A microfluidic device, comprising: a first channel having a sequence of (n) chambers each having a first volume (v), wherein said first channel comprises valves at opposing ends of said first channel that fluidically isolate said first channel; and a second channel in fluid communication with said first channel, wherein said second channel includes at least one second chamber having a second volume that is at least equal to a total volume of said chambers of said first channel (n ∗ v), wherein said second channel comprises valves at opposing ends of said second channel that fluidically isolate said second channel from said first channel; and at least a fluidic layer , an actuation layer , and an elastic layer sandwiched between said fluidic layer and said actuation layer , characterized that at least one of said valves comprises: a) a diaphragm in said elastic layer; b) a valve seat that selectively isolates an inlet and an outlet of said at least one of said valves; c) a chamber in said actuation layer , which chamber supplies positive or negative fluidic or pneumatic pressure to move said diaphragm towards or away from said valve seat , and d) a pin that is movable within said chamber relative to said diaphragm , wherein said diaphragm is configured to be actuated upon (i) movement of said pin towards or away from said diaphragm , and (ii) application of positive or negative pressure to said diaphragm . a first channel having a sequence of (n) chambers each having a first volume (v), wherein said first channel comprises valves at opposing ends of said first channel that fluidically isolate said first channel; and a second channel in fluid communication with said first channel, wherein said second channel includes at least one second chamber having a second volume that is at least equal to a total volume of said chambers of said first channel (n ∗ v), wherein said second channel comprises valves at opposing ends of said second channel that fluidically isolate said second channel from said first channel; and at least a fluidic layer , an actuation layer , and an elastic layer sandwiched between said fluidic layer and said actuation layer , characterized that at least one of said valves comprises: a) a diaphragm in said elastic layer; b) a valve seat that selectively isolates an inlet and an outlet of said at least one of said valves; c) a chamber in said actuation layer , which chamber supplies positive or negative fluidic or pneumatic pressure to move said diaphragm towards or away from said valve seat , and d) a pin that is movable within said chamber relative to said diaphragm , a) a diaphragm in said elastic layer; b) a valve seat that selectively isolates an inlet and an outlet of said at least one of said valves; c) a chamber in said actuation layer , which chamber supplies positive or negative fluidic or pneumatic pressure to move said diaphragm towards or away from said valve seat , and d) a pin that is movable within said chamber relative to said diaphragm , wherein said diaphragm is configured to be actuated upon (i) movement of said pin towards or away from said diaphragm , and (ii) application of positive or negative pressure to said diaphragm . <EOS>