Abstract: The technology is based on the anisotropic plasma etching of organic polymer sheets partially protected by a metallic mask. The originality of the process is to pattern the surface properties by the same physical means as the one used for the three dimensional fabrication and simultaneously to this fabrication. Surface properties means, but are not limited to hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, conductivity, reflectability, rugosity and more precisely the chemical and/or physical state of the surface. It is also possible to generate the desired fonctionalities, for instance carboxylic acid, ester, ether, amid or imid, during the etching process. The patterning of the different properties may be achieved by two different techniques that may be used separately or simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating fluid samples comprises a micro-chip device having first and second covered channels, each channel having openings at both ends. The channels intersect to form a common intersection. Three of the openings of the channels are connected to a multi-port valve to control pressure in the device.

Abstract: The technology is based on the anisotropic plasma etching of organic polymer sheets partially protected by a metallic mask. The originality of the process is to pattern the surface properties by the same physical means as the one used for the three dimensional fabrication and simultaneously to this fabrication. Surface properties means, but are not limited to hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, conductivity, reflectability, rugosity and more precisely the chemical and/or physical state of the surface. It is also possible to generate the desired fonctionalities, for instance carboxylic acid, ester, ether, amid or imid, during the etching process. The patterning of the different properties may be achieved by two different techniques that may be used separately or simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating fluid samples is described. The apparatus comprises a micro-chip device having at least a first and second covered channel with openings at either end of said first and second covered channel. The first and second covered channels intersect to form a common intersection. In use at least three of the openings to said first and second covered channels are connected to a multi-port valve to control the pressure in the device.