WO2004105951A1

WO2004105951A1 - Modular sample holder system

Info

Publication number: WO2004105951A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/005678
Authority: WO
Inventors: Uwe Vietze; Alexander Cross
Original assignee: Hte Aktiengesellschaft The High Throughput Experimentation Company
Priority date: 2003-05-28
Filing date: 2004-05-26
Publication date: 2004-12-09

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular sample holder system, which comprises at least the following components: (a) at least one first module that is suitable for receiving a sample; (b) at least one second module that is suitable for receiving at least one first module; and (c) at least one third module that is suitable for receiving a second module.

Description

Modular sample holder system

The present invention relates to a modular sample holder system which has at least three modules and is suitable for use in analysis devices. It also relates to a method for populating these modules.

The present invention is in the technical field of high throughput materials research, particularly high throughput catalyst research. It is known that the use of such high-throughput methods can significantly increase the efficiency or effectiveness in finding new materials for specific purposes. It is among other things important, already when preparing an analysis of the corresponding materials, e.g. B. in the preparation of an analysis of heterogeneous catalysts to significantly increase the speed in the preparation and execution of the analysis, the preparation of the samples for analysis due to the risk of contamination of the samples to be analyzed among themselves, is of particular importance. For example, when preparing z. B. heterogeneous catalysts for a subsequent catalyst screening, it is advantageous to the sample preparation steps such. B. Transfer of the samples into the form necessary for the analysis, to be carried out in simple separate steps, the individual sample holders preferably being equipped with samples separately from one another.

Previously known sample holder systems are either specifically adapted to certain analysis devices or are predefined by them with defined dimensions, or are designed in such a way that contamination of the individual samples with one another, in particular during sample loading, cannot be avoided. The present invention was therefore based on the object of providing a device and a method which make it possible to prepare samples for analysis as efficiently as possible and avoid contamination of the samples with one another and thus the parallelized characterization of e.g. B. to make heterogeneous catalysts more flexible and to accelerate them significantly or to enable them in the first place.

The present invention thus relates to a modular sample holder system which has at least the following components: (a) at least one first module which is suitable for receiving at least one sample;

(b) at least one second module which is suitable for accommodating at least one first module and

(c) at least one third module which is suitable for accommodating at least one second module.

Furthermore, it relates to a method for equipping first modules of a modular sample holder system, the first modules being equipped separately from one another with at least one sample, and contamination between the first modules being avoided.

The term “module” describes a three-dimensional object that has at least one section. The module can be constructed from one or more materials and can be solid or hollow. It can have any suitable geometric shape. It preferably has two mutually parallel surfaces. An example of such a module is a cuboid or cylinder. However, a large number of similar geometries are also conceivable. The modules can, for example, have an oval, round or polygonal outline with straight or curved connections between the corner points of the polygon. A round or equilateral is preferred polygonal module shape, preferably all first or all second or all third modules have the same geometry. The modules are preferably made from a solid material (which in turn can be constructed from one or more starting materials). The modules, the external shape of which is fundamentally not subject to any restrictions, can be disc-shaped, for example. There are no particular restrictions with regard to the material of the modules used according to the invention, as long as the materials used withstand the loads to which the modules are exposed. Plastics such as PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), acrylic glass, Kapton and Teflon; Metals or metal alloys, such as brass, aluminum and stainless steel, such as those according to DIN 1.4401, DIN 1.4435, DIN 1.4541, DIN 1.4571, DIN 1.4573, DIN 1.4575, DIN 2.4360 / 2.4366, DIN 2.4615 / 2.4617, DIN 2.4800 / 2.4810, DIN 2.4816, DIN 2.4851, DIN 2.4856, DIN 2.4858, DIN 1.4767, DIN 1.4401, DIN 2.4610, DIN 1.4765, DIN 1.4847, DIN 1.4301 as well as glasses, ceramics, graphite, carbon fiber, quartz glass, oxidic or nitride materials, composite materials and / or mixtures of the aforementioned materials used. Modules made of plastic, glass and ceramic are particularly preferred.

“Sections” in the context of the present invention are defined locations on or in the modules, such as cavities, which can always be found again due to their coordinates (three-dimensional coordinate system). These locations or sections are suitable for receiving samples in the first modules, for receiving first modules in the second modules and for receiving second modules in the third modules.

The term “sample” denotes a single defined unit, which is located in the respective separate sections of the modules and which can consist of one or more components or materials. The sample can be produced both outside and inside the first modules, it also being conceivable for partial or pre-production to be carried out outside the first modules in combination with completion of the samples carried out in the first modules, in particular from the point of view that a sample can also be composed of melter components.

Such samples are ^'-shaped in the present invention preferably non gasfb substances, such as solids (such as powder or monolithic solids, granules, beads, tablets and other shaped articles), liquids, sols, gels, waxy substances or substance mixtures, dispersions , Emulsions and suspensions, particularly preferably solids. In the context of the substances used according to the invention, these can be molecular and non-molecular chemical compounds or formulations, or mixtures or materials, the term “non-molecular” defining substances that can be varied or changed continuously, in contrast to "molecular" substances, the structural characteristics of which can only be changed by varying discrete states, for example by varying a substitution pattern.

The composition of the respective samples comprises both the stoichiometric and the substance and element composition of the materials to be tested, which can vary from material to material. It is therefore possible according to the invention to produce or test material libraries which consist of materials which are identical in terms of their element composition, but the stoichiometric composition of the elements making up the material differs between the individual materials; it is also possible that the material library is made up of materials that differ in their element composition; Of course, it is also possible for the individual materials to differ in their stoichiometric and elemental composition. Furthermore is it is possible that the material library is constructed from samples which are identical in terms of their element composition and stoichiometric composition, but differ in terms of their physical or chemical or physico-chemical properties as a result of a treatment step. The term “element” used here refers to elements of the periodic table of the elements. The term “substance” here means materials, components or precursor components which lead to a material.

With the method according to the invention, the samples, e.g. heterogeneous or heterogenized catalysts, luminophores, thermoelectric, piezoelectric, semiconducting, electro-optical, superconducting or magnetic substances or mixtures of two or more of these substances, in particular intermetallic compounds, oxides, oxide mixtures, mixed oxides, ionic or covalent compounds of metals and / or non-metals, metal alloys, ceramics, organometallic compounds and composite materials, dielectrics, thermoelectrics, magnetoresistive and magneto-optical materials, organic compounds, enzymes and enzyme mixtures, active pharmaceutical ingredients, substances for feed and feed supplements, substances for food and nutritional supplements and cosmetics and mixtures of two or more oxides can be varied as desired. It is also possible that a variety of catalysts, which are largely similar but differ in their elements in at least one element, can be used to test all catalyst variants using a suitable different element composition.

The samples in the material library can be the same or different from one another, the latter being preferred.

In a further embodiment, the at least one second module of the modular sample holding system can have at least two first modules or record, the first modules having the same or different shapes and the same or different materials.

The at least one first module of the modular sample holding system preferably has at least one or more sections on one side for receiving one or more samples, the sections in the individual first modules having the same or different shapes.

In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one first module of the modular sample holding system is designed such that it completely encloses the at least one sample.

Furthermore, the modular sample holder system can be equipped in such a way that in each individual section there are one or more samples which are the same or different from one another and where there is one sample per section, the samples in the respective sections are the same or different from one another.

The modular sample holder system preferably has a number of sections for sample collection in the range from 4 to 1536.

In the case of the modular sample holder system, the at least one first module is, for example, cuboid, the individual side lengths being in the range from 0.5 mm to 300 mm. The at least one first module is preferably cube-shaped and preferably has an edge length in the range from 10 mm to 30 mm, in particular an edge length of 19 mm.

Another embodiment of the modular sample holder system is characterized in that the first, second and third modules have several layers. In this case, devices, in particular for sample treatment, can be integrated into the layers of the modular sample holding system.

According to the invention, devices for sample treatment are understood to mean, for example, devices for heating (for example heating elements) and cooling (for example cooling elements) of the modules or the samples or means for supplying and / or removing fluids.

The means for supplying and / or discharging preferably fluid media are preferably implemented through tubular openings or channels, such as, for example, tube and capillary systems or bores, or through porous layers. The means for supply and / or discharge preferably have an angle to the longitudinal plane of the module, which is preferably 90 °. Furthermore, there is the possibility of arranging the supply and discharge lines at an angle to one another and also in different planes, an angle of 90 ° being preferred for this purpose when the supply and discharge lines are arranged in one plane.

The term “channel” here preferably describes a connection, running through a module, in the present case, for example, a plate or disk, of two openings present on the body surface, which, for example, allows a fluid to pass through the module. The channel can have any geometry. It can have a cross-sectional area that is variable over the length of the channel or, preferably, a constant channel cross-sectional area. The channel cross section can, for example, have an oval, round or polygonal outline with straight or curved connections between the corner points of the polygon. A round or equilateral polygonal cross section is preferred. All channels in the module preferably have the same geometry (cross section and length) and run parallel to one another.

The means for supplying and / or discharging the fluid media can also have a membrane. Membranes are preferably to be understood as permeable or semi-permeable closures or regions of a closure, which in principle can be provided with a closure or locking device for opening and closing the membrane.

The membrane can also be a pore membrane, the pore membrane having pores with a defined texture for uniform pressure distribution of the fluid media.

According to the invention, a “pore membrane” is understood to mean a membrane with preferably a pore system. The pore system can be ordered and / or disordered, directed and / or undirected.

There are no restrictions with regard to the dimensions and the number of pores insofar as they are suitable for supplying and / or discharging preferably fluid media. Furthermore, they should preferably have a permeability to radiation, for example high-energy electromagnetic radiation such as magnetic fields, light, UV-VIS, XRD and microwaves, and heat radiation.

When using gaseous media, however, the pores preferably have a diameter of 1 to 500 μm, particularly preferably 5 to 30 μm and preferably a length of 1 to 1000 μm, particularly preferably 50 to 200 μm.

If media other than fluid media are used, the pore diameter and the pore length must be adjusted accordingly.

The number of pores per inlet and / or outlet is preferably 1 to 1000, particularly preferably 3 to 20 pores. The pore radius distribution is preferably monomodal. However, multimodal and / or hierarchically organized pore systems can also be implemented. The pores are preferably arranged in parallel and preferably in the direction of the fluid flow. The pores can also be arranged non-straight and connected to interconnectable pore systems.

Such pore systems cause a uniform fluid distribution over all sections, which, for. B. compared to binary and quaternary trees, good scalability and higher parallelization can be achieved.

Basically, all production processes known to the person skilled in the art and suitable for producing the pores described above are suitable as production processes for pores. Examples include: lithographic processes, etching processes, LIGA processes, laser ablation processes, drilling processes, milling processes, eroding processes, lapping processes (such as ultrasonic vibratory lapping), ECM processes, screen printing processes, lithographic electroplating, embossing processes, punching processes, etc.

Suitable pore membranes can also be produced by crystallization processes and / or ceramic processes as well as sintering processes and template-based processes. Examples of such pore membranes are: foam ceramics, zeolite membranes, sintered metal frits, glass frits, inorganic porous filter media and many others.

The devices for sample treatment of the modular sample holder system described above can also be located outside the first, second and third modules.

A further preferred embodiment of the modular sample holding system is characterized in that the first, second and third modules are designed to be self-centering, so that they are predetermined when they are assembled Take positions exactly. This can be ensured, for example, by the respective geometric shapes of the modules.

The positions of the individual first, second and third modules within the modular sample holder system as well as the positions and composition of the samples can furthermore be stored by means of a barcode which is attached to the sample holder system.

Optical barcode systems are preferably used. The bar code or bar code, which is preferably part of the modules, consists of thick and thin bars or pixels (eg dots or other shapes) arranged according to a specific law of education (code type) and the "white" gaps in between. Bars, dots and / or other shapes or the “gaps” in between can also be provided in the form of recesses in the respective carrier material of the bar code. According to the invention, one-dimensional and / or two-dimensional code types such as, for. B. Code 2/5, Code 2 / 5i, Code 39, EAN Code, Code 129, PDF417 Barcode, CODEABLOCK Barcode, UPS MaxiCode Barcode, Micro-PDF417 Barcode, Standard 2 of 5 Barcode, QR Code Barcode, Data Matrix Barcode and others. for use.

The quality of identification is determined, among other things, by the width and the width ratio (cheap 1: 3) of the thin and thick bars or gaps, their thickness tolerance, the degree of blackening and the edge sharpness of the bars.

Identification can also be done by mechanically scanning a shape and / or embossing.

The barcode can in principle be attached to the modules by all application or insertion methods known to the person skilled in the art, the respective method being sufficiently resistant to the barcode For example, reaction conditions (z. B. high temperature and reactive gas) must ensure. One of the most important criteria is the legibility of the barcode. Suitable application and application methods are, for example: adhesive processes, print (printing) processes, engraving processes, lithographic processes, etching processes, LIGA processes, laser ablation processes, drilling processes, milling processes, eroding processes, lapping processes (such as ultrasonic vibratory lapping), ECM processes , Screen printing, etc.

The methods mentioned in connection with the attachment of the barcode on the modules are also suitable for producing the modules themselves.

A barcode is preferably stuck onto the modules for identification.

The method according to the invention for equipping first modules of the modular sample holding system can additionally have the following steps in the assembly as well as alternatively:

(a) storage of first, second and third modules;

(b) drying first, second and third modules;

(c) transporting first, second and third modules and (d) inserting first, second and third modules into suitable analysis devices, the sequence of steps (a) to (d) being freely selectable.

The assembly of the first modules of the modular sample holder system can be carried out in parallel and / or sequentially, preferably in an automated manner.

The modular sample holder system according to the invention is preferably used in analysis devices for combinatorial characterization of the samples with regard to performance properties. "Performance properties" are measurable properties, preferably those of the first or second order, of the samples of a material library, which are recorded within an automated characterization (analysis) with suitable sensors.

In the context of the present invention, first-order properties are understood to be as far as possible those properties which are obtained with the aid of physical characterization methods, such as X-ray diffraction, LEED structure elucidation, EDX, X-ray fluorescence analysis; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger spectroscopy. Examples of first-order properties are: atomic distance, element composition, etc.

Second-order properties are understood to mean those property values that can be obtained using physicochemical characterization methods, e.g. Nitrogen adsorption (surface dimensions (BET)); TPD (binding strengths of absorbates on surfaces or selective chemisorption - sizes of the surfaces of active centers) are accessible.

The term “property expression” denotes physical, chemical or physico-chemical states of the individual materials within the material library; examples include: oxidation state, crystallinity, etc.

The characterization of the samples for at least one performance property is preferably carried out by a separate analysis station within the analysis. The analysis stations can also be combined. It is also conceivable that a separate analysis device is used for each property to be checked.

The possibility of contacting the samples with fluids and / or high-energy radiation such as magnetic fields, light, UV-VIS, XRD, Mi krowellen etc., a variety of performance properties can be characterized, which provide information about whether the samples are suitable catalysts, thermoelectrics, superconductors, magnetoresistive materials, etc.

According to the invention, “analysis” is to be understood to mean all analysis techniques for characterizing materials within a material library in order to determine their characteristics.

Examples include: infrared thermography, infrared thermography in combination with mass spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy, GC, LC, HPLC, micro-GC, dispersive FTIR spectroscopy, microwave spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, MIR, UV, UV-VIS, NMR, ESR, GC-MS, infrared thermography / Raman spectroscopy, infrared thermography / dispersive FTIR spectroscopy, color detection with chemical indicator / MS, color detection with chemical indicator / GCMS, color detection with chemical indicator / dispersive FTIR spectroscopy , photoacoustic analysis, electronic or electrochemical sensors, tomographic NMR and ESR methods, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, TEM (transmission electron microscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), AFM (atomic force microscopy), STM (scanning tunnel microscopy), X-ray diffractometry and X-ray fluorescence analysis as well as other analysis and characterization methods for solids or moles known to the person skilled in the art molecules.

The analysis of the samples for performance properties can be carried out in parallel or sequentially.

A device for characterizing materials in at least one sample is also conceivable, which has a modular sample holding system. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of first modules are inserted or preferably inserted into a second module after they have been equipped with samples.

After the second module has been equipped with first modules, a second module is preferably inserted or applied in the third module. The insertion or application from one module to another module can be carried out by all connection or joining techniques known to the person skilled in the art, detachable connection or joining techniques being preferred. The following may be mentioned as examples of module connection technologies in question: interlocking connections (such as, for example, pin connections, bolt connections, wedge connections, feather key and disc spring connections, tongue and groove connections), screw connections, spring connections, permanent and / or not Permanent adhesive (for example with pressure sensitive adhesives, contact adhesives, dispersion adhesives, hot melt adhesives, PVC plastisol, epoxy resin, phenolic resin, polyurethane, silicone resin, cyanoacrylate, diacrylic acid ester) and magnetic connections (permanent magnetic connections, electromagnetic connections).

The preferably a second module is preferably connected to the third module in a form-fitting manner.

According to the invention, there is also a method for connecting first, second and third modules of a modular sample holder system, which is characterized in that a plurality of first modules are connected to at least one second module and this second module to at least one third module by means of at least one connection technology.

The connection technology is selected from the group: form-fit connections, screw connections, spring connections, adhesive connections and magnetic connections. Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shows:

La shows a schematic illustration of first modules in a side view;

Fig. Lb is a schematic representation of a second module in a side view;

Fig. Lc is a schematic representation of a cross section of a third module in a side view;

2 shows a schematic representation of a second module with first modules arranged thereon with a square outer contour and one section per first module;

3 shows a schematic illustration of a second module with first modules arranged thereon with a rectangular outer contour and six sections per first module;

4 shows a schematic representation of a second module with first modules arranged thereon, which are combined from square first modules with one section each and rectangular first modules with three or six sections each;

5 shows a schematic representation of a second module with four first modules arranged thereon, each with a 21 × 14 matrix of sections; 6 shows a schematic illustration of a second module with honeycomb-shaped first modules arranged thereon.

FIG. 1 a shows an embodiment of first modules 100, which in turn each have a section 110 for receiving one or more samples. The first modules 100 shown in FIG. 1 a are cuboid, each first module 100 having a cylindrical section 110 which is introduced into the first module 100 like a bore.

FIG. 1b shows an embodiment of a second module 200 which has a section 210 for receiving first modules 100. The second module 200 shown in FIG. 1b is cuboid, the section 210 forming a cuboid recess in the second module 200, which is designed in such a way that it can accommodate a certain number of first modules 100. The depth 220 of the section 210 preferably corresponds to 1/2 to 2/3 of the height 120 of a first module 100. An embodiment is also possible in which the height 120 of a first module 100 1/2 to 2/3 of the depth 220 of the Section 210 corresponds.

FIG. 1 c shows an embodiment of a third module 300, which has a section 310 for receiving second modules 200. The third module 300 is preferably designed such that it is suitable for inclusion in an analysis device. Furthermore, the third module 300 has a cuboid section 310, the dimensions of which preferably correspond to the external dimensions of, for example, a second module 200. In order to fix the position of the second module 200 within the section 310, the third module 300 has a stop 330, wherein the position fixation of the second module 200 within the section 310 can also be ensured by other suitable means. The actual fixing of the second module 200 within the section 310 is preferably carried out with a spring 320. In principle there is also the possibility that more Other second modules 200 are received by the section 310 of the third module 300.

The modules 100, 200, 300 are preferably joined together without additional clamping means, a corresponding tolerance in the external dimensions of the modules 100, 200, 300 ensuring that the respective outer shapes of the modules can be easily joined to one another.

FIG. 2 shows a possible combination of twenty-four first modules 100 with a square outer contour, each first module 100 having a cylindrical section 110. The first modules 100 are inserted in the form of a 6 × 4 matrix in the section 210 of a second module 200.

FIG. 3 shows a further possible combination of first modules 100. In this case there are four first modules 100, each with six cylindrical sections 110, which are inserted into section 210 of a second module 200.

The possible combination of first modules 100 shown in FIG. 4 represents a combination of the possible combinations from FIGS. 2 and 3, the shape and number of sections 110 additionally being varied. In this case, twelve first modules 100 with a square outer contour and one section 110 per first module 100 were combined with two first modules 100 with a rectangular outer contour and three or six sections 110 per first module 100 in a section 210 of a second module 200 , Six of the twelve first modules 100 with a square outer contour have cylindrical sections 110 and six cuboid, preferably cube-shaped sections 110. The three sections 110 of a rectangular first module 100 are cuboid, the six sections 110 of the further rectangular first module 100 are cylindrical. FIG. 5 shows a further possible combination of four first modules 100 with a rectangular outer contour, each first module 100, 294 having cylindrical sections 110 in the form of a 21 × 14 matrix. The four first modules 100 are inserted adjacent to one another in the section 210 of a second module 200.

In the combination option for first modules 100 shown in FIG. 6, a honeycomb or hexagonal outer contour of the first modules 100 was selected. In FIG. 6 too, each of the first modules 100 has a cylindrical section 110. In the present case, thirty-two first modules 100 are inserted in the section 210 of a second module 200.

LIST OF REFERENCES:

100 - first modules

110 - Section for receiving samples 120 - Height of the first module

200 - second module

210 - Section for accommodating the first modules

220 - depth of the section for receiving the first modules

300 - third module 310 - section for accommodating second modules

320 - spring

330 - stop

Claims

claims

1. Modular sample holder system which has at least the following components: (a) at least one first module (100) which is suitable for receiving at least one sample;

(b) at least one second module (200) which is suitable for accommodating at least one first module (100) and

(c) at least one third module (300), which is suitable for accommodating at least one second module (200).

2. Modular sample holder system according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one second module (200) has at least two first modules (100), the first modules (100) having the same or different shapes and the same or different materials.

3. Modular sample holder system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one first module (100) has at least on one side one or more sections for receiving one or more samples, the sections in the individual first modules (100) being the same or can have different shapes.

4. Modular sample holder system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first module (100) is designed such that it completely encloses the at least one sample.

5. Modular sample holder system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each individual section there are one or more samples which are the same or different from one another and where there is one sample per section, the samples in the respective sections are identical or different from one another are.

6. Modular sample holder system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the number of sections for sample reception is in the range from 4 to 1536.

7. Modular sample holder system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first module (100) is cuboidal, the individual side lengths being in the range from 0.5 mm to 300 mm.

8. Modular sample holder system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the depth (220) of the section (210) corresponds to 1/2 to 2/3 the height (120) of a first module (100).

9. Modular sample holder system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first, second and third modules (100, 200, 300) have a plurality of layers.

10. Modular sample holder system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that devices, in particular for sample treatment, are integrated in the layers.

11. Modular sample holder system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the devices according to claim 9 are also outside the first, second and third modules (100, 200, 300).

12. Modular sample holder system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first, second and third modules (100, 200, 300) are designed to be self-centering, so that they exactly assume predetermined positions when assembled.

13. Modular sample holder system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positions of the individual first, second and third modules (100, 200, 300) within the sample holder system and the positions and composition of the samples by means of a

Barcodes attached to the sample holder system can be saved.

14. The method for equipping first modules (100) of a modular sample holding system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first modules (100) are equipped separately from one another with at least one sample, contamination between the first modules (100 ) is avoided.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the assembly can additionally have the following steps both closed and alternatively:

(a) storage of first, second and third modules (100, 200, 300);

(b) drying first, second and third modules (100, 200, 300);

(c) transporting first, second and third modules (100, 200, 300) and (d) inserting first, second and third modules (100, 200, 300) into suitable analysis devices, the sequence of the steps (a ) until (d) is freely selectable.

16. A method for connecting first, second and third modules (100, 200, 300) of a modular sample holder system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of first modules 100 with at least one second module 200 and this second module 200 with at least one third module 300 is connected by means of at least one connection technology.

17. The method according spoke 15, wherein the connection technology is selected from the group: positive connections, screw connections, resilient connections, adhesive connections and magnetic connections.

18. Use of the modular sample holder system according to one of claims 1 to 12 in analysis devices for combinatorial characterization of the samples in relation to performance properties.