Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable device for performing a plurality of identical and simultaneous microfluidic experiments according to a set of consecutive steps. Another object of the invention is the machine which is adapted to act on the disposable device, allowing performance of the plurality of experiments. The particular configuration of the disposable device allows that different experiments require redesigning only one of the portions of the device, maintaining the remaining components without necessarily being modified.

Abstract: Fabrication method of microfluidic devices consisting of a sheet (1) which is 200 micrometer thick or less and a rigid part (3), both made of thermoplastic polymeric material includes degasification of a polymeric sheet of thermoplastic material (1), an auxiliary rigid part (2), and a polymeric rigid part of thermoplastic material (3). A temporary bonding procedure, of the degassed thermoplastic polymeric sheet (1) to a degassed auxiliary rigid part (2), is conducted producing a sheet-auxiliary part set (4). A permanent bonding procedure bonds the thermoplastic polymeric sheet (1) of the sheet-auxiliary part set (4) obtained in the previous temporary bonding stage, to the thermoplastic polymeric rigid part (3) which was initially degassed. The auxiliary rigid part (2) of the thermoplastic polymeric sheet (1) permanently bonded to the thermoplastic rigid part (3), is detached to produce a final part which is completely polymeric (5).

Abstract: Fabrication method of microfluidic devices consisting of a sheet (1) which is 200 micrometre thick or less and a rigid part (3), both made of thermoplastic polymeric material includes degasification of a polymeric sheet of thermoplastic material (1), an auxiliary rigid part (2), and a polymeric rigid part of thermoplastic material (3). A temporary bonding procedure, of the degassed thermoplastic polymeric sheet (1) to a degassed auxiliary rigid part (2), is conducted producing a sheet-auxiliary part set (4). A permanent bonding procedure bonds the thermoplastic polymeric sheet (1) of the sheet-auxiliary part set (4) obtained in the previous temporary bonding stage, to the thermoplastic polymeric rigid part (3) which was initially degassed. The auxiliary rigid part (2) of the thermoplastic polymeric sheet (1) permanently bonded to the thermoplastic rigid part (3), is detached to produce a final part which is completely polymeric (5).

Abstract: An SU-8 microneedle for monitoring and stimulating neurons, has a thickness less than 100 micrometers and a length of 50 micrometers to 10 centimeters. A manufacturing method allows removing the microneedle from the substrate without using mechanical devices due to the initial coating of a rigid substrate with an aluminium layer as a sacrificial layer and the final chemical etching of the aluminium layer for chemically removing the microneedle obtained in known intermediate photolithographic manufacturing steps.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel stack. In one implementation a solid oxide fuel cell is supported by and electrically coupled to a connector with the solid oxide fuel cell having a first electrode, an electrolyte deposited on the first electrode, a second electrode deposited on the electrolyte, and a metal support arranged on the second electrode. In one implementation the connector has a first member in contact with a portion of the metal support and is arranged to resiliently support the first solid oxide fuel cell by the application of contact pressure to the portion of the metal support.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell having a tubular metal support an open end. A first electrode is deposited on the metal support, an electrolyte is deposited on the first electrode, and a second electrode is deposited on the electrolyte. The open end of the metal support is in communication with a fuel supply and attached to an external structure of the fuel supply by threads.

Abstract: Cell of a solid-oxide fuel cell that comprises a ferritic support (2), a first electrode (3) deposited on said ferritic support, an electrolyte (4) deposited on said first electrode (3), and a second electrode (5) deposited on said electrolyte (4). The cell comprises, between the first electrode (3) and the ferritic support (2), a diffusion barrier (6) that comprises cerium oxide.