Electro-chemical analysis device with integrated thermal sensor and method for monitoring a sample using the device

An electrochemical analysis device, comprising:

• a substrate platform;
• a bioreactor chamber formed integral with the substrate platform, the bioreactor chamber characterized as providing for a chamber to hold a biomolecular sample during analysis;
• at least one thermal sensor formed in thermal contact with the bioreactor chamber and the biomolecular sample and integral with the substrate platform, the at least one thermal sensor characterized as providing for the sensing of a temperature of the biomolecular sample and having a temporal resolution of less than 10 milliseconds, the at least one thermal sensor providing sensed temperature data and having a temperature resolution of less than 0.1 degree centigrade;
• a plurality of biosensors, formed having a spatial resolution of less than ten microns to the at least one thermal sensor, wherein the plurality of biosensors are formed integral with the substrate platform and in physical contact with the biomolecular sample;
• a reference probe formed proximate the at least one biosensor and integral the substrate platform, the reference probe characterized as performing as an electro-chemical reference;
• a means for providing radiation to the biomolecular sample formed integral with the substrate platform, and in thermal contact with the biomolecular sample;
• and
• a means for the transforming the sensed temperature data into an output measurement electrical signal, the means for transforming the sensed temperature data formed as part of a feedback circuit with the means for providing heat to the biomolecular sample, thereby providing for the maintenance of a preferred temperature for the biomolecular sample.

A method for monitoring a sample using an electrochemical analysis device, comprising the steps of:

• providing at least one thermal sensor having a temporal resolution of less than 10 milliseconds and at least one biosensor three-dimensionally related on a substrate platform, the at least one thermal sensor and the at least one biosensor positioned having a spatial resolution of less than 10 microns;
• providing for a bioreactor chamber integrated with the substrate platform, and formed proximate the at least one biosensor, the bioreactor chamber characterized as holding a biomolecular sample for testing;
• providing a means for providing radiation to the biomolecular sample formed integral the substrate platform;
• introducing a biomolecular sample into the bioreactor chamber, the biomolecular sample characterized as being in thermal contact with the at least one thermal sensor and in physical contact with the at least one biosensor, the biomolecular sample having a temperature;
• probing and detecting the temperature of the biomolecular sample with the thermal sensor;
• generating an output measurement electrical signal from the sensed temperature;
• processing the output measurement signal to submit a response signal to activate the means for providing radiation.