A Simple Method for the Detection of Biofilms Using a Heatable Capacitive Sensor Structure (CSS): Description, Proof of Concept, and Some Technical Improvements.

This article presents a novel method for the detection of biofilms based on a heatable, capacitive sensor structure (CSS). Biofilms are capable of strongly binding large amounts of water to their extracellular biopolymer matrix, which is detectable via its dielectric properties. A main challenge is to determine the difference between the inherent occurring presence of moisture in the ecosystem, which is necessary to form a biofilm and an actual formed biofilm.

A refractometry-based glucose analysis of body fluids.

In principle, refractometry appears to be a suitable method for the measurement of glucose concentrations in body fluids (such as blood and the intercellular fluid), even though the refractive index of the measured samples, as an additive property, is not specific. But, if certain conditions are fulfilled, the glucose content can be calculated using the refractive index in combination with values from a further measurement. This study describes the determination of the glucose content using refractometry in human blood serum derivates, which were selected - due to their ready availability - to be used as a model for interstitial fluid.

On the suitability of refractometry for the analysis of glucose in blood-derived fluids.

Background: Refractometry is the determination of the optical refractive index of a substance or a mixture of substances. It is a very sensitive method for the detection and quantification of dissolved analytes, but it is incapable of distinguishing between different analytes. The aim of this investigation was to determine the principle suitability of refractometry for the quantification of glucose (blood sugar) in blood and various blood fluids which can readily be obtained for medical diagnosis, in particular blood plasma, blood serum, and their ultrafiltrates.

[A miniaturized, highly sensitive polarimeter as detector in an implantable glucose probe. II. Opto-electronic amplification and processing of measuring signals].

There is a clinical requirement for an implantable telemetric probe for monitoring glucose levels in humans. This probe can measure the glucose content of the intercellular tissue fluid, which reflects glucose levels in the blood. The lifespan of such an implantable probe should be maximal, so that presumably only physical measuring detectors, but not aging-sensitive bio-sensors can be considered.

[Miniaturization capable, very sensitive polarimeter as detector of an implantable glucose probe. I. Optical amplification of the measuring value].

From a clinical point of view, an implantable telemetric probe for monitoring the blood glucose profile is highly desirable. It should be capable of monitoring the blood glucose level continuously or at regular brief intervals, if necessary requirement-controlled. Apart from blood, measurement can also be made in intercellular tissue fluid, for example, in subcutaneous connective and fatty tissue, because this fluid accurately reflects blood glucose levels after only a brief, but negligible, time lag.