Microfluidic devices, systems and methods for sample preparation and analysis

Abstract

The present disclosure provides microfluidic devices, systems and methods for sample preparation and/or analysis. A microfluidic device can include a first channel having a sequence of (n) chambers each having a first volume (v). The first channel can include one or more valves at opposing ends of the first channel that fluidically isolate the first channel. The microfluidic device can further include a second channel in fluid communication with the first channel. The second channel can include at least one second chamber having a total second volume that is at least equal to the total volume of the first channel (n*v). The second channel can include one or more valves at opposing ends of the second channel that fluidically isolate the second channel from the first channel.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A system, comprising:
 a microfluidic device comprising:
 (i) a first channel comprising a first valve and a second valve, and a plurality of chambers, comprising a number of chambers n, between said first valve and said second valve, wherein a chamber of said plurality of chambers has a first volume (v); and 
 (ii) a second channel comprising a third valve and a fourth valve, and at least one chamber between said third valve and said fourth valve, wherein said at least one chamber has a volume that is equal to at least n*v, 
   wherein said microfluidic device is configured to permit fluid flow (i) among said plurality of chambers of said first channel, or (ii) from said first channel to said second channel, or vice versa, wherein said fluid flow is directed upon actuation of at least one of said first valve, second valve, third valve, and fourth valve using fluidic pressure, pneumatic pressure, or a combination thereof.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of said first valve, second valve, third valve, and fourth valve comprises (1) a valve seat, and (2) a diaphragm adjacent to said valve seat. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein at least one of said first valve, second valve, third valve, and fourth valve comprises a pin, wherein said pin is configured to move towards or away from said diaphragm. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein at least one of said first valve, second valve, third valve, and fourth valve is a dome valve. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said microfluidic device further comprises a third channel in fluid communication with said first channel and said second channel, wherein said third channel includes at least one third chamber having a total third volume that is at least equal to a sum of said plurality of chambers and said second channel volumes (2n*v). 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein said first and second channels are substantially parallel to one another. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein (i) a first subset of said plurality of chambers in said first channel is in thermal communication with a first temperature zone, and (ii) a second subset of said plurality of chambers in said first channel is in thermal communication with a second temperature zone. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 2 , further comprising: a sensor array in fluid communication with said microfluidic device, wherein said sensor array comprises a plurality of individual sensors configured to detect at least one signal indicative of a reaction or one or more reaction products associated with a biological sample or derivative thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said system is additionally configured to permit said fluid flow to said sensor array. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein an individual sensor of said plurality of individual sensors comprises at least two electrodes that are in a Debye layer of a carrier comprising said biologic sample or derivative thereof. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein said carrier is a bead. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein said at least one signal is indicative of impedance, change in impedance, conductivity, change in conductivity, charge, or change in charge. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 2 , further comprising a controller configured to direct said fluid flow (i) among said plurality of chambers of said first channel, or (ii) from said first channel to said second channel, or vice versa. 
     
     
         15 . A method, comprising:
 a. providing a microfluidic device comprising:
 (i) a first channel comprising a first valve and a second valve, and a plurality of chambers, comprising a number of chambers n, between said first valve and said second valve, wherein a chamber of said plurality of chambers has a first volume (v); 
 (ii) a second channel comprising a third valve and a fourth valve, and at least one chamber between said third valve and said fourth valve, wherein said at least one chamber has a volume that is equal to at least n*v; and 
   b. directing a fluid flow (i) among said plurality of chambers of said first channel, (ii) from said first channel to said second channel; or (iii) from said second channel to said first channel, wherein said fluid flow is directed upon actuation of at least one of said first valve, second valve, third valve, and fourth valve using fluidic pressure, pneumatic pressure, or a combination thereof   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein at least one of said first valve, second valve, third valve, and fourth valve comprises (1) a valve seat, and (2) a diaphragm adjacent to said valve seat. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein at least one of said first valve, second valve, third valve, and fourth valve further comprises a pin, wherein said pin is configured to move towards or away from said diaphragm. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said microfluidic device further comprises a third channel in fluid communication with said first channel and said second channel, wherein said third channel includes at least one third chamber having a total third volume that is at least equal to a sum of said plurality of chambers and said second channel volumes (2n*v). 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein (i) a first subset of said plurality of chambers in said first channel is in thermal communication with a first temperature zone, and (ii) a second subset of said plurality of chambers in said first channel is in thermal communication with a second temperature zone. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising directing said fluid flow from said microfluidic device to a sensor array in fluid communication with said microfluidic device, wherein said sensor array comprises individual sensors that detect at least one signal indicative of a reaction associated with a biological sample or derivative thereof. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising directing said fluid flow to said sensor array. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein an individual sensor of said plurality of individual sensors comprises at least two electrodes that are in a Debye layer of a bead comprising said biologic sample or derivative thereof, wherein said at least two electrodes detect said at least one signal. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said at least one signal is indicative of impedance, change in impedance, conductivity, change in conductivity, charge, or change in charge.