Multiwell micromechanical cantilever array reader for biotechnology.

We use a multiwell micromechanical cantilever sensor (MCS) device to measure surface stress changes induced by specific adsorption of molecules. A multiplexed assay format facilitates the monitoring of the bending of 16 MCSs in parallel. The 16 MCSs are grouped within four separate wells.

Adsorption of trimethoxysilane and of 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane on silica and on silicon wafers from vapor phase: an IR study.

The interaction of trimethoxysilane (TMS) and of 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) with silica and silicon wafers has been studied by the mean of transmission FTIR spectroscopy. TMS vapor adsorption on silica's silanols results in the formation of Si-O-Si bonds at room temperature, mainly through the elimination of one methanol molecule per TMS molecule. Similarly, MPTMS vapor reacts with the surface through "hydroxolysis" of one of Si-O-CH3 bonds, and most of the molecules have their SH group free.

An automated microdrop delivery system for neuronal network patterning on microelectrode arrays.

The aim of this work is to present a new technique for defining interconnected sub-populations of cultured neurons on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). An automated microdrop delivery technique allows to design and realize spatially distributed neuronal ensembles by depositing sub-nanoliter volumes of adhesion molecules in which neurons grow and develop. Electrophysiological tests demonstrate that functionally interconnected clusters are obtained and experimental results (both spontaneous and stimulus evoked activity recordings) attesting the feasibility of the proposed approach are presented.