Abstract: A method for controlled production of an array of planar microparticles with the multiplexing of molecules on the surface thereof, intended to function as molecular sensors and/or actuators and a matrix (array) of microparticles, the surface thereof being printed with all of the molecular components required to provide the surface with functionality. Different molecular elements are multiplexed on the surface of each particle while they are supported on a substrate by means of a structural foot engraved below the particle. These microparticles can be released mechanically from the support on which they are produced using a controlled mechanical rupture method which is not chemically aggressive and therefore does not affect the molecules previously printed on the surface. The array and the particles contained therein offer great versatility in both chemical and/or biological applications.

Abstract: A method for controlled production of an array of planar microparticles with the multiplexing of molecules on the surface thereof, intended to function as molecular sensors and/or actuators and a matrix (array) of microparticles, the surface thereof being printed with all of the molecular components required to provide the surface with functionality. Different molecular elements are multiplexed on the surface of each particle while they are supported on a substrate by means of a structural foot engraved below the particle. These microparticles can be released mechanically from the support on which they are produced using a controlled mechanical rupture method which is not chemically aggressive and therefore does not affect the molecules previously printed on the surface. The array and the particles contained therein offer great versatility in both chemical and/or biological applications.

Abstract: A method for controlled production of an array of planar microparticles with the multiplexing of molecules on the surface thereof, intended to function as molecular sensors and/or actuators and a matrix (array) of microparticles, the surface thereof being printed with all of the molecular components required to provide the surface with functionality. Different molecular elements are multiplexed on the surface of each particle while they are supported on a substrate by means of a structural foot engraved below the particle. These microparticles can be released mechanically from the support on which they are produced using a controlled mechanical rupture method which is not chemically aggressive and therefore does not affect the molecules previously printed on the surface. The array and the particles contained therein offer great versatility in both chemical and/or biological applications.

Abstract: A piezoelectric mechanical energy harvesting device is disclosed. The device is driven by environmentally-available mechanical energy. The device is an out-of-plane cantilever-based piezoelectric energy harvester based on ZnO nanostructures monolithically integrated with Schottky diodes and an entire-chip capacitor. ZnO will be utilized in two different forms: nanowires (NWs) and nanosheets (NSs). These nanostructures will be grown by a silicon-friendly hydrothermal process and using part of the top capacitor electrode as seed layer. A step-by-step process flow is proposed to integrate monolithically in a same device. This integration will allow reduced power losses and ease the combination of several generators without concerns about the stress and charge signs.

Abstract: A device for electrically stimulating living cells and promoting biological cell growth and differentiation is hereby disclosed, said device being based on the generation of an electrical field due to a piezoelectric effect yielded by a nanostructure made from a piezoelectric material. When a cell contacts the nanostructure, the nanostructure suffers a mechanical stress which in turn produces an electrical field that locally stimulates the cell membrane. This in-situ electrical stimulation allows the activation of voltage-dependent ionic channels present in the membrane of electroconductive cells. It allows the control of key cellular messengers, such as calcium ions, that can lead to the stimulation of neural circuits in neurons, provoking motion in muscle cells or promoting cell growth and differentiation.

Abstract: A method for controlled production of an array of planar microparticles with the multiplexing of molecules on the surface thereof, intended to function as molecular sensors and/or actuators and a matrix (array) of microparticles, the surface thereof being printed with all of the molecular components required to provide the surface with functionality. Different molecular elements are multiplexed on the surface of each particle while they are supported on a substrate by means of a structural foot engraved below the particle. These microparticles can be released mechanically from the support on which they are produced using a controlled mechanical rupture method which is not chemically aggressive and therefore does not affect the molecules previously printed on the surface. The array and the particles contained therein offer great versatility in both chemical and/or biological applications.

Abstract: This invention describes a device for the generation of electric energy from small movements which comprises: a magnet with the shape of a solid of revolution which comprises at least a couple of poles (N, S) placed around an axis of revolution; a tube whose transversal section is complementary to the shape of the magnet, and which comprises a winding rolled transversally around it, with the magnet placed in the interior of the tube so that an inclination of the tube causes the magnet to roll, traveling along the interior of the tube and inducing tension on the winding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an encoded microparticle for labeling an isolated cell or an isolated embryo characterized in that it is made of a biocompatible material and its external shape comprises a code by which it can be identified. The use of an encoded microparticle for labeling and/or tracking isolated biological material. A method of tracking an encoded microparticle in or attached to an isolated cell or embryo using an optical microscope, preferably an inverted optical microscope with an objective substantially between 20×-100×.

Abstract: This invention describes a device for the generation of electric energy from small movements which comprises: a magnet with the shape of a solid of revolution which comprises at least a couple of poles (N, S) placed around an axis of revolution; a tube whose transversal section is complementary to the shape of the magnet, and which comprises a winding rolled transversally around it, with the magnet placed in the interior of the tube so that an inclination of the tube causes the magnet to roll, traveling along the interior of the tube and inducing tension on the winding.

Abstract: The present invention is related in general to a wafer-level packaging technique for micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). A cap structure is provided encapsulating a MEMS element formed on a base substrate. A channel communicates etching holes provided on said cap structure, for the passage of an etching fluid to a chamber in which the MEMS element is housed. The holes are arranged in such a manner that they do not overlap, which allows the provision of a large number of etching holes above the MEMS element, but prevents a sealing material from reaching the MEMS element. The invention provides a low cost wafer-level packaging technique for MEMS devices, that reduces the total etching time of the sacrificial material and provides a reinforced protective cap structure for the MEMS package.