A centrifuge unit for a microfluidic device for processing liquid samples includes a centrifuge cup and at least one centripetal force-dependent valve function.

In biosciences and related fields, it can be useful to study cells in isolation so that cells having unique and desirable properties can be identified within a heterogenous mixture of cells. Processes and methods disclosed herein provide for encapsulating cells within a microfluidic device and assaying the encapsulated cells. Encapsulation can, among other benefits, facilitate analyses of cells that generate secretions of interest which would otherwise rapidly diffuse away or mix with the secretions of other cells.

Provided herein are magnetofluidic cartridges of use in a wide variety of sample analysis applications, including nucleic acid amplification assays. The magnetofluidic cartridges include sample inlet wells and sample analysis wells. Temperature sensitive materials are used to separate the sample inlet wells and sample analysis wells from one another prior to performing a given sample analysis application. Related magnetofluidic devices, kits, and methods are also provided.

A method for operating an analysis device for carrying out an analysis process, more particularly by using a polymerase chain reaction, includes providing a cartridge having a microfluidic channel-and-chamber structure. At least one film bag containing a process liquid is disposed in a stick-pack chamber of the cartridge. In an opening step the stick-pack chamber or stick-pack chambers are heated to a temperature of 80 to 130 degrees Celsius, and in the opening step the cartridge rotates at a rotational speed of 20 to 80 Hz. A cartridge and an analyzer are also provided.

A method for collecting and analysing airborne particles, including a step of eluting particles precipitated on a collecting surface, a step of analysing the airborne particles collected in the reaction chamber, the eluting step being carried out by heating a first reservoir containing the elution liquid to a first temperature value, the analysing step being carried out by heating the reaction chamber to a second temperature value higher than the first temperature value, so as to: activate a detection reaction in the reaction chamber, isolate the reaction chamber during the detection reaction, initiate a device for sealing the reaction chamber, a step of sealing the reaction chamber.

A fluidic component including a fluidic circuit having at least one fluidic access through which a fluid is intended to pass, an actuator capable of expanding, a deformable membrane that can be actuated by the expansion of the actuator, sealing device for sealing off the fluidic access and including at least a body made of a meltable compound configured to adopt two states: a solid first state, a molten second state obtained under the effect of an increase in temperature, the body of meltable compound being designed to be moved in the molten state, by the expansion of the actuator, between a standby position and a distinct sealing-off position for sealing off the fluidic access.

A fluidic component intended to be associated with a heating module and in which there is formed a fluidic circuit including a fluidic channel intended for the circulation of a fluid, the fluidic channel including at least one passage for the fluid and a widened portion forming a location produced at the periphery of the passage, the component including a fluidic valve mechanism including at least an actuating element capable of expanding, trapped by at least one body made of a meltable compound in the location.

The invention is directed to devices and methods for performing rapid low-cost bioassays in self-contained disposable cartridges that provide efficient mixing of sample and reactants under a layer of liquid wax. Some embodiments additionally use gravity assisted distribution of sample and assay reagents in conjunction with an appliance containing all necessary valves, pneumatic sources, heat sources and detection stations.

An operation method of a multiplex slide plate device is provided. First, the multiplex slide plate device is assembled, including a slide plate, a sacrificial layer and a housing. The slide plate has reaction vessels, and the sacrificial layer has a microfluidic channel composed of an injection channel, a main channel and a distal channel. A sample solution is injected to the injection channel, such that the sample solution flows from the injection channel through the main channel to the distal channel, wherein the sample solution loads into the reaction vessels. Afterwards, an oil is injected to the injection channel, such that the oil flows from the injection channel through the main channel to the distal channel, wherein the oil removes the sample solution not loaded into the reaction vessels. Next, the sacrificial layer is heated to melt, and the melted sacrificial layer is mixed with the oil.

In an example implementation, a reagent storage system for a microfluidic device includes a microfluidic chamber formed in a microfluidic device. A blister pack to store a reagent includes an electrically conductive membrane barrier adjacent to the chamber. A thinned region is formed in the membrane barrier, and a conductive trace is to supply electric current to heat and melt the thinned region. Melting the thinned region is to cause the membrane barrier to open and release the reagent into the chamber.