Abstract: A method of lithography on a substrate uses a self-assembled polymer (SAP) layer deposited on the substrate, with first and second domains arranged in a pattern across the layer. A planarization layer is formed over the SAP and a development etch applied to substantially remove a portion of the planarization layer over the second domain leaving a cap of the planarization layer substantially covering the first domain. The uncapped second domain is then removed from the surface by a breakthrough etch leaving the capped first domain as a pattern feature on the surface. A transfer etch may then be used to transfer the pattern feature to the substrate using the capped first domain. The capping allows the second domain to be removed, e.g., without excessive loss of lateral feature width for the remaining first domain, even when the difference in etch resistance between the first and second domains is small.

Abstract: A self-assemblable polymer is disclosed, having first and second molecular configurations with the first molecular configuration has a higher Flory Huggins parameter for the self-assemblable polymer than the second molecular configuration, and the self-assemblable polymer is configurable from the first molecular configuration to the second molecular configuration, from the second molecular configuration to the first molecular configuration, or both, by the application of a stimulus. The polymer is of use in a method for providing an ordered, periodically patterned layer of the polymer on a substrate, by ordering and annealing the polymer in its second molecular configuration and setting the polymer when it is in the first molecular configuration.

Abstract: A method for providing an ordered polymer layer at a surface of a substrate includes depositing a self-assemblable polymer layer directly onto a primer layer on a substrate to provide an interface between the self-assemblable polymer layer and the primer layer, and treating the self-assemblable polymer layer to provide self-assembly into an ordered polymer layer, such as a block copolymer, having first and second domain types at the interface. The primer layer is adapted to improve its chemical affinity to each domain type at the interface, in response to the presence of the respective domain type in the self-assembled polymer at the interface during the self-assembly of the self-assemblable polymer layer into the ordered polymer layer. This may lead to reduction in defect levels and/or improved persistence length for the ordered polymer layer. The method may be useful for forming resist layers for use in device lithography.

Abstract: Treatment of a layer comprising self-assemblable polymer at a surface of a substrate is disclosed. In an embodiment, the treatment includes arranging a zone of temperature change to sweep across the layer, wherein a temperature of the layer within the zone differs from an initial temperature of the layer prior to passage of the zone.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing thin layers of a fluid sample for analysis, has a two dimensional array of analysis chambers (45), and a branching pattern of entry channels (25) coupled to the array to enable the analysis chambers to be filled in parallel. The analysis chambers are planar with a height less than that of the entry channels so as to produce the thin layers when filled with the fluid sample. The array enables more spacers between chambers in a given area, so that variations in height of the chambers can be reduced, while still enabling fast filling of the chambers. The analysis chambers can be suitable for capillary filling by a specified fluid sample such as blood. A pattern of exit channels (35) can be coupled to the array. The entry and exit channels can form comb patterns, fingers of the comb patterns being interdigitated, and the analysis chambers being arranged between the interdigitated fingers of the comb patterns.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photo-responsive layer and layer assembly which can be used for controlling a flow of liquid for example in a water-purification device. The photo-responsive layer according to the invention comprises a first domain comprising a first material comprising molecules having a photo-responsive moiety, wherein the first domain of the photo-responsive layer is capable of undergoing a reversible geometrical change when said photo-responsive moiety is exposed to photo-activating illumination, such as UV-radiation. The photo-responsive layer is useful in UV controlled membranes e.g. for water purification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of scaffold materials and/or scaffolds for tissue and/or organ engineering, said method comprising the addition of at least one anchoring unit for a labelling agent, to at least one scaffold material and/or to at least one scaffold.

Abstract: A method and sensor for the detection of luminescence radiation generated by at least one luminophore is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the coaxial encapsulation of a plurality of cells in a single elongated compartment. By this encapsulation, the cells are protected by at least one layer of separation material and kept in close contact, which leads to a better vitality of the encapsulated cells and consequently results in higher chances to form microtissue. Methods and devices for the production of such encapsulated cell compartments are disclosed as well as medical uses of such compartments in cell, tissue therapy and tissue engineering.

Abstract: The present invention is related to scaffolds for tissue engineering and organ engineering. More particularly, the present invention is related to a method for the production of a labelled scaffold for tissue and/or organ engineering comprising a reactive fluorinated surfactant, which serve as imaging label for medical imaging means, like CT, MRI, PET, scintigraphy and/or ultrasound imaging and the like.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a polarizer is provided. The method comprises providing a liquid crystal composition comprising a liquid crystal host and a viscosity enhancer; providing a thin film of said composition on a substrate; orienting said liquid crystal host to obtain an aligned film in a first liquid crystal mesophase, wherein the liquid crystal host is aligned planar to said substrate; gelating said viscosity enhancer to congeal said film; and obtaining a second liquid crystal state in said congealed film. By the use of a viscosity enhancer in the composition, homeotropic alignment of the liquid crystal host can be suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a process for providing an assembly of cell microcarriers, comprising the steps of providing planar, two-dimensional objects having two sides (“flakes”), wherein these objects comprise a material which, upon application of an extrinsic stimulus, is transferred from the planar state into a rolled state, providing cells on one side of said flakes (“cell-bearing side”), transferring the flakes from the planar state into a rolled state (“cell wrap”) by application of said extrinsic stimulus, and coupling at least one type of binding agent to the flakes.

Abstract: The application is directed to a sensor element for use in a magnetochemical sensor, which comprises a first gel-like material (10), especially a swellable hydrogel such as polyacrylamide, and a magnetic second material (20) in the form of particles, especially magnetite (Fe304) nanoparticles, embedded in the first material along with a receptor for an alalyte, eg glucose. Changes in magnetic field due to interaction with the analyte are detected with GMR element (50). Applications include biosensors, DNA testing devices, and high throughput screening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bio chip for fractionating and detecting analytes, such as proteins, protein-complexes, metabolites, glycoproteins, peptides, DNA, RNA, lipids, fatty acids, carbohydrates and/or other ampholytes.

Abstract: A micro system power supply (1) comprises a compartment (7), at least one ion sink void (51, 52) being separated from the compartment (7) by ion pervious separation means (61, 62), a first electrode (41) being arranged in the ion sink void, and a second electrode (42). Such a micro system power supply (1) allows to provide power for a micro system, such as, e.g., an implantable micro device, a MEMS, a bioMEMS, or the like, wherein the micro system power supply (1) can be comparably efficiently manufactured in a manner to be comparably environmentally friendly disposable.

Abstract: A mirror device which can be simultaneously used for display purposes, based on e.g. an LCD display with a polarizing mirror placed in front of it. The reflectivity of such a mirror display is enhanced by providing at its non-viewing side a further polarizing mirror Color absorption in the display is prevented by placing the color filter or a color (sequential) backlight behind this reflective polarizer at the back of the display.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microf luidic device, for instance for molecular sieving or for detecting a target substance in a sample fluid. The device comprises a first substrate (120) having a substantially flat first surface that is provided with first recesses (124), and a second substrate (128) having a substantially flat second surface that is provided with second recesses (130). At least some of the first recesses are filled with a porous material (114). Alternate first recesses and second recesses form a meandering channel for a sample fluid. The second recesses may be filled with a further porous material. In an embodiment, a capture substance for binding a target substance is arranged in or on the porous material.

Abstract: A dichroic guest-host polarizer comprises an oriented polymerized liquid crystal host and aligned therewith a dichroic guest. The dichroic ratio of the polarizer is about 15 or more. The polarizer may have a small thickness, be manufactured using a wet deposition method, optionally in accordance with a desired pattern, and be provided on the inside of a liquid crystal cell. Polymerizable liquid crystals having a highly ordered mesophase which may be suitable used to obtain highly oriented polymer films such as polarizer films are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging radio frequency—receiver (112; 216; 308; 404), the receiver (112; 216; 308; 404) being adapted to receive analogue signals from at least one radio frequency receiver coil unit (106; 200; 202; 300; 400; 402), the radio frequency receiver (112; 216; 308; 404) comprising: an analogue-digital converter (118; 226) to convert the analogue pre-amplified magnetic resonance signal into a digital signal, means (120; 230) for digital down converting the digital signal and a first communication interface (130; 252) adapted for transmitting the down converted digital signal via a communication link (e.g. wireless, optical or wire-bound).

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for the production of cell sheets comprising at least two different cell types, said method comprising the steps of providing a continuous cell sheet which is disposed on a substrate comprising shape transition properties and/or alterable surface characteristics; exposing said continuous cell sheet to a releasing agent in a patterned fashion; washing the cell sheet after exposure to the releasing agent in order to remove cells which have been affected by the releasing agent, and repopulating the gaps remaining after the cells which have been affected by the releasing agent have been removed with a second cell type.