Patent ID: 8372355

Claim:
A method for conducting a biological assay, comprising: providing microfluidic device, comprising: a substrate having a plurality of channels disposed therein, each of the channels having an inlet end and an outlet end; a plurality of reservoirs in fluid connection with the plurality of channels; at least one bi-directional diaphragm pump comprising at least three non-elastomeric membrane-based valve structures; a distribution valve disposed in fluid connection with at least two of the reservoirs and at least one of the channels, wherein the distribution valve is adapted to controllably direct a flow of a fluid material from at least one of the plurality of reservoirs to at least one other of the at least one of the plurality of reservoirs via at least one of the channels coupled to the distribution valve; and at least one insert disposed within at least one of the channels, having a reaction surface for interacting with the fluid material, wherein the at least one insert comprises a membrane; flowing the fluid material through the at least one channel including the at least one insert to contact the at least one insert; drawing the fluid material away from the at least one insert; and detecting an interaction on the at least one insert.