Biosensors Based on a Chemical Transistor with a Biological Membrane

for Detection of Impurities in Gas Flow

(CORDIS focus, Issue 37, September 2002, p.20)

A Spanish research institute has developed a new method for the detection of chemical impurities (low concentrations) in gas flow by means of an electrochemical biosensor based on an Ion Sensitive Field Effect Transistor (ISFET). The application focuses on industrial safety, monitoring of environmental emissions and industrial control processes. The institute is looking for environmental engineering industries interested in license agreements and financial resources. The electrochemical biosensor consists of an UV (ultraviolet) curing biological membrane and a method was developed for its application in the detection and identification of chemical compounds in gas phase. This biosensor is based on the insertion in a substratum of a chemical ISFET with ENOS (electrolyte-nitride-oxide-semiconductor) structure made with silicon microelectronic technology, together with a pseudo-reference platinum electrode. Over the substratum, a biological membrane is immobilized that includes chemical or biological reconnaissance elements and/or an electrochemical compounder, which are sensitive to the electrolyte to be detected in the gas flow. Electrochemical sensors are easy to manufacture and to use. In addition to these properties, its miniaturisation allows structure control, reproducibility and huge production volumes.

Collaboration sought: License agreement; Financial support

OLIVARES, Jimena

Centre de Enlace de Madrid

C/Alcal- 30-32, planta baja

E-28014 Madrid

Tel: +34-91-7200352

Fax:+34-91-7200355

E-mail: mar.irc@madrirnasd.org

Effective Water Quality Monitoring Sensors

(CORDIS focus, Issue 37, September 2002, p.19-20)

The Netherlands, UK, Spain and Germany developed and validated a nitrate sensor and pH sensor within one modular instrument that is more flexible, cost-effective, robust and reliable than current technologies. The incorporation of the nitrate and pH sensor into one modular instrument not only advances the state-of-the-art, but also exhibits reduced size compared to existing sensors. Enhanced robustness and reliability effectively meet the needs of the industry, while online monitoring increases precision.

Collaboration sought: Further research or development support; License agreement; Financial support; Information exchange/Training

VAN HAL, Ronald

Van Essen Instruments BV

Delftechpark 20, P.O.Box 553

NL-2624 AA Delft

Tel:+31-15-2755000F

ax:+31-15-2755055

E-mail: hal@vanessen.com

Radio Frequency Sensors to Detect Internal and External Defect

(CORDIS focus, Issue 35, July 2002, p.38)

The radio frequency (RF) sensor is a new kind of scanner for wood defect detection developed by CEO during the Pinocchio project. The radio frequency inspection is the technique by which the wood scanner works and produces density maps of both surfaces in real time. A European patent was applied for the RF scanner because of the highly innovative procedure utilized which overcomes the disadvantages of conventional methods. More particularly, this kind of sensor is able to produce wood density maps of both surfaces thus to detect defects. The device provides a non invasive investigation and methods capable of not being influenced by dust or dirt on timber surfaces neither to spots nor timber grading. The RF scanner can work in real time that is at the speed required by the wood industry. Not only can it detect the outer defects but also the internal ones (even 1-2 mm deep). For wood inner inspection, the RF scanner can substitute the present systems operating with x-rays, which are not safe for men. The RF system is mainly useful for dielectric material such as wood.

Collaboration sought: Further research or development support; Manufacturing agreement; Financial support; Private-public partnership

LONGOBARDI, Giuseppe

Consorzio CEO - Centre di Eccellenza Optronica

Largo Enrico Fermi n. 6

1-50125 Florence

Tel: +39 055 2299972

Fax: +39 055 2337755

E-mail: ceo-admin@ino.it

Innovative Chip for Industrial Control

(CORDIS focus, Issue 35, July 2002, p.34)

A Spanish SME funded by the European Commission has developed a first prototype of Field Programmable System On Chip (FIPSOC) device. The circuits on the chip will integrate combinational blocks and programmable analogue cells for signal conditioning and data acquisition. The integrated circuit also includes the standard for industrial control 8051 micro controller. The device is expected to find immediate application in the sectors of electronic instrumentation and industrial process control. The scales of today's semiconductor manufacturing is in the order of submicron sizes, where an intense research effort is currently striving to push the limits to the ever smaller nanometer scale. Fabrication processes available at such minute scales enables the design of true systems on a single chip. Integrated circuits can function in a multitude of ways since the central processing unit, memory, networking, communications, graphics and specialized functions can all be inscribed on a single piece of silicon. FIPSOC is a fully re-configurable mixed mode field programmable gate array (FPGA) with an embedded microcontroller. The chip greatly accelerates the development of mixed signal integrated applications. Design cycles can be reduced by 30% to 40% compared to other digital and analogue FPGA's and design tools. Such reduction is possible when use is made of this innovative configurable hardware and the integrated emulation and verification design flows. The FIPSOC integrated circuit has embedded the standard 8051 micro-controller, a field programmable gate array, and a set of flexible configurable analogue cells optimized for signal conditioning and data acquisition applications. In addition, a powerful set of CAD tools enables the user to specify, simulate and map the complete design onto a single chip using simply an MS Window's environment. Finally the SME that developed the FIPSOC device provides a library for the easy migration from prototype to ASIC. Users of the proposed technology will benefit in device reusability, dynamic re-configurability and rapid time to market for volume production of microelectronics' products. Furthermore, there will be no more fabrication delays for on chip system integration and the area of the chip will be reduced. The integrated system emulation provides an easy design methodology. An international patent belonging to the Spanish SME "SISDA" protects the FIPSOC technology.

Collaboration sought: Marketing agreement

FAURA, Julio

SIDSA, Parque Tecnologico de Madrid

c/Torres Quevedos, 1, 2

E-28760 Tres Cantos

Tel: +34 91 8035052

Fax:+34 91 8039557

E-mail: faura@sidsa.es

A SFET-Based (Superconducting Field-Effect Transistor) 

Induction Magnetic Field Transducer

(CORDIS focus, Issue 35, July 2002, p.9)

The opportunity to exploit pickup coils with different dimensions, because their overall dimensions are not restricted by cooling volume, so reducing power consumption and mass of refrigeration installation. In such a way the sensitivity threshold is decreased and the frequency range of the sensor is extended. A reduction in the dimensions of coils, which are not shielded by cryogenic wrap. This absence of shielding enables better resolution and penetration when measuring. The pickup coil is not constrained by cryogenic temperatures and may be exploited a large distance from the electronic circuits in different working fluids. There is also avoidance of any interaction between sensor coils and refrigeration systems as they are completely separated; there is no influence of temperature variation of the cooling fluid and the electromagnetic compatibility of the magnetometer is improved. CIM operation functions in two different modes depending on the ratio of the SFET critical current to sensor coil current. Abandoning feedback loops decreases the self-excitation probability.

Collaboration sought:

Further research or development support; Joint venture agreement; License agreement; Marketing agreement.

SKLYAR, Rostyslav

Space Sensing Instruments,

Verchratskogo St. 15-1,

79010 Lviv, Ukraine

Tel: +380 322 762432

Fax: +380 322 769613

E-mail: r_sklyar@hotmail.com

Control Sensors for Safer Bridges

(CORDIS focus, Issue 29, September 2001, p.42)

Modern bridges present particular problems for engineers in that they are faced with limited means to control cable vibration and deck oscillation through passive dampers. Newly devised test models at the University Lible de Bruxelles are showing some promising results in active vibration actuator controls.

The current technology offers to switch from passive to active dampers, based on a tendon that would mitigate vibration in both cable and structure. This tendon is supported by an actuator and a force sensor that would monitor vibration levels and instruct the actuator respond accordingly.

Collaboration Sought:

Further research or development support; Information exchange

HELDUSER, Siegfried

Technical University of Dresden,

Helmholtzstrasse 7A, Dresden, Germany

Tel: + 49 351 463 7602

Fax: + 49 351 4632136

Fibre Optic Chemical and Biochemical Sensors

(CORDIS focus, Issue 25, March 2001, pp.40-41)

Sensors are based on successful combination of chemical and technological advances in molecular engineering, photochemistry, analytical spectroscopy, material science, optoelectronics and  information technology.

Main Advantages:

• Electrical-free and intrinsically safe

• They are not subject to electrical interference

• Easy to miniaturize

• Unlike electrochemical sensors, reference electrodes (a common source of drift) are not required

• Optical fibers can transport higher information density 

Collaboration Sought:

Further research or development support; Licence agreement; Manufacturing agreement

Thin Film Magneto-Resistive Sensors

(CORDIS focus, Issue 25, March 2001, p. 41)

Thin films based on the "colossal" magneto-resistant effect observed in double oxides of magnese and lanthanum process includes several stages. When crystalline parameters of materials be modified, they can behave in different ways.

Using these materials, as magnetic field sensors will reduce the necessary sensibility to measure its resistance and, therefore, the equipment cost. 

Main Advantages:

• Investments in new projects are not necessary for its manufacture

• Depending on specific applications can be obtained homogenous materials with different thickness

• Present high mechanical resistance up to temperatures > 500 degrees Celsius

Collaboration Sought:

Further research or development support; Manufacturing agreement

Electrochemical Biosensors for the Determination of Glucose in Musts and Wines

(CORDIS focus, Issue 25, March 2001, p. 12)

The developed biosensors are composite materials (conductor: graphite, insulator: Teflon) in which the enzymes COx (glucose oxidase) and HRP (peroxidase), and the mediator ferrocence are co-immobilised  by simple physical inclusion. These biosensors can be used in the batch mode by adding the most or wine sample directly into a 5.0 ml working solution (0.05 mol L-1 phosphate buffer solution of pH 7.4), and performing the analysis by applying the standard additions methods. The time needed to yield the result is shoter than 5 min. This biosensor can be also used as a detector in FI (flow inection) systems.

Main Advantages:

• Fast, direct, cheap and able-to-be automated biosensor

• Simple and low-cost instrumentation

• Kits-measurement configuration

• Minimal sample pre-treatment

• No interference form substances present in must and wine samples 

Collaboration Sought:

Further research or development support; Licence agreement; Manufacturing agreement

Electrochemical Biosensors for the Determination of Cholesterol in Food

(CORDIS focus, Issue 25, March 2001, p. 11)

The developed biosensors are composite materials (conductor: graphite, insulator: Teflon) in which the enzymes COx (glucose oxidase) and HRP (peroxidase), and the mediator potassium ferrocyanide are co-immobilised  by simple physical inclusion.

Main Advantages:

• Fast, direct, cheap and able-to-be automated biosensing

• Simple and low-cost instrumentation

• Kits-measurement configuration

• Very simple sample pre-treatment for the determination of free cholesterol

• The time of analysis is remarkably shorter when compared with other methods 

Collaboration Sought:

Further research or development support; Licence agreement; Manufacturing agreement

GAYO, Elena

D.G. de Investigacion de la Consejeria de Educacion y Cultura de la CAM

Centro de Enlace para la Innovacion

calle Cidacos, 7

E-28002 Madrid

Tel.: +34-91-7450853

Fax: +34-91-7450863

E-mail: elenagayo@idetra.com

http://www.madrimasd.org

Self-Adaptive Smart Sensors with Digital Output

Primary Sponsor: open

Deadline: open

Project Abstract: The main aim of this project is to develop a completely novel generation of miniaturised self-adaptive low cost smart sensors for different physical and chemical variables fabricated in industrial CMOS technology. For the first time, driving circuitry, signal processing electronics as well as a microcontroller will be integrated monolithically with the sensor array on a chip. The fabrication of smart sensors with build-in frequency-to-code converter based on embedded microcontroller core does not require technological extra steps and can be fabricated by the usual CMOS processes. Novel accurate adaptive program-oriented method for frequency-to-code conversion will be implemented in such sensors. The method is designed to be realised on the virtual level inside the functional-logical architecture of embedded microcontroller without any traditional expensive ADC. In comparison with the known traditional (standard counting direct or indirect methods) and advanced methods for frequency-to-code conversion (reciprocal and ratiometric counting methods, M/T, constant elapsed time (CET), double buffered and DMA transfer methods) the proposed method of dependent count (MDC) has the following competitive advantages at the same time: 

• constant relative quantization error in the all specified measuring range of frequencies fx: from infralow up to high frequencies (some tens MHz);

• high accuracy up to 0.0001 % in all frequency range without any temperature compensation and up to 0.00001 % with compensation; non-redundant conversion time or reference frequency fo;

• non-limited low frequency range;

• minimal possible chip area;

• the possibility of adaptation and conversion with the given relative quantization error, measuring time or reference frequency fo;

• the possibility to convert the frequency fx higher than the reference frequency fo.

Innovative Aspects and Applications: The proposed method are self-adaptive according to the given relative quantization error, measuring time or reference frequency. Due to this, it is possible to create novel self-adaptive smart sensors in which accuracy can be changed due to conversion time and conversely according to operation conditions. Smart sensors can greatly reduce the conversion time or uncertainty of measurement by intelligent application of self-adaptation. So, for example, adaptive possibilities, e.g. automatic choice of measuring time interval depending on the given error of measurement allow to use the advanced ABS algorithm, where the conversion time is minimum possible at critical rotation speeds and normal at nominal rotation speeds in order to have high accuracy as well as a possibility to measure rotation acceleration. Another example of application is smart self-adaptive pressure sensors working in conditions of abrupt pressure fall. It is also possible to develop multifunctional smart sensors, for example, temperature/humidity, pressure/temperature, rotation speed/rotation acceleration, etc. Due to its unique characteristics (small size, low price, intelligent features) smart sensors will also open new markets, not considered for sensors yet.

Objectives: 

• to develop and transfer to the industry the know-how for novel self-adoptive method in order to be used in different self-adaptive smart sensors with digital output; 

• to use created smart sensors in novel applications, thus initiating a generation of innovative products with significant market potential (ABS, electronic noses, etc.)

Collaboration Sought: we are looking for partners and financial resources; further research or development support; joint venture or license agreement.

For more details please contact:

Dr. Kirianaki N.V.,

Project Coordinator

INCOTECH, Bandera str.,12

Lviv, UA, 290013

Tel: +380 322 97 16 74

Fax:+380 322 97 16 41

E-mail: syurish@mail.icmp.lviv.ua

Ultra-High Frequency Sensor

Aims and objectives of the project are to develop an automated fluxmeter capable of identifying the  properties of any continuum, including liquids, gases, and their mixtures, flowing through varied pipelines, including the main ones of laboratory-scale and full scale plants.

For more details please contact:

JSC Adriatic Consortium

Tel./Fax:+7-095-977-9345

P.O.Box 35, Moscow, 127276, Russia
E-mail: adc@newmail.ru

Multi-Sensor Inspection System for Component Testing:

Towards More Reliable NTD Application

(CORDIS focus, Issue 24, November 2000, pp.42-43)

The goal of the MISTRAL project is to design, develop and evaluate multi-sensor approaches on welded components. MISTRAL was meant to demonstrate of a multi-technique approach to non-destructive testing for radiography and ultrasonic testing on the one hand and for ultrasonic testing and eddy current testing on the other hand.

The processing tools developed by MISTRAL are a set of inversion modules which make each set of single technique data more legible and less noisy.

Collaboration sought: further research or development support; license agreement; information exchange.

For more details please contact:

JUST, Valery,

EDF, 6, Quai Watier

F-78401 Chatou

Tel: +33-1-30877882

Fax:+33-1-30878434

E-mail: Valery.Just@edf.fr

Proportional Rotary Actuator

(CORDIS focus, Issue 24, November 2000, pp.22)

A local French SME specialized and widely known for developing and designing electromagnetic sensors, actuators and micromotors is proposing a new type of rotative actuator.

Collaboration sought: further research or development support; license agreement.

For more details please contact:

VIEUX, Anne-Marie

Chambre Regionale de Commerce et d'Industrie de Bourgogne

Parc de I'Europe

Place des Nations-Unies

F-21070 Dijon

Tel: +33-3-81474200

Fax:+33-3-81807094

E-mail: aristfc@mail.fc-net.fr