Abstract: An apparatus and method for predicting a fertility window include an image capture device and a processor. The fertility window includes a period of increased fecundability for a woman based on optical monitoring of facial features. The image capture device is configured to record images including facial features of a subject. The processor is configured to receive data corresponding to the recorded plural images; determine from the data changes in the facial features; and predict a fertility window based on the determination.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus (12) is presented that predicts a fertility window comprising a period of increased fecundability for a woman based on optical monitoring of facial features.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge (10) for processing of a liquid sample, for example for the detection of components in a sample of blood. The cartridge comprises a fluidic system with an intake port (12) leading via an intake capillary channel (13) to a storage chamber (14). Moreover, a feeding capillary channel (15) leads from the storage chamber (14) to a detection chamber (16). The design of the cartridge (10) is such that the intake capillary channel (13) that connects the intake port (12) to the storage chamber (14), has a capillary suction pressure sufficiently high to drive some sample from the intake port to the storage chamber without need of any additional pressure. Furthermore the cartridge a flow control element (18, 20) adapted to be externally controllable such that the sample can be drawn from the storage chamber (14) towards the processing chamber (16) without any active pumping.

Abstract: The present invention discloses microfluidic devices with a valve-like structure (3), through which magnetic particles can be transported with minimal transport of fluids. This allows sequential processing of the magnetic particles.

Abstract: A cartridge (110) and a method process target components (T1, T2) of a sample fluid, for example the detection of cardiac markers in blood. The cartridge (110) includes a reaction chamber (114) with a hydrophilic reaction surface (115). A physical barrier (116,118) on the reaction surface (115), for example a protrusion, at least partially borders an investigation region (117,117?) which includes capture probes (CP1, CP2) that specifically bind to target components (T1, T2) of the sample fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge (10) for processing of a liquid sample, for example for the detection of components in a sample of blood. The cartridge comprises a fluidic system with an intake port (12) leading via an intake capillary channel (13) to a storage chamber (14). Moreover, a feeding capillary channel (15) leads from the storage chamber (14) to a detection chamber (16). The design of the cartridge (10) is such that the intake capillary channel (13) that connects the intake port (12) to the storage chamber (14), has a capillary suction pressure sufficiently high to drive some sample from the intake port to the storage chamber without need of any additional pressure. Furthermore the cartridge a flow control element (18, 20) adapted to be externally controllable such that the sample can be drawn from the storage chamber (14) towards the processing chamber (16) without any active pumping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge (110) and a method for the processing of target components (T1, T2) of a sample fluid, for example the detection of cardiac markers in blood. The cartridge (110) comprises a reaction chamber (114) with a hydrophilic reaction surface (115). A physical barrier (116,118) on the reaction surface (115), for example a protrusion, at least partially borders an investigation region (117,117?) which comprises capture probes (CP1, CP2) that specifically bind to target components (T1, T2) of the sample fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to “grafting to” methods of modifying materials surfaces with high-density polymer brushes. A method of the present invention comprises contacting in succession or simultaneously an activated material surface, a solution of a polymeric material having a polymeric backbone with pendant reactive moieties, and a melt of brush-forming terminally-functionalized polymer chains, in order to allow a covalent bonding reaction to occur between surface and polymers, wherein upon completion of the reaction, the polymeric material forms a layer between the material surface and the brush polymer chains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid filtering device comprising a filter (2) for filtering a fluid and a substrate (3) comprising a collecting structure (4) for collecting the filtered fluid from the filter (2). An adhesive (5) holds the filter (2) in place with respect to the collecting structure (4). The filter (2), the substrate (3) with the collecting structure (4) and the adhesive (5) are arranged such that the collecting structure (4) contacts the filter (2) and the filter (2) is attached to the substrate (3) by the adhesive (5). The collecting structure is very close to the filter and the adhesive ensures that the collecting structure remains very close to the filter. The filtered fluid can therefore be collected very efficiently and very fast. The fluid filtering device is preferentially used for filtering blood in a biosensing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel microfluidic system having a substrate based on rubber material having polar side groups which are linked to the rubber polymer backbone via a spacer. By doing so, a transport of water-based fluids such as blood, saliva etc. will occur by capillary forces.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biosensor comprising a cartridge for accommodating a fluid sample, the cartridge comprising at least two chambers, wherein each chamber comprises a sensor surface with one or more binding sites. The biosensor further comprises means for generating a magnetic field at the binding sites of the sensor surfaces of the at least two chambers. The biosensor also comprises means for detecting particles accumulated at/and or proximate the binding sites of the sensor surfaces of the at least two chambers. Therein, the magnetic field at the binding sites has a sufficiently large gradient to actuate magnetic label particles towards the binding sites.

Abstract: The invention relates to microfluidic systems, and more specifically to a microfluidic system comprising a capillary channel (14) and an inlet (12) for receiving a fluid, as well as a method of filling a capillary channel (14). Provided is a microfluidic system, having an inlet (12) for receiving a fluid, a capillary channel (14), an outlet (20) for letting excess fluid out, and a reservoir (10) for interfacing the inlet (12) to the capillary channel (14). The reservoir (10) forms a first passage from the inlet (12) to the outlet (20), and a second passage from the inlet (12) to an entrance (22) of the capillary channel (14). A hydraulic resistance of the first passage is sufficiently low in order to effect a pressure reduction at the entrance (22) of the capillary channel (14) when a fluid is received under pressure at the inlet (12).

Abstract: The present invention discloses microfluidic devices with a valve-like structure (3), through which magnetic particles can be transported with minimal transport of fluids. This allows sequential processing of the magnetic particles.

Abstract: The invention provides method for preparing a conductive device comprising the steps of: (a) providing a non-conductive substrate layer; (b) modifying the surface of the non-conductive substrate layer by means of a laser beam treatment; (c) applying a pattern of an ink on a surface of the substrate layer, which ink comprises a first metal; (d) depositing a second metal on the ink pattern obtained in step (c); and (e) applying a third metal on the second metal by means of electrodeposition. The invention further provides a conductive device obtainable by said method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to “grafting to” methods of modifying materials surfaces with high-density polymer brushes. A method of the present invention comprises contacting in succession or simultaneously an activated material surface, a solution of a polymeric material having a polymeric backbone with pendant reactive moieties, and a melt of brush-forming terminally-functionalized polymer chains, in order to allow a covalent bonding reaction to occur between surface and polymers, wherein upon completion of the reaction, the polymeric material forms a layer between the material surface and the brush polymer chains.