Patent ID: 8323586

Claim:
A 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 of a type capable of holding a material, coupled to at least one of the inlet end and the outlet end of at least one of 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 coupling with the at least one reservoir and at least one of the inlet ends, wherein the distribution valve is adapted to controllably direct a flow of the material between at least two of the plurality of reservoirs via at least one of the channels coupled to the distribution valve; and at least one insert configured to inter-fit within at least one of the channels and having a reaction surface for interacting with the material, wherein the insert comprises a membrane.