Device for filtering blood

The present invention relates to a device for the manipulation, particularly the filtration, of a liquid sample, particularly blood, according to the preamble of claim 1 or 5 .

The present invention relates to the manipulation or filtration of a liquid sample. This may be in particular a biological sample or sample liquid, particularly blood or the like. In particular, the present invention relates to the filtration of a particle-containing solution (suspension) such as blood or another human or animal bodily fluid.

The present invention relates in particular to fluidic devices which contain or form a microfluidic system. The remarks that follow therefore preferably relate to devices in which capillary forces act and are in particular important or crucial to the operation.

Devices are known in which blood is filtered by means of a flat separating device (membrane). The filtrate or permeate is received in a chamber flatly adjoining the separating device and is discharged laterally through a channel. Devices of this kind for blood separation are known for example from WO 2005/119211 A1 and WO 2009/106331 A2.

The blood separation can be accelerated by the exertion of a pressure, particularly by the application of negative pressure. This is disclosed inter alia in EP 1 421 993 A1, which constitutes the closest prior art. EP 1 421 993 A1 discloses a device for blood separation, in which a support comprising a nonwoven carrier material, e.g. made of glass fibres, is provided with a nonwoven separating material in a blood separation area. The nonwoven separating material forms a filter or a separating device for separating off blood constituents. The blood separation is carried out by capillary forces, while a negative pressure may be applied in an assisting capacity. However, no technical means of producing the negative pressure are disclosed. After the blood separation, the separated blood plasma is removed from the nonwoven carrier material by squeezing it out. If necessary, the region of the support comprising the nonwoven carrier material can be separated from the remainder of the support, so as to prevent potential contamination of the blood plasma by blood cells. A disadvantage here is that there is a relatively irregular and slow separation of the blood and conveying of the separated blood plasma into a nonwoven material. A further disadvantage is that a separate squeezing device is needed to remove the separated blood plasma.

The problem of the present invention is to provide a device for the manipulation, particularly the filtration, of a liquid sample such as blood, while enabling optimised or defined manipulation, particularly filtration, a compact structure for the apparatus as a whole and/or a defined or easy discharge of the sample that has been manipulated or filtered.

The above problem is solved by a device according to claim 1 or 5 . Further features are the subject of the sub-claims.

In one aspect, the invention relates to providing the device with a conveying device for producing negative and/or positive pressure for conveying the sample. This allows defined or rapid manipulation, particularly filtration, of the sample. The conveying device is preferably arranged on or formed by a support, forming a fluidic system for the sample. This allows the construction to be very simple and/or compact.

Preferably, the device comprises a separating device for the sample, the separating device being arranged on a first region of the support. The conveying device is preferably arranged separately therefrom or in a second region of the support, the two regions preferably being adapted to be separated from one another. This second region of the support preferably also comprises a reservoir for the manipulated or filtered sample. By the removal of the first support region with the separating device it is possible to achieve simple and space-saving storage of the sample held in the second support region. Alternatively or additionally, this facilitates the discharging of the sample held in the second support region, in particular by means of the conveying device

Preferably, the conveying device is embodied both to generate a negative pressure, particularly in order to bring about, accelerate or assist filtration, and to generate a positive pressure, particularly for the discharging of the filtered sample. Thus, the conveying device can preferably be used both to hold the sample and to discharge the sample and thus has a dual function, in particular. This aspect of the present invention can also be implemented independently of the separability of the first support region or with the separating device.

Another aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently is directed to the fact that the conveying device comprises a deformation region of a cover of the support with the fluidic system for the sample, the deformation region being flexibly deformable in order to produce a negative and/or positive pressure and/or in order to convey the sample. This allows the construction to be made very simple and/or compact. Moreover, very simple actuation is made possible, for example by the operator's finger or fingertip or the like.

Particularly preferably, the deformation region, like the rest of the cover of the support, is formed by a film which in particular covers recesses, channels or the like formed in the support to form the fluidic system. This allows a very simple and compact construction.

The support preferably comprises a flat or dish-shaped depression or recess to allow the deformation region to be deformed into the support. The depression or recess is preferably connected to the fluidic system or sample via a channel or the like.

Alternatively, the cover or the deformation region may also be embodied separately from the rest of the cover, and/or as a plug, and/or may comprise or form a ram. The cover or the deformation region in turn covers a preferably cylindrical depression or recess in the support and in order to produce a negative or positive pressure in the recess, is movable into it and/or out of it, particularly preferably at right angles to the flat extent of the support or cover, for example by means of a preferably moulded-on actuating element such as a tab, eyelet or the like. This also provides a simple construction. Moreover, very simple actuation of the conveying device can be carried out or achieved, particularly by means of a manipulating device or the like, particularly preferably in automatic or self-actuating manner.

Further advantages, features, properties and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the description of preferred embodiments that follow, with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a schematic section through a proposed device, according to a first

FIG. 1B is a magnified detail from FIG. 1A ;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support of the proposed device according to the first embodiment; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic section through part of a proposed device according to a second embodiment.

In the figures, the same reference numerals have been used for identical or similar parts, where corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are obtained, even if the associated description has not been repeated.

FIG. 1A shows, in schematic section, a proposed device 1 for the manipulation and particularly filtration of a liquid sample 2 . In particular, the sample 2 is a particle-containing solution or suspension. Particularly preferably, it is a biological sample 2 .

In the embodiment shown, it is, in particular, blood or some other human or animal bodily fluid. However, other liquids or suspensions or the like may also be manipulated or filtered as the sample 2 .

Although the device 1 is particularly preferably used for filtration of the sample 2 , this is not obligatory. Rather, any other manipulation may be carried out alternatively or additionally, such as mixing with a reagent, a solvent or the like, or other treatment or investigation of the sample 2 .

The device 1 comprises a support 3 which forms or comprises a fluidic system 4 . In particular, the fluidic system 4 is at least partly or wholly formed by or in the support 4 , optionally together with a cover 5 . FIG. 2 shows the support 3 in a schematic perspective view.

The device 1 preferably comprises a cover 5 associated with the support 3 , which preferably at least partly covers the fluidic system 4 . In particular, the cover 5 covers depressions, grooves or the like formed in the support 3 , preferably in fluidtight and more particularly in gastight manner as well—which form at least parts of the fluidic system 4 .

The cover 5 is preferably at least substantially smooth, flat, elastically deformable and/or film-like in configuration. In particular, it is a plastics film or the like.

The cover 5 is preferably arranged or applied to a flat side of the support 3 , for example by adhesion, sealing, particularly heat-sealing, welding or the like.

In the embodiment shown the device 1 or the support 3 or the fluidic system 4 preferably comprises a receiving channel 4 A for the preferably filtered sample 2 or the permeate, a reservoir 4 B attached thereto for preferably temporarily holding the preferably filtered sample 2 or permeate and/or a connecting channel 4 C, as shown in the perspective view according to FIG. 2 .

The device 1 preferably comprises a separating device 6 as shown in FIG. 1A for filtering the sample 2 or separating constituents or particles from the sample 2 . The separating device 6 is preferably arranged on the support 3 , particularly in a first support region 3 A, and/or fixedly connected thereto.

The separating device 6 preferably comprises a flat filter element 6 A, for example a membrane or the like, as a main filter for separating constituents such as particles, cells or the like from the sample 2 . For example, the filter element may be formed by or provided with a membrane as described in WO 2009/106331 A2.

The separating device 6 or filtration is preferably of a multi-stage or multi-layer construction, in the embodiment shown. This is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 1B , which shows a magnification of FIG. 1A in the region of the separating device 6 . In particular, the separating device 6 comprises another flat filter element 6 B as a (first) preliminary filter and optionally also an additional, preferably flat filter element 6 C as a second preliminary filter. The filter elements 6 A, 6 B and 6 C are preferably layered directly above one another or placed with their flat sides against one another.

The main filter and the optional preliminary filters or the filter elements 6 A, 6 B and 6 C are preferably housed in a housing 6 D of the separating device 6 . The housing 6 D is preferably fixed to the support 3 or its support region 3 A, particularly by adhesion, heat-sealing, welding or the like. The cover 5 preferably does not extend below the filter or the filter elements 6 A, 6 B, 6 C, but may optionally extend somewhat underneath the housing 6 D.

In the embodiment shown, the separating device 6 or its filter is additionally placed on the support 3 . However, the separating device 6 or its filters may if desired also be integrated in the support 3 , particularly held in a corresponding recess or depression in the support 3 .

The main filter and the optional preliminary filters or the filter elements 6 A, 6 B and 6 C are preferably held by an optional depressing means 6 E flat, particularly on or against the support 3 or its facing surface. The depressing means 6 E acts on the flat side of the filter elements 6 A, 6 B and 6 C remote from the support 3 , in particular on the outer filter element 6 C in this case, i.e. on the receiving side of the filter, in particular in the manner of a lattice, ribs or spokes or lies on the flat side of the filter, in this case of the outer filter element 6 C, such that the sample 2 can be evenly distributed over the filter (in this case the filter element 6 C) and/or can penetrate into it easily or over a wide area. The depressing means 6 E is for example held in the housing 6 D by clamping or by some other suitable means. However, other design solutions are also possible for suitably forming, tensioning, holding and/or securing the filter or filter elements 6 A, 6 B and 6 C.

As a result of the above-mentioned construction of the depressing means 6 E or another suitable construction, the sample 2 , for example a drop of blood, which has already been received, according to FIG. 11 , is able to be uniformly distributed over the filter or the upper filter element 6 C and to penetrate into the filter or, in this case, the filter elements 6 C, 6 B and 6 A one after the other.

The separating device 6 or the housing 6 D or the sample receptacle formed thereby can preferably be covered by a cover 6 F. FIG. 1 shows the device 1 or separating device 6 with the cover 6 F placed thereon. The separating device 6 or the housing 6 D is preferably provided with a vent which is formed here by a vent opening 6 G, for example in the cover 6 F. The vent prevents any negative pressure occurring on the receiving side of the filter in the separating device 6 , particularly when the sample 2 penetrates into the filter or support 3 or the fluidic system 4 , as a negative pressure of this kind would counteract the desired rapid or easy filtration.

In order to be able to prevent the sample 2 escaping through the vent opening 6 G, a stop element 6 H, for example a membrane, a cover or the like, may be associated with the vent opening 6 G, as indicated in FIG. 1 .

The fineness of the filter elements 6 A, 6 B and 6 C or the pore size preferably increases or decreases, respectively, towards the support 3 . In particular, the main filter or the filter element 6 A filters the smallest particles, cells, or the like, that are to be separated off, from the sample 2 .

The sample 2 is preferably (also) taken up in the filter and/or filtered or passed through the filter by capillary forces.

The filtered sample 2 or the permeate is taken up by the support 3 or the fluidic system 4 , particularly the receiving channel 4 A which extends to a point underneath the separating device 6 or the filter, and discharged. To assist with this uptake, the support 3 is preferably provided with a suitable structure, additional discharge channels 4 D, which extend in an annular configuration in this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 2 .

The uptake of the (filtered) sample 2 into the fluidic system 4 or the receiving channel 4 A and the reservoir 4 B is preferably (also) carried out by capillary forces.

The filtered sample 2 then flows through the receiving channel 4 A into the reservoir 4 B. However, the filtered sample 2 may also be conveyed to another investigation region, treatment region or the like.

The device 1 comprises a conveying device 7 for producing a negative and/or positive pressure or for conveying the sample 2 .

The conveying device 7 serves in particular to effect, accelerate or assist the manipulation of the sample 2 , particularly its filtration, and/or the later delivery of the filtered sample 2 , in this case from the reservoir 4 B. Particularly preferably, the conveying device 7 assists the capillary forces acting during the filtration and the uptake of the (filtered) sample 2 into the fluidic system 4 , so that in general the manipulation and in particular the filtration and uptake of the sample 2 is assisted. However, the conveying device 7 or the negative and/or positive pressure generated by it can also decisively or exclusively bring about the manipulation of the sample 2 , particularly the filtration and/or uptake of the sample 2 .

In the embodiment shown, the conveying device 7 comprises a deformation region 5 A which is formed by or embodied in one piece with the cover 5 , in particular. The deformation region 5 A is arranged above a depression or recess 7 A which is formed in the support 3 , in particular, in the embodiment shown. The conveying device 7 or depression 7 A is preferably connected to the fluidic system 4 or the reservoir 4 B by the connecting channel 4 C.

In the undeformed state, or initial state, the deformation region 5 A spans the depression 7 A in the embodiment shown, preferably in at least substantially flat and/or planar manner. The deformation region 5 A is preferably deformable, particularly in order to generate negative and/or positive pressure and/or to convey the sample 2 . Particularly preferably, the deformation region 5 A is elastically deformable and after deformation strives to return to its initial position by elastic restoring forces. The cover 5 is preferably formed from an elastically deformable foil or the like. Moreover, the cover 5 or the deformation region 5 A may also be pre-tensioned.

To actuate the conveying device 7 or generate a negative or positive pressure, the deformation region 5 is deformed. This deformed state is shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1A . The actuation of the conveying device 7 or deformation of the deformation region 5 A is preferably carried out manually, particularly with the thumb or another finger of a user (not shown), or in some other suitable manner.

The conveying device 7 preferably comprises a venting device 7 B which, in the embodiment shown, comprises in particular a vent opening 7 C, in this case in the base of the recess 7 A or in the support 3 , and an associated valve 7 D for closing off the vent opening 7 C. The venting device 7 B or vent opening 7 C prevents undesirable excess pressure from being generated in the recess 7 A during the pressing in or deformation of the deformation region 5 A into the recess 7 A (the state of deformation into the recess 7 A is shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1 ), as an excess pressure of this kind would counteract the desired direction of flow of the sample 2 through the separating device 6 into the fluidic system 4 , particularly into the reservoir 4 B. Instead, displaced air can escape through the venting device 7 B or vent opening 7 C.

In the embodiment shown, the venting device 7 B or the valve 7 D is closed, particularly by the deformation of the deformation region 5 A or manually, particularly at the end of the deformation or the pressing of the deformation region 5 A into the recess 7 A. In the embodiment shown, this is done in particular by the abutting of the deformation region 5 A on the valve 7 D, the valve 7 D then being closed. This is carried out in this case by the pressure applied to deform the deformation region 5 A, particularly by a user (not shown), for example with the thumb or another finger, or by some other object such as a tool or punch or the like.

Alternatively, it is also possible for the valve 7 D to close automatically, for example when a negative pressure is produced in the recess 7 A or air begins to flow from outside through the vent opening 7 C into the recess 7 A. In fact, this happens when the deformation region 5 A begins to return to its original undeformed state, after the deformation, particularly as a result of elastic resilience.

The deformed or pressed-in deformation region 5 A (this state is shown by dashed lines in FIG. 1 ) seeks to return to its undeformed starting position after being released or freed, particularly as a result of elastic resetting and/or under the effect of some other resilient or spring element (not shown). As a result, a negative pressure is produced in the recess 7 A, as the valve 7 D or the venting device 7 B is or remains closed or closes.

Accordingly, the fluidic system 4 which is fluidically connected to the recess 7 A, in this case via the connecting channel 4 C, is placed under negative pressure. This negative pressure causes the sample 2 to be aspirated or sucked into the fluidic system 4 or the reservoir 4 B. As a result, the sample 2 is sucked through the filter or the separating device 6 or the filtration is assisted and in particular accelerated substantially.

The volume of the conveying device 7 (volume of the recess 7 A and/or the possible or expected deformation of the deformation region 5 A) is preferably selected so as to be substantially greater, in particular at least 50% greater, preferably at least 80% greater, than the volume of the sample 2 which is to be taken up by the separating device 6 , more precisely its filter, and by the fluidic system 4 or the reservoir 4 B. For the configuration of the device 1 , it may also be envisaged that the above-mentioned volume of the conveying device 7 (volume of air that is displaced from the recess 7 A during pressing-in or deformation) is greater than the volume of the sample 2 that is to be taken up or the reservoir 4 B, by at least a factor of 2, most preferably by a factor of 3 or more. In this way, it can be ensured that a relatively high negative pressure is ensured particularly towards the end of filtration, thus ensuring very rapid filtration overall. This preferably also applies in corresponding manner when the deformation region 5 A is deformed outwards, for example, and thereby tensioned, so as to generate a negative pressure or, on resetting, a positive pressure. Moreover, this preferably also applies to any other manipulation of the sample 2 , i.e. even if the sample 2 is not subjected to filtration but only to some other treatment in the device 1 .

After the filtration, the sample 2 is taken up or aspirated into the reservoir 4 B.

The reservoir 4 B for the (filtered) sample 2 and the conveying device 7 are preferably mounted on the support 3 separately from the separating device 6 or in a second region 3 B of the support 3 .

Preferably, the separating device 6 on the one hand and the reservoir 4 B with the (filtered) sample 2 contained therein and the conveying device 7 on the other hand or (after filtration has been carried out) the two regions 3 A and 3 B can be separated from one another. For this purpose, the device 1 or the support 3 preferably comprises a weakened breaking point 3 C which may be formed for example by a corresponding tapering of the material, a groove, a channel or the like, as shown in FIG. 1 .

The separation of the two regions 3 A and 3 B is carried out in particular at right-angles to the receiving channel 4 A or between the separating device 6 and the reservoir 4 B. The weakened breaking point 3 C is therefore preferably arranged in this region.

Particularly preferably, the two regions 3 A and 3 B are separated by bending the support 3 or the two regions 3 A and 3 B relative to one another, in the embodiment shown particularly preferably about an axis that is transverse of the longitudinal extent of the support 3 , transverse of the receiving channel 4 A and/or in the flat plane of the support 3 .

However, the separation of the two regions 3 A and 3 B may also be carried out for example by cutting, for example using scissors or another cutting device (not shown) or by some other method.

The separation of the two regions 3 A and 3 B in the embodiment shown particularly preferably causes the receiving channel 4 A to open up, so that this can then be used as the delivery channel for the sample 2 that is held or stored in the reservoir 4 B, or forms a discharge opening for the sample 2 or the device 1 or the support 3 .

To prevent air from being sucked into the fluidic system or the receiving channel 4 A as the result of any negative pressure still remaining in the conveying device 7 and/or to prevent the sample 2 from being drawn into the connecting channel 4 C and optionally the recess 7 A, when the two regions 3 A and 3 B are separated, the device 1 is preferably configured so that the conveying device 7 or its recess 7 A is automatically or autonomously vented when the two regions 3 A and 3 B are separated. This is preferably achieved by the fact that at least one, and in the drawing two, venting channels 7 E extend in the or support 3 (covered here by the cover 5 ) from the recess 7 A into the separating region or into the region of the weakened breaking point 3 C or, in particular, somewhat beyond it, so that when the two support regions 3 A and 3 B are separated, at least one venting channel 7 E, preferably both venting channels 7 E, are opened outwards or to the environment. Accordingly, after the separation of the two regions 3 A and 3 B or after the separation of the separating device 6 , ambient air can flow into the recess 7 A or into the conveying device 7 and equalise the negative pressure still prevailing. The deformation region 5 A which is still deformed at the moment of separation of the two regions 3 A and 3 B, in particular, can also return virtually immediately into its (undeformed) initial position.

It should be noted that other design solutions for venting can also be implemented.

The separated support region 3 B comprises the reservoir 4 B with the (filtered) sample 2 held therein and the associated conveying device 7 . This unit can then be stored in a relatively limited space and optionally also refrigerated or even frozen, if desired.

Later, or directly after the separation of the regions 3 A and 3 B, the sample 2 can be removed from or discharged from the reservoir 4 B, preferably by means of the conveying device 7 . In particular, the conveying device 7 is configured so that a positive pressure can be generated for expelling the sample 2 from the reservoir 4 B, particularly for delivering it through the receiving channel 4 A. For this purpose, the deformation region 5 A can be deformed again, particularly pressed in. In the embodiment shown, the venting channels 7 E have to be closed. This can be done for example as a result of the deformation region 5 A being applied to the recess 7 A during the manual pressing onto transitional regions 7 F of the venting channels 7 E, thereby closing this recess 7 A. However, other design solutions are also possible.

It should be noted that closing of aerating and/or vent openings or channels may optionally also be omitted, depending on the design of the structures or flow resistances, as for example relatively fast pressing-in can lead to a pressure increase in the recess 7 A which may be sufficiently high to allow the sample 2 to be discharged from the reservoir 4 B through the receiving channel 4 A in the desired manner.

The removal of the filtered sample 2 from the reservoir 4 B may alternatively also be carried out by piercing or perforating the cover 5 using a cannula or the like (not shown) or otherwise opening the fluidic system 4 or reservoir 4 B and optionally aspirating the sample directly out of the reservoir 4 B, in particular.

The connecting channel 4 C is preferably selected to be long enough to prevent the sample 2 from penetrating into the recess 7 A.

The reservoir 4 B is preferably configured such that the sample 2 is held as compactly as possible in a region towards the receiving channel 4 A in the reservoir 4 B, particularly by means of corresponding capillary forces, and/or such that the sample 2 would only enter the connecting channel 4 C if the reservoir 4 B were completely full.

In the embodiment shown, the reservoir 4 B is preferably of a ramp-like configuration—particularly for the reasons stated above—while the depth of the reservoir 4 B preferably increases from the junction with the receiving channel 4 A to the junction with the connecting channel 4 C.

The support 3 is preferably of a flat and/or plate-like configuration. The support 3 is preferably at least substantially rigid in construction. The support 3 is preferably made of plastics, particularly by injection moulding. The channels, recesses, depressions and the like for forming the fluidic system 4 are preferably formed on the flat side of the support 3 which is covered (wholly or partially) by the cover 5 .

The fluidic system 4 may also encompass the recess 7 A, as the latter is connected thereto by the connecting channel 4 C.

The device 1 and fluidic system 4 are, in particular, microfluidic arrangements. Microfluidic for the purposes of the present invention means that the individual volumes or total volumes are less than 5 ml, particularly less than 1 ml, most preferably less than 500 μl.

The present invention or device 1 envisages in particular the use of a vacuum or negative pressure as a drive mechanism for a filtration process. Alternatively, however, a positive pressure may also be used as a drive mechanism for the filtration process.

The present invention or device 1 envisages in particular the pressing in of an elastic cover 5 or film, preferably to create a positive pressure. The preferably elastic restoring force is used to produce a negative pressure. However, the deformation region or the film or cover 5 may also be pulled, particularly in order to produce a negative pressure.

A second embodiment of the proposed device 1 or the conveying device 7 will now be explained in more detail by reference to the schematic section in FIG. 3 . Only essential differences from the first embodiment will be described, so that the previous remarks and explanations apply accordingly or in complementary fashion, in particular. Individual features of the different embodiments may in particular be combined with one another as desired, but also implemented independently of one another.

In the second embodiment, the conveying device 7 preferably comprises a ram 7 G or a ram-like element or the like. In particular, the ram 7 G is formed by a relatively rigid surface region or the like.

Particularly preferably, the ram 7 G is formed by the deformation region 5 A, which here covers the recess 7 A or other cavity in the device 1 or support 3 . Particularly preferably, the ram 7 G or the deformation region 5 A is movable into the recess 7 A and/or within it and/or out of the recess 7 A and/or outwards over the flat side or outside of the support 3 so as to generate a positive pressure and/or negative pressure or to convey the sample 2 . In the second embodiment, the conveying device 7 or the cover 5 , which is particularly preferably in the form of a plug, or the deformation region 5 A thereof, comprises a fixing region 5 B which is particularly preferably tightly secured to the support 3 or a flat side of the support 3 and for example surrounds the recess 7 A in an annular or circumferential manner, and/or comprises a connecting region 5 C which preferably connects the fixing region 5 B to the ram 7 G and/or is elastically deformable or invertible or comprises at least one bent or inverted deflecting region 5 D. In particular, the invertible connecting region 5 C or deflecting region 5 D enables the ram 7 G to move easily. However, other design solutions are also possible. In the second embodiment, the deformation region 5 A or connecting region 5 C is preferably embodied as a concertina-like or flexible tube, particularly to enable ease of deformation during the actuation or use of the conveying device 7 . In the embodiment shown, an optionally pre-formed deflection through 180° takes place in the deflecting region 5 D in at least one portion, in this case even in two portions of the deformation region 5 A or connecting region 5 C. However, other design solutions are also possible. The conveying device 7 or the deformation region 5 A preferably comprises an actuating element 7 H such as a tab, eyelet or the like. Particularly preferably, the actuating element 7 H is moulded on in one piece.

In the second embodiment the conveying device 7 is actuated in particular by moving the actuating element 7 H or the ram 7 G into or out of the recess 7 A. This may in turn be carried out manually or with the aid of a manipulating device of a drive, a motor or the like.

In the embodiments described hereinbefore, a movement or main deformation preferably takes place transversely, more particularly at least substantially perpendicularly with respect to the main plane of extent or flat side of the support 3 . However, in principle, other directions of movement and/or arrangements are also possible.

The conveying device 7 or the cover 5 or the deformation region 5 A in the embodiment shown is preferably formed in one piece and/or made of plastics, particularly by injection moulding. However, other design solutions are also possible.

The deformation region 5 A is also preferably embodied, in the second embodiment, so as to assume a preferred starting position, for example the position shown in FIG. 3 , in which the deformation region 5 A or its ram 7 G is located substantially in the recess 7 or in a pressed-in position. The deformation region 5 A or ram 7 G is then pulled out by means of the actuating element 7 H and thereby preferably tensioned. Thus, particularly when the venting device 7 B is closed or the valve 7 D is closed, a negative pressure can be produced in the recess 7 A, which can act, through the connecting channel 4 C connected to the arrangement 7 A, on the fluidic system 4 or on the sample 3 that is to be manipulated. After the actuating element 7 H has been released or let go, the deformation region 5 A or ram 7 G can return to the starting position shown in FIG. 3 , particularly as a result of elastic restoring forces, in order to produce a positive pressure, if required, in this case with the venting device 7 B closed, in particular. However, this return to the starting position need not be brought about by elastic restoring forces but may theoretically also be assisted or exclusively brought about by an active restoring movement, for example by means of the actuating element 7 H.

It should also be noted that restoring is not always necessary. Rather, if required, the conveying device 7 may also be embodied or used as a device for one-time actuation. In this case, for example, it is not necessary to carry out resetting. Rather, the deformation region 5 A can remain in the deformed position after being deformed once.

It should also be noted that the valve 7 D shown in the second embodiment in FIG. 3 , or the venting device 7 B shown therein, is purely optional. Depending on the construction or intended use, these may also be omitted.

The cover 5 or the deformation region 5 A may if necessary also be embodied separately from any other cover of the support 3 . In other words, the cover 5 may if required also be of multipart construction, particularly with a separately formed deformation region 5 A.

In the second embodiment, the cover 5 is at least substantially plug-like at least in the region of the recess 7 A or the deformation region 5 A. However, other configurations are also possible.

The device 1 may, if required, also comprise a plurality of conveying devices 7 . These may have separate deformation regions 5 A which can in particular be actuated independently of one another. The different deformation regions 5 A may selectively be formed by one common piece of material or by separate pieces of material or components.

If the device 1 or conveying device 7 comprises a plurality of deformation regions 5 A, these may, if necessary, also be actuated by means of a joint actuating device jointly and/or controlled to be actuated at staggered times. In this way a positive pressure and/or negative pressure can be produced as desired. The different deformation regions 5 A can then perform different functions in the device 1 or in the fluidic system 4 through different channels, for example.

The present invention or device 1 or conveying device 7 forms, in particular, a pump that is, particularly preferably, manually actuatable.

The conveying device 7 or the deformation region 5 A may if required assume both the non-deformed and the deformed position as a stable position, in each case, the transition between them requiring a certain resistance to be overcome, for example in the manner of a so-called “clicker”.

As already mentioned, the present invention and device 1 may be used for different samples 2 , such as blood, urine, sputum, cell culture and fermentation media, waste water or the like, particularly for the retention or filtration of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, cell compositions, protein and lipid aggregates or the like.

In particular, the present invention and device 1 permit the filtration of microparticles, including so-called beads, which have a reagent bound to their surface, which have an affinity for molecules from the sample 2 and are used by binding in order to concentrate target molecules (analyte, biomarkers or the like) contained in the sample 2 .

Moreover, the present invention and device 1 may be used to remove molecules present in the sample 2 (e.g. proteins, nucleic acids) or particles (e.g. viruses) and/or for purification, for example by adsorptive binding.

Furthermore, the present invention and device 1 may be used for example by means of indicators (dyes) the presence or absence of a target molecule and/or particles or the like which may or may not be present in the sample 2 .

1 device

2 sample

3 support

3 A first support region

3 B second support region

3 C weakened breaking point

4 fluidic system

4 A receiving channel

4 B reservoir

4 C connecting channel

4 D discharge channel

5 cover

5 A deformation region

5 B fixing region

5 C connecting region

5 D deflecting region

6 separating device

6 A filter element

6 B filter element

6 C filter element

6 D housing

6 E depressing device

6 F cover

6 G aerating opening

6 H stop element

7 conveying device

7 A recess

7 B venting device

7 C vent opening

7 D valve

7 E aerating channel

7 F transitional region

7 G ram

7 H actuating element