Abstract:
Devices and system for preparing samples are described. Such devices can comprise fluidic chambers, reservoirs, and movable structures for controlling the movement of samples. The device can also comprise functional elements for performing specific operations.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/580,035, filed on Dec. 23, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD  
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to fluidic devices that can facilitate preparation of samples. Moreover, it relates to sample preparation devices and systems. 
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]    A variety of methods are available to prepare fluidic samples for performing scientific experiments. However, some devices used for preparing samples can be expensive, bulky, and can have large dead volume space. Low cost, portable, reliable, and easy to use devices can be desirable to overcome such problems. With improved sample preparation devices, scientific analysis such as PCR, ELISA, or fluorescence/absorbance analysis can be perform more easily and accurately. 
       SUMMARY  
       [0004]    According to a first aspect, a device for performing fluidic operations is described, the device comprising: a fluidic chamber having a plurality of pairs of ports, a first port of each pair being located on a first side of the fluidic chamber and a second port of each pair being located on a second side of the fluidic chamber, each second port being opposite a respective first port; a plurality of reservoirs adapted to be fluidly connected with the fluidic chamber at each of the plurality of pairs of ports, the plurality of reservoirs configured to flow fluid from a reservoir on the first side of the fluidic chamber to a reservoir on the second side of the fluidic chamber, or vice versa; and a structure slidably moveable within the fluidic chamber, the structure having one or more openings adapted to be aligned through sliding of the structure with at least one pair of ports to allow fluidic connection between one or more reservoirs on the first side and respective one or more reservoirs on the second side, the one or more openings being alignable with a desired pair of ports through said sliding. 
         [0005]    According to a second aspect, a device for performing fluidic operations is described, the device comprising: an adapter comprising at least one pair of ports; a plurality of reservoirs fluidly connectable with the at least one pair of ports, the plurality of reservoirs configured to flow fluid from at least a first reservoir to at least a second reservoir; and a first structure associated with the adapter and displaceable with respect to the adapter, the first structure comprising a first channel arrangement configured to fluidly connect the at least first reservoir with the at least second reservoir, the first channel arrangement being alignable with a desired pair of ports through displacement of the first structure. 
         [0006]    According to a third aspect, a device for performing fluidic operations is described, the device comprising: a first fixed structure and a second fixed structure having a plurality ports; a plurality of reservoirs adapted to be fluidly connected with the plurality of ports, the plurality of reservoirs configured to flow fluid from a reservoir associated with the port on the first fixed structure to a reservoir associated with the port on the second fixed structure, or vice versa; and a structure slidably moveable between the first fixed structure and the second fixed structure, the structure having one or more openings adapted to be aligned through sliding of the structure with at least one port of the first fixed structure and at least one port of the second fixed structure to allow fluidic connection between one or more reservoirs associated with the first fixed structure and respective one or more reservoirs associated with the second fixed structure, the one or more openings being alignable with a desired pair of ports through said sliding. 
         [0007]    According to a fourth aspect, a method of performing fluidic operations using the device according to claim  2  is described, the method comprising: a) slidably moving the structure to align the at least one opening with a first pair of ports; b) transferring the fluid from the reservoir on the first side of the fluidic chamber to the reservoir on the second side of the fluidic chamber by flowing the fluid through the functional element in the opening; and c) repeating a)-b) a desired number of times. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
         [0008]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description of example embodiments, serve to explain the principles and implementations of the disclosure. 
           [0009]      FIGS. 1-7  show cross-sectional views of exemplary fluidic devices with a structure being slidably moveable in an axial direction. 
           [0010]      FIGS. 8-9  show cross-sectional views of exemplary fluidic devices with a structure being slidably moveable in a radial direction. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 10 ,  12 A- 12 E show cross-sectional and perspective views of fluidic devices with a displaceable structure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 13  shows the displaceable structure with a fluidic channel and a functional element. 
           [0013]      FIG. 14  shows a second displaceable structure located above another displaceable structure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of the displaceable structure associated with an adapter. 
           [0015]      FIG. 16  shows a close-up cross-sectional view of the displaceable structure associated with the adapter. 
           [0016]      FIG. 17  shows a cross-sectional view of a possible configuration of two fluidic channels in the displaceable structure. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 18A-18D  show cross-sectional and perspective views of fluidic devices with a structure being slidably moveable in an axial direction. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0018]    Some embodiments of the present disclosure describe devices, systems and methods for performing fluidic operations and fluidic routing. Samples can be prepared for various diagnostic and analytical tests, fluid routing, complex manifold replacement as well as other operations. Some embodiments can allow for manual and/or automated operation. The invention allows rapid and reliable operation. It is low cost and obviates many problems possessed by present design and systems. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, complex fluid routing and operations can be performed without (or with fewer number of) valves and channels. Furthermore, dead volume space can be very low (or zero) for fluid movement between fluids located at relatively long distances. The invention allows a universal way to perform very complex fluidic operations with a much simpler design. A sequence of operation can be established on-the-fly depending on type of sample thus allowing universal sample processing units. It also allows mix and match and on the fly reconfiguration and design, thus being a truly modular and customizable. It allows flexibility in sequence of operations depending on sample type. It allows parallel operations in some cases allowing multiple operations to run at the same time. The invention is useful for cartridge, lab on chip and other design approaches. The invention allows scalable design and the devices on these concepts can be made of a large range of dimensions. It also allows universal sample type input capability. Although we describe sample preparation for examples, the invention is also useful for wide variety of applications including fluid manipulation, chemical and biological analysis, food safety, drug testing, fluid metering and many others. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary device  100  for performing fluidic operations. In some embodiments, the device  100  can comprise a fluidic chamber  102  having a plurality of ports  104   a/b - 110   a/b.  The ports can be configured in pairs such that a respective port for a particular port is located on an opposite side of the fluidic chamber  102 , as shown, for example, port  104   a  and a respective port  104   b,  and so on. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, a plurality of reservoirs can be fluidly connected (e.g., luer connection) with the fluidic chamber  102  at one or more of the ports. Such configuration allows for flowing fluid from the reservoir to or through the fluidic chamber  100  to another reservoir connected with an opposite side of the fluidic chamber  102  at another port. By way of example and not of limitation, reservoirs can be syringes, custom shaped syringes, tubes with or without pinching mechanisms, planar reservoirs and channels with a chip, pouches, collapsible pouches, reagent storage, or cartridges. However, those skilled in the art would understand that other types of reservoirs can also be utilized. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, a slidably moveable structure  114  can be located within the fluidic chamber  102 . Such moveable structure  114  can have an opening  116  such that when the opening  116  is aligned with one or more ports (e.g., ports  106   a  and  106   b ), fluid is able to flow from one reservoir to another reservoir, through the opening. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the opening  116  in the moveable structure  114  can comprise a functional element  118 . A functional element  118  can be defined as a something that performs a particular function when the fluid flows through the opening  116 . By way of example and not of limitation, functional elements  118  can be one or more of a DNA binding matrix, lysis structure, plasma filter, cell filter, mixing filter, binding filter, washing element, mixing element, bacteria filter, virus filter, cytometry, analysis element, de-bubbler, di-electrophoresis, impedance spectroscopy, fluorescence/absorbance measuring elements, clear channel, capillary filling, and/or droplet generation. Therefore, when the fluid flows through the opening  116 , the fluid can have an interaction with the functional element  118 . In the case of the DNA binding matrix, when a fluid containing DNA flows through the DNA binding matrix, the DNA binds to the matrix, thus capturing the DNA. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, a fluidic pressuring mechanism  120  can be configured to facilitate movement of the fluid from the associated reservoir to the fluidic chamber  102 . Such fluidic pressuring mechanism  120  can be, by way of example and not of limitation, pistons, actuators, pumps, or valves. Pistons can have various sizes and shapes, for example, to function with a syringe. Actuators can be internal to the reservoir or external to the reservoir. Pumps can also be internal or external to the reservoir, and can be electrochemical pumps, parasitic pumps, electro-osmotic pumps or vacuum pumps. Electro-osmotic pumps can be used to pump elute buffer with DNA in the cartridge. In some embodiments, a membrane can be used to press down in the reservoir, thus forcing the fluid to flow. The fluidic pressure obtained from such fluidic pressuring mechanism can comprise positive or negative pressure. For example, the fluid can be pushed from the source of the fluid, or pulled from the destination of the fluid. However, those skilled in the art would understand that other types of pressuring mechanisms are possible to facilitate the movement of the fluid. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 2A-2D  shows an exemplary fluidic procedure for obtaining DNA. By way of example and not of limitation, a first reservoir  200   a  on a first side  210  of the fluidic chamber  208  can contain a fluidic sample such as a lysate mixture. The fluidic pressuring mechanism  214  can push the lysate mixture from the first reservoir  200   a  on the first side  210  of the fluidic chamber  208  to a first reservoir  200   b  on a second side  212  of the fluidic chamber  208 , through the opening  216  in the moveable structure  220 . As the fluid flow through the opening  216 , the functional element  218  (e.g., DNA binding matrix) can capture the DNA and the fluid can continue to flow through/past the functional element  218 , to the second reservoir  200   b.  Once the DNA is captured in the functional element  218 , the moveable structure  220  can be moved to a second position as shown in  FIG. 2B . In the configuration shown in  FIG. 2B , the moveable structure  220  is slid to the right such that the opening  216  is now aligned with a pair of second reservoirs  202   a/b.  The second reservoir  202   b  on the first side  210  of the fluidic chamber  208  can comprise a solution, by way of example and not of limitation, water to wash the DNA that is captured in the functional element  218  (e.g., DNA binding matrix). The fluidic pressuring mechanism  214  can be used again to push the water from the second reservoir  202   a  on the first side  210  of the fluidic chamber  208  to the second reservoir  202   b  on the second side  212  of the fluidic chamber  208 . A process can be repeated as many times as desired as shown in  FIG. 2C  according to the fluidic operation being performed, which can be determined by those having ordinary skill in the art. Finally, in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2D , a fourth reservoir  206  can comprise an elution buffer to elute the DNA from the functional element  218  (e.g., DNA binding matrix). A cartridge or a pouch can be connected with the second side  212  of the fluidic chamber  208  to collect the DNA as a result of the elution. An external ultrasonic or vibration device can be coupled with the reservoir (internally or externally) to mix the fluid in the reservoir. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, the moveable structure  300  shown in  FIG. 3  can comprise more than one openings  302 - 305 . Each of the openings can comprise the same or different functional elements  306 - 308  according to the desired fluidic operation to be performed. In some embodiments, the opening  305  does not necessarily comprise a functional element. Alternatively, the opening  305  can comprise a channel for routing the fluid from one reservoir to another reservoir. In some embodiments, the fluidic chamber can comprise more than one moveable structures, one on top of another. Such moveable structures can slides in an axial direction as shown or along a curved path. Therefore, more than one application or operation can be performed simultaneously. The temperature of the fluidic device can be controlled to optimize functionality (e.g. bonding condition) of the functional element. 
         [0027]      FIGS. 4A-4D  show alternative configurations of the fluidic chamber and reservoirs. By way of example and not of limitation,  FIG. 4A  shows cartridges  400 - 403  as reservoirs in addition to those shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . Accordingly, the moveable structure  114  can be moved along an axial direction of the device to perform the fluidic operation and ultimately fill the cartridges  400 - 403  with, for example, DNA from the functional element  118 . Additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 4C-4D , the pair or ports  404   a/b - 406   a/b  are not necessarily located directly opposite to its respective port. Alternatively, the cartridges can be replaced with tubes or well plate. Examples of applications using the method shows in  FIGS. 4A-4D  can include, for example, but not be limited to separating serum and plasma for ELISA or other immunoassay operations. Results can be read using, for example, fluorescence or other methods known by those skilled in the art. 
         [0028]      FIG. 5  shows an exemplary configuration of the fluidic device  500  when used to perform, for example, sample preparation for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The fluidic chamber  512  can comprise a plurality of ports  513  and have a moveable structure  501  configured to slide within the fluidic chamber  512 . The moveable structure  501  can have a first opening  502  with a functional element (e.g., DNA binding matrix) and a second opening  505  without a functional element. The plurality of reservoirs  504  (e.g., syringes) and the moveable structure  501  can be used to wash and elute the sample in a sequence as described in previous paragraphs. Cartridges  510 ,  511  can also be connected with the ports  513  and the cartridges can be further connected with other devices such as a hybridization chamber  506  or capillary electrophoresis  507 . The syringes used can be low cost syringes and the syringe can be direction applied to the fluidic chamber  512 . As a consequence of the moveable structure  501 , the fluidic chamber  512  can be valveless and channels having dead volume can be minimized in the fluidic chamber  512 . The amount of dead volume space is unaffected by varying the size and/or relative distances of the reservoir  504  and the moveable structure  501  since when the moveable structure  501  is aligned with the ports  513 , the entire opening  502  is part of the flow path of the fluid. When the moveable structure  501  is moved to a new position, the same opening can be used at the flow path, thereby almost completely eliminating any dead volume space. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, the syringes and the moveable structure  501  can be operated manually by a user or the entire operation can be automated by, for example, motors configured to move the moveable structure  501 , operate the syringes, and/or the hybridization chamber  506 . In some embodiments, a motor with a screw can be used to drive the moveable structure. For rotary design moveable structures, a stepper motor can be used. A single fluidic device can comprise both manual and automated operation so that in cases where power is unavailable (e.g., dead battery, emergency), manual operation can be used. The entire fluidic device can be a closed system thus avoiding contamination issues. 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, multiple lysis operations can be integrated in the reservoir and the moveable structure. For example, tough bacteria or gram positive bacteria can have beads. In such case, the sample can be placed in a lysis reservoir. Alternatively, there can be beads inside the moveable structure or the reservoir for bead beating. In some embodiments, cells greater than certain sizes can be retained to perform lysis, which can be helpful in the case of Malaria. In some embodiments, different DNA and/or RNA can be obtained through different sequences from the same sample from a person. Some embodiments allows for on-the-fly or field mix-and-match of modules for sample processing. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 6-7  show alternative configurations of the fluidic device. For example, the reservoirs  601  in  FIG. 6  is shown with springs  602  to cause movement of the fluid from the reservoir.  FIG. 7  is shown with a flexible pouch  701  as reservoirs. 
         [0032]      FIG. 8  shows an exemplary embodiment of a fluidic device  800  having a moveable structure  802  that can be configured to slide in a radial direction of the device as shown with arrow  804 . Similarly to the configuration of the fluidic devices shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , the fluidic device  800  in  FIG. 8  has a plurality of ports  805   a/b - 806   a/b  and reservoirs  803 . The moveable structure  802  can comprise one or more openings  807 , which can be aligned with the plurality of ports such that when the opening is aligned, by way of rotating the moveable structure  802 , the fluid can flow from the reservoir on a first side of the reservoir to a second side of the reservoir. Accordingly, the opening  807  can comprise a functional element  808  such as a DNA binding matrix. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 9A-9D  show a fluidic process that can be equivalent to the exemplary fluidic procedure for obtaining DNA as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D  using a moveable structure  802  that can rotate radially. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 10-11  show another exemplary fluidic device  1000  for performing fluidic operations, similarly to the device described for  FIGS. 1-9 . The device  1000  can comprise an adapter  1001  having at least one pair of ports  1002   a/b,  and a plurality of reservoirs  1007 ,  1008  that can be connectable with the ports. The device  1000  can also comprise a structure  1003  that can be displaceable with respect to the adapter  1001 . By way of example and not of limitation, the structure  1003  can rotate in radial direction as shown with an arrow  1004 . The structure can comprise a fluidic channel arrangement  1005  adapted to allow fluid to flow. The channel arrangement  1005  can be a single channel or a plurality of channels making up the channel arrangement  1005 . The channel arrangement  1005  can comprise a functional element  1006  within the fluidic path of the channel arrangement  1005 . 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, the plurality of channels can be adapted to allow flow cytometry using fluorescence, absorbance, impedance or other detection mechanism. Hydrodynamic focusing can be achieved with a 3D design of the plurality of channels in the displaceable structure. High pressure can be applied by using a piston to speed up the operation of the fluidic device. To perform fluorescence, absorbance, impedance analysis, the reservoirs can be replaced with light guides, fibers or other optical devices to optically connect light sources, filters and detectors to the fluidic sample. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 12A-12E  show a fluidic process that can be equivalent to the exemplary fluidic procedure for obtaining DNA as show in  FIGS. 2A-2D  and  FIGS. 9A-9D . By way of example and not of limitation,  FIG. 12B  shows when a fluid such as a lysate is flowed from a first reservoir  1007  to a second reservoir  1008  through the channel arrangement  1005  containing the functional element  1006  (e.g., DNA binding matrix), the DNA is captured in the functional element  1006 . Then,  FIG. 12E  shows the structure  1003  rotated such that the channel arrangement  1005  is now aligned with reservoirs  1009 ,  1010  and the fluid can be flowed from a third reservoir  1009  to a fourth reservoir  1010 . Such process can be repeated according to the number of steps desired to perform the fluidic operation (e.g. DNA binding). 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, a fluidic pressuring mechanism  1011  can be associated with the reservoirs  1007 - 1010  to facilitate movement of the fluid. By way of example and not of limitation, the fluidic pressuring mechanism  1011  can be pistons, actuators, pumps, or valves. Pistons can have various sizes and shapes, for example, to function with a syringe. Actuators can be internal to the reservoir or external to the reservoir. Pumps can also be internal or external to the reservoir, and can be electrochemical pumps, parasitic pumps, electro-osmotic pumps or vacuum pumps. In some embodiments, a membrane can be used to press down in the reservoir, thus forcing the fluid to flow. The fluidic pressure obtained from such fluidic pressuring mechanism can comprise positive or negative pressure. For example, the fluid can be pushed from the source of the fluid, or pulled from the destination of the fluid. However, those skilled in the art would understand that other types of pressuring mechanisms are possible to facilitate the movement of the fluid. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the first reservoir  1007  can comprise elute buffer, while the second reservoir  1008  can comprise water. DNA can be eluted into the water and mixing can be performed by pushing the fluidic sample through the functional element  1006  (e.g., membrane) in the channel arrangement  1005 . A reservoir of the final stage can be, for example, a microwell or a cartridge comprising a dry reagent, and the DNA can be deposited. In some embodiments, the reservoir can comprise a PCR buffer such that the PCR ready solution can be available without any dry reagents in a reaction structure. In some embodiments, the plurality of reservoirs can comprise wash buffers to wash the functional element, channels, or structure a desired number of times. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, a reservoir can comprise a lysate. The fluidic device can be configured such that the lysate flows through the functional element of the channel to lyse the desired cells. By way of example, the functional element can be an orifice for lysing particular cells, which is known by those skilled in the art. Alternatively, an electrical field can be applied to the channel. Another functional element can comprise a bead beating element to lyse desired cells. Consequently, a plurality of lysis operation can be performed and DNA can be extract using a single fluidic device having various functional elements. 
         [0040]      FIG. 13  shows a close up view of the displaceable structure  1003  having a channel arrangement  1005  with a functional element  1006 . The exemplary displaceable structure  1003  is shown as a substantially disk shaped planar shape. However, the displaceable structure can have other shapes and sizes, for example, substantially sphereical. Additionally, the structure  1003  can have a via  1012 , as also shown in  FIG. 14  with a second structure  1013  layered on the first structure  1003  and adapted to operate dependently or independently with the first structure  1003 . In some embodiments, when two structures  1003 ,  1013  are layered upon one another, the structures can be aligned such that the via  1012  of the first structure  1003  can be aligned with the channel arrangement  1014  of the second structure  1013 . Therefore, a reservoir can be connected with the via  1012  of the first structure  1003  and the fluid can flow through the channel arrangement  1014  of the second structure  1013 , while maintaining minimal dead volume space. Vias facilitate the fluid to flow from one structure to another structure. Alternatively, tubing or integrated pathways can be utilized (similar to wires or jumpers in a PCB) to fluidly connect two or more channels. 
         [0041]      FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of an exemplary adapter  1001  with the displaceable structure  1003  associated with the adapter  1001 . The locations of the ports  1002   a,    1002   b  can be shown on the structure  1003 , with slots  1501 ,  1502  in the adapter  1001  such that reservoirs (e.g., syringes) can be connected with the structure  1003  through the ports  1002   a,    1002   b.    
         [0042]      FIG. 16  shows a close-up view of the displaceable structure  1003  with the adapter  1001  and an exemplary reservoir  1007  such as a syringe connected with the structure  1003 . In some embodiments, the channel arrangement  1005  can be wide enough such that the fluid pressuring mechanism (e.g., a piston) can be configured to enter the channel arrangement  1005 , thus requiring less pressure to move the fluid. The problem with the fluid material sticking to channel walls can be minimized since the piston can remove any material that may be stuck on the channel walls. Conveniently, wider channels can be easier to fabricate. A functional element  1006  is also shown in the fluidic path of the channel arrangement  1005 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 17  shows a schematic drawing of an alternative channel arrangement in the displaceable structure  1003  where there are two separate channel arrangements  1701 ,  1702  for two distinct fluidic flow paths. 
         [0044]      FIGS. 18A-18D  show an alternative device  1800  for performing fluidic operations. In some embodiments, the slidably moveable structure  1801  can be a square or a substantially rectangular rod between two fixed structures  1807 ,  1808 . The fixed structures  1807 ,  1808  can have ports for flowing fluids from one port  1804  on one of the fixed structures  1807  to a second port  1805  on the other fixed structure  1808 , through the slidable moveable structure  1801 . The slidable moveable structure  1801  can have more than one distinct fluidic paths. For example, a first fluidic path can be a substantially vertical fluidic path  1802 , and a second fluidic path can be a substantially inclined fluidic path  1803 . The slanted fluidic path can be used to flow fluid from the first port  1804  on one of the fixed structures  1807  to a second port  1806  on the other fixed structure  1808 , thus fluidly connecting the two ports, wherein the two ports  1804 ,  1806  are not located directly across from one another. 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, the ports can be a luer connection to connect the ports with, by way of example and not of limitation, syringes. In some embodiments, the ports can be a vertical hole to connect the ports with, by way of example and not of limitation, plungers. In some embodiments, the fixed structures  1807 ,  1808  can have guiding structures  1809  to facilitate guiding and sliding of the slidable moveable structure  1801  in alignment with the ports. The slidable moveable structure  1801  can be made of materials such as TEFLON®, plastic with a low friction coating, or other hydrophobic coating material. Hydrophobic coating material can minimize the changes of the fluid leaking out of the fluidic device  1800 . 
         [0046]    In some embodiments, the fixed structures  1807 ,  1808  can have sliding regions  1810  in which the slidable moveable rod  1801  can be configured to slide against. Therefore, the slidable moveable rod  1801  makes minimal contact with the fixed structures, thus minimizing the surface area and friction between the slidable moveable rod  1801  and the fixed structures. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, the slidable moveable rod  1801  can be larger than the vertical distance between the sliding regions thereby allowing the slidable moveable rod  1801  be compressed and fit snugly to create a seal. The slidable moveable rod  1801  can be adapted to expand in a horizontal direction to accommodate such compression in the vertical direction. Therefore, the guiding structures  1809  can be located on the fixed structures with consideration for expansion of the slidable moveable rod  1801 . 
         [0048]    Various devices according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to perform plasma base pathogen detection (e.g., hepatitis). For example, a syringe containing blood can be connected with the luer connection port. A filter can be placed in the hole  1803 ,  1802  of the slidable moveable rod  1803  to capture cells yet allow plasma to pass through the filter. The lysate (e.g., blood) can be forced from the syringe, through the filter to a reservoir or another syringe on the other side of the filter. Next, a DNA binding matrix can be placed in the hole of the slidable moveable rod  1803  and the lysate can be forced from one reservoir to another, through the DNA binding matrix. By way of example and not of limitation, the separated cells can be used independently for various applications such as detecting malaria or HIV. A capillary effect can also be used for sample collection such as for finger pricks. 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, can be desirable to have air in the fluidic devices described in various embodiments of the present disclosure. The air can be used to dry the channels and/or the functional elements, or push out any remaining fluid in the channels. 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, dielectrophoresis can be performed in addition to filtering a sample concentration by way of evaporation. For example, a channel can be expanded and heated to control the flow of fluid from the channels. The shape of the channel can also be optimized to form a film of fluid in the channel to accelerate evaporation. 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, the functional element can be a filteration element configured to allow dead cell components to pass through the filter. Accordingly, cells larger than a selected side based on the filter will be captured by the filter and smaller cell will pass through the filter. 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, DNA extraction quality analysis can be performed by way of absorbance measurements. Thus, quality of the DNA can be determined before performing PCR reaction. 
         [0053]    In some embodiments, a sample can be homogenized in the reservoir. By way of example and not of limitation, a rotational grinder can be installed in a syringe to homogenize the sample. Then the fluidic sample can be withdrawn or pulled by other reservoir (e.g., syringe) by pulling the plunger of the other syringe, thus creating a vacuum. Alternatively, the reservoir comprising the grinder can also be configured to push out the fluidic sample. Homogenization can be performed on samples such as food, tissue, feces and/or soil. 
         [0054]    In some embodiments, various samples can be mixed in the reservoirs. For example, a first reservoir can comprise a first sample. Then, the first sample can be pushed to the second reservoir comprising a second sample. The second reservoir can comprise a 3D spiral shape to achieve thorough mixing. In some embodiments, if the texture of the reservoir does not facilitate ease of pushing out the sample, the sample can be pulled out by creating a vacuum as described previously. 
         [0055]    In some embodiments, comprehensive tests can be performed using the fluidic device according to the present disclosure. Such test can measure protein concentration, bio markers, nucleic acids (both pathogenic and genomic) and analytes using analysis methods known by those skilled in the art. Cytometry can be performed to conduct cell based analysis. By way of example and not of limitation, after cell filtration, flow cytometry can be performed on one portion of the sample while the other undergoes sample preparation for ELISA, PCR, real-time PCR and/or qPCR. In some embodiments separate ELISA or ELISA with PCR tests can be performed by using the fluidic device according to the present disclosure, thus reducing health related problems. 
         [0056]    In some embodiments, the fluidic device of the present disclosure can be used to separate blood serum, plasma and cells. Different filters can be implemented as the functional element in the moveable structure to achieve desired separation and analysis. In some embodiments, the functional element can be a bubble removal element (e.g., de-bubbler). In some embodiments, impedance spectroscopy can be performed. 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, droplet generation of the fluid (e.g., sample) can be performed by precisely moving the moveable structure. By way of example and not of limitation, two reservoirs can perform droplets of oil emulsion, which can then be used for digital PCR. An array can be integrated into the system instead of cartridges to hold the droplets. A low cost system can be made using the device described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 20100321696 published on Dec. 23, 2010 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 20110207137 published on Aug. 25, 2011, for qPCR for digital PCR applications, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Such system can be robust, low cost and portable. 
         [0058]    Examples of samples that can be processed using the fluidic device according to the present disclosure can include, but not be limited to swabs, whole blood, food parts (homogenized), stool, urine, other bodily fluids, soil, and/or forensic evidence. 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, the fluidic device according to the present disclosure can be fabricated using plain plastic, polymer, and/or metal sheets and drawing holes in such material by drilling, laser cutting, using a water jet, EDM, etching and among other methods known by those skilled in the art. Injection molding methods can also be used. Other fabrication methods such as laser fabrication, xerography, and other semiconductor manufacturing processes. Low friction coatings and lubrication can be used to reduce friction of the moveable structure. 
         [0060]    The examples set forth above are provided to give those of ordinary skill in the art a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their disclosure. Modifications of the above-described modes for carrying out the disclosure may be used by persons of skill in the art, and are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. All patents and publications mentioned in the specification may be indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains. All references cited in this disclosure are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference had been incorporated by reference in its entirety individually. 
         [0061]    It is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to particular methods or systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term “plurality” includes two or more referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure pertains. 
         [0062]    A number of embodiments of the disclosure have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.