Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface comprising the steps of: (a) providing a substrate with a surface roughness Ra between 0.1 and 1.0 ?m and (b) exposing the substrate to a filamentary atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasma which is fed by a reaction gas and siloxane-forming material in order to form a superhydrophobic siloxane layer over at least a portion of the surface of the substrate. Step (b) is operated with an electrical excitation frequency of 15,000 Hz to 35,000 Hz and a power density between 0.5 to 10 W·cm?2. The siloxane layer produced in step (b) shows thereby a micro-structure and a nano-structure with droplet “sticking” properties (high water sliding angle).

Abstract: According to the present invention, an implantable device is provided, comprising a substrate on which at least one surface portion is provided. The chemical composition of the surface portion selectively enhances the cell-adhesion to the substrate.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an implantable device comprising an electrode for carrying an electric signal to or from a biological cell or tissue provided. The electrode material is chosen to exhibit desirable properties in terms of electrical conductivity, biocompatibility and bio-fouling. The invention further provides implantable devices comprising such implantable electrodes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for forming regular polymer thin films on a substrate using atmospheric plasma discharges. In particular, the method allows for the deposition of functional polymer thin films which require a high regularity and a linear polymer structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a polymer coating on a substrate. The method comprising the steps of providing in an evacuated reaction chamber a substrate having a surface to be coated; and providing a first source of polymer forming material and a second source of radicals. According to the invention the first source and the second source are separated from each other and from the reaction chamber, and the polymer forming material as well as the radicals are, at least temporarily, conducted contemporaneously but spatially separated to the substrate's surface, so that a reaction of the polymer forming material with the radicals is avoided before they reach the substrate's surface. Further, the present invention is directed to a device for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact and portable mass spectrometer device comprising a source of ions, a non-scanning magnetic sector for separating ions originating at the source of ions according to their mass-to-charge ratios, and a detection means. The magnetic sector comprises an ion entrance plane and at least two ion exit planes, which allow to optimize the resolving power of the mass spectrometer for specific mass-to charge ratio sub-ranges.

Abstract: According to the process, the filiform component is continuously linearly moved through magnetic dipoles arranged opposite each other and around a tube constituting a treatment chamber, and the microwave energy is introduced between at least two magnetic dipoles.

Abstract: An electrode for forming an electrochemical cell with a substrate and a method of forming said electrode. The electrode comprises a carrier provided with an insulating layer which is patterned at a front side. Conducting material in an electrode layer is applied in the cavities of the patterned insulating layer and in contact with the carrier. A connection layer is applied at the backside of the carrier and in contact with the carrier. The periphery of the electrode is covered by the insulating material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mass spectrometer device comprising a source of ions, an electrostatic sector, a non-scanning magnetic sector arranged downstream of the electrostatic sector, for separating ions originating at the source of ions according to their mass-to-charge ratios, and a detection means. A magnetic shunt is arranged in the drift space between the electrostatic sector and the magnetic sector. The proposed position of the magnetic shunt enhances the resolving power of the mass spectrometer device.