The invention provides devices and methods using assemblies of shaped inserts coated with diverse binder materials optionally positioned inside conformal housings. The devices are capable of immobilizing target analytes of interest (e.g., specific or groups of biomolecules) and are optionally
usable as single units, linear strips or array formats. The coatings on the inserts and, optionally also on the inside walls of the housings, create variable gaps with narrow fluid paths resulting in enhanced
diffusion and absorption of target analytes from transiting fluid samples while exhibiting minimal resistance to flow or
back pressure commonly seen in conventional plug-type packings. The devices are intended for sample preparations requiring: filtering, enriching, separating, purifying of target analytes by selective absorption /
elution as part of desalting, buffer exchange and / or enrichment applications in analyses by
mass spectrometry and / or
electrophoresis; purifying biomolecules; culturing cells; analytical separation processes, and general chemical, biological and / or biochemical separations in manual or automated systems.