Patent ID: 7122153

Claim:
A self-contained disposable microfluidic biochip for performing multi-step reactions comprising: a multi-layered body structure comprising plurality of layers, including a first layer defining a plurality of reagent cavities and at least second layer defining a plurality of reaction wells connected via microfluidic channels; said reagent cavities respectively storing a plurality of reagents, wherein a seal is provided between the reagent cavities in the first layer and the microfluidic channels in the second layer; said seal comprising a separate thin film located at the bottom of each reagent cavity to prevent escape of fluids through said microchannels; and said thin film being breakable and allowing said reagents to be released sequentially into at least one of said microfluidic channels and said reaction wells one at a time; an integrated micro cap assembly located within each said reagent cavity comprising a pin for puncturing said thin film and a stopper slidable in each said reagent cavity to press a respective one of said reagents into said microfluidic channels; said reaction wells, allowing sample input, and allowing said multi-step reactions to occur by removing away a sequence of said reagents.