Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge for detecting one nucleic acid of a sample, including a plurality of functional volumes split into functional areas and a fluidic network of microchannels. At least three functional areas are fluidly connected to a central distribution hub of fluids by one or more hub-connected microchannels, the central distribution hub being capable of pumping and injecting fluids from a first functional area to a second functional area by passing through the central distribution hub; and at least three valves of hub-connected microchannels are arranged so that the at least three valves are adapted to be actuated mechanically by a single external cam-driven actuator.

Abstract: A biochip device includes a waveguide, chromophore elements, a diffusing structure, and a sloping surface. The chromophore elements are disposed on a portion of the waveguide and are configured to emit fluorescence in response to excitation by guided light waves transmitted by the waveguide. The diffusing structure is configured to generate guided light waves in the waveguide when illuminated. The sloping surface is sloped relative to a plane of the waveguide and is configured to direct excitation light into the waveguide, and the sloping surface and the waveguide are configured to deflect the excitation light to the diffusing structure to generate guided light waves within the waveguide. The sloping surface may be a face of a prism attached to or integrated with the waveguide, or the sloping surface may be a chamfer formed at an edge of the waveguide.

Abstract: A biochip device includes a stratified structure, a light coupler, and an optofluidic portion. The stratified structure includes a top layer having a refractive index n1, a bottom layer having a refractive index n3, and an intermediate layer between the top and bottom layers having a refractive index n2. The light coupler optically couples a light source and the top layer to generate waves that are guided in a plurality of directions inside the top layer. The optofluidic portion is supported on a surface of the top layer and includes a hybridizing chamber containing a hybridizing solution and pads supported on the surface of the top layer and situated within the hybridizing chamber. Probe molecules are deposited on the pads. The refractive index n2 of the intermediate layer is greater than or equal to a highest index of refraction of the hybridizing chamber and the hybridizing solution.

Abstract: A biochip device comprising a substrate constituted by at least one plate of material forming a multimode planar waveguide and carrying chromophore elements suitable for emitting fluorescence in response to excitation by guided waves having an evanescent portion, the device being characterized in that it includes coupling means for coupling excitation light with the waveguide in the form of guided waves, the coupling means being substantially non-directional.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge for detecting one nucleic acid of a sample, including a plurality of functional volumes split into functional areas and a fluidic network of microchannels. At least three functional areas are fluidly connected to a central distribution hub of fluids by one or more hub-connected microchannels, the central distribution hub being capable of pumping and injecting fluids from a first functional area to a second functional area by passing through the central distribution hub; and at least three valves of hub-connected microchannels are arranged so that the at least three valves are adapted to be actuated mechanically by a single external cam-driven actuator. A docking station using such a microfluidic cartridge and a process for analyzing a biological sample involving a docking station and a microfluidic cartridge are also described.

Abstract: A biochip device comprising a substrate constituted by at least one plate of material forming a multimode planar waveguide and carrying chromophore elements suitable for emitting fluorescence in response to excitation by guided waves having an evanescent portion, the device being characterized in that it includes coupling means for coupling excitation light with the waveguide in the form of guided waves, the coupling means being substantially non-directional.

Abstract: A cartridge for carrying out a method of analyzing the nucleic acids contained in a sample, includes a main body (1) produced in a substrate, in which there are formed at least one reaction chamber (6) and one detection chamber (10) for at least one nucleic acid likely to be contained in the sample, a microfluid circuit including a sample-injection member (7), elements (4 and 13) for respectively injecting fluids into and removing fluids from the cartridge, cavities, fluidic passages (2) and valves capable of closing them. The cartridge further includes (a) a first face known as the actuation face (16), from which the valves of the cartridge are actuated, and (b) a second face, opposite to the actuating face, including the detection chamber (10) for at least one nucleic acid likely to be contained in the sample, this face being known as the detection face (15).

Abstract: An imaging method and a device for detecting the fluorescence of a biochip by illuminating chromophores associated with probes (14) of a substrate (12) placed on a sensor (10) having photodetectors, e.g. of the CCD or CMOS type, a stop filter that rejects the excitation light of the chromophores being provided between the probes (14) and the sensor, the substrate (12) being separable from the sensor (10) after use so as to enable the sensor to be reused.

Abstract: A device for supporting chromophore elements suitable for emitting fluorescence in response to light excitation, the device comprising a substrate having a surface layer carrying the chromophore elements, forming a planar waveguide, and containing photoluminescent constituents which emit guided luminescence at the excitation wavelength(s) of the chromophore elements when they are excited by primary excitation light illuminating the surface layer. The invention is particularly applicable to biochip type devices.

Abstract: A device for supporting chromophoric elements comprises support means (1) for receiving, on an upper face (24), chromophoric elements (5) that can emit light under selected conditions, and means for concentrating light (3) to recover the light emitted by each chromophoric element (5) in a portion of the region around it and “deliver” that recovered light to a collecting device.

Abstract: A device for supporting chromophore elements suitable for emitting fluorescence in response to light excitation, the device comprising a substrate having a surface layer carrying the chromophore elements, forming a planar waveguide, and containing photoluminescent constituents which emit guided luminescence at the excitation wavelength(s) of the chromophore elements when they are excited by primary excitation light illuminating the surface layer. The invention is particularly applicable to biochip type devices.