Abstract: A plate suitable for use with mass spectrometers comprising a number of target spots arranged in a surface portion of said plate making it possible to deposit small amounts of fluid at said target spots without the fluid escaping or getting mixed with fluid deposited at another target surface of the same plate. The target surfaces being arranged in a surface portion of said plate so that a base material of said plate constitutes the walls of receptacles, characterised in that the shape, size, temperature and possible agents of said receptacle facilitate evaporation of a solution in which sample molecules are suspended. Embodiments include different types of matrix and enzymes arranged at said spots, and methods for enhancing MALDI analysis efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a method for separating particles from fluids using ultrasound, laminar flow, and stationary wave effects comprisinga micro-technology channel system with an integrated branching point or branching fork, and a single ultrasound source. One of the characteristics of the invention is that the single ultrasound source, which generates the standing waves, excites the complete structure including the channel system. No special reflectors or the like are needed. Extremely thin dividers can separate the flow, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the device. The device could be manufactured in silicon and the ultrasound energy could preferably be delivered by a piezoelectric element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for treatment of whole blood comprising two steps, firstly, a step of extracorporeal preseparation whereby the whole blood is separated into a blood plasma rich component and a blood cell rich component and secondly, a step of collecting and/or treating the plasma rich component, e.g. performing dialysis, plasma donation or plasma-pheresis. In one embodiment of the invention, the blood plasma rich component is achieved after particle separation using an ultrasound separator comprising micro-channels formed in a plate structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for etching an opening, and more precisely, to etching in a silicon plate for creating a nozzle opening. According to the invention, one side of the silicon plate (1) is protected by a protective layer (2), and a recess (5) is made in the protective layer. Etching is made anisotropically through the recess so as to create a cavity (4) in the shape of a truncated pyramid of a predetermined depth in the silicon plate. The cavity is doped so as to create a doped layer (3) at the predetermined depth. The etching is then continued until the bottom surface of the cavity has passed the doped layer. Subsequently, etching is performed from the other side, while a voltage is applied to the doped layer, so as to free the nozzle opening at the other side. The invention enables an accurate control of the surface area of the nozzle opening. Through this, the amount of discharged fluid and the directional precision can be controlled very accurately.

Abstract: A fluid flow meter has a semi-conducting substrate and a number of integral flexible tines orientated across an aperture in the substrate to deflect in the direction of the fluid flow by an amount dependent on that fluid flow. Piezo-resistive regions are included on the respective tines to provide them with electrical characteristics which vary dependent on the degree of deflection. A monitor, operably coupled to the regions of the tines, is provided to monitor the changes in their electrical characteristics and to calculate the flow therefrom.

Abstract: A sampling cell of flow-through type and use of such a sampling cell. The sampling cell is preferably manufactured by etching of silicon wafers. It is especially useful for continuous picovolume sampling in an analytical flow. The pressure pulse generator (9) generates pulses directly into a flow channel (3). The flow channel (3) is preferably formed by a first basin (4) in a first structure (1) and a second basin (5) in a second structure (2). In a first embodiment the pressure pulse generator (9) comprises at least one piezo-ceramic disc and/or devices acting by way of magnetostrictive, electrostatical or electromechanical forces and/or devices acting by way of thermal expansion. Method of directing samples from a flow-through sampling cell by establishing a difference in electrical potential between the liquid in the flow-through sampling cell and the object to which the samples are to be directed.

Abstract: A silicon-based carrier matrix having a high ratio of surface area to volume is intended for use in integrated microanalysis systems. The carrier matrix comprises at least one layer of microporous silicon on a body of monocrystalline silicon. A method for producing the carrier matrix comprises electrochemical etching of a body of monocrystalline silicon, thereby to form at least one layer of microporous silicon on this body. The use of the carrier matrix for chemical sensors in integrated microanalysis systems, as well as in various sorts of chromatography, is also disclosed.