Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation for an identification purpose of a microcarrier. The method comprising the steps of: (a) an identification purpose step of the microcarrier; and (b) a positioning and orientation step prior to or during the identification purpose step. The apparatus comprising means for identification purposes such as a microscope or labelling means such as a high spatial resolution light source, and means for the positioning and orientation of the microcarriers.

Abstract: The application discloses Quiescin Q6 as a new biomarker for acute heart failure. Methods for determining the quantity of Quiescin Q6 in a sample from a subject are described. The quantity of Quiescin Q6 is determined by contacting the sample with one or more binding agents capable of specifically binding to Quiescin Q6.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microcarrier comprising at least a detection surface for performing an assay, said detection surface comprising a first area being functionalized with a first functional group for detecting at least a chemical and/or biological interaction, said first area being designed for providing a first signal. The microcarrier is characterized in that the detection surface further comprises a second area being designed for providing a second signal different from the first signal, said second signal being emitted during the assay. Thus, information about the presence of the at least a chemical and/or biological interaction is provided by a comparison of the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for storing at least one biomolecule, the composition comprising: a. between about 0.2% w/w to about 20.0% w/w of D-(+)-Trehalose dehydrate; and b. between about 0.1% w/w to about 10.0% w/w of D-Mannitol; c. between about 0.01% w/w to 0.3% w/w of polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate; and d. between about 1.0 nM to about 500 mM of Sodium Citrate at pH between about 4.0 to about 8.0; and e. between strictly more than about 0% w/w to about 0.5% w/w of preservative solution, said preservative solution comprising: i. between about 1.0% w/w and about 5.0% w/w of 5 Chloro-2 methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; and ii. between about 0.1% w/w and about 3.0% w/w 2-Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one.

Abstract: The application discloses MCAM as a new biomarker for fluid homeostatic imbalance; methods for predicting, diagnosing, prognosticating and/or monitoring fluid homeostatic imbalance based on measuring said biomarker; and kits and devices for measuring said biomarker and/or performing said methods.

Abstract: An analysis system comprising a cartridge and an instrument being designed for operating the cartridge. The cartridge comprises a chamber sealed by a foil capable of protruding when the chamber is pressurized. The instrument comprises an analysis window and a detection portion designed for being crossed by a signal emitted from the chamber toward the instrument when the chamber is placed opposite the detection portion. The instrument further comprises docking means to place the chamber opposite the detection portion so that when the chamber is pressurized, the foil protrudes toward the detection portion. The analysis system is characterized in that it further comprises spacing means to ensure that, when the cartridge is docked on the instrument via the docking means and the chamber is pressurized, said spacing means ensure a gap between the foil and the detection portion.

Abstract: The application discloses new biomarkers for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and particularly preeclampsia; methods for the diagnosis, prediction, prognosis and/or monitoring said disorders based on measuring said biomarkers; and kits and devices for measuring said biomarker and/or performing said methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for injecting microparticles into a microfluidic channel by means of injecting means, said microfluidic channel opening out on a sidewall of an inlet well, the method comprising the steps of: a) positioning the injecting means tip above said sidewall and at a predetermined distance (d) therefrom, and b) injecting the microparticles into said inlet well so that they come into contact with said sidewall during injection, the sidewall being tilted so that at least a portion of the microparticles included in the injected liquid sample slides on the sidewall and enters the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A method is described for treating a subject having acute heart failure (AHF) by measuring PERLECAN levels in the subject. The PERLECAN level in the subject is used to determine risk of mortality within one year for the subject. Treatment is selected on the basis of the outcome of the assay.

Abstract: A method for performing a chemical and/or a biological assay including the following successive steps of: a) providing an assay device with a microchannel having an inlet and an outlet and restricting means for restricting movement toward the outlet of microparticles introduced in the microchannel while letting a fluid to flow through the restricting means, b) introducing microparticles in the microchannel via the inlet, c) restricting the movement of said microparticles in the microchannel toward the outlet using the restricting means, d) flowing a fluid sample through the microchannel, and e) performing a biological and/or chemical read-out on each microparticle. The method also includes the steps of: f) moving the microparticles in the microchannel, and g) repeating successively the steps d) and e).

Abstract: The application discloses PERLECAN as a new biomarker for renal dysfunction; methods for predicting, diagnosing, prognosticating and/or monitoring said dysfunction based on measuring said biomarker; and kits and devices for measuring said biomarker and/or performing said methods.

Abstract: The method according to the invention consists in providing a wafer having a bottom layer, a top first sacrificial layer and an insulating layer, structuring the first sacrificial layer to form a three dimensional structure onto which a first structural layer is deposited to define a corresponding three dimensional structure on the bottom surface of the first structural layer. The method consists also in forming a second three dimensional structure on the upper surface of the first structural layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microcarrier comprising at least a detection surface for performing an assay, said detection surface comprising a first area being functionalized with a first functional group for detecting at least a chemical and/or biological interaction, said first area being designed for providing a first signal. The microcarrier is characterized in that the detection surface further comprises a second area being designed for providing a second signal different from the first signal, said second signal being emitted during the assay. Thus, information about the presence of the at least a chemical and/or biological interaction is provided by a comparison of the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing microcarriers comprising the following steps: (a) providing a wafer having a sandwich structure comprising a bottom layer, a top layer and an insulating layer located between said bottom and top layers, (b) etching away the top layer to delineate lateral walls of bodies of the microcarriers, (c) depositing a first active layer at least on a top surface of the bodies, (d) applying a continuous polymer layer over the first active layer, (e) etching away the bottom layer and the insulating layer, (f) removing the polymer layer to release the microcarriers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing microcarriers, the method comprising the steps of providing a wafer having a bottom layer, a top layer and an insulating layer, structuring the top layer to define at least one three-dimensional structure on the top surface of the top layer, etching away the top layer to delineate lateral walls of bodies of the microcarriers, applying a continuous polymer layer over the top surface of the bodies of the microcarriers, removing the bottom layer and the insulating layer, structuring the bottom surfaces of the bodies of the microcarriers to define at least one three-dimensional structure on the bottom surface of each body, and removing the polymer layer to release the microcarriers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an encoded microcarrier comprising a readable code attached to it for identification, said encoded microcarrier comprising a body having at least a detection surface to detect a chemical and/or biological reaction, the microcarrier further comprising at least a spacing element projecting from the body and shaped to ensure that, when the encoded microcarrier is laid on a flat plane with the detection surface facing said flat plane, a gap exists between said flat plane and the detection surface. The invention also relates to an assay device designed to use a plurality of said encoded microcarriers to perform assays. The invention relates finally to a method for monitoring a chemical or biological reaction.

Abstract: A method for quantifying at a functional group functionalizing a surface. First, the method comprising the step of providing at a surface comprised on a microparticle having micrometric dimensions functionalized with at a functional group. The method includes a step of contacting the surface with a solution: Said solution comprises at a first reagent at a first concentration and a second reagent at a second concentration, the ratio between the first concentration and the second concentration being predetermined. Said first reagent and second reagent are designed for selectively coupling to a functional group with respective affinities, the ratio of said affinities being predetermined. The first reagent is labelled for emitting fluorescence and the second reagent is un-labelled. Then, the fluorescence of said first reagent on the surface to quantify said functional group therefrom by using the measured fluorescence of said first reagent, and the predetermined ratios.

Abstract: Silicon microcarriers suitable for fluorescent assays as a well as a method of producing such microcarriers are provided. The method includes the steps of providing a SOI wafer having a bottom layer of monocristalline silicone, an insulator layer and a bottom layer of monocristalline silicon, delineating microparticles, etching away the insulator layer and then depositing an oxide layer on the wafer still holding the microparticles before finally lifting-off the microparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing microcarriers, the method comprising the steps of providing a wafer having a bottom layer, a top layer and an insulating layer, structuring the top layer to define at least one three-dimensional structure on the top surface of the top layer, etching away the top layer to delineate lateral walls of bodies of the microcarriers, applying a continuous polymer layer over the top surface of the bodies of the microcarriers, removing the bottom layer and the insulating layer, structuring the bottom surfaces of the bodies of the microcarriers to define at least one three-dimensional structure on the bottom surface of each body, and removing the polymer layer to release the microcarriers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for injecting microparticles into a microfluidic channel by means of injecting means, said microfluidic channel opening out on a sidewall of an inlet well, the method comprising the steps of: a) positioning the injecting means tip above said sidewall and at a predetermined distance (d) therefrom, and b) injecting the microparticles into said inlet well so that they come into contact with said sidewall during injection, the sidewall being tilted so that at least a portion of the microparticles included in the injected liquid sample slides on the sidewall and enters the microfluidic channel.