Microstructure device

US5965237A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Novartis AG · CH

Inventors

• Gerardus Jacobus Maria Bruin · Basel, CH
• Carlo Effenhauser · Weinheim, DE
• Andreas Helg · Möhlin, CH
• Aran Paulus · Heitersheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 20, 1997
• Grant date: Oct 12, 1999
• Expiry date: Oct 20, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T428/31663
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An improved microstructure for micro-scale fluid handling, processing and investigation comprises a support element and a microstructured element. The support element has a substantially even support face. The microstructured element has a microstructured face provided both with substantially even portions and with recessed portions. The even portions are substantially coplanar to a common even surface. The recessed portions are defined between the even portions adjacent thereto and recessed from the common even surface. The support face is located substantially adjacent to the microstructured face and cooperates with the recessed portions thereof to define a microchannel system. At least the microstructured element is made and formed of poly(dimethylsiloxane) polymer by applying a prepolymer or a precursor thereof onto a corresponding master element, and then curing the material.