ES2953705B2 - LABORATORY ON CHIP (LoC) AND ASSOCIATED READER - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

LABORATORY ON CHIP (LoC) AND ASSOCIATED READER

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is a LoC (Lab on Chip, laboratory on chip) in which an analysis is carried out, and an associated reader, which allows the results to be obtained directly. The invention allows us to recreate countless biochemical processes on a microscopic scale. Furthermore, since the LoC has a microfluidic circuit completely isolated from the outside environment, both before and after performing the corresponding analysis, the reaction results will remain within the LoC for subsequent disposal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The development of devices for the automatic handling of small volumes of fluids is one of the areas with the greatest current industrial potential. In this sense, analysis systems are being developed that improve the functionality of traditional systems. This is due to the improvement that these advances represent together with biological or biochemical applications. In particular, it consists of minimizing liquid working volumes, minimizing cost and analysis times.

It is important to note that different laboratory operations, such as chemical reactions, measurements, heating, etc., can be integrated into a device. For this reason, the equipment needed is reduced to a small laboratory with the approximate dimensions of a credit card, or even smaller. This type of device is called Lab on Chip (LoC) and requires a reader, that is, a system that controls the management of fluids inside the LoC and at the same time manages all the electronic variables as results of the measurements. Therefore, it is necessary to define a coupling system between them, for the subsequent operation of the system. Furthermore, in certain cases, hermeticity of the LoC is required to avoid contamination of the reader and its environment in general.

LoCs based on physical microchannels have inlets and outlets, the first for the insertion of fluids, such as samples or reagents, and the second, for the exit of such liquids, and above all for the internal gas to exit as the fluid enters. liquid, so that said liquid can circulate through the LoC, since, otherwise, the increase in pressure within the LoC would counteract the movement of the liquids.

There are countless LoCs, the most representative being those based on microchannels, but with the exit open, and those based on movement by centrifugal forces. Regarding LoCs without a physical structure of microchannels, there are those based on electropheresis on dielectric (electrowetting on dielectric), in which case the LoC can be hermetic because the interior gas is redistributed to allow a new location of the fluid. The latter is not possible in current LoCs with a physical structure of completely hermetic microchannels, that is, without fluidic connection between the interior and exterior of the LoC.

A typical example of contact with the outside would be through the air in the tube that connects to the syringe pump and that drives the liquids inside the LoC. In the latter case, the actuators are in fluidic contact with the interior of the LoC.

As for readers for LoCs, they can be found of different types, with different couplings, and with different functions. For example, those readers whose associated LoCs do not require external actuation for the movement of fluids, for example, by capillarity. You can also find readers associated with centrifugal LoCs.

Of note are the readers for PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), where the LoC is inserted vertically and a cap is subsequently slid for adjustment and detection purposes. Other alternatives are readers where the LoC is inserted into a slot that directly aligns the detection areas with the detectors.

Regarding LoC drive systems, some can be found in which a plug moves through a hole due to the thrust of a plunger driven by a motor programmed with software. This system is provided with multiple orifices for fluid control and an outlet orifice, therefore, it cannot be considered airtight.

Other systems also comprise a drive system that separates the outside from the inside of the LoC, and also have a plug in a hole. Said plug is pushed with a plunger using a stepper motor controlled with a microprocessor. Due to the nature of the engine, the piston may move forward or backward.

Other systems also isolate the system from the drive system, with a system similar to the previous ones, and that can also move forward and backward to move liquids within a LoC. Additionally, these systems couple the plunger to the drive system.

In other alternatives, a drive system based on pressurized chambers is proposed, in which case, at the moment of disconnection it is no longer airtight.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is a laboratory on chip (Lab on Chip, LoC) and its associated reader, and belongs to the area of industrial engineering, particularly the manufacturing of devices for analytical purposes. Fundamentally, the sector in which the invention is applied is the pharmaceutical sector, for clinical analysis devices and drug production. In addition, it can also be applied to the environmental sector to measure parameters such as pH and hardness of wastewater or any other fluid, including the gaseous state. Another sector that benefits is the chemical and biochemical sector for carrying out reactions and analysis.

The invention can also be incorporated into the food sector, for devices for measuring parameters such as gluten or lactose. Also for DNA amplification by the polymerase chain reaction, or by LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal amplification). Finally, the healthcare sector can use the invention to create devices, portable or not, with encapsulated reagents for the analysis of biological parameters, especially for automated point of care.

Particularly, the object of the invention is a LoC in which an analysis is performed, and an associated reader, which allows the results to be obtained directly. The microfluidic technology used in LoCs allows the recreation of countless biochemical processes on a microscopic scale. These devices are made up of different channels and reservoirs that communicate the parts of the device. In addition to the channels, it is necessary to use pumps, electrodes, valves, electronic components, etc. to be able to recreate biological environments for study.

As indicated, the invention proposes a LoC and an associated reader. In the LoC, a microfluidic circuit is arranged completely isolated from the outside environment, both before and after performing the corresponding analysis. Additionally, the reaction results will remain within the LoC for later disposal. This LoC alone does not perform the analysis, it needs a reader to perform mixing, sensing, heating and other laboratory functions. This reader must be configured according to the structure of the LoC, with a drive module and a coupling module that allows the device to function properly. Furthermore, the configuration of the device allows the entire periphery to be used to maximize the movement of internal fluids.

The LoC keeps reagents hermetically encapsulated for storage. After inserting the sample to be measured, the LoC is closed and will remain hermetically closed until subsequent treatment in a waste plant. Said LoC comprises at least one piston always inserted, and which will allow the drive thanks to the reader. Furthermore, this LoC has no outlet, that is, the gas inside cannot escape to the outside, so that, in one of the embodiments of the invention, the interior of the LoC will be pressurized after its operation.

In turn, the reader has a corresponding structure to operate the LoC, so that it allows controlled management of both temperatures and fluids, as well as the management of all the information that comes from the LoC sensors. The method of inserting the LoC into the reader allows the use of the entire periphery of the LoC for the placement of drive modules.

In view of the above, the technical problem addressed by the present invention is the performance of chemical, biochemical, biological, and biomedical analyzes in a safe manner, that is, without contamination, due to the hermeticity of the assembly. This contamination can affect, for example, future sample preparation, such that subsequent results are erroneous. For example, the LAMP reaction for DNA amplification is extremely vulnerable to false positives caused by contamination. Pollution is also understood as towards the outside of the LoC for environmental reasons.

The advantage that this LoC and reader represents with respect to those present in the state of the art consists of being able to automatically carry out all types of analysis without contamination, from the outside of the LoC to the inside of it and vice versa, both equally important for the safety of the measures and the conditions of the places where the analysis is carried out. All this due to the hermetic encapsulation of reagents, as well as the hermeticity of the LoC itself and the mechanical-electronic interface between the reader and the LoC.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, in accordance with a preferred example of its practical implementation, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description. where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figure 1.- Shows a view of the top (left) and bottom (right) of the lab-on-chip.

Figure 2.- Shows a section of the laboratory on chip in a first embodiment.

Figure 3.- Shows a section of the laboratory on chip is a second embodiment.

Figure 4.- Shows a top view of the reader.

Figure 5.- Shows a section of the reader with the grip and plunger disengaged (above) and a top view of the reader with the grip and plunger engaged (bottom).

Figure 6.- Shows a section of the reader with the platform open and the laboratory chip not inserted.

Figure 7.- Shows a section of the reader with the platform with the laboratory-on-chip inserted and the platform closed.

Figure 8.- Shows a top view of the laboratory-on-chip with the plungers injecting reagents.

Figure 9.- Shows the laboratory on chip with an exit hole in the depressurization chamber.

Figure 10.- Shows the laboratory-on-chip with an additional plunger for depressurization of the interior of the microfluidic circuit.

Figure 11.- Shows a section of the on-chip laboratory and the reader in an embodiment in which the coupling is carried out by vertical insertion and the closure with a sliding lid.

Figure 12.- Shows a section of the laboratory-on-chip and the reader in an embodiment in which the coupling is done by vertical insertion and the closure with a rotating lid

Figure 13.- Shows an embodiment with the laboratory on a square chip with plungers throughout its periphery (12 plungers) and its associated reader.

Figure 14.- Shows an embodiment with the circular chip laboratory with plungers throughout its periphery (16 plungers) and its associated reader.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the laboratory on chip (LoC,Lab on Chip)(45) and associated reader, objects of the present invention, are described below, with the help of Figures 1 to 14.

Figure 1 shows a plan view of the disassembled LoC (45). As shown, the LoC (45) comprises a microfluidic circuit (1) manufactured in a support that closes it from above, which in this example of embodiment of the invention is a methacrylate sheet. The support rests on a sealing sheet (26) that closes the microfluidic circuit (1) from below, on a face opposite the support. The LoC (45) is airtight from the moment it is finished assembling until its operation ends.

For its part, the microfluidic circuit (1) comprises a set of microchannels (2, 3, 4, 5) that connect microchambers (25, 6, 7, 8) with one or more structures for the hermetic storage of reagents and samples. (9, 10, 11).

The structures for the hermetic storage of reagents and samples (9, 10, 11) comprise liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18) in which liquid injection holes (28, 29, 34) are arranged and some gas outlet orifices (30, 31, 34), which are accessible from the outside of the LoC (45).

The liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18) are the equivalent of the barrel of a syringe, and linked to these, the LoC (45) comprises one or more plungers (12, 13, 14), three in this case, so that the plungers (12, 13, 14) are inserted into the liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18).

For their part, the microcameras (25, 6, 7, 8) can be classified into:

- One or more release microchambers (25), shown in the section of Figure 2, the LoC (45) comprising one for each liquid storage chamber (16, 17, 18), so that a reagent (69, 70) that is introduced into the liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18) then passes to its corresponding release microchamber (25).

- One or more analysis microchambers (6), shown in the top view of Figure 1, connected to the release microchambers (25) through the microchannels (2, 3, 4).

- Optionally, a depressurization microchamber (8), connected to the analysis microchambers (6).

- Optionally, a control chamber (7), also shown in the top view of Figure 1, independent and isolated from the rest of the microfluidic circuit (1), which contains a known control sample (either positive, negative or internal control ). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the LoC (45) comprises three control chambers (7), one for positive control, one for negative control and one for internal control with which to compare, in order to have a reliable result.

Figure 2 shows a cross section according to the AA' section of the LoC (45). As shown in this figure, the release chambers (25) are connected to the liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18) through first holes (24). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, to improve the circulation of the reagents (69, 70) inside the microfluidic circuit (1), these first access holes (24) for access to the release chambers (25) are sealed, and to Therefore, the LoC (45) comprises chamber sealing sheets (26). In this way, it is achieved that the reactants (69, 70) do not come into contact with the exterior or with the interior gas of the LoC (45).

In this way, the chamber sealing sheet (26) below, and the plunger (13) on one side close the liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18), whose only openings are the liquid injection holes. (28, 29, 34) and the gas outlet orifices (30, 31). Thus, when a reagent (69, 70) is inserted, which will be a liquid, air escapes through the injection orifices (28, 29, 34).

Once the liquid storage chamber (16, 17, 18) is filled with the reagent (69, 70) and therefore all the air has come out, the reagent (69, 70) remains inside. Afterwards, the injection holes (28, 29, 34) are covered with a hole sealing sheet (32), as shown in Figure 2, so that when pushing with the plunger (12, 13, 14), the reagent (69, 70) does not go outside, and moves towards the release chamber (25), and which connects with the rest of the microchannels (2, 3, 4, 5).

Although the liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18) are sealed with the chamber sealing sheet (26), when pressure is applied with the plunger (12, 13, 14) the sealing sheet is peeled off. of the chamber (26) and the liquid passes into the release chamber (25).

In one aspect of the invention, as shown in Figure 2, the microfluidic circuit comprises a second microchannel (5) in which the first microchannels (2, 3, 4) converge and which connects them with the analysis microchambers. (6). This second microchannel (5) is taller than the analysis microchambers (6). With this, a larger liquid passage section is achieved, and thus the advance control of the fluid interface in that microchannel (5) is more exact.

Additionally, as indicated above, to achieve a complete seal of the LoC (45), it comprises a sealing sheet of the structure (27), which is arranged in such a way that it separates the microfluidic circuit (1) from the outside, both the microfluidic channels (2, 3, 4, 5) as the microchambers (25, 5, 6, 7) at an end opposite the support.

Once the microfluidic circuit (1) is sealed, the three syringe plungers (12, 13, 14) are inserted into the liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18).

The microfluidic circuit (1), in addition to microchannels (2, 3, 4, 5) and microchambers (25, 6, 7, 8) may comprise other additional fluidic elements such as separators, filters and mixers.

Finally, on the right of Figure 1 there is a view of a lower structure, which is fixed to the sealing sheet of the base of the LoC (27) on a face opposite to the upper structure. The lower structure comprises a through hole (21) arranged in a section of the microfluidic circuit in which the analysis microchambers (6) are arranged.

In one embodiment of the invention, the lower structure is a control module, particularly a printed circuit board (PCB) (19) associated with the microfluidic circuit (1). Electronic sensors and actuators are integrated into the PCB (19), which have an electrical connection with the reader (35) through an integrated connector (20), shown in Figure 2. The PCB (19) also includes a through hole ( 21), which allows the optical connection of the LoC (45) to a sensor and an actuator belonging to the reader (35).

Additionally, the PCB (19) may comprise additional elements selected, but not limited to: heaters, temperature sensors, LEDs or phototransistors, which interact with the microfluidic circuit (1).

The PCB (19) is attached to the sealing sheet of the structure (27) so that there is a small gap between them, with screws or rivets using holes (73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79 , 80) arranged on the support and on the PCB (19) correspondingly. The PCB (19) and microfluidic circuit holder (1) can also be glued or soldered.

Once the LoC (45) is assembled, a reagent (69, 70) can be inserted through the injection holes (28, 29, 30, 31, 34). Particularly, the reagent (69) is injected through a first injection orifice (28) so that the air exits through a second gas outlet orifice (30). The same operation is carried out to insert a second reagent (70), through a second injection hole (29) so that the air comes out through a second outlet hole (31).

Once the reagents (69, 70) are inside, the holes (28, 29, 30, 31, 34) are covered with a hole sealing sheet (32). At this time, the LoC (45) can be kept at a low temperature for storage.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, there is the possibility of eliminating the chamber sealing sheet (26) so that the encapsulation is carried out directly with the structure sealing sheet (27). For this, it is necessary that the release microchamber (25) be a circular crown-shaped chamber (75), whose cross section is shown in Figure 3 with the first hole (24) in its central part.

While in Figure 3, the chamber sealing sheet (26) is shown and below it is the release microchamber (25), which is of small height and, for example, circular, in Figure 4, it is observed that the release microchamber (25) is a circular crown-shaped chamber (75), of a certain height. In this case, there is a wall in the shape of a circular crown (if viewed from above). In Figure 3, which is a cross section, two walls are seen, on both sides of the first hole (24). With this arrangement, it is the structure's own sealing sheet (27) that closes the liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18).

This embodiment, from the point of view of mass manufacturing of the LoC (45), is very advantageous since it is much simpler to place a sealing sheet of the structure (27) than to have to additionally place the chamber sealing sheets (26). .

In this embodiment, the lower structure or the PCB (19) does not prevent the detachment of the sealing sheet from the structure (27). This is because the microfluidic circuit support (1) simply rests on the PCB (19), and is fixed with screws (73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79) in the four outer corners. This support is not perfect, and means that the sealing sheet of the structure (27) can detach locally from the crown-shaped liquid release microchamber (75). The detachment at the base of the crown-shaped release microchamber (75) causes a path of the order of 10-20 microns in height to open between the release microchamber (25) and the rest of the microchannels (2, 3. 4. 5). The reagents (69, 70) therefore circulate above the sealing sheet of the structure (27).

When using the LoC (45), the reagents (69, 70) reach the release microchamber (25) when the pressure of the plunger (12, 13, 14) detaches the sealing sheet from the structure (27). locally, that is, only in the area of the circular crown-shaped chamber (75) (and normally only in a part of the crown), and the reagent (69, 70) passes to the rest of the microfluidic circuit (1) .

To use the LoC (45), the sample to be analyzed is inserted into one of the liquid storage chambers (16) through its injection hole (34) until the microchannel (2) is filled, and Cover the injection hole (34) with the hole sealing sheet (32). Once this is done, the LoC (45) is available to be inserted into the reader.

The other fundamental element of the invention is the reader (35). A plan view is shown in Figure 4, while a cross section BB' is shown in Figure 5 above. The reader (35) may comprise a space intended to house a battery (81), which makes it portable, as well as electronic circuits and linear or rotary piston actuators (36, 37, 38) that are linked to the pistons (12). , 13, 14), so that they can introduce them into the liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18), propelling the reagents (69, 70) towards the release microchambers (25).

Particularly, the plungers (12, 13, 14) are coupled to the plunger actuators (36, 37, 38) through fasteners (39, 40, 41), as shown in Figure 5. At the top Figure 5 shows a cross section in which the fastening (40) and the plunger (13) can be seen without being coupled. In the lower part of Figure 5, the plan view of the plunger (13) inserted in the holder (40) is represented. The rest of the plungers (12, 13, 14) are inserted into the holders (39, 40, 41) in the same way, and at the same time. The clamping will be valid as long as it allows the movement of the plunger (12, 13, 14) in one or both directions. In this way, the mechanical-electric connection of the LoC (45) with the reader (35) is resolved.

Additionally, the reader (35) comprises a protruding printed circuit board (42) that has electronic connectors (43). Furthermore, the reader (35) may comprise an electrical connector (82) intended to be connected to the electrical network from which to power it. Finally, the reader (35) may comprise a user interface (83) for presenting information thereto, as well as for the user to configure the reader (35).

In order to couple the LoC (45) to the reader (35), in one aspect of the invention, the reader (35) comprises a platform (44) with a first structure in which the plunger actuators (36, 37, 38), and a second structure (47), articulated with respect to the first, in which the LoC (45) is introduced. As shown in Figure 6, the second structure (47) folds and couples with the first, once the LoC (45) has been received, as reflected in Figure 7.

Specifically, Figure 6 shows a side view of the reader (35) with the LoC (45) prior to its insertion into the second structure (47) of the platform (44), in the open position. The assembled LoC (45) is housed in the second structure (47) of the platform (44) thanks to guides (46) by which it is placed in its correct place. Subsequently, the second structure (47) of the platform (44) is folded manually or automatically, so that the pistons (12, 13, 14) of the LoC (45) fit into the fastenings (39, 40, 41). of the reader (35) and at the same time the integrated connector (20) of the LoC (45) comes into electrical contact with a connector (43) of the reader (35). This form of insertion and those that will be discussed, allow the use of the entire periphery of the LoC (45) for the placement of plungers (12, 13, 14), and the subsequent simultaneous insertion of said plungers (12, 13, 14). in the reader (35).

Once the platform (44) is closed, as shown in Figure 7, an actuator (48), preferably optical, arranged in the second structure (47) of the platform (44) faces a sensor (49), preferably optical reader (35), arranged in the first structure of the platform (44), on a side opposite to the sensor (49). There is an optical path between the actuator (48) and the sensor (49) thanks to the hole (21) in the lower structure or the PCB (19) of the LoC (45). The sensor (49) and the actuator (48) may alternatively be magnetic, electronic or mechanical sensors and actuators, or a combination thereof.

The product of the reaction that occurs in the microfluidic circuit (1) will be housed in the measurement microchambers (6) that are in the optical path, or will pass through a microchannel (2, 3, 4, 5) that traverse the optical path.

In this example of embodiment of the invention, the invention as a whole works in the following way. Starting from the rest situation, the reader (35) activates a first actuator (39) so that the reagent (70) is released and introduced into the microchannel (4). Subsequently, the same reader (35) activates the first and second plunger actuators (37, 39) at the same time, and the sample and reagent reaction (69) occurs in the microchannel (5), as reflected in Figure 8. Next, the reader (35) activates a third actuator (38) that inserts the reaction product into the analysis microchambers (6), as appears in Figure 13. The optical sensor (49) collects the result of the measurement and said signals are collected by an electronic circuit (50) of the reader (35). The number of optical actuators (48) and optical sensors (49) may be greater than one.

As in the advance of the liquids, the interior of the LoC (45) is pressurized because it has no connection with the outside, as indicated above, the microfluidic circuit (1) of the LoC (45) comprises a depressurization microchamber (8) of such a volume that the pressurization allows the advance of the liquids without the sealing sheet of the structure (27) coming off.

Finally, the LoC (45) is removed from the reader (35), leaving it completely hermetic, with the gas inside pressurized. Since there is no contact between the interior and exterior atmosphere of the LoC (45), contamination of the reader (35) or the environment surrounding it is not possible. In the case where contamination is not a problem, the LoC (35) may comprise an outlet orifice (51), shown in Figure 9, arranged in the depressurization microchamber (8).

Furthermore, any of the plungers (12, 13, 14) could act to depressurize the microfluidic circuit (1). Alternatively, in an embodiment of the invention, there is the possibility of reducing the pressure of the gas inside the microfluidic circuit reflected in Figure 10. To do this, the LoC (45) comprises a depressurization piston (52) connected to the microfluidic circuit (1) and an additional actuator (53) with an additional attachment (54) attached. If you want to depressurize the microfluidic circuit (1) of the LoC (45), the reader (35) activates the clamp (54) so that it retracts the depressurization piston (52) causing a decrease in pressure within the LoC (35). .

The insertion of the LoC (45) into the reader (35) allows for other alternative embodiments. In one aspect of the invention, the reader (35) comprises a platform, with a first structure in which the piston actuators (36, 37, 38) are arranged and a second structure, of the lid type (55) movable with respect to to the first structure, as shown in Figure 11. The LoC (45) is inserted vertically and downwards, so that the plungers (12, 13, 14) are inserted into the fasteners (37, 38, 39 ) and at the same time the connector (43) of the reader (35) comes into contact with the integrated connector (20) of the LoC (45).

Furthermore, the LoC (45) is fixed to the first structure of the platform (44) mechanically, by vacuum or by gluing. Once inserted, the cover (55) slides, manually or automatically, so that the optical actuator (48) faces the optical sensor (49) at the bottom, creating an optical path in which the sample will be measured. the analysis microchambers (6), as in figure 11.

In another aspect of the invention, shown in Figure 12, the cover (55) is foldable with respect to the first structure of the platform (44) to which the LoC (45) is fixed, as shown in wing Figure 12. If the folding cover (55) is closed, the LoC (45) is inserted in the same way, and fixed to the platform (44).

In another embodiment of the invention, the number of pistons (12, 13, 14) of the LoC (45) can be greater than three, so that they can be distributed throughout all or part of the periphery of the LoC (45). For example, in Figure 13 you can see the LoC (45) with three plungers (12, 13, 14) inserted in each lateral face, for a total of twelve plungers (57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68).

Furthermore, the LoC (45) can have any geometric shape to maximize the number of plungers (12, 13, 14) inserted. For example, Figure 14 shows a circular LoC (45) with plungers (12, 13, 14) around the periphery, and its associated reader (45).

If it is not a vertical insertion in the proposed formats, that is, horizontally, only one face of the LoC (45) can be used to insert the plungers (12, 13, 14), so that, in the case of a square shape ( figure 13), the other three faces of the square would remain inaccessible. So, neither on the sides of the LoC (45), nor on the opposite face to the plungers (12, 13, 14), could plungers (12, 13, 14) be placed in such a direct manner, losing efficiency in the fluid control and in the functionality and manufacturing of the invention.

Claims (13)

1. - Laboratory on chip (LoC,Lab on Chip)(45) characterized in that it comprises a microfluidic circuit (1) closed superiorly by an upper support and inferiorly by a sealing sheet (26) and a lower support, leaving the sheet sealing ring (26) arranged between the upper support and the lower support, in which the microfluidic circuit (1) comprises: - a hermetic storage structure (9, 10, 11) comprising: - one or more liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18) intended to receive one or more and samples (69, 70), - a liquid injection hole (28, 29, 34) and a gas outlet hole (30, 31, 34), arranged in each of the liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18), for which that the reagents and samples (69, 70) are introduced and some gases come out, - hole sealing sheets (32), which seal the liquid injection holes (28, 29, 34) and the gas outlet holes (30, 31), and - one or more plungers (12, 13, 14), inserted into the liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18), - some connection microchannels (2, 3, 4, 5), - one or more release microchambers (25), connected to the liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18) through a first orifice (24), and - one or more analysis microchambers (6), connected to the release microchambers (25) through the microchannels (2, 3, 4, 5), the lower support comprising a through hole (21) associated with a section of the microfluidic circuit (1) in which the analysis microchambers (6) are arranged. 2. - The on-chip laboratory (45) of claim 1, which additionally comprises one or more control chambers (7) isolated from the microfluidic circuit (1), intended to store a known control sample. 3. - The laboratory-on-chip (45) of claim 1, which additionally comprises chamber sealing sheets (26) arranged in the first holes (24) separating the liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18) from the release microchambers (25) and allowing only the forced circulation of the reagents and samples (69, 70) between the liquid storage chambers (16, 17, 18) and the release microchambers (25). 4. - The on-chip laboratory (45) of claim 1, wherein the lower structure is a control module (19) in which one or more elements associated with the microfluidic circuit (1) selected from: heaters, temperature sensors, LEDs and phototransistors. 5. - The on-chip laboratory (45) of claim 1, wherein the release microchamber (25) is a circular crown-shaped chamber (75), with the first hole (24) remaining in its central part, so that the sealing of the microfluidic circuit (1) is done at the same time as the lower sealing of the release chamber (25) with a single sheet (27). 6. - The on-chip laboratory (45) of claim 1, wherein the microfluidic circuit (1) additionally comprises a depressurization microchamber (8). 7. - The on-chip laboratory (45) of claim 6, wherein the depressurization microchamber (8) additionally comprises an exit orifice (51). 8. - The on-chip laboratory (45) of claim 1, which additionally comprises a depressurization plunger (52) connected to the microfluidic circuit (1). 9. - Laboratory-on-chip reader (35) (45), characterized in that it comprises: - a platform (44) intended to support the laboratory-on-chip (45) of any of the preceding claims, - one or more piston actuators (36, 37, 38), arranged on the platform (44), intended to be linked to the pistons (12, 13, 14) of the LoC (45), so that they can be introduced into the chambers liquid storage (16, 17, 18), propelling the reagents (69, 70) towards the release microchambers (25), - an actuator (48) and a sensor (49) that are arranged facing each other, forming an optical path linked to the first hole (21) of the LoC (45) arranged at the height of the microfluidic circuit (1) in which the analysis microchambers (6) and the control ones (7) are positioned. 10. - The reader (35) of claim 9, wherein the platform (44) comprises a first structure in which the plunger actuators (36, 37, 38) are arranged, and a second articulating structure (47) with respect to the first, coupleable with the first structure, which comprises guides (46) intended to guide the laboratory on chip (35) and position it in the second structure (47), coupling the plungers (12, 13, 14) to the plunger actuators (36, 37, 38) when the second articulated structure (47) is folded with respect to the first structure. 11. - The reader (35) of claim 9, wherein the platform (44) comprises a first structure in which the plunger actuators (36, 37, 38) are arranged, intended to take the laboratory on chip ( 45) coupling the plungers (12, 13, 14) to the plunger actuators (36, 37, 38), and a second cover-type structure (55) movable with respect to the first structure, intended to cover the laboratory-on-chip (Four. Five). 12. - The reader (35) of claim 9, wherein the platform (44) comprises a first structure in which the plunger actuators (36, 37, 38) are arranged, intended to take the laboratory on chip ( 45) coupling the pistons (12, 13, 14) to the piston actuators (36, 37, 38), and a second lid-type structure (55) foldable with respect to the first structure. 13. - The reader (35) of claim 9, wherein the sensor (49) and the actuator (48) are selected from magnetic, electronic, mechanical sensors and actuators, and a combination thereof.