Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for non-invasive detection of an analyte in a fluid sample. In one embodiment, the device comprises: a collection chamber containing an absorbent hydrogel material; a fluidic channel connected to the collection chamber; a sensing chamber connected to the fluidic channel, wherein the device is comprised of a compressible housing that allows transfer of fluid collected by the collection chamber to be transferred to be extracted and withdrawn to the sensing chamber upon compression of the device, wherein the sensing chamber contains a material that specifically detects the analyte and wherein the sensing chamber is operably linked to a processor containing a potentiostat that allows detection of the analyte using electrochemical sensing.

Abstract: An electrochemical test sensor for detecting the analyte concentration of a fluid test sample includes a base, a dielectric layer, a reagent layer, a light guide area, and a lid. The base provides a flow path for the test sample having on its surface a counter electrode and a working electrode adapted to electrically communicate with a detector of electrical current. The dielectric layer forms a dielectric window therethrough. The reagent layer includes an enzyme that is adapted to react with the analyte. The lid is adapted to mate with the base and to assist in forming a capillary space with an opening for the introduction of the test sample thereto. The light guide area transmits light towards the capillary space.

Abstract: A combinatorial screening method and system are provided. The combinatorial system and method provide rapid data generation for characterization of phase change material. The characterization data is collected through a multipoint probe card where multiple regions are characterized in a single annealing cycle.

Abstract: An integrated microelectronic sensor is provided in a disposable flow membrane sensing device. The integrated sensors detect electromagnetic effect labels in flow detection zones above the sensor in the membrane. The labels are small particles that give off a detectable electromagnetic signal. They are commonly used for isolating and quantifying biochemical targets of interest. The sensors are fabricated using planar integrated circuit technologies. Sensors can detect labels of several types including magnetic, electric, and photonic. These types all have in common the fact that the sensor detects the label at a distance. Magnetoresistive sensors for detecting magnetic labels, and photodiodes for detecting photonic labels are described. A system for using the sensors is described. There are disposable cartridges with a backing that supports the sensors and membrane is described. The integrated sensor in the cartridge is designed to be discarded after use. Also, label excitation sources are provided.

Abstract: Luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.

Abstract: An electrochemical immunosensor system with reduced interference, comprising: a first immunosensor that generates an electrochemical signal based on the formation of a sandwich between an immobilized antibody, a target analyte and a labeled antibody, wherein a portion of the signal arises from non-specific binding of the labeled antibody in the region of the first immunosensor, and a second immunosensor that acts as an immuno-reference sensor and generates a signal that is the same as or predictably related to the degree of non-specific binding which occurs in the region of the first immunosensor, and has an immunocomplex between an immobilized antibody and an endogenous or exogenous protein that is in the sample and that is not the target analyte.

Abstract: Nanoscale probes for forming stable, non-destructive seals with cell membranes. The probes, systems including these probes, and methods of fabricating and using the probes described herein may be used to sense from, stimulate, modify, or otherwise effect individual cells or groups of cells. In particular, described herein are nanoscale cellular probes that may be used to span the lipid membrane of a cell to provide stable and long lasting access to the internal cellular structures. Thus, the probes described herein may be used as part of a system, method or device that would benefit from stable, non-destructive access across a cell membrane. In some variations the nanoscale probe devices or systems described herein may be used as part of a drug screening procedure.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of dispersing or circulating magnetically responsive beads within a droplet in a droplet actuator. The invention, in one embodiment, makes use of a droplet actuator with a plurality of droplet operations electrodes configured to transport the droplet, and a magnetic field present at a portion of the plurality of droplet operations electrodes. A bead-containing droplet is provided on the droplet actuator in the presence of the uniform magnetic field. Beads are circulated in the droplet during incubation by conducting droplet operations on the droplet within a uniform region of the magnetic field wherein droplet operations do not allow magnetically responsive beads to be introduced into a region of the magnetic field which is sufficiently non-uniform to cause bead clumping resulting in a more homogenous distribution of the beads in the droplet. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: It is possible to determine the presence of bacteria in a sample solution in a shorter period of time without changing a conventional incubating method. Bacteria in a sample solution are incubated in, for example, a sterilized agar medium 10 having a layer thickness of 0.1 ?m to 1 ?m formed on an electrode of a crystal resonator 2, and an oscillation frequency is measured. When the bacteria proliferate, the mass of the entire crystal resonator 2 increases, and the oscillation frequency decreases. Therefore, by monitoring presence of such a change over time, presence of bacteria in the sample solution can be determined quickly.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and articles of manufacture comprising a low-voltage operable, highly sensitive, and selectively responsive polymer for the detection of nitroaromatic compounds, including explosives. Resistive devices were fabricated by simple spin-coating on flexible and transparent substrates as well as silicon substrates, and were stable under ambient temperature and oxygen levels before exposure to the nitroaromatics. After exposure to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), the devices showed increased conductance, even with pg quantities of TNT, accompanied by a confirming color change from colorless to deep red. The relative conductance increase per unit exposure is the highest yet reported for TNT. Aromatic anion salts, on the other hand, did not induce any electronic responses. Methods of making the articles and devices, and their use are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a magnetically susceptible polymer component, a method of making the same, and apparatuses and systems for mixing, separating or localizing a magnetically susceptible polymer compound in a reaction. The magnetically susceptible polymer component includes a polymer and a magnetically susceptible particle of a predetermined size, which yields a component having a much-improved magnetic reactivity due to the increase in magnetic material by mass percentage. The apparatuses and systems of the present invention employ controllable magnetic fields distributable in perpendicular directions in order to precisely control the orientation, position and relative motion of any magnetically susceptible components within a reaction vessel.

Abstract: To provide a microfluidic device which does not apply a meandering reaction channel and thus can be reduced in size, the microfluidic device comprising a reaction channel is characterized in that a plurality of thermal cycle regions which respectively comprise at least two thermal regions with different temperatures are repeatedly provided and the reaction channel passes through the plurality of thermal cycle regions.

Abstract: A biological test member, and method of making the same, is disclosed with the member including a substrate. The test member has usefulness, for example, in testing a person's blood glucose level. A first layer and a second layer of conductive metal are printed or otherwise applied on the substrate in an electrode pattern. The metal or metals are cured or sintered at a low, non-damaging temperature, such as by applying one or more pulses of a high-energy broad spectrum light. A layer of reagent may be provided on said second metal layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas sensor (1) for detecting gases, with at least one gas-sensitive layer which is applied to a substrate (2), wherein at least one conductor track (3) for contact-connecting the layer is also provided on the substrate (2), and wherein the conductor track (3) is formed from a doped metal oxide material with non-catalytic properties in order to avoid the conductor track (3) influencing the detection of the gas. This avoids the disadvantages of the prior art and provides contact-connection of the gas-sensitive layers which does not influence the sensitive properties when detecting the gas by means of the layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosensor for selectively performing quantitative analysis on a specific substance contained in a biological sample and a readout meter using the same. The inventive biosensor comprises an electrode for recording identification information of the biosensor thereon. The electrode has an electrode pattern and a plurality of contact points formed thereon according to the identification information, and the identification information is recorded on the electrode based on the ratio of resistances between the plurality of contact points.

Abstract: Luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme electrode including: a carbon particle; a metal particle held on the carbon particle, the metal particle having a catalytic activity against a redox reaction; a redox enzyme. The enzyme electrode of the present invention further includes a high-resistance particle enhancing an electrical resistance, the high-resistance particle being chemically stable. The high-resistance particle contains an inorganic substance, for example. The inorganic substance is aluminum oxide or smectite, for example.

Abstract: An amperometric electrochemical sensor with a fixed potential used in a probe for measuring the content of an oxidation reduction substance dissolved in a liquid, in particular the chlorine content. The sensor (1) includes an insulating substrate (2), a set of electrodes consisting of a working electrode (3), an auxiliary electrode (4) and a reference electrode, at least one of the working electrode (3) and auxiliary electrode (4) being configured on the insulating substrate (2). At least one of the working electrode (3) and auxiliary electrode (4) is covered with an insulating layer (8), the insulating layer (8) including at least one opening exposing at least one of the working electrode (3) and auxiliary electrode (4).

Abstract: A method for analyzing a fluid containing one or more analytes of interest includes; measuring a plurality of properties of a sample fluid with unknown concentrations of the one or more analytes of interest; and using the measurements and a model of the relationship between the plurality of properties and concentrations of the one or more analytes to calculate the concentration of at least one of the analytes of interest. The model may be an artificial neural network. The method may be used to monitor the concentration of inhibitors of gas hydrate formation in a fluid. Apparatus for use in the method is also provided.

Abstract: An ion sensor includes a sensor main body having a channel for a sample and an opening connected to the channel, a responsive portion which is filled in the opening and selectively responds to a specific ion, an electrode which has a ring shape, is set such that a central axis of the ring is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the channel, and senses the response, and an output terminal which is formed out of one metal plate out of which the electrode is formed, has a pin shape, and is held by the sensor main body such that an axis extends along a direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the channel and the central axis of the ring.

Abstract: Sensors for the detection of free radicals and free radical forming compounds including, for example, peroxides, as well as energetic radiation, UV light, plasma or heat each such sensor including a functional component are described herein. In addition, this disclosure includes methods for making such sensors and methods for using sensors including a functional component and devices incorporating such sensors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses relating to large scale FET arrays for analyte detection and measurement are provided. 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.

Abstract: A test strip is revealed. The test strip includes a detection area, at least one outer sampling area, and a circuit system. The detection area includes a sampling hole, at least one sampling channel corresponding to the sampling hole, and at least one reaction area in the sampling channel. An inner sampling area is disposed around the sampling hole and an inner sampling opening is on an edge of the inner sampling area for communicating with the sampling channel and the sampling hole. The outer sampling area is located on an outer side of the test strip. The outer sampling area includes an outer sampling opening in communication with the sampling channel. The circuit system is electrically connected to the reaction area. The test strip further includes at least one pressing part located around the sampling hole for pressing against a test area and preventing cross-infection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for platelet multi-function analysis using measurement of electrical characteristics, and a stirring microchip are provided. The apparatus for platelet multi-function analysis includes a stirring microchip that has a sample storage chamber formed therein to hold a blood sample, and in which an inner part of the sample storage chamber is coated with reagents composed of collagen and epinephrine, or collagen and ADP. The apparatus for platelet multi-function analysis further includes a microstirrer installed inside the stirring microchip to stir the blood sample and the reagents in the stirring microchip and a stirring induction unit configured to facilitate stirring of the microstirrer. Therefore, the platelet aggregation and multi-function analysis can be performed using a trace of blood, and the platelet aggregation and multi-function analysis can also be performed using the whole blood taken from the veins through a vacuum tube containing an anticoagulant.

Abstract: Disclosed are example methods and devices for detecting one or more targets. An example method includes placing a sample including a first target with in a microfluidic device and hybridizing a plurality of copies of the first target with a plurality of nanostructures. The example method includes applying an electric current to the plurality of nanostructures and using an electric field created by the electric current to move the plurality of nanostructures. In addition, the plurality of nanostructures are sorted and evaluated to determine at least one of a presence, an absence, or a quantity of the first target.

Abstract: Use of a programmable device with capacitive touch screen for the analysis of a fluid sample as interface between a micro-fluidic device, this micro-fluidic device comprising at least one electrode and at least one micro-channel comprising an input for the introduction of the sample, and the processor of said programmable device with a capacitive touch screen.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analyzer, typically for analyzing body fluids, which has one or several exchangeable cassettes (consumables) that contain operating liquids, operating materials and/or consumables and can be inserted into corresponding holders of the analyzer, wherein the analyzer has a system for exchanging ambient air which has a filter unit on the inlet side of the analyzer to filter the ambient air that needs to be exchanged. The filter unit is integrated into at least one of the exchangeable cassettes in order to minimize the amount of maintenance for the analyzer.

Abstract: A device for detecting an analyte present in a fluid includes a fluorous sensing phase into which the analyte enters selectively in comparison with other components of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention concerns means and methods for predicting the risk of a subject to suffer from liver damage. In particular, it pertains to a method for predicting the risk of a subject to suffer from liver damage caused by acetaminophen comprising determining the amount of putrescine in a blood, serum or plasma sample that has been obtained from the subject after administration of acetaminophen, and comparing the determined amount to a reference, whereby the risk of the subject to suffer from liver damage caused by acetaminophen is predicted. Also provided are devices for carrying out the aforementioned methods.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the localized/patterned deposition and/or desorption of (bio)molecules using microelectronic structures. Often pre-existing structures needed for proper functioning of the device (e.g. sensors, . . . ) can be used as individually addressable control structures to achieve localized deposition through thermal and/or electrochemical spotting, thereby reducing the need for and simplifying additional processing steps to achieve localized/patterned deposition. If these multi-purpose structures are not available, additional control structures can be implemented, using microelectronic VLSI production technology.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sensor module includes a sensor probe that has at least two arms coupled together at a central location with each of the at least two arms extending radially outwardly away from the central location. Each of the at least two arms includes one of a plurality of openings and an elongate opening extending radially along the arm. The at least two arms define fluid flow channels therein. The sensor module also includes at least one extractor coupled to the probe. The at least one extractor includes a fluid flow channel that is communicable in fluid receiving communication with fluid flowing through the fluid flow channel of at least one of the at least two arms. Further, the sensor module includes at least one sensor that is communicable in fluid sensing communication with fluid flowing through the at least one extractor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure comprising a biological membrane and a porous or perforated substrate, a biological membrane, a substrate, a high throughput screen, methods for production of the structure membrane and substrate, and a method for screening a large number of test compounds in a short period. More particularly it relates to a structure comprising a biological membrane adhered to a porous or perforated substrate, a biological membrane capable of adhering with high resistance seals to a substrate such as perforated glass and the ability to form sheets having predominantly an ion channel or transporter of interest, a high throughput screen for determining the effect of test compounds on ion channel or transporter activity, methods for manufacture of the structure, membrane and substrate, and a method for monitoring ion channel or transporter activity in a membrane.

Abstract: A sensing transducer apparatus measures specific chemicals or classes of chemicals. The apparatus includes an electromagnetic transducer comprising at least two electrodes wherein at least one of the electrodes is on an electrically and mechanically stable substrate, and a chemically sensitive material having an affinity for a dispersed chemical or class of chemicals in a single or multiphase analyte, the chemically sensitive material disposed on or adjacent to the electromagnetic transducer.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-dimensional sensors with fluidic flow channels for processing fluid samples.

Abstract: A biochip includes a flat carrier and an array of spots containing catcher molecules which are arranged on the carrier. Each spot is associated with a microelectrode arrangement for impedance spectroscopic detection of binding events occurring between the catcher molecules and the target molecules applied via an analyte solution. In order to increase the sensitivity or the binding-specific measuring effects of the bio-chip, the electrode arrangement is at least partially embedded in a hydrophilic reaction layer containing catcher molecules and which is permeable to target molecules.

Abstract: A simple and low cost device to detect the presence of mercury or other trace metals in the environment and quantify said concentration by spectrophotometric, colorimetric, or electrical conductivity is disclosed. Owing to its small size, it is suitable for portable mercury detectors or detectors that may be worn as badges in the breathing zone of workers.

Abstract: A system includes a sensor including a sensor pad and a well wall structure defining a well operatively coupled to the sensor pad. The well is further defined by a lower surface disposed over the sensor pad. The well wall structure defines an upper surface and defines a wall surface extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The system further includes a conductive layer disposed over the lower surface and the wall surface.

Abstract: A basic unit for a mobile water analyzing system includes a photometer, a test element receptacle, a photometric measuring track, and a pump actuator. The photometer comprises a light source configured to generate a measurement beam and a light detector configured to receive the measurement beam. The test element receptacle is configured so as to allow a separate test element comprising a measuring section and a pump port to be inserted into the test element receptacle. The photometric measuring track is defined by the measuring section when the separate test element is inserted into the test element receptacle. The measurement beam and the photometric measuring track are aligned during a photometric measurement so that a photometric measurement occurs along a longitudinal length of each of the photometric measuring track and the measuring section. The pump actuator is cooperatively connected with the pump port.

Abstract: Described herein is a device comprising a plurality of first reaction electrodes arranged in an array, the plurality of first reaction electrodes configured to be exposed to a solution and having a capacitance; first circuitry configured to controllably connect the plurality of first reaction electrodes to a bias source and controllably disconnect the plurality of first reaction electrodes from the bias source; and second circuitry configured to measure a rate of charging or discharging of the capacitance. Also described herein is a method of using this device to sequence DNA.

Abstract: A microsecond time-resolved mass spectrometry device and method of using desorption electrospray ionization (10) was described for the kinetic study of fast reactions. The device includes a liquid jet generator (64) that is configured to emit a continuous liquid jet (50) having a length. An ambient ionization source (10) is directed toward a selected variable location along the continuous liquid jet (50) to desorb at least a portion of the continuous liquid jet (50). A mass analyzer (30) analyzes a mass-to-charge ratio of an ionized sample that is within the desorbed portion of the continuous liquid jet (50). The acquired mass spectra reflect the reaction progress in different reaction times and, therefore, may be used to derive the reaction rate.

Abstract: The disclosure provides sensor for gas sensing including CO2 gas sensors comprising a porous framework sensing area for binding an analyte gas.

Abstract: A blood coagulation system analyzing method includes acquiring information relating to the coagulability of blood based on a change generated in a complex permittivity spectrum measured in a coagulation process of the blood due to addition of a substance that activates or inactivates platelets to the blood.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for microfluidic channel devices. Some example devices may include a substrate having a substrate surface, with an array of drive electrode assemblies disposed upon the substrate surface. The drive electrode assemblies may be arranged along a path. Each drive electrode assembly may include one or more of a drive electrode layer, a dielectric layer and/or a stationary phase layer. The device may further include a plate including a plate surface. The device may further include a reference electrode configured on the plate surface to face the stationary phase layer of the drive electrode assemblies and separated from the substrate surface by a distance. The device may further include a voltage source effective to output a voltage potential, the voltage source configured in communication with the drive electrode assembly and the reference electrode. The device may further include an electrode selector effective to control the voltage source.

Abstract: A method of forming a device on a substrate comprising creating a depository and at least one attached capillary; the depository being of millimeter scale; providing a liquid containing particles in the range 1 nanometer to 1 millimeter; depositing into the depository the liquid containing particles which flows into at least one capillary by capillary action; evaporating the liquid such that the particles form an agglomerate beginning at the end of the at least one capillary with a substantially uniform distribution of the particles within the agglomerate; which is used to form a device. A microelectronic integrated circuit device comprising a substrate; a depository coupled to said substrate, the depository being formed by at least one wall adjacent to the substrate; at least one capillary channel coupled to at least one depository that is formed by walls adapted to be filled with a liquid (by capillary action) comprising nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical sensor strips and methods of determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample or improving the performance of a concentration determination. The electrochemical sensor strips may include at most 8 ?g/mm2 of a mediator. The strips, the strip reagent layer, or the methods may provide for the determination of a concentration value having at least one of a stability bias of less than ±10% after storage at 50° C. for 4 weeks when compared to a comparison strip stored at ?20° C. for 4 weeks, a hematocrit bias of less than ±10% for whole blood samples including from 20 to 60% hematocrit, and an intercept to slope ratio of at most 20 mg/dL. A method of increasing the performance of a quantitative analyte determination also is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor assembly comprising a first electronic wiring substrate having a first and a second surface and at least one analyte sensor formed on the first surface thereof, the at least one analyte sensor being connected with one or more electrical contact points, a second electronic wiring substrate having a first and a second surface and at least one analyte sensor formed on the first surface part thereof, the at least one analyte sensor being connected with one or more electrical contact points, and a spacer having a through-going recess with a first and a second opening, wherein the first substrate, the second substrate and the spacer are arranged in a layered structure, where the first surface of the first substrate closes the first opening of the spacer and the first surface of the second substrate closes the second opening of the spacer, thereby forming a measuring cell which is faced by at least one sensor from each of the substrates.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biological field effect transistor (BioFET) device testing and processing methods, system and apparatus. A wafer-level bio-sensor processing tool includes a wafer stage, an integrated electro-microfluidic probe card, and a fluid supply and return. The integrated electro-microfluidic probe card includes a fluidic mount that may be transparent, a microfluidic channels in the fluidic mount, at least one microfluidic probe and a number of electronic probe tips at the bottom of the fluidic mount, fluidic and electronic input and output ports on the sides of the fluidic mount, and at least one handle lug on the fluidic mount. The method includes aligning a wafer, mounting the integrated electro-microfluidic probe card, flowing a test fluid, and measuring electrical properties. The tool may also be used for stamping or printing a fluid in the device area on the wafer.

Abstract: A novel method for visualizing electrokinetic process zones (e.g., for isotachophoresis (ITP)) is provided. We introduce negligibly small concentrations of a fluorophore that is not focused by isotachophoresis. This non-focusing tracer (NFT) migrates through multiple isotachophoresis zones. As it enters each zone, the NFT concentration adapts to the local electric field in each zone. ITP zones can then be visualized with a point detector or camera. The method can be used to detect, identify, and quantify unknown analyte zones, and can visualize complex and even transient electrophoresis processes. This visualization technique is particularly suited to microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip applications, as typical fluorescence microscopes and CCD cameras can provide high-resolution spatiotemporal data.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus is an apparatus that performs electrophoresis using a microchip provided with a channel. The analysis apparatus includes a cooling unit (an electron cooling element and a driving circuit) that cools the microchip, a voltage application unit (electrodes and a power supply circuit) that applies voltage to a buffer solution filled in the channel of the microchip, an optical analysis unit (a light source, a light receiving element, and an analysis unit) that conducts, through the microchip, optical analysis of a sample introduced in the channel, and a control unit that controls the cooling unit, the voltage application unit, and the optical analysis unit. The control unit causes the cooling unit to start cooling the microchip, and after the microchip has been cooled, causes the voltage application unit and the optical analysis unit to operate.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for producing patterned multi-array, multi-specific surfaces for use in diagnostics. The invention provides for electrochemiluminescence methods for detecting or measuring an analyte of interest. It also provides for novel electrodes for ECL assays. Materials and methods are provided for the chemical and/or physical control of conducting domains and reagent deposition for use multiply specific testing procedures.