A portable and completely self-contained apparatus(20) for detecting analyte and the methods of use thereof is described. The apparatus (20) includes a microfluidic cartridge driver unit (30), an optical inspection unit (32), and a control unit (28) and a power supply unit, which can run the binding and detection of the analyte without any fluidic interfaces to the instrument. The microfluidic cartridge driver unit (30) receives microfluidic cartridge (22) that holds a microarray and integrated microfluidic chip (24) for delivering the analyte to perform different process steps in the detection of analyte. A complete detection of analyte using the invention takes only a few minutes.

A microfluidic device for performing physical, chemical or biological treatment to at least one packet without contamination.

A fluid analysis system may include a stage configured to receive a sample holder including a fluid sample to be analyzed. The fluid analysis system may also include a fluid analyzer configured to monitor at least one characteristic of the fluid sample to be analyzed; and an inclined rail; wherein the stage is configured to move along the inclined rail to cause the sample holder to move with a first component of motion along an analysis axis of the fluid analyzer and simultaneously with a second component of motion orthogonal to the analysis axis of the fluid analyzer, wherein the first component of motion affects a focus of the fluid analyzer relative to at least one constituent of the fluid sample to be analyzed.

The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of simultaneously levitating a droplet above a nominally rigid surface and controlling its position and motion in a direction along the nominally rigid surface generally for use in microfluidics.

The present invention concerns a microfluidic device (1) for performing physical, chemical or biological treatment to at least one packet without contamination.