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 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: A plasma or serum separator (10) for isolating plasma or serum from whole blood, comprises: a blood separation member (12), configured for separating blood applied to a first portion of the blood separation member (12) such that the plasma or serum of the blood is located in a second portion of the blood separation member (12); a holding member (14) covering and holding the blood separation member (12); a blood introducing portion (16) formed in a portion of the holding member (14) covering the first portion of the blood separation member (12); a plasma or serum sampling aperture (18) formed in a portion of the holding member (14) covering the second portion of the blood separation member (12), and at least one plasma or serum collecting cavity (22) arranged at the second portion of the blood separation member (12) in fluid communication with the plasma or serum sampling aperture (18) for collecting plasma or serum leaving the blood separation member (12) through the plasma or serum sampling aperture (18).

Abstract: The present invention relates to uniform nanostructure biosensors and methods of calibrating the response of nanostructure biosensors. The invention overcomes device to device variability that has made quantitative detection difficult. The described biosensors have uniform characteristics that allow for more reliable comparison across devices. The methods of the invention comprise normalizing the initial current rate, as measured by the nanostructure biosensor following the addition of an analyte, to device characteristics of the biosensor. The device characteristics of the biosensor which can be used to normalize the response include baseline current and transconductance. Calibration of responses allows for the generation of calibration curves for use in all devices to quantitatively detect an analyte, without the need for individual device calibration.

Abstract: The present invention disposes a membrane between two electrical conductive walls having a height at least as great as the thickness of the membrane. The conductive walls are fabricated on an electrically insolative chip base. The chip base has one or more through hole between the electrically conducting walls. The chip is placed inside a container having a well below the through hole of the electrically insolative base. At least one passageway extends from the well to the periphery of the container. This invention probes changes of the membrane as an in-plane electric field is applied between the conductive walls. The well may include various compounds while-other compounds can be placed in contact with the top of the membrane. The passageways are used to introduce substances into and out of the well.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of making lead-free piezoelectric ceramic films. Specifically, the invention is directed to a method for fabricating lead-free piezoelectric free standing films having enhanced piezoelectric properties. The films may be used for a number of applications including incorporation in microelectronic devices such as energy harvesting devices and sensor technologies.

Abstract: A chemical sensor can include a nanofiber mass of p-type nanofibers having a HOMO level greater than ?5.0 eV. Additionally, the chemical sensor can include oxygen in contact with the p-type nanofibers. Further, the chemical sensor can include a pair of electrodes in electrical contact across the nanofiber mass, where the p-type nanofibers conduct an electric current that decreases upon contact with an amine compound.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus that use an electric field for improved biological assays. The electric field is applied across a device having wells, which receive reactants, which carry a charge. The device thus uses a controllable voltage source between the first and second electrodes, which is controllable to provide a positive charge and a negative charge to a given electrode. By controlled use of the electric field charged species in a fluid in a fluid channel are directed into or out of the well by an electric field between the electrodes. The present method involves the transport of fluids, as in a microfluidic device, and the electric field-induced movement of reactive species according to various assay procedures, such as DNA sequencing, synthesis or the like.

Abstract: In order to provide a planar type multi-ion sensor which is easily thinned and has high measurement accuracy, a multi-ion sensor 1 adapted to measure a concentration ratio of sodium ions to potassium ions in a sample solution, includes: a sodium ion electrode 41 selectively reacting to the sodium ions; a potassium ion electrode 42 selectively reacting to the potassium ions; and a common electrode 28 in contrast with the sodium ion electrode 41 and the potassium ion electrode 42, wherein the sodium ion electrode 41, potassium ion electrode 42 and common electrode 28 are provided on the same support body, the common electrode 28 does not include internal solution, and the concentration ratio of the sodium ions to the potassium ions is measured based on a variable A that is obtained by the following Equation (1), Fig .

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

Abstract: An array of sensors arranged in matched pairs of transistors with an output formed on a first transistor and a sensor formed on the second transistor of the matched pair. The matched pairs are arranged such that the second transistor in the matched pair is read through the output of the first transistor in the matched pair. The first transistor in the matched pair is forced into the saturation (active) region to prevent interference from the second transistor on the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken of the output. The first transistor is then placed into the linear region allowing the sensor formed on the second transistor to be read through the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken from the output of the sensor reading of the second transistor. A difference is formed of the two samples.

Abstract: A DYNAMIC PRECIOUS METAL ASSAY DEVICE is described which is based on the methodology of the parent patent DYNAMIC PRECIOUS METAL ASSAY METHOD, U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,999 and achieves a highly accurate gold assay with a range extended to over 24 karats. The specified device requires a manual expulsion of a small amount of electrolyte from a disposable cartridge into a miniature galvanic cell which is formed at the lower tip of the device pencil. Placing the said tip against a gold specimen under test, thereby wetting it, and then by initiating the charging cycle and interpolating algorithm in the external electronics results in a professionally accurate assay of the gold specimen under test. The superior performance of this device is attributed to the novel replaceable electrolytic cartridge and miniature galvanic cell which wets a specimen through a porous interface. This improved device is very stable, rugged and is easily maintained.

Abstract: The invention relates to the test device for platelet aggregation detection comprising: —an element (1) for receiving a blood sample—a capillary tube (3) connected at a first end (31) to said element (1) and at a second end (32) to a pressure lowering device (5) to pump said blood sample through said capillary tube (3)—at least a pair of facing electrodes (8) on the capillary tube—a device for measuring an impedance between said pair of facing electrodes. The invention also relates to a process for using this device, comprising: a) receiving a blood sample and pumping it through the capillar tube (3) b) determining a dynamic change of the value of the impedance between at least one pair of electrodes (8).

Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems, and methods for detecting an analyte vapor. Particularly, electronegative analyte vapors, such as those vapors evolving from explosive compounds, are typical analytes detected the devices. The devices operate using a resistivity change mechanism wherein a nanostructured chemiresistive material undergoes a resistivity change in the presence of an analyte vapor. A resistivity change indicates the presence of an analyte.

Abstract: Described herein are automated, integrated microfluidic device comprising a chemical reaction chip comprising for performing chemical reaction, a microscale column integrated with the chip and configured for liquid flow from the column to at least one flow channel, and wherein the fluid flow into the column is controlled by on-chip valves; and comprising at least two on-chip valves for controlling fluid flow in the microfluidic device.

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: Method and system embodiments of the present invention control the ascorbate concentration in produce treatments and particularly are exemplified in fresh cut fruit and vegetable treatments via measured refractivity and/or electrical conductivity of, and/or calcium ions present in, the treatment solution.

Abstract: Method and system embodiments of the present invention control the ascorbate concentration in produce treatments and particularly are exemplified in fresh cut fruit and vegetable treatments via measured refractivity and/or electrical conductivity of, and/or calcium ions present in, the treatment solution.

Abstract: An acid or base is generated in an aqueous solution by the steps of: (a) providing a source of first ions adjacent an aqueous liquid in a first acid or base generation zone, separated by a first barrier (e.g., anion exchange membrane) substantially preventing liquid flow and transporting ions only of the same charge as said first ions, (b) providing a source of second ions of opposite charge adjacent an aqueous liquid in a second acid or base generation zone, separated by a second barrier transporting ions only of the same charge as the second ions, and (c) transporting ions across the first barrier by applying an electrical potential through said first and second zones to generate an acid-containing aqueous solution in one of said first or second zones and a base-containing aqueous solution in the other one which may be combined to form a salt. Also, electrolytic apparatus for performing the above method.

Abstract: Method and system embodiments of the present invention control the ascorbate concentration in produce treatments and particularly are exemplified in fresh cut fruit and vegetable treatments via measured refractivity and/or electrical conductivity of, and/or calcium ions present in, the treatment solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a micro wire, a sensor including the micro wire, and a method for manufacturing the sensor, having improved production efficiency. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a micro wire includes applying a three-dimensional electric field to a solution for forming a micro wire. The method for manufacturing the micro wire may further include providing an electrode assembly comprising a substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode formed on the substrate, and providing the solution to a space. The first electrode and the second electrode may form the space therebetween, and the space may have a first width and a second width that is smaller than the first width. The three-dimensional electric field is applied to the solution by applying a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A device dynamically detects particles of a fluid. The device can be miniaturized for detecting and selecting magnetized particles, particularly cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring a substrate concentration by accumulating an energy resulting from a reaction between a biocatalyst and a substrate recognized by the biocatalyst to a certain level; and using a dependency of an accumulation rate on the substrate concentration as an index; and a apparatus therefor. In particular, the present invention provides a method in which the measurement of the accumulation rate is carried out by measuring a frequency of an energy release in a certain amount of time when the energy accumulated in the capacitor reaches the certain level and is then released.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of redistributing magnetically responsive beads in a droplet. The method may include providing a droplet including magnetically responsive beads. The droplet may be provided within a region of a magnetic field having sufficient strength to attract the magnetically responsive beads to an edge of the droplet or towards an edge of the droplet, or otherwise regionalize or aggregate beads within the droplet. The method may also include conducting on a droplet operations surface one or more droplet operations using the droplet without removing the magnetically responsive beads from the region of the magnetic field. The droplet operations may in some cases be electrode-mediated. The droplet operations may redistribute and/or circulate the magnetically responsive beads within the droplet. In some cases, the droplet may include a sample droplet may include a target analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bead incubating and washing on a droplet actuator. Methods for incubating magnetically responsive beads that are labeled with primary antibody, a sample (i.e., analyte), and secondary reporter antibodies on a magnet, on and off a magnet, and completely off a magnet are provided. Also provided are methods for washing magnetically responsive beads using shape-assisted merging of droplets. Also provided are methods for shape-mediated splitting, transporting, and dispensing of a sample droplet that contains magnetically responsive beads. The apparatuses and methods of the invention provide for rapid time to result and optimum detection of an analyte in an immunoassay.

Abstract: A remotely readable hydrogen detector is in the form of a tag or card that can be worn on clothing or mounted on a variety of surfaces and can be monitored from a distance for the presence of hydrogen gas. It includes a hydrogen sensor device, which changes in electrical resistivity in response to being exposed to hydrogen gas, that is incorporated into an electric detector circuit, which detects changes in resistivity of the sensor device, and, when such change in resistivity indicates the presence of some predetermined concentration of hydrogen gas, the electric circuit outputs a signal or state that indicates the presence of hydrogen to a transceiver circuit, which can transmit that information to a remote receiver or interrogator/reader via an antenna in the sensor device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for observing a biological microelectromechanical systems response to a fluid including combining an activator and a fluid wherein the fluid comprises a component from a subterranean formation, exposing the combined activator and fluid to a sensor in a wellbore to observe a biological microelectromechanical systems response, and integrating data from the observing with petrophysical data. A method and apparatus for observing a biological microelectromechanical systems response to a fluid including a housing comprising a biological microelectromechanical observation material, a signal analyzer in communication with the material, and a fluid preparation device positioned to allow fluid to flow to the surface, wherein the fluid comprises a component from a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus 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: The present invention relates to a sensor for the detection of an analyte, comprising a fluid holder (8), an optical detection system (3, 9) for carrying out an optical detection at the fluid holder (8) and an electrical detection system (4) for measuring electric conductivity or resistance inside the fluid holder (8) and to a method comprising the use of such a sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the quantity of multiple analytes in a sample. The device is designed such that each of the analyte sensing elements is configured to measure the quantity of a predetermined analyte and where the machine executable instructions are configured to select the proper analyte sensing element corresponding to the analyte to be measured.

Abstract: A flow-through measuring cell for accommodating measuring means for measuring chemical and/or physical properties of a fluid which is flowing through the measuring cell, the measuring cell having an inlet opening for entry of the fluid, an outlet opening for exit of the fluid, a, especially single, measuring space which is located between the inlet opening and outlet opening, a radiation measurement region for measuring the interaction of the fluid in the measuring cell with electromagnetic radiation from outside the measuring cell, a conductivity measurement receiver for accommodating conductivity measuring means for measuring the conductivity of the fluid in the measuring cell and/or a pH measurement receiver for accommodating the pH value measuring means for measuring the pH value of the fluid in the measuring cell.

Abstract: The invention describes methods that use nanostructures and quantum confinement to detect and manipulate chemical and biochemical molecules. To increase selectivity and sensitivity nanostructures are built to have the density of states similar to that in analyte that will be detected and operated. Using device that incorporates such nanostructures, measuring electrical and optical properties of nanostructures and analyte or charge and energy transfer between the nanostructures and analyte a rapid and sensitive continuous detection in fluids can be achieved. Detection can be further enhanced by controlling external environmental parameters and applying external fields. In addition to be detected analyte can be positioned, moved, separated, extracted, and controlled.

Abstract: An assembly for testing platelet aggregation including an electrode subassembly that is mounted in a cuvette subassembly for use with relatively small samples containing platelets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge housing for forming a cartridge capable of measuring an analyte or property of a liquid sample. The housing including a top portion having a first substantially rigid zone and a substantially flexible zone, a bottom portion separate from the top portion including a second substantially rigid zone, and at least one sensor recess containing a sensor. The top portion and the bottom portion are bonded to form the cartridge having a conduit over at least a portion of the sensor. The invention also relates to methods for forming such cartridges and to various features of such cartridges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to droplet-based washing. According to one embodiment, a method of providing a droplet in contact with a surface with a reduced concentration of a substance is provided, wherein the method includes: (a) providing a surface in contact with a droplet comprising a starting concentration and starting quantity of the substance and having a starting volume; (b) conducting one or more droplet operations to merge a wash droplet with the droplet provided in step (a) to yield a combined droplet; and (c) conducting one or more droplet operations to divide the combined droplet to yield a set of droplets comprising: (i) a droplet in contact with the surface having a decreased concentration of the substance relative to the starting concentration; and (ii) a droplet which is separated from the surface.

Abstract: A sulfur dioxide sensor comprising a first beam having a functionalized sensing surface capable of sensing sulfur dioxide, the first beam capable of producing a first resonant frequency; and a second beam having a functionalized reference surface not capable of sensing sulfur dioxide, the second beam capable of producing a second resonant frequency, wherein differential sensing of sulfur dioxide may be performed, further wherein the first beam is functionalized with a liquid phase of a first polymeric compound and the second beam is functionalized with a liquid phase of a second polymeric compound is provided. In one embodiment, the sensor is a nano-sensor capable of low drift accurately detecting sulfur dioxide levels at the zeptograms level. Methods of making and using a sulfur dioxide sensor are also provided.

Abstract: Methods described herein may be useful in the fabrication and/or screening of devices (e.g., sensors, circuits, etc.) including conductive materials. In some embodiments, a conductive material is formed on a substrate using mechanical abrasion. The methods described herein may be useful in fabricating sensors, circuits, tags for remotely-monitored sensors or human/object labeling and tracking, among other devices. In some cases, devices for determining analytes are also provided.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring gas permeability of a test material, comprising: an electrically conductive sensing element that comprises a water and/or oxygen sensitive material, wherein the reaction of said material with water or oxygen when the sensing element is contacted with water and/or oxygen results in a change in the electrical conductivity of the sensing element, and two electrodes electrically connected to the sensing element.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing a discrete glucose testing and bolus dosage determination including a glucose meter with bolus calculation function are provided.

Abstract: A cartridge device having a receiving portion for receiving a blood sample and a jack portion for receiving a plug; a stirring device for circulating the blood sample within the receiving portion; and an electrode holder having at least one incorporated electrode wire pair; wherein the electrode holder is attachable to the cell such that one end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a sensor unit for measuring the electrical impedance between the two electrode wires of the at least one electrode wire pair within the blood sample and that the opposite end of the at least one electrode wire pair forms a plug portion being connectable directly to the plug for an electrical connection of the sensor unit to an analyzer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various methods for measuring the amount of an analyte present in a biological fluid using an electrochemical testing process. Various embodiments are disclosed, including the use of AC test signals and the performance of tests having a Total Test Time within about 3.0 seconds or less, and/or having a clinically low Total System Error.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrochemical fluid analysis comprises a chamber (1202) having a depth dimension for accommodating a volume of a fluid under test, first and second electrodes (A1) disposed within the chamber and extending along the depth dimension in spaced relation with each other, and a soluble solid, such as an annealed polymer, e.g. EUDRAGIT occupying a lateral gap between the first and second electrodes. The rate of dissolution as monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) of the soluble solid within the fluid depends on the chemical concentration of a corresponding analyte present in solution in the fluid. In one embodiment a silicon-based integrated circuit device defining an upper margin includes an array of electrodes disposed along said upper margin to permit direct exposure of the electrode array to the fluid under test. The device is constructed using CMOS technology.

Abstract: In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a base with first and second ends, a concave recess in the first end, a second end receiving surface, and a sidewall extending between the ends. An electrode may be provided on the receiving surface with an electrochemically-active region coupled to the electrode. A conductor in electrical contact with the electrode may extend along the sidewall and may be adapted to be in electrical contact with a first contact of an analyte meter. Manufacturing methods and systems utilizing and dispensing the analyte sensors are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A nitrogen dioxide sensor comprising a first beam having a first functionalized sensing surface capable of sensing nitrogen dioxide, the first beam capable of producing a first resonant frequency; and a second beam having a second functionalized reference surface not capable of sensing nitrogen dioxide, the second beam capable of producing a second resonant frequency, wherein differential sensing of nitrogen dioxide may be performed, further wherein the first beam and the second beam are each functionalized with one or more soft bases having comparable viscoelastic properties is provided. In one embodiment, the sensor is a nano-sensor capable of low drift and accurate detection of nitrogen dioxide levels at the zeptogram level. Methods of making and using a nitrogen dioxide sensor are also provided.

Abstract: An electrical connection system for an analysis system and a method for analysis of a liquid sample on an analytical test element using the described analysis system are disclosed. The analysis system provides an evaluation appliance for evaluation of electrical signals, a test element holder for holding and positioning of an analytical test element in a measurement position, and an electrical contact element which makes electrical contact with an electrical contact surface of an analytical test element to produce an electrical connection between the contact surface and the evaluation appliance. The contact element is moved by means such that contact with the electrical contact surface of the test element is made when the test element holder is in the measurement position.

Abstract: A pair or receptacles capable of housing an emitter probe and a detector probe are installed inside a bioreactor to monitor the properties of the nutrient media without contacting the nutrient media.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring augmented osmotic pressure in a reference cavity is provided, in which the device comprise a substrate frame (4) attached to a support structure (1) in which a plurality of transducer devices (2) are buried. An array of osmotic membranes (3) is integrated by the support structure and which acts to facilitate a trans-membrane pressure gradient as a function of the osmotic pressure change in a sealed cavity (7). The sealed cavity is formed by rigid substrate materials (5,6) in which the membranes, support structure and transducer devices only will be subject to induced stress in response to augmented osmotic pressure and thereby generate a pressure induced signal change observed from the transducer devices. The transducer devices may be arranged as piezoresistive elements, as micromechanical switches, as variable capacitive elements or as an optical light source and detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for the detecting and/or electrically quantifying organophosphorus compounds as a gas or solution. The device includes: an electrical device including a source electrode and a drain electrode, separated by a semiconductor material; and a device for detecting positive charges between the two electrodes. One surface of the semiconductor material is in contact with a polymer material having at least one receptor group including: 1) a function X capable of reacting with the detectable organophosphorus compound, to form an intermediate grouping —Z; and 2) a function Y capable of reacting with —Z to form a positively charged ring. The polymer material includes molecular imprint cavities, with geometrical and chemical configuration allowing the detectable organophosphorus compounds to penetrate into said polymer material. The invention can be used in the field of detecting and/or quantifying organophosphorus compounds.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides micro-devices for detecting or treating a disease, each comprising a first sorting unit capable of detecting a property of the biological subject at the microscopic level and sorting the biological subject by the detected property; a first detection unit capable of detecting the same or different property of the sorted biological subject at the microscopic level; and a first layer of material having an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the interior surface defines a first channel in which the biological subject flows from the first sorting unit to the first detection unit.

Abstract: Grafting M13 bacteriophage into an array of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanowires generated hybrids of conducting polymers and replicable genetic packages (rgps) such as viruses. The incorporation of rgps into the polymeric backbone of PEDOT occurs during electropolymerization via lithographically patterned nanowire electrodeposition (LPNE). The resultant arrays of rgps-PEDOT nanowires enable real-time, reagent-free electrochemical biosensing of analytes in physiologically relevant buffers.