Abstract: A sample support plate (100) for a variety of possible applications, including MALDI mass spectrometry, is disclosed. A plurality of spatially separated sample recipient sites (101) are arranged on the surface of a substrate. The recipient sites are mutually separated by areas having a different wettability than the recipient sites. They are arranged in a plurality of rows consisting of a plurality of recipient sites whose centers are regularly spaced along a first direction with a predetermined periodicity (D1), the rows being regularly spaced along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with a predetermined centerline distance (D2). Each recipient site has a maximum lateral dimension that is preferably smaller than the diameter of a beam spot (104) of a desorption laser beam (103).

Abstract: A cell culture device for culturing cells and measuring mechanical forces exerted by one or more cells. The device includes a cell culture chamber having a bottom plate and a main frame with side walls to enclose a volume. The main frame has side walls fabricated as one piece. The cell culture chamber is open on a side opposite the bottom plate. The device further has a force sensor array on top of the bottom plate within the cell culture chamber. The force sensor array has an array of flexible microcolumns configured to provide a site of adhesion for one or more cells, each microcolumn being configured to be deflected from an original position to a deflected position in response to a mechanical force exerted by the one or more cells.

Abstract: A sample support plate (100) for a variety of possible applications, including MALDI mass spectrometry, is disclosed. A plurality of spatially separated sample recipient sites (101) are arranged on the surface of a substrate. The recipient sites are mutually separated by areas having a different wettability than the recipient sites. They are arranged in a plurality of rows consisting of a plurality of recipient sites whose centers are regularly spaced along a first direction with a predetermined periodicity (D1), the rows being regularly spaced along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with a predetermined centerline distance (D2). Each recipient site has a maximum lateral dimension that is preferably smaller than the diameter of a beam spot (104) of a desorption laser beam (103).

Abstract: A fluid transport apparatus, comprising a transport channel including a fluid inlet; and an evaporator including at least one evaporator channel arranged to receive fluid, each evaporator channel having at least one open fluid outlet operable to evaporate fluid at the at least one fluid outlet so as to cause the flow of fluid thought the transport channel.