A pH sensor for a single-use container includes a plunger sleeve configured to couple to a flange of the single-use container. A plunger is axially movable within the plunger sleeve between a storage position and an operating position. A pH sensing element coupled to the plunger wherein the pH element is disposed within a storage chamber in the storage position and is configured to be exposed to an interior of the single-use container in the operating position. In one example, a temperature sensitive element is disposed within the pH sensor and configured to sense temperature proximate the pH sensing element. In another example, a lock member is coupled to the plunger, where the lock member has a locked position and an unlocked position, the lock member being configured to inhibit movement of the plunger when in the locked position. In yet another example, the plunger includes at least one filling channel that allows access to a reference fill chamber when the plunger is in a filling position.

Sensors having an advantageous design and methods for fabricating such sensors are generally provided. Some sensors described herein comprise pairs of electrodes having radial symmetry, pairs of nested electrodes, and/or nanowires. Some embodiments relate to fabricating electrodes by methods in which nanowires are deposited from a fluid contacted with a substrate in a manner such that it evaporates and is replenished.

Sensors having an advantageous design and methods for fabricating such sensors are generally provided. Some sensors described herein comprise pairs of electrodes having radial symmetry, pairs of nested electrodes, and/or nanowires. Some embodiments relate to fabricating electrodes by methods in which nanowires are deposited from a fluid contacted with a substrate in a manner such that it evaporates and is replenished.

Embodiments of the invention provide amperometric analyte sensors having optimized elements such as interference rejection membranes as well as methods for making and using such sensors. The amperometric analyte sensor apparatus comprises: a base layer; a conductive layer disposed on the base layer and comprising a working electrode; an interference rejection membrane disposed on an electroactive surface of the working electrode, wherein the interference rejection membrane comprises poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymers crosslinked by an acid crosslinker, wherein the crosslinker is a dicarboxylic acid type monomer or a polymer comprising a carboxylic acid group; and an analyte sensing layer. While embodiments of the innovation can be used in a variety of contexts, typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes.

Embodiments of the invention provide amperometric analyte sensors having optimized elements such as interference rejection membranes as well as methods for making and using such sensors. The amperometric analyte sensor apparatus comprises: a base layer; a conductive layer disposed on the base layer and comprising a working electrode; an interference rejection membrane disposed on an electroactive surface of the working electrode, wherein the interference rejection membrane comprises poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymers crosslinked by an acid crosslinker, wherein the crosslinker is a dicarboxylic acid type monomer or a polymer comprising a carboxylic acid group; and an analyte sensing layer. While embodiments of the innovation can be used in a variety of contexts, typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes.

Various samples are generated on a substrate. The samples each includes or consists of one or more analytes. In some instances, the samples are generated through the use of gels or through vapor deposition techniques. The samples are used in an instrument for screening large numbers of analytes by locating the samples between a working electrode and a counter electrode assembly. The instrument also includes one or more light sources for illuminating each of the samples. The instrument is configured to measure the photocurrent formed through a sample as a result of the illumination of the sample.

Various samples are generated on a substrate. The samples each includes or consists of one or more analytes. In some instances, the samples are generated through the use of gels or through vapor deposition techniques. The samples are used in an instrument for screening large numbers of analytes by locating the samples between a working electrode and a counter electrode assembly. The instrument also includes one or more light sources for illuminating each of the samples. The instrument is configured to measure the photocurrent formed through a sample as a result of the illumination of the sample.

A smart electrochemical processing apparatus includes a reaction container, an electrode unit and a surface feature scanner. The reaction container has an electrolytic tank. The electrode unit has a first electrode fixed to the electrolytic tank and a second electrode rotatably positioned at the electrolytic tank. The surface feature scanner is positioned at the electrolytic tank. Before being put in the electrolytic tank for processing, a workpiece positioned at the second electrode is scanned with the surface feature scanner while being rotated by the second electrode. After surface feature data of the workpiece have been collected, various process parameters can be adjusted to thereby achieve satisfactory surface treatment of the workpiece.

A smart electrochemical processing apparatus includes a reaction container, an electrode unit and a surface feature scanner. The reaction container has an electrolytic tank. The electrode unit has a first electrode fixed to the electrolytic tank and a second electrode rotatably positioned at the electrolytic tank. The surface feature scanner is positioned at the electrolytic tank. Before being put in the electrolytic tank for processing, a workpiece positioned at the second electrode is scanned with the surface feature scanner while being rotated by the second electrode. After surface feature data of the workpiece have been collected, various process parameters can be adjusted to thereby achieve satisfactory surface treatment of the workpiece.

A sensing apparatus includes a device containing microwells and a switched capacitor circuit in which at least one of the sensing/storage capacitors is a capacitor that extends perpendicularly with respect to a semiconductor device layer containing field effect transistors. Capacitor structures extend into microwells or within a doped layer on a handle substrate. Ion generation within the microwells is sensed using the circuit.