Patent ID: 7384781

Claim:
A sensor device for detecting an analyte in a sample in which an analyte is bound to a detection reagent to form a bound complex, wherein the device comprises: (a) a sample ( 5 ) comprising an ionic analyte and a detection reagent in a conductive fluid, wherein the detection reagent has a net charge different from the analyte; (b) a first permeable polymeric hydrogel plate ( 3 ) and a first spacer plate ( 8 ), wherein the plates provide a compartment there between for the sample; (c) an anode ( 1 ) juxtaposed to the outside of the first hydrogel plate and not in contact with the sample; (d) a cathode ( 9 ) juxtaposed to the outside of the first spacer plate and not in contact with the sample; (e) a voltage generator ( 10 ) to apply an electric potential to the anode and cathode; and (f) a detector ( 11 ); wherein the bound complex formed from the analyte and detection reagent is detected by the detector because the bound complex has a charge that causes it to migrate in a direction opposite from that of the unbound analyte when the electric potential is applied.