Microstructured platform and method for manipulating a liquid

摘要

A microstructured platform for manipulating a wetting liquid including at least one cavity and a channel system for transporting the liquid. At least some of the channels of the channel system are made as capillaries which have a dimension in the millimeter range or less in at least one direction transverse to the transport direction of the liquid. The platform also includes at least one other microstuctured element disposed in the transport path of the liquid. The microstructured element may be in the form of a fluidic switch, metering means, separating device, or a region for holding together a limited amount of liquid. The structure facilitates or enables the manipulation of liquids when only a small amount of liquid is available and extensive analyses are to be performed with the liquid.