WO2014150798A1

WO2014150798A1 - Interface for microfluidic chip

Info

Publication number: WO2014150798A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/024263
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert H. MELTZER; Joshua W. GRIFFIS
Original assignee: Pathogenetix, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-03-15
Filing date: 2014-03-12
Publication date: 2014-09-25

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an interface for providing fluid and electrical a microfluidic chip.

Description

INTERFACE FOR MICROFLUIDIC CHIP

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/788,641, entitled "INTERFACE FOR MICROFLUIDIC CHIP" filed on March 15, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present invention is directed to an interface for providing fluid and electrical energy to a microfluidic chip.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, an interface for providing fluid and electrical energy to a microfluidic chip is provided. The interface includes an interface port arranged to mate with a corresponding chip port on a microfluidic chip, the interface port providing fluid communication with the corresponding chip port when the microfluidic chip is coupled to the interface. The interface also includes a reservoir positioned in the interface in fluid communication with the interface port, and an electrode constructed and arranged to provide an electric potential to fluid in the reservoir.

According to another aspect, an interface for providing fluid and electrical energy to a microfluidic chip is provided. The interface includes a plurality of interface ports that are arranged to mate with corresponding chip ports on a microfluidic chip, the interface ports providing fluid communication with the corresponding chip ports when the microfluidic chip is coupled to the interface. The interface also includes one or more reservoirs positioned in the interface, the one or more reservoirs in fluid communication with the interface ports, the one or more reservoirs constructed and arranged to hold a fluid to be provided to the chip through the interface ports. The interface further includes one or more electrodes positioned in the one or more reservoirs, the electrodes arranged to provide an electric potential to fluid present in the one or more reservoirs, a sample receptor port configured to receive a sample, and a sample pathway configured to provide a sample from the sample receptor port to the microfluidic chip.

According to yet another aspect, an interface for providing fluid and electrical energy to a microfluidic chip is provided. The interface includes a plurality of interface ports that are arranged to mate with corresponding chip ports on a microf iidic chip, the interface ports providing fluid communication with at least one of the chip ports when the microfhiidic chip is coupled to the interface. The interface also includes one or more reservoirs positioned in the interface, the one or more reservoirs in fluid communication with the interface ports, the one or more reservoirs arranged to hold a fluid to be provided to the chip through the interface ports. The interface also includes a single sample receptor port configured to receive a sample, and a single sample pathway configured to provide a sample from the sample receptor port to the microfhiidic chip.

According to another aspect, an interface for providing fluid and electrical energy to a microfhiidic chip is provided. The interface includes a plurality of interface ports that are arranged to mate with corresponding chip ports on a microfhiidic chip, the interface ports providing fluid communication with at least one of the chip ports when the microfhiidic chip is coupled to the interface. The interface also includes one or more reservoirs positioned in the interface, the one or more reservoirs in fluid communication with one or more of the plurality of interface ports, the one or more reservoirs arranged to hold a fluid to be provided to the chip through the interface ports. The plurality of interface ports are positioned to provide an obstruction free, vertical path to a free surface of fluid present in the one or more reservoirs. The interface further includes a sample receptor port configured to receive a sample, and a sample pathway configured to provide a sample from the sample receptor port to the

microfhiidic chip.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide certain advantages. Not all embodiments of the invention share the same advantages and those that do may not share them under all circumstances.

Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure of various embodiments that incorporate aspects of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will be appreciated more fully from the following drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like features, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior interface system for a microfluidic chip; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an interface for providing fluid and electrical energy to a microfluidic chip according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the interface illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a exploded assembly view of the interface illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cover layer of the interface according to one

embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an electrode layer of the interface according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pneumatic layer of the interface according to one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a gasket layer of the interface according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a manifold layer of the interface according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the pneumatic routing in the interface shown in FIG. 2 according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a top view of the electrode routing in the interface shown in FIG. 2 according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The inventors recognized that there were problems associated with the prior interface systems for a microfluidic chip. FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional microfluidic chip 10 and an interface system which includes: a manifold 12 coupled directly to the microfluidic chip 10, a saddle made up of numerous wells 16, and numerous flexible tubes 14 connecting the wells 16 to the manifold 12. The wells 16 interface with pneumatics and electrical sources (not shown) to provide fluid and electrical energy to the microfluidic chip 10. Each flexible tube is press fit or screwed into a corresponding opening in the manifold. The inventors recognized that this prior interface system is complex and, thus, time consuming to assemble. In addition, due to the number of physical connections between the chip, the manifold, the tubes, and the saddle of wells, there is the potential for missing and/or incorrect connections. Due to this multi- component construction, there is also the potential for bubbles to become trapped at the connections between the different components. Also, the resulting interface system is large and cumbersome.

Thus, aspects of the present invention are directed to an interface for providing fluid and electrical energy to a microfluidic chip that is more streamlined and which consolidates the prior complex multi-component configuration. In one embodiment, the interface combines the above- described manifold and saddle into a single unit.

As set forth in more detail below, the interface may include a plurality of stacked components that are configured to engage with each other to form a streamlined layered interface. The interface may be configured such that once these layers are assembled together, the interface functions as a single unit. This interface design is easy to assemble and the risk for missing and/or incorrect connections is greatly reduced. Additionally, such a design may be much smaller and less cumbersome than the prior art interface system shown in FIG. 1.

Aspects of the present invention are directed to an interface which includes one or more interface ports that are configured to mate with one or more corresponding ports on a microfluidic chip when the microfluidic chip is coupled to the interface. The interface may further include one or more reservoirs which are configured to be in fluid communication with the microfluidic chip, and the interface may also include one or more electrodes that are configured to provide an electric potential to fluid in the reservoir. As set forth in more detail below, the electrodes may be located within the reservoirs.

Turning to FIGS 2-4, one illustrative embodiment of the interface 100 will now be described. As set forth in more detail below, in this particular embodiment, the interface 100 is formed of five stacked layers 120, 140, 160, 180 and 200 that are coupled together to maintain alignment between the layers. In one illustrative embodiments, one or more fasteners (not shown), such as, but not limited to screws or pins couple the layers together. Each layer may include one or more openings 122 extending therethrough to receive the fastener. It should be appreciated that the openings may be threaded to receive a threaded fastener. In one illustrative embodiment, each layer 120, 140, 160, 180, 200 is approximately rectangular in shape and an opening 122, 142, 162, 182, 202 is located in each corner of each layer to receive a fastener. The present invention also contemplates interfaces having different shaped layers, more than five layers, and less than five layers, as the invention is not limited in this respect. In one embodiment, the interface has three layers. In another embodiment, the interface has four layers, and in yet another embodiment, the interface has six or seven layers. Furthermore, the present invention also contemplates an integrally formed interface, as well as an interface where the layers or components cannot be easily separated from each other (i.e. components are permanently fixed to each other, such as by physically bonding the layers with an adhesive or a weld).

As shown in FIG. 2, the interface 100 has an electrical inlet or port 146 configured to mate with an electrical source (not shown). One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the electrical source may be a conventional electrical power source configured to provide an electrical charge to the below described electrodes 144 within the interface 100. In one embodiment, the port 146 includes a rectangular opening configured to receive a portion of an electrical power source, such as a plug.

As shown in FIG. 2, the interface 100 may also have one or more pneumatic inlets or ports 166 configured to mate with a pneumatic source (not shown). One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the pneumatic source may be a conventional pneumatic source that is configured to pressurize the one or more reservoirs in the interface such that the interface is capable of moving a fluid through the reservoirs and through a microfluidic chip. In one illustrative embodiment, the interface has a plurality of pneumatic inlets 166, which, as set forth in greater detail below, are configured to align with the reservoirs within the interface 100. The pneumatic source may include both positive and negative pressure sources, including a vacuum source.

The interface 100 illustrated in FIGS. 2-11 includes a cover layer 120, an electrode layer 140, a pneumatic layer 160, a gasket layer 180, and a manifold layer 200. The bottom surface 210 of the manifold layer 200 is configured to be coupled directly to a microfluidic chip (not shown). Each of these layers are discussed in greater detail below, but in summary, the manifold layer 200 has one or more reservoirs 204 that are positioned within the interface and are configured to hold a fluid, the electrode layer 140 has one or more electrodes 144 that are configured to provide an electric charge to the one or more reservoirs 204, and the pneumatic layer 160 is configured to selectively pressurize the one or more reservoirs 204 to move a fluid through the reservoirs and through the adjacent microfluidic chip. The interface 100 may also include a gasket layer 180 configured to provide a seal at the top of the one or more reservoirs 204. The interface 100 may also include a top cover layer 120 which protects the interface 100 and adjacent microfluidic chip from the surrounding environment. Turning now to FIG. 5, one embodiment of a top cover layer 120 is shown. As illustrated, the cover layer 120 includes a plurality of openings 122, 124, 126. As mentioned above, the openings 122 may be provided in each corner and these openings 122 may be provided to receive one or more fasteners to couple the cover layer 120 to other adjacent layers of the interface 100. The cover layer 120 may also include one or more ports 124 configured to receive a sample. As set forth below, the interface 100 may include a sample pathway configured such that a sample can travel from a sample receptor port 124 to the microfluidic chip. In one embodiment, the sample pathway extends substantially vertically through one or more of the layers of the interface 100. In one illustrative embodiment, the cover layer 120 may also include one or more openings 126, and as shown in FIG. 2, one or more vents 154 may be configured to extend through the one or more openings 126.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of an electrode layer 140. As mentioned above, the electrode layer 140 comprises one or more electrodes 144 that are configured to provide an electric charge to the one or more reservoirs 204. The electrodes 144 may be provided in certain pathways and/or reservoirs within the interface such that an electric charge may be applied through a particular portion of the microfluidic chip at a particular time. For example, a charged sample, such as a sample containing a nucleic acid, may be introduced into the microfluidic chip via a sample pathway in the interface 100. If the sample is charged, applying an electric charge through selected portions of the microfluidic chip may move the sample through the chip.

Depending upon the particular configuration of the chip, one or more electrodes 144 may be positioned to selectively apply a positive or negative electric charge through the interface reservoirs and through the chip to process the sample through the chip. As shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the electrode layer 140 includes at least 6 electrodes 144 which extend downwardly from a bottom surface of the electrode layer 140 and each of these electrodes is configured to extend downwardly into a reservoir 204 in the manifold layer 200. It should be recognized that in another embodiment, more than six electrodes are provided to extend into the reservoirs, and in another embodiment, less than six electrodes are provided to extend into the reservoirs, as the invention is not necessarily limited in this respect. In one embodiment, there may be four electrodes, and in another embodiment, there may be five electrodes or seven electrodes. As shown in FIG. 6, the electrode layer 140 may include a port 146 configured to mate with an electrical source (not shown). One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the electrical source may be a conventional electrical power source configured to provide an electrical charge to the electrodes 144.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the electrode layer 140 includes a plurality of openings 142, 148, 150. As mentioned above, the openings 142 may be provided in each corner and these openings 142 may be provided to receive one or more fasteners to couple the electrode layer 140 to other adjacent layers of the interface 100. In one embodiment, the openings 142 are threaded to receive a threaded fastener.

The electrode layer openings 148 may act as a sample pathway configured such that a sample can travel substantially vertically from the sample port 124 located in the cover layer 120 down to the microfluidic chip. In one embodiment, the openings 148 are configured to align with the sample ports 124 when the cover layer 120 is stacked on the electrode layer. In one illustrative embodiment, the electrode layer 140 may also include one or more openings 150, and as shown in FIG. 6, one or more vents 154 may be configured to extend through the one or more openings 126.

Turning now to FIG. 7, one embodiment of a pneumatic layer 160 is illustrated. As mentioned above, the pneumatic layer 160 is configured to selectively pressurize the one or more reservoirs 204 to move a fluid through the reservoirs and through the adjacent microfluidic chip. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, the pneumatic layer 160 may have one or more pneumatic inlets or ports 166 configured to mate with a pneumatic source (not shown). In one illustrative embodiment, the interface has a plurality of pneumatic ports 166, which are configured to align with the pathways 164 in the pneumatic later 160 to fluidly couple the pneumatic source to the reservoirs 204 within the interface 100. The pneumatic ports 166 may be provided to

communicate with certain pathways 164 and/or reservoirs 204 within the interface such that a particular portion of the microfluidic chip may be pressurized at a particular time. For example, the pneumatic layer 160 may be configured to selectively pressurize certain portions of the reservoirs 204 and/or microfluidic chip to move a sample through the interface 100 and through the chip. In one embodiment, the pneumatic layer 160 may be configured to selectively pressurize certain portions of the reservoirs 204 and/or microfluidic chip to move a fluid through the interface and into the microfluidic chip, and/or through the microfluidic chip.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the pneumatic layer 160 includes a plurality of openings 162, 168. As mentioned above, the openings 162 may be provided in each corner and these openings 162 may be provided to receive one or more fasteners to couple the pneumatic layer 160 to other adjacent layers of the interface 100. In one embodiment, the openings 162 are threaded to receive a threaded fastener.

The one or more pneumatic layer openings 168 may act as a sample pathway configured such that a sample can travel substantially vertically from the sample receptor port 124 located in the cover layer 120 down to the microfluidic chip. In one embodiment, one or more openings 168 are configured to align with the sample receptor port 124 when the cover layer 120 is stacked with the pneumatic layer. In one illustrative embodiment, the one or more pathways 164 in the pneumatic layer 160 may be configured to receive one or more electrodes 144 such that the electrodes 144 can pass through the pneumatic layer 160 and into the reservoirs 204 in the manifold layer 200.

FIG. 10 is a top view of one embodiment of the pneumatic routing in the interface 100. As illustrated, the pneumatic ports 166 are in fluid communication with the pathways 164 such that the pneumatic source can selectively pressurize the pathways 164 and the reservoirs 204.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a gasket layer 180. As mentioned above, the gasket layer 180 may be configured to provide a seal at the top of the one or more reservoirs 204. The gasket layer may be formed of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to rubber, such as Neoprene Rubber, or Silicone, or Latex as the invention is not necessarily limited in this respect. In one embodiment, the gasket is made of a durable repeatable sealing material that is capable of sustaining pressures within the range of approximately 5 psi to approximately 20 psi. In one embodiment, the device is configured to sustain a pressure of up to approximately 10 psi. As illustrated, the gasket layer may be formed of a sheet of material. Openings 182, 184, 186 may be punched into the sheet of material to align with ports in the adjacent interface layers. In one embodiment, the openings 182, 184, 186 may be formed into the gasket material with a water jet. It should be recognized that in another embodiment, the openings may be formed differently. The gasket layer replaces numerous O-rings that would be required in the prior art interface system shown in FIG. 1, enabling a more streamlined and easier to assemble interface 100.

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a manifold layer 200. As mentioned above, the manifold layer 200 has one or more reservoirs 204 that are positioned within the interface and are configured to hold a fluid. The bottom surface 210 of the manifold layer 200 is configured to be coupled directly to a microfluidic chip (not shown). As shown in FIG. 3, at the bottom of the reservoirs 204 is the bottom of one or more interface ports 208 which are configured to correspond with chip ports when the chip is coupled to the bottom surface 210 of the interface 200 such that the reservoirs 204 are in fluid communication with the microfluidic chip ports. As illustrated, the interface 100 may include a plurality of reservoirs 204 that are connected to separate sets of interface ports 208. The reservoirs 204 are configured to receive one or more of the above-described electrodes 144 such that an electric potential can be applied to fluid in the reservoirs 204. In one embodiment, the interface ports 208 are formed into more than one layer of the interface. For example, in one embodiment, the interface ports 208 are formed into at least the pneumatic layer 160 and the manifold layer 200. In one embodiment, the interface ports 208 are formed at least partially from the pathways 164 in the pneumatic layer 160 and pathways 212 in the manifold layer 200.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the manifold layer 200 includes a plurality of openings 202, 212. As mentioned above, the openings 202 may be provided in each corner and these openings 202 may be provided to receive one or more fasteners to couple the manifold layer 200 to other adjacent layers of the interface 100. In one embodiment, the openings 202 are threaded to receive a threaded fastener.

The pathways 212 in the manifold layer 200 may act as a conduit between the reservoirs 204 and the microfluidic chip configured such that fluid can travel substantially vertically down to the microfluidic chip. In one embodiment, the pathways 212 are configured to align with the pathways 164 in the pneumatic layer when the two layers are stacked together. In one illustrative embodiment, the pathways 212 in the manifold layer 200 may be configured to receive one or more electrodes 144 such that the electrodes 144 can pass through the pneumatic layer 160 and into the reservoirs 204 in the manifold layer 200.

The volume of the reservoirs 204 within the manifold layer 200 may vary, as the invention is not necessarily limited in this respect. In one embodiment, the reservoirs 204 are configured to hold at least approximately 1 ml. In another embodiment, the reservoirs are configured to hold at least approximately 5 ml. In one embodiment, the reservoirs 204 are configured to retain a volume of fluid that is large enough for extended chip operation so that the microfluidic chip can be used to run multiple tests without requiring a user to add additional buffer fluid to the system. In one illustrative embodiment, the reservoirs 204 are configured to hold a volume of fluid that is sufficient for at least five runs on the microfluidic chip. This may equate to a reservoir volume of at least approximately 5 ml. The reservoirs 204 may be used to hold a variety of types of fluids that one of ordinary skill in the art would understand to be used in connection with a microfluidic chip, such as, but not limited to a liquid buffer. Various liquids, such as Tris-Borate EDTA, or water are also contemplated. Other solutions, such as NaOH, HC1, non-polymerized acrylamide, and electro- osmotic flow suppressant polymers may be used for the initial fabrication of the device. In one embodiment, one or more of the reservoirs 204 includes a wash reservoir configured to provide wash fluid to the sample pathway. In one embodiment, the fluid may be pre-loaded into the reservoirs. In another embodiment, the fluid may be loaded into the reservoir prior to sample loading.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the electrode 144 routing in the interface according to one illustrative embodiment. As shown, the electrodes may extend axially through pathways 212. The pathways 212 may form the interface ports 208, such that the pathways 212 fluidly connect the reservoirs 204 to corresponding chip ports on the microfluidic chip. In one illustrative embodiment, the pathways 212 have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and the electrodes 144 are positioned substantially in the center of the pathways 212. With such a configuration, fluid from the reservoirs 204 can pass through the surrounding substantially annular shaped portion of the pathways 212. In one embodiment, the pathways 212 are configured such that the interface ports 208 provide an obstruction free, substantially vertical path to the fluid present in the one or more reservoirs 204.

The shape of each interface layer 120, 140, 160, 180, 200 may vary, as the invention is not necessarily limited in this respect. In one illustrative embodiment, each interface layer has a substantially rectangular shape. The shape of each layer may be selected to substantially conform to the shape of the microfluidic chip. However, other non-rectangular shapes are also contemplated.

In one embodiment, the interface may be customized for a specific microchip. In other words, the size and position of the ports, openings, pathways and reservoirs may all be customized to align with a particular microchip, such that the openings/ports in the interface align with the openings/ports in the microfluidic chip.

The interface may be manufactured from a variety of materials, as the invention is not necessarily limited in this respect. In one embodiment, one or more of the interface layers are made of a substantially transparent material, such as plastic. It is contemplated that the interface layers may be made of acrylic plastic (polymethylmethacrylate). The overall size of the interface may vary, but the interface is much less cumbersome than the prior art interface system shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the interface has a rectangular shaped body. In one embodiment, the interface is approximately 80 mm in one dimension, approximately 90 mm in another dimension, and approximately 120 mm in another dimension. Other sizes are also contemplated as the invention is not so limited.

The above-described interface is configured to include both pneumatic controls and electric controls to selectively pressurize portions of the interface and chip, and to selectively apply an electric charge to portions of the interface and chip. In one embodiment, pneumatic controls may be turned off such that the interface may operate with only electric controls. In another embodiment, electric controls may be turned off such that the interface may operate with only pneumatic controls. In one embodiment, the interface 100 may be configured such that each interface port 208 has different electrical and pneumatic requirements.

The interface 100 may be used in combination with a variety of types of microfluidic chips, as the invention is not so limited. In one embodiment, the interface 100 is used in combination with a microfluidic chip that includes regions having microfluidic channels of different depths, each of the regions being associated with one or more sets of the interface ports 208.

It should be appreciated that various embodiments of the present invention may be formed with one or more of the above-described features. The above aspects and features of the invention may be employed in any suitable combination as the present invention is not limited in this respect. It should also be appreciated that the drawings illustrate various components and features which may be incorporated into various embodiments of the present invention. For simplification, some of the drawings may illustrate more than one optional feature or component. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the drawings. It should be recognized that the present invention encompasses embodiments which may include only a portion of the components illustrated in any one drawing figure, and/or may also encompass embodiments combining components illustrated in multiple different drawing figures.

It should be understood that the foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention are intended merely to be illustrative thereof and that other embodiments,

modifications, and equivalents of the invention are within the scope of the invention recited in the claims appended hereto.

Claims

What is claimed is: CLAIMS

1. An interface for providing fluid and electrical energy to a microfluidic chip, the interface comprising:

an interface port constructed and arranged to mate with a corresponding chip ports on a microfluidic chip, the interface port providing fluid communication with the corresponding chip ports when the microfluidic chip is coupled to the interface;

a reservoir positioned in the interface and in fluid communication with the interface port; and

an electrode constructed and arranged to provide an electric potential to fluid present in the reservoir.

2. An interface for providing fluid and electrical energy to a microfluidic chip, the interface comprising:

a plurality of interface ports that are constructed and arranged to mate with

corresponding chip ports on a microfluidic chip, the interface ports providing fluid

communication with corresponding chip ports when the microfluidic chip is coupled to the interface;

one or more reservoirs positioned in the interface, the one or more reservoirs in fluid communication with the interface ports, the one or more reservoirs constructed and arranged to hold a fluid to be provided to the chip through the interface ports;

one or more electrodes positioned in the one or more reservoirs, the electrodes constructed and arranged to provide an electric potential to fluid present in the one or more reservoirs;

a sample receptor port configured to receive a sample; and

a sample pathway configured to provide a sample from the sample receptor port to the microfluidic chip.

3. The interface of claim 2, wherein the one or more reservoirs comprises at least two reservoirs that are each connected to one of the plurality of interface ports.

4. The interface of claim 3, further comprising:

at least one pneumatic port to the external environment fluidly coupled to each of the plurality of reservoirs.

5. The interface of claim 4, in combination with the microfluidic chip.

6. The interface of claim 5, wherein the microfluidic chip includes regions having microfluidic channels of different depths, each of the regions associated with one of the interface ports.

7. The interface of claim 6, wherein the interface is configured for multiple tests.

8. The interface of claim 7, wherein the one or more reservoirs are sized to hold adequate fluid for multiple tests.

9. The interface of claim 7, wherein the one or more reservoirs include a wash reservoir configured to provide wash fluid to the sample pathway.

10. The interface of claim 7, provided with fluid pre-loaded in the one or more reservoirs.

11. An interface for providing fluid and electrical energy to a microfluidic chip, the interface comprising:

a plurality of interface ports that are constructed and arranged to mate with

communication with at least one of the chip ports when the microfluidic chip is coupled to the interface;

one or more reservoirs positioned in the interface, the one or more reservoirs in fluid communication with one or more of the plurality of the interface ports, the one or more reservoirs constructed and arranged to hold a fluid to be provided to the chip through the interface ports;

a single sample receptor port configured to receive a sample; and a single sample pathway configured to provide a sample from the sample receptor port to the microfluidic chip.

12. An interface for providing fluid and electrical energy to a microfluidic chip, the interface comprising:

a plurality of interface ports that are constructed and arranged to mate with

one or more reservoirs positioned in the interface, the one or more reservoirs in fluid communication with the plurality of interface ports, the one or more reservoirs constructed and arranged to hold a fluid to be provided to the chip through the interface ports;

wherein the plurality of interface ports are positioned to provide an obstruction free, vertical path to a free surface of fluid present in the one or more reservoirs;

a sample receptor port configured to receive a sample; and