Abstract: A device enables a user to detect biomarkers, and includes an element that defines a multiplicity of microfluidic channels that communicate between an inlet duct and an outlet duct, the inlet duct communicating with an inlet port into which a user can introduce a drop of body fluid; the outlet duct communicating with an outlet port. A resilient bladder is connected to the outlet port to provide suction. Each microfluidic channel defines a reaction chamber containing a biomarker-sensitive reagent which provides a color or a change of color in the presence of a biomarker, there being a multiplicity of different biomarker-sensitive reagents, one such biomarker-sensitive reagent being provided in each of the multiplicity of different microfluidic channels. At least part of the element is transparent so the color within the reaction chamber can be seen. The device includes a cover with magnifying lenses above the reaction chambers. The device may be used in conjunction with a smart phone.

Abstract: A device enables a user to detect biomarkers, and includes an element that defines a multiplicity of microfluidic channels that communicate between an inlet duct and an outlet duct, the inlet duct communicating with an inlet port into which a user can introduce a drop of body fluid; the outlet duct communicating with an outlet port. A resilient bladder is connected to the outlet port to provide suction. Each microfluidic channel defines a reaction chamber containing a biomarker-sensitive reagent which provides a color or a change of color in the presence of a biomarker, there being a multiplicity of different biomarker-sensitive reagents, one such biomarker-sensitive reagent being provided in each of the multiplicity of different microfluidic channels. At least part of the element is transparent so the color within the reaction chamber can be seen. The device includes a cover with magnifying lenses above the reaction chambers. The device may be used in conjunction with a smart phone.

Abstract: A solid substrate coating capable of swelling by a factor of at least 2 on contact with an aqueous solution. The solid substrate coating may be prepared by activating the surface of a solid substrate by treatment with a plasma, depositing a first layer of siloxane onto the surface of the solid substrate using plasma, and depositing a second layer of at least on chemical functionality on top of the first layer using plasma.