Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for the preparation of platelet rich plasma, and to the plasma obtained by employing said device and method. The method comprises evaporating and dialysing plasma with the device of the invention to provide a plasma enriched in platelets and non-platelet biomolecules. The plasma thus obtained shows improved regenerative properties with respect to other plasma preparations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic device for the detection of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in a fluid sample. The invention also relates to an in vitro method for the detection and/or quantification of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in a fluid sample. Further, the invention relates to in vitro methods for (a) diagnosing a tumour and/or metastasis in a subject, and (b) determining the prognosis of a subject suffering from a tumour and/or metastasis. Finally, the invention refers to a kit comprising (a) a microfluidic device according to the first aspect of the invention, and (b) labelled probes targeting a first CTCs surface marker and, optionally, at least a second CTCs surface marker.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aggregate comprising metallic nanoparticles and nucleic acid molecules wherein each metallic nanoparticle is coated with a polycation. The invention also relates to a method for obtaining the aggregate of the invention and to the use of said aggregate in methods for detecting the presence of a nucleic acid in a sample, in methods for detecting the presence of a given nucleotide at a predetermined position in a target nucleic acid, in methods for detecting the presence of a modified nucleotide at a predetermined position in a target nucleic acid, methods for detecting the presence of a conjugate between a double stranded nucleic acid and a chemical in a sample comprising double stranded nucleic acid molecules, in methods for determining the content of modified nucleotides in a target nucleic acid and in a method for determining the content of modified nucleotides in a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: A silicon particle comprising a silicon body, a functionalized silica surface surrounding the silicon body, and a targeting moiety specifically targeting tumor cells, and, optionally, an enzymatically metabolizable compound, is useful in the treatment of cancer by producing cell death after particle internalization.