Abstract: A microfluidic device has a cavity in which a functionalized mesh is arranged in a layered configuration to provide a high surface area. The cavity is housed in a body that is easily configured for sample flow to concentrate the analyte, heat release of the analyte from the mesh, and elution of the released analyte. The microfluidic device can be used in a variety of applications by functionalizing the mesh with a suitable affinity media.

Abstract: A microfluidic test apparatus including a microfluidic device having a first reservoir for receiving a first fluid containing a sample of cells, a microfluidic test region, a first microfluidic pathway provided between the microfluidic test region and the first reservoir; and a port for connection to a pump, the apparatus including a first pump connected to the port and configured to pump a priming fluid into the port, a second pump connected to the port and configured to apply suction at the port when operated and a controller configured to control operation of the first and second pumps, where the controller operates the first pump to prime the microfluidic device and operates the second pump to draw a test volume from the first reservoir into the microfluidic test region.

Abstract: A microfluidic device has a cavity in which a functionalized mesh is arranged in a layered configuration to provide a high surface area. The cavity is housed in a body that is easily configured for sample flow to concentrate the analyte, heat release of the analyte from the mesh, and elution of the released analyte. The microfluidic device can be used in a variety of applications by functionalizing the mesh with a suitable affinity media.

Abstract: A method of providing a fine line adhesive bond and/or seal or gasket and/or lined channel, and in particular a fine line bonding seal, between a first (14) and a second ply (16), especially of dissimilar materials, comprises the steps of: fabricating a microscale recess in at least a first ply; lidding the first ply with a second ply such that the recess or recesses in the ply or plies form a fluidly continuous channel (12), —urging curable material into this channel so as to substantially fill the channel with curable material, and in particular urging the material via an inlet (17) into a fluidly continuous channel until it emerges from an outlet (18) remote therefrom; curing the curable material in situ. A system for implementing the method and the bonded and/or sealed and/or lined product of such method are also described.

Abstract: A modular microfluidic system is described having at least one base board with a plurality of fluidly linked fluid supply apertures, optional intermediate level boards of equivalent construction, a plurality of microfluidic modules adapted to be detachably attached to the base board/intermediate boards, each having one or more fluid inlets and/or outlets, and a plurality of fluid couplings preferably in the form of projecting ferrules to effect releasable fluid connection between a module and a base board/intermediate level board via a supply aperture on the board and an inlet/outlet on the module. A method of providing a microfluidic system as a modular assembly is also described.

Abstract: A method of providing a fine line adhesive bond and/or seal or gasket and/or lined channel, and in particular a fine line bonding seal, between a first (14) and a second ply (16), especially of dissimilar materials, comprises the steps of: fabricating a microscale recess in at least a first ply; lidding the first ply with a second ply such that the recess or recesses in the ply or plies form a fluidly continuous channel (12), —urging curable material into this channel so as to substantially fill the channel with curable material, and in particular urging the material via an inlet (17) into a fluidly continuous channel until it emerges from an outlet (18) remote therefrom; curing the curable material in situ. A system for implementing the method and the bonded and/or sealed and/or lined product of such method are also described.

Abstract: A modular microfluidic system is described having at least one base board with a plurality of fluidly linked fluid supply apertures, optional intermediate level boards of equivalent construction, a plurality of microfluidic modules adapted to be detachably attached to the base board/intermediate boards, each having one or more fluid inlets and/or outlets, and a plurality of fluid couplings preferably in the form of projecting ferrules to effect releasable fluid connection between a module and a base board/intermediate level board via a supply aperture on the board and an inlet/outlet on the module. A method of providing a microfluidic system as a modular assembly is also described.

Abstract: A method of preparing a composite micro relief element. The micro relief element comprises a first layer of a first substrate and a second layer of a relief forming polymer comprising an overlay and at least one relief feature portion. The method includes the steps of forming a line of contact between the receptive surface and at least one mold feature formed in a flexible dispensing layer, applying a quantity of resin to fill the mold feature along the line of contact. Moving the line of contact across the receptive surface whereby sufficient resin is captured by the mold feature and a quantity of resin passes the line of contact to form the overlay portion. The resin is then cured and the flexible dispensing layer is released.

Abstract: A micro relief element which comprises

Abstract: A micro relief element which comprises a) a first layer of a first substrate, the first layer having a receptive surface capable of retaining a relief forming polymer; b) an overlay of a desired thickness of the relief forming polymer over the receptive surface; and c) at least one relief feature formed from the relief forming polymer and which protrudes above the overlay; structures and elements comprising such micro relief element; micro-optical, micro-fluidic, micro-electrical and micro-chemical applications thereof; and a method and apparatus for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: A polymer thin film and method of making the thin film, the thin film having at least one polymeric structure for use as an organic optical component. The thin film includes a first layer of an optically transmissive first polymer having a first refractive index, and having a surface in which is defined at least one retaining feature, an optically transmissive UV curable second polymer retained within the retaining feature, the second polymer having a second refractive index which is greater than the first refractive index, and an overlay of the second polymer having a thickness in the range 0.001 &mgr;m to 1.5 &mgr;m over the surface of the first layer.

Abstract: A polymeric wave guide comprises a first layer of a polymer having a first refractive index, and the first layer contains retaining features or groves which will accept a second polymer. A second polymer is curable and is used to fill the retaining features has a refractive index which is greater than the polymer used to produce the first layer. The retaining features of the first polymeric layer are filled with the second polymer by pressing the second polymer into the retaining features by applying an advancing force to a flexible dispensing layer; this results in filling the retaining features and producing a thin over layer having a thickness of less than 1.5 .mu.m of the second polymer over the surface of the first layer. The method further comprises a step in which the second polymer is cured.