Abstract: The invention is directed to devices that allow for simultaneous multiple biochip analysis. In particular, the devices are configured to hold multiple cartridges comprising biochips comprising arrays such as nucleic acid arrays, and allow for high throughput analysis of samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices that can be used to effect a number of manipulations on a sample to ultimately result in target analyte detection or quantification. The device provides at least one magnetic microchannel that is capable of separating magnetic or magnetically-labeled target analytes from non-magnetic materials. Further, a magnetic microchannel may sort materials according to their magnetic response. Alternatively, magnetic or magnetically-labeled components other than the target analytes can be retained by the magnetic microchannel and are thus removed from the target analytes. Depending on the specificity of the binding ligand, one can either separate a vast population of analytes sharing a common binding motif, or specifically retain a rare target analyte because of its recognition of a specific ligand on the magnetic particle.

Abstract: A fluidic valve (125, 300, 500, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) switches a state of flow of a fluid in a fluid communication channel of a fluid guiding structure (505). Heating a bi-phase valve element (515, 1065, 1215) causes a change a state of the bi-phase valve element from a high viscosity state to a low viscosity state. A bi-phase valve element that clogs the fluid communication channel can be pushed into an expanded portion (135, 320, 520, 915, 1220) of the fluid communication channel by an application of pressure to the fluid while the bi-phase valve element is in the low viscosity state, unclogging the fluid communication channel. A bi-phase valve element can be pushed from a valve element source chamber (550, 1250) into the fluid communication channel by using a pumped fluid entering the source chamber at a pump inlet (551) while the bi-phase valve element is in the low viscosity state, clogging the fluid communication channel.

Abstract: A fluidic valve (125, 300, 500, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) switches a state of flow of a fluid in a fluid communication channel of a fluid guiding structure (505). Heating a bi-phase valve element (515, 1065, 1215) causes a change a state of the bi-phase valve element from a high viscosity state to a low viscosity state. A bi-phase valve element that clogs the fluid communication channel can be pushed into an expanded portion (135, 320, 520, 915, 1220) of the fluid communication channel by an application of pressure to the fluid while the bi-phase valve element is in the low viscosity state, unclogging the fluid communication channel. A bi-phase valve element can be pushed from a valve element source chamber (550, 1250) into the fluid communication channel by using a pumped fluid entering the source chamber at a pump inlet (551) while the bi-phase valve element is in the low viscosity state, clogging the fluid communication channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for enhancing mixing and hybridization kinetics in microfluidic assays. More particularly, the present invention is a device and method wherein changing the volume of a gas pocket within a microfluidic device enhances mixing and reaction kinetics therein. In an embodiment sonic frequency is applied to the gas pocket resulting in microstreaming phenomena, thereby resulting in enhanced mixing and reaction kinetics. In another embodiment, the gas pocket is fluidly connected to a microfluidic channel and the volume of the pocket is changed (e.g., by heating and cooling of the gas therein), which cause oscillating flow within the microfluidic channel, thereby resulting in enhanced mixing and reaction kinetics therein.