Methods and apparatus for detecting an analyte using fluorinated phthalocyanines is disclosed herein. A method for detecting an analyte includes illuminating an analyte solution which contacts an electrode comprising a conductive material having a photosensitizer coupled thereto to generate a reactive oxygen species, wherein the photosensitizer is a fluorinated pthalocyanine having a metal or a non-metal center, oxidizing an analyte present in the analyte solution with the reactive oxygen species to form an oxidized analyte, and detecting a current resulting from the reduction of the oxidized analyte at the electrode.

Provided herein are systems for the label-free detection of target molecules in samples. The systems include a sensor probe positioned in a sensing region and configured to bind to receptors for the target molecules. The systems also include electrodes configured to expose the sensor probe to an alternating electric field, and a light source optically coupled to the sensor probe and configured to provide light along a length of the sensor probe. In addition, the systems also include a position sensitive photodetector configured to detect a position of light exiting the sensor probe, and a processor configured to assess, based at least in part on the position of the light exiting the sensor probe, an amplitude of oscillation of the sensor at a frequency of the alternating electric field and a direction of a displacement of the sensor. Additional systems and related methods are also provided.

Electrochemical cells and methods for their production are provided. In particular, multi-well assay plates including multi-electrode wells are provided. The multi-electrode wells contain multiple electrodes that are electrically isolated from one another, permitting the various electrodes of the various wells to be addressed in any suitable combination.

A preparation method and use of a BiOX/N-doped biochar nanocomposite, where X is I or Br is provided. The preparation method includes the following steps: step 1: preparation of an N-doped biochar; step 2: preparation of an acidified N-doped biochar; and step 3: preparation of the BiOX/N-doped biochar nanocomposite. In the present disclosure, a discarded crayfish shell, crab shell, or tofu residue is used as a raw material to prepare the BiOX/N-doped biochar nanocomposite, to realize the transformation of a renewable biological resource from waste into treasure. A photoelectric sensor is constructed based on the BiOX/N-doped biochar nanocomposite that can realize the detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or Escherichia coli (E. coli).

A nanofiber composite sensor for detecting alkanes can include a network of contacting nanofibers having multiple contact points. Each contact point can form an interfiber interface of interdigitated alkyl chains. Alkanes can be adsorbed at the interfiber interface which results in an increased interfiber distance between first and second nanofibers and a decreased charge transfer efficiency. The detected alkanes can be in a vapor or liquid phase.

Graphene composites are disclosed. The graphene composites may include, for example, a photoswitchable layer, a graphene layer, and a substrate. The graphene composites may, in some embodiments, include a graphene layer with photoswitchable surface characteristics. Methods of making the graphene composite are further disclosed. Devices and systems configured to make and use the composites are also disclosed.

The invention relates to a device (100; 200; 300; 400) for analyzing biological substances in a test solution, comprising a test substrate (101; 203; 303; 401) which is transparent at least in part, having a test region (107a, 108a, 109a, 110a; 211; 411) for receiving the test solution, a plurality of electrodes (111, 106; 201, 202; 301, 302; 402, 403) which are arranged on the test substrate (101; 203; 303; 401) and extend into the test region (107a, 108a, 109a, 110a; 211; 411), wherein in each case, at least one portion of the electrodes (111, 106; 201, 202; 301, 302; 402, 403) is made of a transparent material.

The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of biosensors and particularly provides a construction method for a photocathode indirect competition sensor and an evaluation method. The construction method includes: using Z-type Bi.sub.2O.sub.3/CuBi.sub.2O.sub.4 as a sensing platform; calculating a photoinduced electron Z-type transfer path and an energy band structure of Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 and CuBi.sub.2O.sub.4 using a density functional theory (DFT); and constructing a Bi.sub.2O.sub.3/CuBi.sub.2O.sub.4-based biosensor. A photoelectrochemical (PEC) photocathode biosensor based on a Bi.sub.2O.sub.3/CuBi.sub.2O.sub.4 heterojunction prepared through the solution has good repeatability, reproducibility, stability, and specificity for detecting a target. The PEC biosensor constructed in the solution of the present disclosure has a broad application prospect in the fields of healthcare, environment, and food.

A transparent pressure sensor and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The transparent pressure sensor includes several layers of transparent electrodes, at least one pressure-sensitive deformation layer between the transparent electrodes, and a metal oxide layer. Each layer of the transparent electrodes is composed of nanowires, and the metal oxide layer is disposed in a space among the nanowires.

An electrochemical probe comprises a wire bundle including two or more wire electrodes made of conducting material arranged alongside each other, and insulating material surrounding the electrodes. An impedance reducing layer of metal or metal oxide nano-structures is deposited on tips of the wire electrodes at a first end of the bundle. A functionalization layer is deposited on the impedance reducing layer at the first end of the bundle. Such a probe is particularly useful for electrochemical sensing applications such as neuronal scanning.