A cartridge for assay of a target nucleic acid sequence in a liquid sample. The cartridge comprises: a fluidic portion through which the sample flows and in which nucleic acid amplification and detection takes place; a pneumatic portion which controls flow through the fluidic portion; and at least two electrodes which provide a potential difference for the detection of an amplified nucleic acid of interest.

A cartridge for assay of a target nucleic acid sequence in a liquid sample. The cartridge comprises: a fluidic portion through which the sample flows and in which nucleic acid amplification and detection takes place; a pneumatic portion which controls flow through the fluidic portion; and at least two electrodes which provide a potential difference for the detection of an amplified nucleic acid of interest.

A method for testing an electrochemical response of a sample, which is at least partially disposed within an electrolyte, includes macro scanning the sample. Macro scanning is applied across the entire sample and includes applying a first range of macro potential between the electrolyte and the sample, and measuring a first range of macro current between the electrolyte and the sample, while subject to the first range of macro potential. The macro scan is held at a first fixed macro potential within the first range of macro potential and the sample is micro scanned while held at the first fixed macro potential. Micro scanning is applied at individual points across a surface portion of the sample and includes measuring a plurality of first micro currents at each of the individual points of the surface portion of the sample. Each individual point is significantly smaller than the entire sample.

A method for testing an electrochemical response of a sample, which is at least partially disposed within an electrolyte, includes macro scanning the sample. Macro scanning is applied across the entire sample and includes applying a first range of macro potential between the electrolyte and the sample, and measuring a first range of macro current between the electrolyte and the sample, while subject to the first range of macro potential. The macro scan is held at a first fixed macro potential within the first range of macro potential and the sample is micro scanned while held at the first fixed macro potential. Micro scanning is applied at individual points across a surface portion of the sample and includes measuring a plurality of first micro currents at each of the individual points of the surface portion of the sample. Each individual point is significantly smaller than the entire sample.

The claimed invention is directed to a finFET biosensor with improved sensitivity and selectivity. Embodiments of the invention are also directed to finFET biosensor arrays, methods for operating finFET biosensors with improved sensitivity and selectivity, and methods of operating finFET biosensor arrays.

Disclosed are methods and devices for biomolecular detection, comprising a nanopipette, exemplified as a hollow inert, non-biological structure with a conical tip opening of nanoscale dimensions, suitable for holding an electrolyte solution which may contain an analyte such as a protein biomolecule to be detected as it is passed through the tip opening. Biomolecules are detected by specific reaction with peptide ligands chemically immobilized in the vicinity of the tip. Analytes which bind to the ligands cause a detectable change in ionic current. A sensitive detection circuit, using a feedback amplifier circuit, and alternating voltages is further disclosed. Detection of IL-10 at a concentration of 4 ng/ml is also disclosed, as is detection of VEGF.

The use of ion sensitive field effect transistor (ISFET) to detect methylated nucleotides in a DNA sample is described. A method of detecting methylated nucleotides in a DNA sample may include the steps of treating a sample of DNA with a reagent which discriminates between methylated and non-methylated nucleotides to provide treated DNA, amplifying the treated DNA and optionally sequencing the amplified DNA. An ISFET is used to monitor the addition of one or more dNTPs in the strand extension reactions during the amplification and/or sequencing step. Suitable apparatus is also provided.

A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

A sensor system includes a sensor and a sensor electronics device. The sensor includes a plurality of electrodes. The sensor electronics device includes a connection detection device, a power source, and a delay circuit. The connection detection device determines if the sensor electronics device is connected to the sensor and transmits a connection signal. The delay circuit receives the connection signal, waits a preset hydration time, and couples the regulated voltage from the power source to an electrode in the sensor after the preset hydration time has elapsed. Alternatively, the sensor electronics device may include an electrical detection circuit and a microcontroller. The electrical detection circuit determines if the plurality of electrodes are hydrated and generates an interrupt if the electrodes are hydrated. A microcontroller receives the interrupt and transmits a signal representative of a voltage to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes.

A portable device for detecting the nutrition level of a plant includes an outer casing and a detection circuit. The outer casing includes belt pulleys, a cam, upper and lower clamping plates. The detection circuit is arranged in the outer casing and realizes an electric signal processing function and a display function. The portable device for detecting the nutrition level of the plant has the following beneficial effects: the device can be used for analyzing whether nutrient elements in crops are deficient or excessive, which is taken as the basis for accurate fertilization, and the device has low detection cost, high real-time capability, small size and is portable.