Abstract: An optical sensing unit is provided which comprises at least one sample measurement cell, at least one excitation light source acting upon the or each measurement cell to provide one or more sensor fields defining an array of measurement fields, a photoelectric detector array for detecting the intensity of light emitted from the or each measurement cell in response to excitation light, and means for directing light emitted from each measurement field to a respective portion of the photoelectric detector array. The sensing unit may be used in combination with multiplexed waveguide arrays or multiplexed planar cappillary chromatography or electrophoresis chips.

Abstract: A transdermal system (1) for the administration of at least two substances through the skin with the aid of an electric current has a reservoir, which comprises a storage layer (2) for the substances, and a transfer means, which may be arranged in the form of a separating layer (3), that is connected to both the reservoir and the patient's skin (5) during administration. The transdermal system also has electrodes (4) which generate a current that transports the substances from the reservoir into the skin (5). In the transdermal system (1) means for the physical separation of the substances are provided that render possible a sequential administration of the substances.

Abstract: An improved microstructure for micro-scale fluid handling, processing and investigation comprises a support element and a microstructured element. The support element has a substantially even support face. The microstructured element has a microstructured face provided both with substantially even portions and with recessed portions. The even portions are substantially coplanar to a common even surface. The recessed portions are defined between the even portions adjacent thereto and recessed from the common even surface. The support face is located substantially adjacent to the microstructured face and cooperates with the recessed portions thereof to define a microchannel system. At least the microstructured element is made and formed of poly(dimethylsiloxane) polymer by applying a prepolymer or a precursor thereof onto a corresponding master element, and then curing the material.