Abstract: There are described a new type of sample holder for performing analyses of biological samples with mass spectrometry in MALDI mode, the process for its production and some protocols for the use of the sample holder in said technique. The sample holder, in its simplest embodiment (10), consists of a support (11) on a face (12) of which there is at least one porous deposit (13) consisting of nanoparticles of an oxide of a Group 4 metal.

Abstract: A method for immobilising live cells within biological samples for analytical and diagnostic purposes that comprises the steps of providing a biological sample containing a predetermined number of cells to analyse; providing a planar support particularly suitable for use in an analytical device, the planar support comprising a surface functionalised with a surface coating comprising a nanostructured material; depositing a laminar layer of said biological sample on said functionalised surface of said planar support in order to cause the cells contained in the biological sample to adhere to the functionalised surface of the planar support; and positioning a fixative on the laminar layer of the biological sample. All of the above-mentioned steps are carried out at a temperature below at least 25° C.

Abstract: A device (1) for preparing a substrate (S) for processing samples comprises at least a cover (3) having a contact surface (3a) configured to come into contact with a substrate (S) and sealing means (4) located on the contact surface (3a) for latching onto the substrate (S), the cover (3) has a peripheral rim (3b) and an aperture (5) for handling fluids; a frame (6) having an engagement surface (6a) to be coupled with the substrate (S) and at least a window (7) into the engagement surface (6a), said window (7) having an edge (7a) to engage the rim (3b) for holding said cover (3) in a predetermined position with respect to the frame (6).

Abstract: It is described a microfluidic device, for use in the field of analytical fluorescence based assays and, in particular, in FISH assays.