WO2005084808A1

WO2005084808A1 - Microfluidic chip frame

Info

Publication number: WO2005084808A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/050270
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Reinhardt; Martin Bäuerle
Original assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Priority date: 2004-03-08
Filing date: 2004-03-08
Publication date: 2005-09-15

Abstract

A frame (2;79;95) for a microfluidic chip (3;65;77) which can be used together with a laboratory apparatus. The frame (2;79;95) is adapted at least for one of the following features; - receiving the microfluidic chip (3;65;77), - protecting the microfluidic chip (3;65;77), - positioning the microfluldic chip (3;65;77) relatively to the frame (2;79;95).

Description

DESCRIPTION MICROFLUIDIC CHIP FRAME BACKGROUND ART

[0001] The present invention relates generally to microfluidic laboratory technology for chemical, physical, and/or biological analysis or synthesis of substances on a substrate with a microfluidic structure. It relates in particular to handling substrates with microfluidic structure.

[0002] Efforts in the field to miniaturize separation systems such as liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis systems are high because such miniaturized systems generally provide improved performance characteristics. This results in reduced production and analysis costs. Due to miniaturization the expenditure of coupling and handling the devices increases. Especially handling microfluidic chips with a complex fluidic channel system demands increasing efforts. Known in the art are glass chips fixedly glued on a plastic carrier as disclosed for example in the US 6,495, 104 B1. Another approach is to implement the miniaturized fluidic channel structure on flexible chips as disclosed in the US 5,500,071. Used for separation such microfluidic chips normally comprise very sensitive parts, which can be easily destroyed if touched by mistake. In addition, the flexibility of the material complicates handling and positioning before coupling these microfluidic chips with a laboratory apparatus, for example a mass spectrometer. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved handling of a microfluidic chip. The object is solved by the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are shown by the dependent claims. [0004] According to the present invention, the objects indicated are achieved by a frame for a microfluidic chip, which can be used together with a laboratory apparatus. The frame is characterized by one ore more of the following features: The frame is adapted for receiving the microfluidic chip or for protecting the microfluidic chip or for positioning the microfluidic chip relatively to the frame. Advantageously, very sensitive parts of the microfluidic chip can be protected during handling, storage, and transport. The frame can be touched and stored without destroying the sensitive parts of the microfluidic chip. Coupling with a laboratory apparatus, for example a mass spectrometer becomes easier. Additionally an exact and repeatable positioning process of the microfluidic chip relatively to the frame can be guaranteed. This also enables the exact positioning of the chip into a laboratory apparatus if the frame is positioned precisely in the laboratory apparatus.

[0005] The invention further relates to a microfluidic chip with at least one inlet port and at least one microfluidic channel, in particular for usage with a laboratory apparatus. The microfluidic chip comprises at least one spring. Advantageously, the chip can be moved against the restoring force of the spring to simplify the handling of the microfluidic chip.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment the spring of the microfluidic chip is used to move the chip from a second operating position back to a first non-operating position automatically after use. In the non-operating position it is possible to protect the chip and its sensitive parts automatically after use.

[0007] In another advantageous embodiment the spring is built of a plurality of patterned recesses in the material of the microfluidic chip. The recesses can be punched or cut directly into the chip in an easy and a cost-saving way. Additional parts are not needed. The material of the chip is elastic and builds the spring itself.

[0008] Besides this the invention relates to a miniaturized microfluidic device comprising a microfluidic chip according to any one of the claims 31 to 34 and a frame according to any one of the claims 1 to 30. The device can be used to inject liquid safely and precisely into a laboratory apparatus. During storing and handling the microfluidic chip can be protected by the frame against possible damage.

[0009] Finally, an advantage of the present invention is the use of a miniaturized microfluidic device with a frame and with a microfluidic chip. Advantageously, the device is fed into a laboratory apparatus. Because of its frame the device can be handled without endangering sensitive parts of the microfluidic chip and can be positioned exactly in the laboratory apparatus. After that the sensitive microfluidic chip is brought safely and precisely relative to the frame from a first position to a second position. The exact positioning of the chip in regard to the frame and due to this also to the laboratory apparatus is made possible.

[00010] The invention can be partly or entirely embodied or supported by one or more suitable software programs, which can be stored on or otherwise provided by any kind of data carrier, and which might be executed in or by any suitable data processing unit. Software programs or routines are preferably applied for maintaining the device and/or the microfluidic chip. Therefore the frame comprises an identification-tag, in particular a radio frequency chip. The chip can be programmed and read out by a transponder system connected with the data processing unit. In particular, a counter to count the amount of analyzed samples with the microfluidic chip is implemented in the radio frequency chip. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00011] Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be readily appreciated and become better understood by reference to the following more detailed description of preferred embodiments in connection with the accompanied drawing(s). Features that are substantially or functionally equal or similar will be referred to with the same reference sign(s).

[00012] Fig. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a miniaturized microfluidic device with a space frame, a handle, and an asymmetric microfluidic chip inside;

[00013] Fig. 2 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of the device of Figure 1 , but without the handle and microfluidic chip; [00014] Fig. 2A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a bottom layer of the device of Figure 2, taken along the lines A - A of Figure 2;

[00015] Fig. 2B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the bottom layer of the device of Figure 2, taken along the lines B - B of Figure 2; [00016] Fig. 3 shows a top view of the device of Figure 2;

[00017] Fig.4 shows a schematic partly bottom view of the device of Figure 1 ;

[00018] Fig. 5 shows the microfluidic chip of Figure 1 ;

[00019] Fig. 6 shows a symmetric microfluidic chip with an integrated spring; [00020] Fig.6A shows a detail view of the microfluidic chip of Fig.6 with elongated spring;

[00021] Fig.7 shows a miniaturized microfluidic device with a microfluidic chip, with a partly die-cast coating and with a protection flap;

[00022] Fig.7A shows a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 7, taken along the lines A - A of Figure 7;

[00023] Fig.7B shows a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 7, taken along the lines B - B of Figure 7.;

[00024] Fig.8 shows a top view of a feeder for the die-casting process of the device of Fig 7; [00025] Fig. 9 shows an inner view of the feeder of Fig 8; and

[00026] Fig. 10 shows a solid and foldable frame for a microfluidic chip.

[00027] Fig. 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a microfluidic device 1 comprising a frame 2 for a microfluidic chip 3 with a handle 5. The handle 5 comprises a half circular recess 7 for better manual handling of the frame 2. In a preferred embodiment the frame 2 or the handle 5 comprises not shown means, for example holes, pins or like, for interacting with an automatic gripper. The not shown gripper can also interact with the half circular recess 7 of the handle 5.

[00028] The frame 2 of the device 1 can be inserted manually or by the gripper together with the microfluidic chip 3 into a not shown laboratory apparatus, for example a mass spectrometer. [00029] The microfluidic chip 3 comprises at least one microfluidic inlet port 9, symbolized by some dots and at least one microfluidic channel 11.

[00030] Fig.2 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of the frame 2 of Figure 1 , but without the handle 5 and without the microfluidic chip 3. The frame 2 is build as a space frame comprising a bottom layer 13, a middle layer 15, and a top layer 1 . The middle layer 15 determines the height of the frame 2 and the space left between the layers 13 and 17 for the microfluidic chip 3. Simply by changing the middle layer 15 the frame can be adapted to microfluidic chips of different thicknesses. The layers 13 and 17 each comprise a window 19. The microfluidic chip 3 inserted into the assembled frame 2 is easily accessible through the windows 19 of the layers 13 and 17 as also illustrated in Figure 1.

[00031] In a preferred embodiment the frame 2 and its layers 13, 15, 17 consist of metal. They may also comprise foil, laminate, plastic or any other suitable material. The layers can be produced by stamping, laser or water jet cutting, die-casting, etching, or alike. The layers 13, 15, 17 can be glued together or can be fixed by screws, rivets, laser welding, or like and according holes 20 of any size. Additionally the handle 5 can be fixed to the frame 2 by on ore more of the holes 20. The frame 2 can have more or less than 3 layers.

[00032] It is to be understood that, throughout this description, wherever the term 'die-casting' is used, injection molding can be applied accordingly.

[00033] Figure 3 shows a top view of the frame 2. Advantageous the frame 2 can be labeled with a logo 21 , a bar code, a color code, a blank label to be marked manually or like. In the embodiment shown in the Figures 1 to 3 the top layer 17 of the frame 2 comprises the logo 21. [00034] Fig.2A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the bottom layer 13 of the frame 2 of the device 1 of Figure 2 with the spacing nose 23, taken along the lines A - A of Figure 2;

[00035] Fig. 2B shows a schematic crass-sectional view of the bottom layer of the device of Figure 2 with the locking nose 25, taken along the lines B - B of Figure 2; [00036] The layers 13 and 17 each comprise three or four spacing noses 23 and one locking nose 25. The noses 23 and 25 can be produced by forming blind holes 27 and 29 in the layers 13 and 17. It is also possible to produce them in any other way, for example by riveting, screwing, and gluing additional parts to the layers 23 and 25 or like. The blind hole 29 of the locking nose 25 is deeper than the blind hole 27 of the spacing nose 23.

[00037] Fig.4 shows a schematic bottom view of a part of the frame 2. In a preferred embodiment the frame 2 or the handle 5 of the frame 2 comprises at least one rib 31. Shown are two ribs 31. The ribs 31 can interact with means of the laboratory apparatus not illustrated in here. The top side of the frame is different compared to its bottom side. Consequently the frame 2 can only be fed into the laboratory apparatus in one correct way.

[00038] Illustrated with 'dotted lines is a radio frequency chip 33 inside the handle 5 of the frame 2 of another embodiment. The radio frequency chip 33 can realize an identification-tag. The radio frequency chip 33 can be programmed and read out by a transponder system connected with a data processing unit. In particular, the tag 33 can hold data for maintenance, diagnostic and configuration purposes and/ or a counter to count the amount of analyzed samples with the microfluidic chip is implemented in the radio frequency chip 33. In a preferred embodiment the radio frequency chip 33, the microfluidic chip 3 and the frame are not separable. This can avoid any manipulation of the counting and maintaining process. The handle 5 comprises the radio frequency chip 33. It lays inside the handle 5 in two openings 35 of the bottom layer 13 and the middle layer 15 and is spaced from the top layer 17 by the spacing nose 23 (Fig. 2).

[00039] Fig.5 shows the microfluidic chip 3 of Figure 1 but without the frame 2. The chip 3 is asymmetric because of a rectangular recess 37 at one of its sides. In this embodiment the microfluidic chip 3 comprises at least two alignment or gripping holes 39, to interact with, for example, an automatic gripper or another instrument suitable for gripping and aligning the microfluidic chip 3, 10 electrical contacts 41 and at least one outlet port 43 for the microfluidic channel 11. Of cou rse, more or less than 10 electrical contacts 41 can be foreseen. Two more optional outlet ports 43 are indicated with dotted lines. The microfluidic channel 11 connects the inlet port 9 sited approximately in the middle of the microfluidic chip 3 with the outlet port 43 sited at the front end 44 of the microfluidic chip 3. The microfluidic chip 3 can have more than one channels or a complex system of channels to connect the other ports 9 and 43 of the microfluidic chip 3. For analyzing or separation it is possible to press liquid through the port 9 - into the chip 3 - and into the channel 11. Therefore the microfluidic chip 3 can also have a detection area. The cannel 11 crosses the detection area 45. The liquid being inside the channel 11 can be analyzed by optical means sited close to the chip 3 through the detection area 45. For this purposes the detection area is at least partly transmissible. [00040] The length of the microfluidic chip 3 in this embodiment is longer than necessary. Functional elements are only installed between the front end 44 and the holes 39 of the microfluidic chip 3. The microfluidic chip 3 is longer than necessary and adapted to the frame 2. Advantageously, it is easier to extend and adapt the length of the microfluidic chip 3 to the length of one kind of frames than opposite. The microfluidic chip 3 can comprise additionally microfluidic devices like reactors or alike.

[00041] If the microfluidic chip 3 is used to separate the components of the liquid, the liquid is pressed through the channel 11 towards one of the outlet ports 43 and sprayed into a laboratory apparatus, which can be a mass spectrometer for example. The outlet port 43 or better the front end 44 of the microfluidic chip 3 is designed as a micro spray tip 47. The spray tip 47 is very sensitive and has to be protected against any damage, which could be caused by touching or like.

[00042] Referring to the figures 1 to 5 it is described how the device 1 or better the frame 2 for the microfluidic chip 3 prevents the spray tip 47 from any undesirable damage. This results in an improved and save method for handling, storage, and transport.

[00043] If the microfluidic chip 3 is not used, a locking pawl 49 of the top layer 17 is engaged with the recess 37 of the microfluidic chip 3. The pawl 49 can lock the microfluidic chip 3 until actual usage. The locking pawl 49 is inclined or respectively bent at an edge 51 from the top layer 17 towards the bottom layer 13 of the frame 2. The pawl 49 comprises an end 53, which is in contact with the bottom layer 13, engaged in a recess 54 of the middle layer and under slight tension. The longitudinal sides of the pawl 49 are adjacent to a first recess 55 of the top layer 17 and the window 3. The end 53 of the pawl 49 is adjacent to a second recess 57 of the top layer 17. The recesses 55 and 57 can be punched or cut, for example by laser, etching, or water jet cutting, in the material of the top layer 1 . The pawl 49, which is a leave spring with one leave, is engaged in the recess 37 of the microfluidic chip 3 and locks it in a first non-operating position. The pawl 49 is consequently part of a first lock for keeping the chip 3 in its first position. In this first non-operating position the microfluidic chip 3 cannot be moved relatively to the frame 2. Advantageously, the pawl 49 opens itself when the chip 3 is inserted firstly into the frame 2 and locks after inserting the chip 3 automatically in the first position. Because of the recess 37 the chip 3 can only be locked if it is inserted into the frame 2 in one correct way. The frame 2 or the chip 3 mav have a mechanism, or means, for example another recess and a pin, for guaranteeing that the chip 3 can only, be fed into the frame 2 in one correct way. [00044] For bringing the microfluidic chip 3 in a second position, which can be an operating position, the pawl 49 must be opened by an opening mechanism, which can be a pin not shown here. The opening mechanism can be actuated manually or automatically. The pin can be inserted into an asymmetric elongated hole 59 of the bottom layer 13 and move the pawl 49 or respectively the end 53 of the pawl 49 against a restoring force towards the top of the frame 2 out of the recess 37 of the microfluidic chip 3. In this position the pin can be engaged in the recess 37 of the microfluidic chip 3 to determine the possible movements along the longitudinal axis of the frame 2 of the chip 3 according to the length of its recess 37. The pin can lock the chip 3 in the second position. [00045] The frame can have a second lock for locking the chip at the second position. The second lock avoids separating the microfluidic chip 3 and the frame 2. The second lock can comprise a pin, a screw, a rivet or alike which is for example engaged in the recess 37 of the chip 3. The second lock can be installed for example between two of the spacing noses 23 in two opposite holes - which are not illustrated - in the layers 13,17 to lock the front end 44 of the microfluidic chip 3 in the second position. To create the second lock, the top or the bottom layer 13, 17 can be deformed after inserting the microfluidic chip 3, for example by forming or installing a nose similar to the noses 23, 25.

[00046] If the first lock respectively the pawl 49 is released, the microfluidic chip 3 can be moved relatively to the frame 2 for bringing it in the second position. The second position is symbolized by a dotted line 61 in figure 3. The microfluidic chip 3, in particular its spray tip 47, is moved partly out of the frame 2 through a rectangularfront slot 63 of the frame.

[00047] In another embodiment the microfluidic chip 3 is removable from the frame 2 respectively changeable. The frame 2 can be used consequently for more than one microfluidic chip 3.

[00048] The microfluidic chip 3 is guided by .the,§ρacing noses 23, which rise right- angled to the inner surface of the frame 2 in the front slot 63. In the first position the spray tip 47 lies in the area of the adjacent noses 23. The noses 23 avoid any touching of the spray tip with the inner surface of the frame 2. [00049] To operate the microfluidic chip 3 inside a laboratory apparatus, the opening mechanism can be integrated in the apparatus.

[00050] In a first step the frame 2 of the device 1 can be fed into a laboratory apparatus and can be locked therein by the locking noses 25 rising right-angled to the outer surface of the frame 2. For locking the frame 2 inside the laboratory apparatus, the locking noses 25 can be gripped by a mechanism. Then the pawl 49 is opened, for example by a pin. Subsequently the microfluidic chip 3 can be gripped manually or by a not shown gripper, for example by gripping the chip 3 at its gripping holes 39. Then the microfluidic chip 3 can be moved in direction of its longitudinal axis relatively to the frame 2 from the first non-operating position to the second operating position. The middle layer 15 comprises two opposite shoulders 64 for guiding the chip 3 inside the frame 2. The frame 2 can be provided with only one guiding shoulder or more than two. For changing the position the shoulders can guide the chip 3 at its longitudinal sides.

The operating position is determined by the relative position of the spray tip 47 to the laboratory apparatus. It is possible to reach this operating position only by removing the frame 2 without any movement of the chip 3 relative to the laboratory apparatus. In the second position the spray tip 47 is released and can be positioned exactly inside the laboratory apparatus. To spray liquid inside the apparatus at least one of the ports 9 has to be connected to a means for pumping or charging the liquid, which can be part of the laboratory apparatus. For a chromatography or an electrophoresis process for the spraying process the microfluidic chip 3 can be laid at least to on electrical potential by connecting at least one of the electrical contacts 41 to a power supply.

[00051] To avoid noise voltage the frame 2 can be connected to the ground and can advantageously comprise a conductive material, such as metal or conductive rubber, or can comprise a conductive surface coating.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment with a symmetric microfluidic chip 65 with an integrated spring 67.

The spring 67 is built of a plurality of patterned recesses 69 in the material of the microfluidic chip 65. [00052] Fig. 6A shows a detail view of the microfluidic chip 65 of Fig. 6 with the elongated spring 67;

[00053] The microfluidic chip 65 comprises two kinds of recesses 69 placed in an alternating manner. They are sited right-angled in respect to the longitudinal axis of the microfluidic chip 65 and parallel to each other. One type is in the middle of the microfluidic chip 65 and the other kind reaches to the side rims of the microfluidic chip 65.

[00054] The microfluidic chip 65 can be fixed in the frame 2 by a hole 71 at an inside end 73 of the microfluidic chip 65. A distal end 75 can be moved relatively to the frame 2 as described above. Advantageously, the distal end 75 is removed back in the non- operating position automatically by the restoring force of the spring 67.

[00055] Fig.7 shows a miniaturized microfluidic device 76 with a microfluidic chip 77, with a frame 79 comprising a partly pressure die-cast coating 81 , and with a protection flap 83. [00056] Fig. 7A shows a cross-sectional view of the device 76 of Figure 7, taken along the lines A - A of Figure 7.

[00057] Fig. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the device 76 of Figure 7, taken along the lines B - B of Figure 7. [00058] The flap 83 is hinged at the device 76 by an integral hinge 85. To uncover the spray tip 47 of the microfluidic chip 77 or to bring it in worki ng position, the flap 83 can be hinged to an axis right angled to the longitudinal axis of the microfluidic chip 77 as shown in Figure 7A. The protection flap can also be hinged to any other axis, for example to an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame 79. [00059] The frame 79 respectably the die-cast coating is not separable from the microfluidic chip 77. Advantageously, this complicates or prevents reverse engineering.

[00060] The flap 83 comprises a spacing nose 87 with the same protection for the spray tip 47 as described above. The nose 87 is rising towards the microfluidic chip 77 in the area of its spray tip 47 if the flap 83 is hinged towards the microfluidic chip 77 as shown in Figure 7B.

[00061] The frame 79, the hinge 85, and the coating 81 can be produced by die- casting.

[00062] Fig. 8 shows a top view of another embodiment with a feeder 89 forming a part of the flap 83 and the nose 87 for this die-cast process of the device of Fig 7.

[00063] Fig. 9 shows a schematic inner view of the feeder 89 of Fig 8.

[00064] The feeder 89 has a blind hole 91 in order to form the nose 87 of the flap 83. During the die-cast process the distal end 75 and the spray tip 47 are moved partly into a slot of the feeder 89. Thus the spray tip 47 is protected during die-casting. [00065] Fig. 10 shows another embodiment with a solid and foldable frame 95 for a microfluidic chip 3. Compared to the frame 2 the frame 95 consists only of one single part, which may be also produced by pressure die-casting. The frame 95 has two smaller windows 97 and an elongated hole 99 forthe gripping mechanism. This frame 95 can contain smaller microfluidic chips 3 and can be closed or opened by folding it at a middle hinge 101. The middle hinge 101 can be an integral hinge. For assembling the frame 95, it can be folded and locked by a locking mechanism. Instead of locking the frame 95, it can be glued together, sealed, for example by ultrasonic welding or heat sealing.

[00066] The frames described above can receive any kind of microfluidic chips. Advantageously, the frames can receive chips comprising at least on sensitive part which has to be protected and/or chips which has to be positioned exactly in a laboratory apparatus.

[00067] In another embodimentthe frame 2 can comprise a protection shield, which is movable lateral to the feeding direction of the device 1 into the laboratory apparatus. For bringing the chip 3 in the operating position, for example after or while feeding it to the laboratory apparatus, respectively to uπprotect it, the shield can be removed manually or automatically by a mechanism.

[00068] In a further embodiment the device 1 is adapted to be stored in a storing rag.

[00069] In another embodiment the frame 2 and the microfluidic chip 3 are integrated in a banker's card with a thickness less than 1 mm. Devices like this can be sent easily by mail. [00070] Besides this in an embodiment the device 1 or the frame 2 comprises a heat dissipation device for cooling the microfluidic chip 3.

[00071] Advantageously, the frame 2 is chemical resistant. By this any leakage of liquid can't cause any damage to the frame 2.

Claims

1. Frame for a microfluidic chip which can be used together with a laboratory apparatus, wherein the frame (2;79;95) is adapted for at least one of the following features; - receiving the microfluidic chip (3;65;77), - protecting the microfluidic chip (3;65;77), - positioning the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) relatively to the frame (2;79;95).

2. The frame of claim 1 , wherein the frame (2;79;95) is at least partly manually or automatically removable, in particular for inserting the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) into the laboratory apparatus.

3. The frame of claim 1. or any one of the above claims, wherein the frame (2;79;95)_, comprises at least one of the following features; - a window (19) for accessing the microfluidic chip (3;65;77), - at least one identification-tag, in particular a radio-frequency-chip (33), - a first lock to interact with the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) for keeping it in a first position, in particular in a non-operating position.

4. The frame of the above claim, wherein the first lock can be actuated by an opening mechanism, in particular to bring the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) into a second position, in particular into an operating position.

5. The frame of the above claim, wherein the opening mechanism is an unlocking pin.

6. The frame of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) comprises at least one of the following features; - at least one inlet port (9) for supplying it with liquid, - at least one microfluidic channel (11 ), - at least on detection area (45) for the liquid.

7. The frame of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the frame (2;79;95) can receive an asymmetric microfluidic chip (3).

8. The frame of the above claim, wherein the frame (2;79;95) can receive the asymmetric microfluidic chip (3) only in one correct way.

9. The frame of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the frame (2;79;95) comprises a second lock to avoid separating the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) and the frame (2;79;95).

10. The frame of any one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the microfluidic chip (3) is removable from the frame (2;95).

11. The frame of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the frame (2) is a space frame.

12. The frame of the above claim, wherein the space frame comprises at least two layers, in particular a bottom layer (13), a middle layer (15) and a top layer (17).

13. The frame of claim 12, wherein the middle layer (15) of the space frame determines the space between the bottom (13) and the top layer (17).

14. The frame of any one of the claims 11 to 13, wherein at least one of the layers comprises a locking pawl (49) to interact with a locking recess (37) of the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) for locking it in the first non-operating position.

15. The frame of any one of the claims 12 to 14, wherei n the top layer (17) comprises the locking pawl (49).

16. The frame of any one of the claims 14 to 15, wherein the locking pawl (49) is in the first non-operating position engaged into the recess (37) of the microfluidic chip (3;65;77).

17. The frame of any one of the claims 14 to 16, wherein the locking pawl (49) is inclined from the top layer (17) towards the bottom layer (13).

18. The frame of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) is movable relatively to the frame (2;79;95).

19. The frame of any one of the claims 1 to 17, wherein the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) is fixed to the frame (2;79;95).

20. The frame of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the frame (2;79;95) comprises a spring (67) to move the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) 5 automatically from the operating position back to the non-operating position after use.

21. The frame of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) is fixed at an inside end (73) to the frame (2;79;95) and comprises the spring (67), in particular a spring which is built out of a plurality

10 of patterned recesses into the material of the microfluidic chip (3;65;77), to move a distal end (75) of the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) automatically from the operating position back to the non-operating position after use. .

22. The frame of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the frame (79) is a partly pressure die-cast coating (81).

15 23. The frame of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the frame (79) comprises a protection flap (83) which is fixed by a hinge (85).

24. The frame of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the hinge (85) is an integral hinge.

25. The frame of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the frame 20 (2;79;95) comprises a locking nose (25) for locking it into the laboratory apparatus.

26. The frame of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the frame (2;79;95), in particular the flap (83), in particular the top (17) and the bottom layers (13), comprises at least one spacer, in particular at least one spacing

25 nose (23), to avoid any touching of a touch sensitive part (47) of the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) with the frame (2;79;95).

27. The frame of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the frame (2;79;95) comprises a handle (5).

28. The frame of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the frame (2;79;95) comprises, in particular consists of, a conductive material, in particular metal or a conductive synthetic material, in particular is coated with a conductive layer. 5 29. The frame of claim 1 or any one of the above claims, wherein the frame (2;79;95) comprises a protection shield which is movable lateral to the feeding direction ofthe device (1) into the laboratory apparatus. 30. The frame of claim 1 orany one ofthe above claims, wherein the protection flap (83) is hinged right-angled to the feeding direction of the device (1) into the

10 laboratory apparatus. 31. Microfluidic chip with at least one inlet port (9) and at least one microfluidic channel (11 ), in particular with a detection area (45), in particular for using together with a laboratory apparatus, wherein the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) comprises at least one spring (67).

15 32. The chip of the above claim, wherein the spring is built of a plurality of patterned recesses (96) in the material of the microfluidic chip (65). 33. The chip of claim 32, wherein the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) can be moved by the spring (67) automatically from a second position, in particular from a operating position, back to a first position, in particular in a non-operating

20 position, after use. 34. The chip of any of the claims 32 or 33, wherein the microfluidic chip (3;65;77), in particular the inside end (73) ofthe microfluidic chip (3;65;77), is adapted to be fixed at the frame (2;79;95), in particular by a hole. 35. A miniaturized microfluidic device wherein the device (1 ) comprises at least 25 one of the following features; - a microfluidic chip (3;65;77) according to any one ofthe claims 31 to 34, - a frame (2;79;95) according to any one ofthe claims 1 to 30. 36. Method of using a miniaturized microfluidic device, in particular a device (1)

according to claim 35, comprising the steps of: - feeding the device (1) into a laboratory apparatus; - bringing the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) relatively to the frame (2;79;95) from a first position to a second position. 5 37. Method of the above claim, including the additional step of moving the chip (3;65;77) relatively to the frame (2;79;95) or reversed for bringing it from a first position into a second position. 38. Method of any of the claims 36 or 37, including the additional step of connecting the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) with the laboratory apparatus.

10 39. Method of any of the claims 36 to 38, including the additional step of operating the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) and the laboratory apparatus, wherein the first position ofthe microfluidic chip (3;65;77) is a non-operating position and the second position is an operating position. 40. Method of any of the claims 36 to 39, including the additional step of locking 15 the device (1), in particular the frame (2;79;95) ofthe device (1), in the laboratory apparatus after feeding it into the laboratory apparatus. 41. Method of any of the claims 36 to 40, including the additional step of unlocking the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) before bringing it from a first non- operating position into a second operating position.

20 42. Method of any of the claims 36 to 41 , including the additional steps of gripping the microfluidic chip (3;65;77) manually or with an automatic gripper; and bringing it from a first non-operating position into a second operating position.