Apparatus and method comprising a sensor array and a porous plunger and use thereof

摘要

Disclosed is an apparatus that is used for detecting liquids or substances from liquids and includes a plunger that has a porous plunger layer which is pressed onto a sensor array. Each sensor of the sensor array is surrounded by elevations which spatially separate the sensors from each other like walls. In at least one embodiment, when the plunger layer is pressed onto the sensor array, the walls are pressed into the pores of the plunger layer. Liquid-tight connections are created between the walls and the plunger layer while liquid remains over the sensors. The liquid can be measured. In at least one embodiment, when there is direct mechanical contact between the plunger layer and the sensors, the liquid over the sensors is located in open pores on the surface of the plunger layer. No liquid flows between the pores and across the walls when pressure is applied to the plunger layer such that closed reaction chambers are created.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a sensor array including at least two sensors separated by walls; and a plunger for detecting liquids or substances from liquids in reaction spaces that are spatially separated from one another when the plunger is in contact with the sensor array, the plunger being arranged to be movable relative to the sensor array and including a plunger layer, at a surface lying opposite the sensor array, capable of being brought into mechanical contact with the sensor array, the plunger layer further including at least partly or completely porous properties and being impermeable to liquids or substances from liquids relative to a total layer thickness of the plunger layer, wherein the pores are configured to receive the walls in open pores on a surface of the plunger layer, wherein
the at least two sensors are arranged on, in or below a first surface, a second surface being formed by the surface of the plunger layer which lies opposite the sensor array,the plunger is arrangeable in a first position such that the second surface is at a distance from the first surface, and wherein the plunger is arrangeable in a second position such that the second surface and the first surface are in direct contact, andthe pores of the porous plunger layer further include a diameter in the range of 0.05 to 200 micrometers, andthe open pores have a diameter which is greater than a diameter of the sensors.