Abstract: A micro-fluidic device 100 for performing digital PCR is presented. The device comprises: a semiconductor substrate; a first micro-fluidic channel 104, comprising an inlet 102 and an outlet 103, embedded in the semiconductor substrate; a heating element 101 thermally coupled to the first micro-fluidic channel 104; a droplet generator 107 connected to the inlet 102 of the first micro-fluidic channel 104 for generating droplets and pumping generated droplets at a flow rate into the first micro-fluidic channel 104; characterized in that: the heating element 101 is a single heating element connected to a temperature control unit 111 configured to cycle the temperature of the complete first micro-fluidic channel 104 through at least two temperature values; and wherein the flow rate of the droplet generator 107 is adaptable. Further, a method to perform digital PCR is presented using the micro-fluidic device 100.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic device 100 for performing digital PCR is presented. The device comprises: a semiconductor substrate; a first micro-fluidic channel 104, comprising an inlet 102 and an outlet 103, embedded in the semiconductor substrate; a heating element 101 thermally coupled to the first micro-fluidic channel 104; a droplet generator 107 connected to the inlet 102 of the first micro-fluidic channel 104 for generating droplets and pumping generated droplets at a flow rate into the first micro-fluidic channel 104; characterized in that: the heating element 101 is a single heating element connected to a temperature control unit 111 configured to cycle the temperature of the complete first micro-fluidic channel 104 through at least two temperature values; and wherein the flow rate of the droplet generator 107 is adaptable. Further, a method to perform digital PCR is presented using the micro-fluidic device 100.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic device 100 for performing digital PCR is presented. The device comprises: a semiconductor substrate; a first micro-fluidic channel 104, comprising an inlet 102 and an outlet 103, embedded in the semiconductor substrate; a heating element 101 thermally coupled to the first micro-fluidic channel 104; a droplet generator 107 connected to the inlet 102 of the first micro-fluidic channel 104 for generating droplets and pumping generated droplets at a flow rate into the first micro-fluidic channel 104; characterized in that: the heating element 101 is a single heating element connected to a temperature control unit 111 configured to cycle the temperature of the complete first micro-fluidic channel 104 through at least two temperature values; and wherein the flow rate of the droplet generator 107 is adaptable. Further, a method to perform digital PCR is presented using the micro-fluidic device 100.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for analyzing target molecules. The device comprises a substrate retention device for holding a substrate having a functionalized surface provided thereon. This functionalized surface is adapted for capturing a plurality of target molecules. The device also comprises a light source for illuminating the functionalized surface and an image sensor for recording interference patterns of magnetic particles present on the functionalized surface. The device further comprises a first magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field to attract magnetic particles linked to the target molecules to the functionalized surface. The disclosure further relates to a method for analyzing target molecules.