Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor surface comprising: a substrate coated with a free electron metal; and a matrix layer disposed on the free electron metal, wherein the matrix layer comprises an organic compound having a boronic acid complexing moiety. The matrix is preferably a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), a mixed self-assembled monolayer (mSAM), or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an analytical method and analytical reagent solutions for determining the concentration of electrolyte components, such as copper, acid and chloride constituents in an acid or basic metal plating bath using a chemical analyzer. Common methods for measuring the concentration of copper general require two reagent solutions/two steps. This invention provides a novel analytical reagent solution that simplifies the chelating, buffering, and cleaning functions of separate regent solutions required for measuring electrolyte concentration. This has the benefits of reducing chemical inventory and associated dispensing equipment, and thus reducing chemical consumption.

Abstract: Ion-detecting sensors for detecting a target ion in a sample are provided. The sensor comprises a plasticizer-free copolymer comprised of polymerized units of methacrylate monomers having pendent alkyl groups of different length and a functionalized ionophore of said ion, wherein at least a portion of the functionalized ionophore is grafted into the copolymer through covalent linkages. Sensors may comprise ionophores such as hydrophilic crown ethers or functionalized derivative of 3-oxapentandiaminde-type ionophores. This invention further provides sensors for detecting target ions in a sample, comprising plasticizer-free molecularly imprinted polymers, wherein the polymers comprise polymerized units of methacrylate monomers having pendent alkyl groups of different length and a functionalized ionophore of said ion. In particular, a magnesium ion sensor comprising a functionalized derivative of a 3-oxapentandiaminde-type calcium ion-selective ionophore is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining a ratio of an amount of a glycated form of a protein to a total amount of the protein in a sample containing the glycated protein, the glycosylated protein, or the glycoprotein. The method incorporates lateral flow test strip or vertical flow test strip devices having negatively charged carboxyl or carboxylate groups and hydroxyboryl groups immobilized and interspersed on a solid support matrix. The solid support matrix may include derivatives of cellulose (e.g., carboxy cellulose) derivatized with carboxylic acid (e.g., carboxylate, carboxyl) groups and hydroxyboryl compounds including phenylboronic acid (e.g., phenylborate), aminophenylboronic acid, boric acid (e.g., borate), or other boronic acid (e.g., boronate) compounds. The present invention is usefi.il for monitoring glycation or glycosylation of hemoglobin or albumin for monitoring glycemic control (e.g., glycemia in diabetes).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a double-stranded region in a nucleic acid by (1) providing two separate, adjacent pools of a medium and a interface between the two pools, the interface having a channel so dimensioned as to allow sequential monomer-by-monomer passage of a single-stranded nucleic acid, but not of a double-stranded nucleic acid, from one pool to the other pool; (2) placing a nucleic acid polymer in one of the two pools; and (3) taking measurements as each of the nucleotide monomers of the single-stranded nucleic acid polymer passes through the channel so as to differentiate between nucleotide monomers that are hybridized to another nucleotide monomer before entering the channel and nucleotide monomers that are not hybridized to another nucleotide monomer before entering the channel.

Abstract: An ion sensor has a flow path through which a sample flows. An ion-exchange membrane is in contact with the sample in the sample flow path. An internal solution is provided on one side of the ion-exchange membrane. An internal electrode is provided so as to come in contact with the internal solution. The surface of the ion-exchange membrane that does not come in contact with the sample is coated with a two-liquid-mixed epoxy resin.

Abstract: A supply apparatus for preparing a mixed chemical solution of a predetermined mixing ratio at a low cost and for supplying the mixed chemical solution stably. The supply apparatus includes a measuring apparatus located on an intermediate portion of a flow channel through which the chemical solution flows upward for measuring properties of the mixed chemical solution. In the lower portion of the measuring apparatus, disposed is a nozzle for spouting the chemical solution upward.

Abstract: The instant invention involves the use of a combination of preparatory steps in conjunction with mass spectroscopy and time-of-flight detection procedures to maximize the diversity of biopolymers which are verifiable within a particular sample. The cohort of biopolymers verified within such a sample is then viewed with reference to their ability to evidence at least one particular disease state; thereby enabling a diagnostician to gain the ability to characterize either the presence or absence of at least one disease state relative to recognition of the presence and/or the absence of the biopolymer, predict disease risk assessment, and develop therapeutic avenues against the disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting an analyte, comprising providing a sensor comprising a substrate coated with a free electron metal, a matrix layer disposed on the free electron metal, the matrix layer comprising an organic compound, wherein the organic compound has a boronic acid complexing moiety and, a boronic acid moiety complexed to the boronic acid complexing moiety; and contacting the sensor with the analyte to elicit a response; and measuring the response thereby detecting the analyte.

Abstract: An improved method for separating materials is provided, using colloidal, magnetizable aggregates, optionally silanized, and coated with a one or more layers of novel polysaccharide derivatives. Materials separated by the aggregates of the invention include inorganic and organic molecules, viruses, organelles, and cells. The invention also relates to a kit for separating such materials. The separated materials are useful in analytical and preparative or in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

Abstract: A method for determining a urea concentration in an aqueous solution containing urea, includes: hydrolyzing the urea in the aqueous solution, measuring an electric conductivity ? of the aqueous solution, and determining the urea concentration in the aqueous solution from the electric conductivity ? using a correlation between the urea concentration and an electric conductivity.

Abstract: A method of addressing and driving an electrode array includes the step of addressing one or more electrodes within the array using a plurality of row and column lines. In one aspect of the method, a value corresponding to a voltage is stored in a local memory associated with each electrode. The addressed electrodes are then driven at the voltages corresponding to the stored values. In another aspect of the method, a driving element associated with each addressed electrode is selectively coupled with a voltage line so as to charge the electrode with the voltage on the voltage line. The device and methods may be used in the synthesis of biopolymers such as oligonucleotides and peptides.

Abstract: In a process for the quantitative optical analysis of biological cells labelled with a fluorescent dye, the sensitivity of analytical detection can be considerably improved if a masking dye, which absorbs the excitation light for the fluorescent dye and/or its emission light is added to the solution surrounding the biological cells and/or if a separating layer permeable to the solution and absorbing and/or reflecting the excitation light or the emission light is applied to a layer of the biological cells at the bottom of a reaction vessel. This process can also be used for improving the sensitivity in the quantitative optical analysis of a luminescent biological cell layer. Analogously, these process principles can also be used in receptor studies for the masking of the interfering background radiation in the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently or luminescently labelled reaction components.

Abstract: The instant invention involves the use of a combination of preparatory steps in conjunction with mass spectroscopy and time-of-flight detection procedures to maximize the diversity of biopolymers which are verifiable within a particular sample. The cohort of biopolymers verified within such a sample is then viewed with reference to their ability to evidence at least one particular disease state; thereby enabling a diagnostician to gain the ability to characterize either the presence or absence of at least one disease state relative to recognition of the presence and/or the absence of the biopolymer, predict disease risk assessment, and develop therapeutic avenues against disease.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the sensing of analytes and in particular, to methods of determining, resolving, identifying, or quantitating such analytes once detected. This invention provides systems and methods for identifying analytes, comprising using an importance index to give greater weight to the responses from sensors that measure characteristics most useful for identification of analytes. In other aspects, the systems and methods are useful for increasing the stability of electronic nose systems by prolonging the predictive capability of the training set of known analytes. In still other aspects, the systems and methods are useful for detecting and responding to events correlated with the presence of an analyte.

Abstract: Methods, devices and kits for facilitating medical diagnostic assays and reducing the time required for taking of such assays. The methods comprise initiating a reaction, obtaining at least three measurements, at three different time points, of a value or level of an observable associated with the reaction, and estimating an end point value for the observable from the measurements.

Abstract: A sample separation apparatus including a porous, or rough, capillary column. The porous capillary column includes a matrix which defines pores, and may be formed rough surface of hemispherical grain silicon. The capillary column is defined in a surface of a substrate, such as silicon. The sample separation apparatus may include a stationary phase or a capture substrate disposed on the surfaces thereof. The sample separation apparatus may also include a detector positioned proximate the capillary column. A variation of the sample separation apparatus includes an electrode proximate each end of the capillary column. The sample separation apparatus may be employed to effect various types of chromatographic separation, electrophoretic separation, and analyte identification.

Abstract: A method and sensor are provided for detecting the binding of a probe and a target biomolecule by measuring a difference in the shear stress on the surface of the sensor before and after hybridization of the target molecule to the probe, such as nucleic acids or proteins. The shear stress may be measured sensitively and conveniently as an electrical signal without additional fluorescent labeling and without use of expensive additional devices.

Abstract: An addressable biologic electrode array includes an array of electrodes disposed on a support, the array of electrodes being selectively addressed and driven using a memory associated with each electrode of the array, the driven electrodes being driven at one of a plurality of stimulus levels by a source of electrical current or voltage external to the array.

Abstract: A coplanar waveguide biosensor and methods of use include a coplanar waveguide transmission line and a sample containment structure. The coplanar waveguide transmission line is operable to support the propagation of an electromagnetic signal and includes a signal line and one or more spaced apart ground elements. The signal line is configured to conduct a time-varying voltage, and the one or more ground elements are configured to maintain a time-invariant voltage, a detection region being formed between a portion of the signal line and a portion of at least one of the one or more ground elements. Detection methods are improved through the enhancement of the electric field in the detection region via impedance discontinuities in the signal line and ground elements. The sample containment structure intersects the detection region of the coplanar waveguide transmission line and includes a cavity configured to hold 1 ml or less of sample solution within the detection region.

Abstract: In a process for the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently labelled biological cells 5, a cell layer on a transparent support at the bottom 2 of a reaction vessel 1 is in contact with a solution 3 containing the fluorescent dye 4. The sensitivity of analytical detection can be considerably improved if to the fluorescent dye 4 already present in addition a masking dye 9, which absorbs the excitation light 6 for the fluorescent dye 4 and/or its emission light 7, is added to the solution 3 and/or if a separating layer 10 permeable to the solution and absorbing and/or reflecting the excitation light 6 or the emission light 7 is applied to the cell layer at the bottom 2. This process can also be used for improving the sensitivity in the quantitative optical analysis of a luminescent biological cell layer. The separating layer 10 must in this case be composed such that it has a high power of reflection for the luminescent light 11.

Abstract: A liquid electrode mixture for use in a gas sensor having from about 60 to about 240 milligrams of platinum black catalyst; from about 900 to about 1100 milligrams of water; from about 300 to about 400 microliters of 1-propanol; and from about 100 microliters to about 150 microliters of a polymer mixture comprising from about 40% to about 80% PTFE by weight and water.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the structural analysis of a saccharide, comprising: a) providing on a surface a plurality of essentially sequence- and/or site-specific binding agents; b) contacting said surface with a saccharide to be analyzed, or with a mixture comprising a plurality of fragments of said saccharide; c) washing or otherwise removing unbound saccharide or saccharide fragments; d) adding to the surface obtained in step c) an essentially sequence- and/or site-specific marker, or a mixture of essentially sequence- and/or site-specific markers; e) acquiring one or more images of the markers that are bound to said surface; and f) deriving information related to the identity of the saccharide being analyzed from said image.

Abstract: A chemical detection sensor system comprises a support structure; multiple SERS chemical detection sensors supported by the support structure; multiple chemical reaction sensors, wherein each of the chemical reaction sensors is disposed for undergoing a state change in response to an occurrence of a chemical reaction at one of the SERS chemical detection sensors; a processor supported by the support structure for recording data representing occurrence of a chemical reaction at any of the chemical detection sensors in response to sensing the state change; and a power source for energizing the processor.

Abstract: Provided is a solid phase array of electrical sensors, each comprising a channel and electrical leads for attaching to a voltage, current or resistivity meter for measuring the voltage, current or resistivity through the pore, wherein the channels are formed of a single substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor for sensing the presence of an analyte component without relying on redox mediators. This sensor includes (a) a plurality of conductive polymer strands each having at least a first end and a second end and each aligned in a substantially common orientation; (b) a plurality of molecular recognition headgroups having an affinity for the analyte component and being attached to the first ends of the conductive polymer strands; and (c) an electrode substrate attached to the conductive polymer strands at the second ends. The electrode substrate is capable of reporting to an electronic circuit reception of mobile charge carriers (electrons or holes) from the conductive polymer strands. The electrode substrate may be a photovoltaic diode.

Abstract: Methods, systems and sensor arrays are provided implementing techniques for detecting an analyte in a fluid. The techniques include providing a sensor array including at least a first sensor and a second sensor in an arrangement having a defined fluid flow path, exposing the sensor array to a fluid including an analyte by introducing the fluid along the fluid flow path, measuring a response for the first sensor and the second sensor, and detecting the presence of the analyte in the fluid based on a spatio-temporal difference between the responses for the first and second sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for analyzing, sensing and measuring the concentrations of various gases, including NOx, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxygen, in a multi-component gas system using chemical sensors and chemical sensor arrays. The sensors and sensor arrays use chemo/electro-active materials to analyze and detect the presence of gases.

Abstract: An array of piezoelectric resonators used in a sensor device in order to identify chemical and biological agents. The resonators can operate as bulk acoustic wave (BAW), surface acoustic wave (SAW), or Love mode devices. The sensor device integrates gravimetric, calorimetric, thermal gravimetric, voltage gravimetric and optical detection methods into one sensor system, improving the accuracy of identifying hazardous agents. For gravimetric detection, dual-mode resonators provide simultaneous calorimetric and gravimetric data, one type from each mode. Resonators with heaters on the surfaces will provide thermal gravimetric data. An optical detector can be used to analyze the optical signal from the surface of a coated resonator. Additionally, voltage gravimetric measurements can be made with an electric field set up between the resonator and an external electrode. Thermal voltage gravimetric measurements can be made by adding an integrated heater on the resonator with an external electrode.

Abstract: An electrode system, particularly for installation in an exhaust line, has a holding body made of an insulating material, on which at least one operating electrode is positioned. The holding body has a heating device for facilitating easy cleaning in the installed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring the progress of membrane fouling that occurs on pores as well as on the surface of a membrane by means of variations of zeta potential (?) of a hollow-fiber membrane according to time passage of filtration of a suspension, wherein colloid particles, biopolymers and other inorganic particles are dispersed, and the method thereof. Moreover, the present invention also relates to a method to identify the effect of concentration polarization layer and cake layer which can vary according to the axial position of a hollow-fiber and the developing progress of a membrane fouling by measuring the position-dependent zeta potential of the hollow-fiber membrane.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for monitoring catalyst performance in an exhaust system comprises a plurality of treatment devices catalytically treating an exhaust gas stream, and a plurality of gas sensors for monitoring the catalyst performance of the treatment devices to determine when sulfur poisoning occurs. An on-board diagnostic system receives signals from the gas sensors, and, based upon response time differentials between sensors, determines whether the treatment devices are experiencing sulfur poisoning.

Abstract: Sensor arrays, methods, and systems for detecting the presence of gas phase materials by the formation of films based on the gas phase material are disclosed. The gas phase materials preferentially deposit conductive films on receptor materials that can be detected. The invention may also provide for increased sensitivity to the deposition of conductive materials through the use of closely spaced conductive electrodes interconnected by lines of receptor material. Examples of gas phase materials that may be detected include RuO4, IrO4 and RhO4.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing a flammable vapor are described herein. Initially, a first thermal conductivity of a vapor at a first temperature and a second thermal conductivity of the vapor at a second temperature can be determined. Thereafter, a ratio of the first thermal conductivity signal to that of the second thermal conductivity can be calculated to obtain a primary “vapor” signal. The “vapor” ratio can then be compared to an “air” ratio of air without the vapor at the first temperature and the second temperature to obtain a secondary signal thereof. Such a secondary signal can then be compared to an alarm set-point value to thereby determine whether the vapor comprises a flammable vapor and a risk-reducing action thereof be taken.

Abstract: An electronic system for selectively detecting and identifying a plurality of chemical species, which comprises an array of nanostructure sensing devices, is disclosed. Within the array, there are at least two different selectivities for sensing among the nanostructure sensing devices. Methods for fabricating the electronic system are also disclosed. The methods involve modifiying nanostructures within the devices to have different selectivity for sensing chemical species. Modification can involve chemical, electrochemical, and self-limiting point defect reactions. Reactants for these reactions can be supplied using a bath method or a chemical jet method. Methods for using the arrays of nanostructure sensing devices to detect and identify a plurality of chemical species are also provided.

Abstract: A portable system for analysis of blood or other bodily fluids removable from a patient is disclosed. The system includes a temperature sensing device and a temperature control circuit. The temperature sensing device senses a temperature of a surface of a sensor substrate of a cartridge having an electrical heater device without direct contact with the cartridge or direct exposure to the heating device. The temperature sensing device also generates an electrical signal related to the sensed temperature. The temperature control circuit controls an electrical input to the heater device based on the sensed temperature and a designed control temperature.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present method includes the steps of introducing a volume of a sample into a vapor delivery line and volatilizing at least a portion of the volume as it is carried through the vapor delivery line. At least a portion of the volatilized volume contacts a sensor element, which produces a signal that is monitored to reveal information about the sample. All components upstream of the sensor element are substantially free of sorbent materials so that the sample volume does not contact a substantially sorbent material before contacting the sensor element.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a target matter includes a chemical sensitive layer that is operable to react when exposed to the target matter and a piezoresistive material coupled to the chemical sensitive layer. The chemical sensitive layer is configured such that the reaction of the target matter with the chemical sensitive layer creates an interfacial tension at the interface of the chemical sensitive layer and the piezoresistive material that changes the electrical resistance of the piezoresistive material. However, the chemical sensitive layer is configured such that the reaction of the target matter with the chemical sensitive layer does not affect the bulk properties of the chemical sensitive layer enough to change the electrical resistance of the piezoresistive material. The sensor also includes an electrical circuit coupled to the piezoresistive material that is operable to detect the change in the electrical resistance of the piezoresistive material due to the interfacial tension.

Abstract: A method of addressing and driving an electrode array includes the step of addressing one or more electrodes within the array using a plurality of row and column lines. In one aspect of the method, a value corresponding to a voltage is stored in a local memory associated with each electrode. The addressed electrodes are then driven at the voltages corresponding to the stored values. In another aspect of the method, a driving element associated with each addressed electrode is selectively coupled with a voltage line so as to charge the electrode with the voltage on the voltage line. The device and methods may be used in the synthesis of biopolymers such as oligonucleotides and peptides.

Abstract: A biosensing cell assembly having a measurement loop with a test cell having an analyte reaction zone for amperometric measurement of a response current to determine analyte concentration and a noise cancellation loop arranged to be physically exposed to the same electromagnetic environment as the measurement loop. The noise cancellation loop has a predetermined impedance within a range of the impedance of the test cell analyte reaction zone and provides a current to cancel or reduce the effects of the electromagnetic environment on the measurement loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for matching and validating the response intensity of a sensor array to an odorant with the detection threshold of a human nose.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting the presence of an analyte indicative of various medical conditions, including halitosis, periodontal disease and other diseases are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved, affordable, and rapid fluid mixture composition or process monitor based on a thermal microstructure sensor. This is preferably accomplished with a microbridge sensor design that has reduced susceptibility to interfering components of the mixture. The sensor described herein is therefore suitable for monitoring the concentration of at least one component in a fluid mixture when the fluid mixture consists of either (1) two components with very different thermal conductivities; or (2) three or more components wherein at least one component has a very different thermal conductivity and the effects of the other components can be largely eliminated, especially if the component of interest is hydrogen and the interference is from the variability in the concentrations of CO2 and H2O.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring the progress of membrane fouling that occurs on pores as well as on the surface of a membrane by means of variations of zeta potential (&zgr;) of a hollow-fiber membrane according to time passage of filtration of a suspension, wherein colloid particles, biopolymers and other inorganic particles are dispersed, and the method thereof. Moreover, the present invention also relates to a method to identify the effect of concentration polarization layer and cake layer which can vary according to the axial position of a hollow-fiber and the developing progress of a membrane fouling by measuring the position-dependent zeta potential of the hollow-fiber membrane.

Abstract: A fluid analyzer having a concentrator and separator for concentrating and separating fluid samples at pressures up to about 10,000 psi (˜700 bar). The concentrator and separator may consist of a solid-state thin-film heater-adsorber and a channel supported by a solid substrate. The concentrator may have numerous heated interactive elements for adsorbing and desorbing constituents of a sample fluid. The interactive elements may be heated in a time phased sequential manner by heaters. The separator may separate the sample fluid by compound. There may be thermal conductivity detectors, a flow sensor and electrical conductivity detectors proximate to the channels. This system of concentrator, separator, heaters and sensor may provide information about the sample fluid composition. A pump may be connected to the channel to move the sample fluid through it.

Abstract: A method for determining the storage state of an ammonia-storing SCR catalyst, the change in at least one physical property of the SCR catalyst material, changing with the NH3 storing process, being sensed, the measurement taking place on the SCR catalyst material itself by applying a measuring pickup to the SCR catalyst or bringing it into direct contact with the latter and determining the storage state on the basis of these results.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor includes an active element in electrical connection with a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit includes a thermistor network to compensate for the effect of changes in ambient temperature to the resistance of the active element. Another combustible gas sensor includes an active element having a geometric surface area no greater than approximately 0.5 mm2 in electrical connection with a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit includes a compensator that compensates for the effect of changes in ambient temperature to the resistance of the active element without compensating for heat lost by thermal conduction from the active element.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oxidation sensor for an electrical circuit or MEMS device that includes a conductor located on an insulating substrate and a sensor trace located on the insulating substrate adjacent the conductor. The sensor trace is located on the insulating substrate adjacent the conductor and is configured to oxidize at a rate greater than an electrical component associated with the sensor trace on the electrical circuit or MEMS device when the sensor trace and the electrical component are exposed to a same oxidizing environment. By oxidizing and thus becoming an open circuit more rapidly than any structure on a electrical circuit or MEMS device at a given relative humidity (i.e. in the same package), the oxidation sensor is designed to provide early warning of oxidation. Thus, the present invention serves as a sensor that will give advance warning of a leaky package and associated oxidation.

Abstract: This invention provides electromagnetic chips and electromagnetic biochips having arrays of individually addressable micro-electromagnetic units, as well as methods of utilizing these chips for directed manipulation of micro-particles and micro-structures such as biomolecules and chemical reagents. An electromagnetic biochip comprises an individually addressable micro-electromagnetic unit chip with ligand molecules immobilized on its surface. By controlling the electromagnetic field at each unit of the array and combining this control with magnetic modification of biomolecules, these chips can be used for directed manipulation, synthesis and release of biomolecules in order to increase sensitivity of biochemical or chemical analysis and reduce assay time. Other advantages with these chips include minimized damages to biological molecules and increased reproducibility of assay results.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for monitoring catalyst performance in an exhaust system comprises a plurality of treatment devices catalytically treating an exhaust gas stream, and a plurality of gas sensors for monitoring the catalyst performance of the treatment devices to determine when sulfur poisoning occurs. An on-board diagnostic system receives signals from the gas sensors, and, based upon response time differentials between sensors, determines whether the treatment devices are experiencing sulfur poisoning.