Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a first microchannel, a second microchannel, and a valve comprising at least an input port and an output port, the ports respectively connected to the first microchannel and the second microchannel, the valve designed to control a flow of a liquid along a flow direction (z) defined by the ports; wherein the valve further comprises one or more walls joining the ports and defining a hollow chamber that is wider than each of the microchannels in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction, the walls at least partly deformable along a deformation direction (?y) intersecting the flow direction, such that the walls can be given at least a first deformation state and a second deformation state, such that the liquid can be pulled along the flow direction substantially more in the second deformation state than in the first deformation state.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a first microchannel, a second microchannel, and a valve comprising at least an input port and an output port, the ports respectively connected to the first microchannel and the second microchannel, the valve designed to control a flow of a liquid along a flow direction (z) defined by the ports; wherein the valve further comprises one or more walls joining the ports and defining a hollow chamber that is wider than each of the microchannels in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction, the walls at least partly deformable along a deformation direction (?y) intersecting the flow direction, such that the walls can be given at least a first deformation state and a second deformation state, such that the liquid can be pulled along the flow direction substantially more in the second deformation state than in the first deformation state.

Abstract: Devices for detecting analytes or analogues thereof in a biological sample are disclosed. The device includes a solid support. The solid support has several juxtaposed zones. The sample is able to migrate from a sample receiving zone towards a detection zone. The analyte, if present, is detected in the detection zone. Both zones have material allowing a capillary flow of the sample through the zones. In between the zones, there is an intermediate zone of transport of the sample which is free from any capillary material. This allows the ample to migrate by gravitational forces on the support laid in a vertical position. Methods for detecting analytes or analogues thereof in a biological sample using the device are also disclosed.