Work in progress - Java simulations of DSP algorithms for ion-channel sensors

The use of ion channels as sensing elements for chemical and biological agents is a rapidly developing area. Ion channels are proteins that mediate the flow of ions and molecules across membranes such as cell walls. At Arizona State University researchers have devised a silicon ion-channel sensor. Experiments have been conducted to characterize this sensor and examine its utility in various applications. This paper presents Java functions developed to demonstrate ion channel signals and their analysis using DSP functions in class. The Java functions were developed in the J-DSP visual programming environment. Students can experiment with ion-channel signals, extract features, and differentiate signals representing the presence of different analytes.