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AssigneeApplied Microstructures, Inc.
InventorsBoris Kobrin, Jeffrey D. Chinn, Romuald Nowak, Richard C. Yi
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We have developed an improved vapor-phase deposition method and apparatus for the application of layers and coatings on various substrates. The method and apparatus are useful in the fabrication of biotechnologically functional devices, Bio-MEMS devices, and in the fabrication of microfluidic devices for biological applications. In one important embodiment, oxide coatings providing hydrophilicity or oxide/polyethylene glycol coatings providing hydrophilicity can be deposited by the present method, over the interior surfaces of small wells in a plastic micro-plate in order to increase the hydrophilicity of these wells. Filling these channels with a precise amount of liquid consistently can be very difficult. This prevents a water-based sample from beading up and creating bubbles, so that well can fill accurately and completely, and alleviates spillage into other wells which causes contamination.
A method of improving the ability of a fluid being charged to a conduit to be drawn into and to flow easily within said conduit, wherein an interior surface of said conduit is vapor deposition coated with a material having a hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity which is related to the surface tension of said fluid, said conduit having a tubular structure defining an interior lumen, the conduit being preformed prior to being vapor deposition coated with the material,
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.