Microfluidic Devices

Abstract

Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.

1 . A modular system, comprising:
 a first module comprising means for capturing and purifying a target analyte and means for introducing said target analyte into a microfluidic device, and   a second module comprising said microfluidic device, wherein said microfluidic device is suitable for detecting or analyzing said target analyte.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said target analyte is selected from the group consisting of a bacterium, a virus, a spore, a eukaryotic cell, or a nucleic acid. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said target analyte is DNA. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein said analyzing comprises sequencing said DNA. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein said analyzing comprises amplifying said DNA. 
     
     
         6 .- 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A method of lysing or disrupting a target analyte, comprising:
 a) introducing a target analyte and a magnetic bead into the flowthrough tube of the traveling magnetic wave device comprising:
 a rotating pole piece;
 flowthrough tube; and 
 
 a magnetic fixed piece, 
 wherein said rotating pole piece, said tube and said fixed pole piece are arranged in a manner and comprise materials suitable for producing a traveling magnetic wave in said flowthrough tube upon rotation of said pole piece; and 
   b) rotating the pole piece of said device at a frequency suitable for accelerating said magnetic bead in one or more directions within said tube, whereby said bead lyses or disrupts said target analyte.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said target analyte is selected from the group consisting of a bacterium, a spore, a virus, a eukaryotic cell, and a nucleic acid. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said target analyte is attached to said magnetic bead. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said flowthrough tube is fluidically connected to a microfluidic device. 
     
     
         14 .- 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . A method of lysing or disrupting a target analyte, comprising:
 activating the probe of the flowthrough sonicator, comprising:
 a chamber suitable for containing aerosols; and 
 a sonicator probe, 
 wherein said chamber comprises a sample entry and sample exit, and said probe is positioned in said chamber in a manner suitable to sonicate sample positioned between said sample entry and sample exit 
   
       as a sample comprising a target analyte is resident within the chamber of said sonicator,
 whereby said target analyte is sonicated. 
 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein said target analyte is selected from the group consisting of a bacterium, a spore, a virus, a eukaryotic cell, and a nucleic acid. 
     
     
         19 . A method of mixing microscale or nanoscale solutions comprising:
 repetitively changing the flow direction of two or more solutions in a microfluidic device through a router or a “T” structure driven by two or more MOV valves or pumps, whereby said solutions are mixed; or   moving two or more solutions back and forth through a router or a “T” structure driven by two or more MOV valves or pumps, whereby said solutions are mixed.   
     
     
         20 . (canceled)