperpolarization methods for identifying a blocker of a persistent Na+ channel, and Na/K ATPase pump inhibitor methods for identifying a selective blocker of a persistent Na+ channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for the diagnosis of a biological sample is disclosed. An embodiments of the apparatus includes a probe, a probe head distally connectable to the probe, the probe head further comprising a plurality of electrode elements thereby forming an electrode array where each electrode element is variably actuatable to apply an electrical signal to the biological sample; an RF signal source for applying the electrical signal to the electrode array; an electrode selector adapted and configured to switch the electrical signal from the RF signal source between the plurality of electrode elements; and a detection circuit for analyzing a dielectric property received from the biological sample. Methods and kits for diagnosing a biological sample are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying fake fingerprints has electrodes disposed along a platen surface of a fingerprint scanner and whether or not the skin of one or more fingers presented to the surface are real and alive is determined in accordance with analysis of electrical signals received from the electrodes. Electronics of the apparatus determines one or more liveness parameter(s) in accordance with signals received from electrodes. Information from an image of the fingerprint may be used to select which electrode signals to use for liveness detection. To further confirm the presence of a live finger(s), additional liveness parameter(s) of the pulse and/or temperature may also be sensed. The skin may be one of in contact with the platen of the fingerprint scanner, separated from direct contact with the platen's electrodes by an insulating layer or a pad, or not in physical contact with the platen or a pad thereupon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for detecting bioelectric signals from spheroids comprising a measuring chamber having a measuring chamber wall which encloses a volume, which is open at least at one side, is composed of an electrically non-conducting material, and has, in at least one measuring region, an inner cross section, which corresponds as far as possible to the largest cross section of a spheroid, comprising at least a number of electrodes which are disposed in a common plane inside said measuring chamber wall and each electrode has a freely accessible electrode surface which is oriented towards the measuring region, and comprising an impedance measuring arrangement which is connected to the electrodes. The device and the method can be used to test substances in 3D biological in-vitro (three-dimensional) cell aggregates.

Abstract: This invention is a sensor switch capable of sensing the contact by human body, comprising a contact conductor, issuing a signal once a human body touches it; a frequency generator, for the receiving of the signal issued by the contact conductor, converting the signal into a preset frequency to output; and a detecting circuit, for the receiving of the signal issued by the frequency generator, determining if the output frequency of the frequency generator is changed and issuing an electric signal subject to the frequency that is detected. Accordingly, once a human body gets in contact with the contact conductor, the detecting circuit will issue an electric signal to form a sensor switch.

Abstract: A method of determining the condition of a bulk tissue sample, by: positioning a bulk tissue sample between a pair of induction coils (or antennae); passing a spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) through a first of the induction coils (or antennae); measuring spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) produced in the second of the induction coils (or antennae); and comparing the phase shift between the spectrum of alternating currents (or voltages) in the first and second induction coils (or antennae), thereby determining the condition of the bulk tissue sample.

Abstract: A contact sensor unit includes: a flexible substrate having a conductive pattern; a sensor element having a detecting surface for detecting a fingerprint of a test subject, the sensor element having a terminal electrically connected to the conductive pattern, and the sensor element mounted on the flexible substrate to be covered with the flexible substrate; and a reinforcing member fixed on the flexible substrate and surrounding the sensor element.

Abstract: An improved electrode for measurement of neuron electrical activity where the number of measurement points is much larger than offered by existing devices. We disclose a method to select a subset of available measuring electrodes, herein called pads, on the surface of the device of our invention, herein called picafina. Besides selecting a particular subset of electrodes, or pads, to use in a particular case, our invention teaches methods and means to keep the selection for a predetermined length of time, or for an indefinite length of time, both under control of the researcher or the neurosurgeon. Selecting a different measuring pad, or a combination of pads, is equivalent of making measurement at a different location, or on a nearby neuron. The invention also discloses method and means to make several parallel measurements, in which case correlations can be made between the firing of different neurons.

Abstract: The present invention describes (bio)chemo-functional waveguide grating structures consisting of at least one (bio)chemo-functional waveguide grating structure unit or at least one (bio)chemo-functional sensor location with beam guidance permitting light beam separation, as well as detection methods for parallel analysis which are marking-free or based on marking.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to the detection of cardiovascular efficiency and risk of disease. The rate of volumetric change of the heart can be determined by measuring the parallel conductance across electrodes attached to the heart. Measurements from a lumen would consider the total conductance. The rate of volumetric or lumen cross-section area change can then be compared to an average model to determine the health of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cellular potential measurement container that can measure a cellular potential with high accuracy while suppressing noise even when the number of the cells to be subjected to the measurement is increased. The cellular potential measurement container includes a first solution reservoir 14, a second solution reservoir 15, a partition substrate 18, a first electrode 27a, a second electrode 27b, a first measurement terminal 13a, and a second measurement terminal 13b. The first solution reservoir 14 and the second solution reservoir 15 are partitioned with the partition substrate 18, and the partition substrate 18 has a through hole 19. A first end of the through hole 19 is open toward the first solution reservoir 14 while a second end of the through hole 19 is open toward the second solution reservoir 15. The opening at the first end of the through hole 19 can hold a cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for creating a vascular access for extracorporeal blood treatment using an extracorporeal blood treatment device, wherein the device for creating the vascular access has an electrically conductive puncture needle with a proximal endpiece and distal endpiece, and a base body that is made of electrically non-conductive material and into which the distal endpiece of the puncture needle is inserted. In the case of a properly arranged vascular access, the base body, which includes an electrically conductive contact element, lies on the skin of the patient, when the puncture needle is located within the vessel of the patient. A disconnection or dislocation is detected by the impedance between the electrically conductive puncture needle and the electrically conductive contact element being measured and compared to a limit value. If the impedance measured is within predetermined limits, this indicates a properly arranged vascular access.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in connection with biosignal measurement from the skin of a living object, comprising means for applying a test input impedance to the biosignal measurement, means for determining a response of a biosignal characteristics to the test input impedance, and means for setting a usage input impedance on the basis of the response.

Abstract: A system monitors growth characteristics of a plant having a root buried in a prescribed volume of ground using a plurality of electrodes inserted into the ground at a known spacing relative to one another in proximity to the root or root-like structure. When electrical current is applied to some of the electrodes, electrical potential is measured at other ones of the electrodes to construct a representation of electrical impedance across the prescribed volume locating the root or root-like structure. Growth characteristics of the soil and the plant, for example root size, root shape, soil moisture content, and the like, can be identified by locating variations of the electrical impedance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for measuring aspects of antibody function in live-cell systems as defined herein. The system and method also provide a method to measure prophylaxis or remedial aspects of antibody therapeutic candidates in a live-cell or a live-cell model.

Abstract: The present invention includes devices, systems, and methods for assaying cells using cell-substrate impedance monitoring. In one aspect, the invention provides cell-substrate impedance monitoring devices that comprise electrode arrays on a nonconducting substrate, in which each of the arrays has an approximately uniform electrode resistance across the entire array. In another aspect, the invention provides cell-substrate monitoring systems comprising one or more cell-substrate monitoring devices comprising multiple wells each having an electrode array, an impedance analyzer, a device station that connects arrays of individual wells to the impedance analyzer, and software for controlling the device station and impedance analyzer. In another aspect, the invention provides cellular assays that use impedance monitoring to detect changes in cell behavior or state. The methods can be used to test the effects of compounds on cells, such as in cytotoxicity assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating the transparency and/or water holding capacity of a stratum corneum by using oxidized protein in the stratum corneum as an indicator.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding system for error checking an electrochemical sensor having at least two electrodes and a liquid measuring medium applied thereto are disclosed. The method discloses determining a first admittance between a first set of electrodes of the sensor; determining a second admittance between a second set of electrodes of the sensor; determining a value using the first admittance and the second admittance; and displaying an error message if the value is out of a predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) is used to examine or monitor the state or state of health of plants (2) with the aid of a bipolar electrode (4) which uses its at least two different poles (5) to measure corresponding potentials of the plant and supply them to a detector and/or memory (7), in particular via an amplifier (9), with the result that conclusions regarding the state of, or the possible damage to, a plant (2) can be drawn from changes in the electrical signals and can ensure remedial action.

Abstract: Osmolarity measurement of a sample fluid, such as tear film, is achieved by depositing an aliquot-sized sample on a sample receiving substrate. The sample fluid is placed on a sample region of the substrate. Energy is imparted to the sample fluid and energy properties of the fluid can be detected to produce a sample fluid reading that indicates osmolarity of the sample fluid. An aliquot-sized volume can comprise, for example, a volume of no more than 20 microliters (?L). The aliquot-sized sample volume can be quickly and easily obtained, even from dry eye sufferers. The imparted energy can comprise electrical, optical or thermal energy. In the case of electrical energy, the energy property of the sample fluid can comprise electrical conductivity. In the case of optical energy, the energy property can comprise fluorescence. In the case of thermal energy, the measured property can be the freezing point of the sample fluid.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively and qualitatively determining the presence of a macromolecule comprises providing nanoparticles in a buffered solution, adding a test sample to the buffered nanoparticle solution, and measuring the difference between the buffered nanoparticles in the presence and absence of the test sample. The nanoparticles are preferably less than 100 nm in size.

Abstract: Systems for positioning and/or analyzing samples such as cells, vesicles, cellular organelles, and fragments, derivatives, and mixtures thereof, for electrical and/or optical analysis, especially relating to the presence and/or activity of ion channels.

Abstract: A contact sensor is disclosed. The contact sensor includes a main body and at least one conductor. At least one end of the conductor is disposed on the main body and a contact surface is on one side of the conductor for contact the body surface. The surface of the conductor is in the shape of arc. By the contact surface of the conductor, the contact sensor contacts the human body easily without tangling hair. Moreover, there is not need for the present invention to apply any conductive gel on the body surface so that the measurement of physiological signals is easily and conveniently.

Abstract: A method of operating a passenger screening kiosk system to perform at least one verify a passenger's identity, detect the presence of an explosive material, and detect the presence of a metallic material includes initiating a prompt to be issued by the passenger screening kiosk system to prompt the passenger to enter the passenger screening kiosk system, prompting the passenger to enter the passenger screening kiosk system, and determining whether the passenger is within the passenger screening kiosk system.

Abstract: A device for measuring electrical activity of biological elements, including a substrate that has lower and upper faces and at least one through opening, the opening being delimited by a set of walls. Two plates are placed on either side of the lower and upper faces of the substrate and delimit, with the set of walls, a chamber. Each of the plates is provided, on its face lying opposite the substrate, with at least one electrode facing the opening in the substrate. Each of the plates further has at least one channel that starts inside the chamber and connects the chamber to the outside of the device, and the chamber communicates with the outside of the device only through the channels.

Abstract: An electrochemical biosensor test strip with four new features. The test strip includes an indentation for tactile feel as to the location of the strips sample application port. The sample application port leads to a capillary test chamber, which includes a test reagent. The wet reagent includes from about 0.2% by weight to about 2% by weight polyethylene oxide from about 100 kilodaltons to about 900 kilodaltons mean molecular weight, which makes the dried reagent more hydrophilic and sturdier to strip processing steps, such as mechanical punching, and to mechanical manipulation by the test strip user. The roof of the capillary test chamber includes a transparent or translucent window which operates as a “fill to here” line, thereby identifying when enough test sample (a liquid sample, such as blood) has been added to the test chamber to accurately perform a test. The test strip may further include a notch located at the sample application port. The notch reduces a phenomenon called “dose hesitation”.