Abstract: The invention relates to a valve (2) for controlling a passage of particles from a first region (6) to a second region (7), wherein the valve (2) comprises a valve material (4) having a modifiable degree of penetrability and a valve region (16) comprising the valve material (4), wherein the valve region (16) and the valve material (4) are adapted such that the particles have to penetrate the valve material (4) if the particles pass the valve (2) for being transferred from the first region (6) to the second region (7). The degree of opening of the valve (2) can easily be controlled by modifying the degree of penetrability of the valve material (4), for example, by modifying the temperature of the valve material (4). Moreover, by penetrating the valve material (4) the particles can be separated from other elements like a fluid containing the particles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting magnetic particles from a sample includes placing the sample near a liquid carrier, which is immiscible with it, in a configuration stable under the influence of gravity. The magnetic particles are moved by a magnetic field from the sample and into the carrier. The magnetic particles are non-wetting with respect to the carrier and will therefore form agglomerates in the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophobic valve for liquids having an appreciable surface tension comprising magnetic particles, said device comprising at least two planar solid substrates with a functionalized surface each, wherein at least a first solid substrate has a patterned surface comprising at least two hydrophilic areas separated from one another by at least one hydrophobic area, wherein the said two planar substrates are disposed with a distance to one another in a sandwiched, parallel fashion, in such way that said functionalized surfaces are facing one another, said valve further comprising a magnetic actuator.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes chambers for performing chemical, biochemical, or physical processes and a flow path connecting the chambers. A magnetic particle is moved through the chambers which are separated by a valve-like structure that enables passing-through of the magnetic particle from one chamber to another. At least one delaying structure delays movement of the magnetic particle along the flow path.

Abstract: The invention relates to means for extracting magnetic particles (M) from a sample (S). The sample (S) is arranged adjacent to a liquid carrier (C), which is immiscible with it, in a configuration stable under the influence of gravity, and the magnetic particles (M) are moved by a magnetic field (B) from the sample (S) into the carrier (C). Preferably, the magnetic particles (M) are non-wetting with respect to the carrier (C) and will therefore form agglomerates in the carrier (C).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophobic valve for liquids having an appreciable surface tension comprising magnetic particles, said device comprising at least two planar solid substrates with a functionalized surface each, wherein at least a first solid substrate has a patterned surface comprising at least two hydrophilic areas separated from one another by at least one hydrophobic area, wherein the said two planar substrates are disposed with a distance to one another in a sandwiched, parallel fashion, in such way that said functionalized surfaces are facing one another, said valve further comprising a magnetic actuator.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided, the microfluidic device comprising: a plurality of chambers (3, 4, 5, 6) adapted for performing chemical, biochemical, or physical processes and a flow path (9) connecting the plurality of chambers (3, 4, 5, 6) adapted for accommodating at least one magnetic particle (7) subsequently moving through the plurality of chambers The plurality of chambers (3, 4, 5, 6) are separated by at least one valve-like structure (10) adapted to enable passing-through of the at least one magnetic particle (7) from one of the plurality of chambers to another one of the plurality of chambers. At least one delaying structure (11, 111) adapted to delay movement of the at least one magnetic particle (7) along the flow path is provided.