Abstract: A sample holder (10) comprises a sample chamber (33), a gas reservoir (32) and an upper layer (20) covering over the sample chamber (33) and gas reservoir (32), wherein a bottom surface of the upper layer (20) comprises a microstructure array (23) which overlies at least a portion of a top periphery of the sample chamber (33), and wherein the microstructure array (23) is in communication with a gas path which extends to the gas reservoir (32), to allow gas exchange between the sample chamber (33) and the gas reservoir (32).

Abstract: A sample holder (10) comprises a sample chamber (33), a gas reservoir (32) and an upper layer (20) covering over the sample chamber (33) and gas reservoir (32), wherein a bottom surface of the upper layer (20) comprises a microstructure array (23) which overlies at least a portion of a top periphery of the sample chamber (33), and wherein the microstructure array (23) is in communication with a gas path which extends to the gas reservoir (32), to allow gas exchange between the sample chamber (33) and the gas reservoir (32).

Abstract: A sample holder (10) comprises: an upper layer (20); a lower layer (40); a middle layer (30) between the upper and lower layers; and a sample chamber (33) formed by a through-hole in the middle layer (30), covered at its upper extent by a portion of the bottom surface of the upper layer (20), and at its lower extent by a portion of the top surface of the lower layer (40), wherein at least part of the bottom surface of the upper layer (20) overlapping a portion of a top periphery of the sample chamber (33) comprises a hydrophobic surface, wherein the hydrophobic surface is sufficiently hydrophobic that a contact angle of a water droplet on the hydrophobic surface would exceed 110°.

Abstract: A microfluidic structure comprising a thermoplastic portion defining a microfluidic recess, a bonding layer on the thermoplastic portion and a siloxane elastomer portion covalently bonded to the bonding layer to seal the microfluidic recess. The microfluidic recess can therefore be formed simply, quickly and cheaply using known injection molding techniques, which are not hampered by the need for a curing step. However, the positive qualities associated with elastomers can be brought to the structure by using this to seal the microchannels. The bonding layer can be formed by silica deposited on the thermoplastic portion using techniques known in the field of optics.

Abstract: A microfluidic structure comprising a thermoplastic portion (200) defining a microfluidic recess (220), a bonding layer (240) on the thermoplastic portion and a siloxane elastomer portion (252) covalently bonded to the bonding layer to seal the microfluidic recess. The microfluidic recess can therefore be formed simply, quickly and cheaply using known injection moulding techniques, which are not hampered by the need for a curing step. However the positive qualities associated with elastomers can be brought to the structure by using this to seal the microchannels. The bonding layer can be formed by silica deposited on the thermoplastic portion using techniques known in the field of optics.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of at least two analytes in a liquid sample, in which a substrate is provided wherein at least two different types of capturing molecules are immobilized on the substrate and wherein each type of capturing molecule has specific affinity for an analyte. The sample is contacted with capturing molecules, wherein for at least one analyte to be analyzed contact is induced between the capturing molecules and a labelled detection molecule with specific affinity for the analyte, and for at least one another analyte to be contact is induced between the capturing molecules and a labelled version of the analyte. A detectable signal is measured from the labelled detection molecule and the labelled analyte on the substrate, wherein the concentration of the labelled analyte is adapted to the concentration of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A scanning system that provides for detection based on supercritical angle fluorescence (SAF) is described. The system provides for the optical coupling of a sample to the scanner in a sandwich structure that uses first and second refractive index matching materials to provide optical coupling through the sandwich arrangement.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of at least two analytes in a liquid sample, in which a substrate is provided wherein at least two different types of capturing molecules are immobilized on the substrate and wherein each type of capturing molecule has specific affinity for an analyte. The sample is contacted with capturing molecules, wherein for at least one analyte to be analyzed contact is induced between the capturing molecules and a labelled detection molecule with specific affinity for the analyte, and for at least one another analyte to be contact is induced between the capturing molecules and a labelled version of the analyte. A detectable signal is measured from the labelled detection molecule and the labelled analyte on the substrate, wherein the concentration of the labelled analyte is adapted to the concentration of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a capillary driven assay device, includes the steps of: a) providing a capillary substrate, b) modifying the hydrophilicity of the surface of the substrate, c) mixing a matrix and a capturing molecule in a solution to obtain a solution comprising capturing molecules covalently bound to the matrix, and d) depositing the solution in a distinct area in the at least one retaining zone. A capillary driven assay device is obtainable by the method permitting the substrate to be modified with one surface chemistry and capturing molecules to be deposited in an optimal matrix on desired areas. Less matrix material is consumed, permitting several different matrix materials to be used on one chip.

Abstract: A scanning system that provides for detection based on supercritical angle fluorescence (SAF) is described. The system provides for the optical coupling of a sample to the scanner in a sandwich structure that uses first and second refractive index matching materials to provide optical coupling through the sandwich arrangement.

Abstract: A microfluidic structure comprising a thermoplastic portion defining a microfluidic recess, a bonding layer on the thermoplastic portion and a siloxane elastomer portion covalently bonded to the bonding layer to seal the microfluidic recess. The microfluidic recess can therefore be formed simply, quickly and cheaply using known injection molding techniques, which are not hampered by the need for a curing step. However, the positive qualities associated with elastomers can be brought to the structure by using this to seal the microchannels. The bonding layer can be formed by silica deposited on the thermoplastic portion using techniques known in the field of optics.