WO2017201438A1

WO2017201438A1 - Microfluidic module, system and kit having magnetic interconnects on opposite side of inlet and outlet openings

Info

Publication number: WO2017201438A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/033595
Authority: WO
Inventors: Po Ki Yuen
Original assignee: Corning Incorporated
Priority date: 2016-05-20
Filing date: 2017-05-19
Publication date: 2017-11-23

Abstract

A microfluidic module is described herein which incorporates magnetic interconnects. In addition, a modular microfluidic system, and a microfluidic kit are described herein which include one or more of the microfluidic modules which incorporate magnetic interconnects. Moreover, a method is described herein for manufacturing the microfluidic module which incorporates the magnetic interconnects.

Description

MICROFLUIDIC MODULE, SYSTEM AND KIT HAVING MAGNETIC INTERCONNECTS ON OPPOSITE SIDE OF INLET AND OUTLET OPENINGS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S.

Provisiona l Application Serial Nos. 62/339,480 filed on May 20, 2016, 62/377,988 filed on August 22, 2016, and 62/405,633 filed on October 7, 2016, and is related to co-pending application the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates in general to the chemical-biological field and, in particular, to a microfluidic module, an inlet-outlet microfluidic module, a modular microfluidic system, a microfluidic kit, and a method for manufacturing the microfluidic module which incorporates magnetic interconnects.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Microfluidic technology, which involves the miniaturization and integration of complex systems, has generated tremendous interest and excitement over the past two decades as it can be used to perform chemical and biological studies with very small volumes of fluid. For instance, microfluidic technology has made it possible to automate macro-scale benchtop laboratory protocols and encapsulate them into low-cost, portable microfluidic systems. The benefits of systems that implement microfluidic technology include, for example, reducing the consumption of expensive reagents, reducing reaction time, shortening temperature cycling times, enhancing mixing, and precisely manipulating small volumes of fluid. However, in order to develop a microfluidic system that can perform complex multiple functions requires significant time, effort and expertise. A slight modification to the multi-function microfluidic system would frequently require rebuilding the entire system, which would result in a long development time and incur substantia l costs. One of the proven approaches to address this integration problem is the modular design approach or modular architecture that involves designing and optimizing each microfluidic module separately before connecting them together to form a larger system. For example, based on the modular design approach, modular microfluidic systems have been developed for sample pre-concentration and preparation (see reference no. 1), detection of bacterial pathogens (see reference nos. 2-3), emulation of metabolism (see reference no. 4), emulsion generation (see reference no. 5), multi-organ-chips (see reference no. 6), DNA identification (see reference no. 7), cystic fibrosis (CF) airways model (see reference no. 8), three-dimensiona l (3D) microfluidics (see reference no. 9), biocatalytic synthesis (see reference no. 10), concentration gradient generation (see reference no. 11), perfusion cell culture, DNA and in situ hybridizations (see reference no. 12), biochemical analysis (see reference no. 13), and biochemical a pplications (see reference no. 14).

[0004] The modular design approach was also utilized in developing plug-n-play, reconfigurable LEGO^® concept-based modular microfluidic systems that could be easily assembled, disassembled, reconfigured and assembled again (see reference nos. 14-21). I n addition, there are plug-n-play modu lar microfluidic kits available on the market for building modula r microfluidic systems (see reference nos. 22-23). Further, with respect to chemical and biological applications, a plug-n-play reconfigurable modular microfluidic system with basic microfluidic technology could be a very useful tool in teaching laboratories which have limited resources for expensive and high tech equipment, and would lower the barriers to new entrants to the field of micro-scale devices and systems (see reference no. 24). I n all plug-n-play reconfigura ble modular microfluidic systems, a critical component is the module-to-module fluidic interconnects which need to provide effective leak-free fluidic communication between connected microfluidic modules after they have been assembled. These module-to-module fluidic interconnects should be reversible, simple to use (ideally, in a single step), easy to manufacture and most importantly, have to be consistent and relia ble in their performance after repeated assembling and disassembling. For example, some module-to-module fluidic interconnects are based on compression sealing (see reference nos. 2, 3, 6, 13, 14, 18, 19, 21, and 25). Further, to provide easy fluidic comm unications between the pumping system and the inlet(s) and outlet(s) of the modular microfluidic system (world-to-chip fluidic interconnects), various plug-n-play world-to-chip fluidic interconnects have also been developed for modular microfluidic systems for use in both academic applications (see reference nos. 12, 26, 27, 31 and 32), and industry applications (see reference nos. 28, 29, and 30). Although these fluidic interconnects may work, there are still improvements that can be made to provide even more effective leak-free connections. The present disclosure relates to new and improved fluidic interconnects namely magnetic interconnects that can be incorporated into a microfluidic module, an inlet-outlet microfluidic module, a modular microfluidic system, and a microfluidic kit.

SUMMARY

[0005] Microfluidic modules, inlet-outlet microfluidic modules, modular microfluidic systems, methods for manufacturing microfluidic modules, methodsw for manufacturing inlet-outlet microfluidic modules, and icrofluidic kits are described in the independent claims of the present application. Advantageous embodiments of the microfluidic modules, the inlet-outlet microfluidic modules, the modular microfluidic systems, methods for manufacturing the microfluidic modules, methods for manufacturing the inlet-outlet microfluidic modules, and microfluidic kits are described in the dependent claims. In embodiments, the modules are connected together with magnets.

[0006] In aspects, the present disclosure provides a microfluidic module which comprises: (1) a body having a first recess located therein, an inlet opening located therein, and an outlet opening located therein, wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with one another via an internal channel which is located within the body; and (2) a first magnet located at least partly within the first recess, wherein the first recess is structured to contain the first magnet, wherein the first magnet has one end and an opposing end, wherein the one end of the first magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity. In embodiments, the microfluidic module has a configuration where the inlet opening and the outlet opening are located on a first side of the body, wherein the first recess is located on a second side of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, and wherein the first magnet has a first portion of the one end thereof aligned with the inlet opening and a second portion of the one end thereof aligned with the outlet opening. If desired, the microfluidic module may further comprise: (3) a second magnet, and (4) the body further comprises a second recess located therein, wherein the second magnet is located at least partly within the second recess, structured to contain the second magnet, wherein the second magnet has one end and an opposing end, wherein the one end of the second magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity. In another embodiment, the microfluidic module ca n have a configuration where the inlet opening and the outlet opening are located on a first side of the body, wherein the first recess and the second recess are both located on a second side of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, and wherein the one end of the first magnet is aligned with the inlet opening and the one end of the second magnet is aligned with the outlet opening. In yet another embodiment, the microfluidic module can have a configuration where the inlet opening is located on a first sidewall of the body and the outlet opening is located on a second sidewall of the body that is opposite the first sidewall of the body, wherein the first recess and the second recess are both located on a second side of the body that is adjacent to the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and wherein the one end of the first magnet is aligned with the inlet opening and the one end of the second magnet is aligned with the outlet opening. In still yet another embodiment, the microfluidic module can have a configuration where the inlet opening is located on a first side of the body and the outlet opening is located on the second side of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, wherein the first recess is located on the second side and the second recess is located on the first side, and wherein the one end of the first magnet is aligned with the inlet opening and the one end of the second magnet is aligned with the outlet opening. In any of the aforementioned embodiments, the microfluidic module can if desired further comprise (i) an inlet sealing gasket (e.g., O-ring, adhesive tape or the like) having an inlet hole extending there through, wherein the inlet hole is in communication with the inlet opening and the internal channel; and (ii) an outlet sealing gasket (e.g., O-ring, adhesive tape or the like) having an outlet hole extending there through, wherein the outlet hole is in communication with the outlet opening and the internal channel.

[0007] In embodiments, the inlet opening and the outlet opening can be on the same side of the body of the microfluidic module, or on opposite sides. In embodiments, the opposite sides can be the top and the bottom surfaces of the body of the microfluidic module, or in opposite sidewalls of the body of the microfluidic module. In embodiments, the magnet can reside in a recess structured to contain the magnet. In embodiments the magnet can be a ring magnet or a solid magnet. In embodiments, the recess can be on the opposite side of the body of the microfluidic module from the inlet opening. Or, in embodiments, the recess can be on the opposite side of the body of the microfluidic module from the outlet opening. Or, the microfluidic module may have a single magnet contained in a recess, with one end of the magnet aligned with an inlet opening and the other end of the magnet aligned with an outlet opening. Or, the microfluidic module may have more than one magnet, each contained in a recess, aligned with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, respectively. In embodiments, the outlet opening of one microfluidic module may be connected to complimentary modules using the magnets. In embodiments, the magnet or magnets can be on the "opposite side" from the inlet and outlet.

[0008] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a modular microfluidic system comprising a plurality of microfluidic modules, wherein each microfluidic module comprises: (1) a body having a first recess located therein, wherein the recess is structured to contain a magnet, an inlet opening located therein, and an outlet opening located therein, wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with one another via an internal channel which is located within the body; a nd (2) a first magnet located at least partly within the first recess, wherein the first magnet has one end and an opposing end, wherein the one end of the first magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity. In one embodiment, the microfluidic module has a configuration where the inlet opening and the outlet opening are located on a first side of the body, wherein the first recess is located on a second side of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, and wherein the first magnet has a first portion of the one end thereof aligned with the inlet opening and a second portion of the one end thereof aligned with the outlet opening. In this embodiment, one of the microfluidic modules is magnetically coupled to another one of the microfluidic modules when the one microfluidic module has the second portion of the one end of the first magnet magnetically coupled to the first portion of the one end of the first magnet of the another microfluidic module whereby the outlet opening of the one microfluidic module is in communication with the inlet opening of the another microfluidic module. If desired, the microfluidic module may further comprise: (3) a second magnet, and (4) the body further comprises a second recess located therein, wherein the second magnet is located at least partly within the second recess, wherein the second magnet has one end and an opposing end, wherein the one end of the second magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity. In another embodiment, the microfluidic module can have a configuration where the inlet opening and the outlet opening are located on a first side of the body, wherein the first recess and the second recess are both located on a second side of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, and wherein the one end of the first magnet is aligned with the inlet opening and the one end of the second magnet is aligned with the outlet opening. In this embodiment, one of the microfluidic modules is magnetically coupled to another one of the microfluidic modules when the one microfluidic module has the one end of the second magnet magnetically coupled to the one end of the first magnet of the another microfluidic module whereby the outlet opening of the one microfluidic module is in communication with the inlet opening of the another microfluidic module. In yet another embodiment, the microfluidic module can have a configuration where the inlet opening is located on a first sidewall of the body and the outlet opening are located on a second sidewall of the body that is opposite the first sidewall of the body, wherein the first recess and the second recess are both located on a second side of the body that is adjacent to the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and wherein the one end of the first magnet is aligned with the inlet opening and the one end of the second magnet is aligned with the outlet opening. In this embodiment, one of the microfluidic modules is magnetically coupled to another one of the microfluidic modules when the one microfluidic module has the one end of the second magnet magnetically coupled to the one end of the first magnet of the another microfluidic module whereby the outlet opening of the one microfluidic module is in communication with the inlet opening of the another microfluidic module. In still yet another embodiment, the microfluidic module can have a configuration where the inlet opening is located on a first side of the body and the outlet opening is located on the second side of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, wherein the first recess is located on the second side and the second recess is located on the first side, and wherein the one end of the first magnet is aligned with the inlet opening and the one end of the second magnet is aligned with the outlet opening. In this embodiment, one of the microfluidic modules is magnetically coupled to another one of the microfluidic modules when the one microfluidic module has the one end of the second magnet magnetically coupled to the one end of the first magnet of the another microfluidic module whereby the outlet opening of the one microfluidic module is in communication with the inlet opening of the another microfluidic module. In any of the aforementioned embodiments, the microfluidic module can if desired further comprise (i) an inlet sealing gasket (e.g., O-ring, adhesive tape or the like) having an inlet hole extending there through, wherein the inlet hole is in communication with the inlet opening and the internal channel; and (ii) an outlet sealing gasket (e.g., O-ring, adhesive tape or the like) having an outlet hole extending there through, wherein the outlet hole is in communication with the outlet opening and the internal channel.

[0009] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a microfluidic module. The method comprises: (i) forming a body having a first recess located therein, a second recess located therein (optional), an inlet opening located therein, and an outlet opening located therein, wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with one another via an internal channel which is located within the body; (ii) securing a first magnet located at least partly within the first recess, wherein the first magnet has one end and an opposing end, wherein the one end of the first magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; (iii) securing (optional) a second magnet in the second recess, wherein the second magnet has one end and an opposing end, wherein the one end of the second magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; (iv) securing (optional) an inlet sealing gasket to the inlet opening, wherein the inlet sealing gasket having an inlet hole extending there through, wherein the inlet hole is in communication with the inlet opening and the internal channel; and (v) securing (optional) an outlet sealing gasket to the outlet opening, wherein the outlet sealing gasket having an outlet hole extending there through, wherein the outlet hole is in communication with the outlet opening and the internal channel.

[0010] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a microfluidic module which comprises: (1) a body having an inlet opening located therein, and an outlet opening located therein, wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with one another via an internal channel which is located within the body; and, (2) a first magnet located at least partly within a first recess adapter, wherein the first recess adapter is attached to the body, wherein first magnet has one end and an opposing end, wherein the one end of the first magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity. In one embodiment, the microfluidic module has a configuration where the inlet opening and the outlet opening are located on a first side of the body, wherein the body has a second side that is opposite the first side of the body, wherein the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, and wherein the first magnet has a first portion of the one end thereof aligned with the inlet opening and a second portion of the one end thereof aligned with the outlet opening. If desired, the microfluidic module may further comprise: (3) a second magnet located at least partly within a second recess adapter, wherein the second recess adapter is attached to the body, wherein second magnet has one end and an opposing end, wherein the one end of the second magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity. In another embodiment, the microfluidic module can have a configuration where the inlet opening and the outlet opening are located on a first side of the body, wherein the first recess adapter and the second recess adapter are both attached to a second side of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, and wherein the one end of the first magnet is aligned with the inlet opening and the one end of the second magnet is aligned with the outlet opening. In yet another embodiment, the microfluidic module can have a configuration where the inlet opening is located on a first side of the body and the outlet opening is located on a second side of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, wherein the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body and the second recess adapter is attached to the first side of the body, and wherein the one end of the first magnet is aligned with the inlet opening and the one end of the second magnet is aligned with the outlet opening. In any of the aforementioned embodiments, the microfluidic module can if desired further comprise (i) an inlet sealing gasket (e.g., O-ring, adhesive tape or the like) having an inlet hole extending there through, wherein the inlet hole is in communication with the inlet opening and the internal channel; and (ii) an outlet sealing gasket (e.g., O-ring, adhesive tape or the like) having an outlet hole extending there through, wherein the outlet hole is in communication with the outlet opening and the internal channel. [0011] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a modular microfluidic system comprising: a plurality of microfluidic modules, where each microfluidic module comprising: (1) a body having an inlet opening located therein, and an outlet opening located therein, wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with one another via an internal channel which is located within the body; and, (2) a first magnet located at least partly within a first recess adapter, wherein the first recess adapter is attached to the body, wherein first magnet has one end and an opposing end, wherein the one end of the first magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity. In one embodiment, the microfluidic module has a configuration where the inlet opening and the outlet opening are located on a first side of the body, wherein the body has a second side that is opposite the first side of the body, wherein the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, and wherein the first magnet has a first portion of the one end thereof aligned with the inlet opening and a second portion of the one end thereof aligned with the outlet opening. In this embodiment, one of the microfluidic modules is magnetically coupled to another one of the microfluidic modules when the one microfluidic module has the second portion of the one end of the first magnet magnetically coupled to the first portion of the one end of the first magnet of the another microfluidic module whereby the outlet opening of the one microfluidic module is in communication with the inlet opening of the another microfluidic module. If desired, the microfluidic module may further comprise: (3) a second magnet located at least partly within a second recess adapter, wherein the second recess adapter is attached to the body, wherein second magnet has one end and an opposing end, wherein the one end of the second magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity. In another embodiment, the microfluidic module has a configuration where the inlet opening and the outlet opening are located on a first side of the body, wherein the first recess adapter and the second recess adapter are both attached to a second side of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, and wherein the one end of the first magnet is aligned with the inlet opening and the one end of the second magnet is aligned with the outlet opening. In this embodiment, one of the microfluidic modules is magnetically coupled to another one of the microfluidic modules when the one microfluidic module has the one end of the second magnet magnetically coupled to the one end of the first magnet of the another microfluidic module whereby the outlet opening of the one microfluidic module is in communication with the inlet opening of the another microfluidic module. In another embodiment, the microfluidic module has a configuration where the inlet opening is located on a first side of the body and the outlet opening is located on a second side of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, wherein the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body and the second recess adapter is attached to the first side of the body, and wherein the one end of the first magnet is aligned with the inlet opening and the one end of the second magnet is aligned with the outlet opening. In this embodiment, one of the microfluidic modules is magnetically coupled to another one of the microfluidic modules when the one microfluidic module has the one end of the second magnet magnetically coupled to the one end of the first magnet of the another microfluidic module whereby the outlet opening of the one microfluidic module is in communication with the inlet opening of the another microfluidic module.

[0012] In still yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a microfluidic module. The method comprises: (i) forming a body having an inlet opening located therein, and an outlet opening located therein, wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with one another via an internal channel which is located within the body; (ii) forming a first recess adapter having a first recess located therein; (iii) securing a first magnet located at least partly within the first recess, wherein the first magnet has one end and an opposing end, and wherein the one end of the first magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; (iv) attaching the first recess adapter to the body; (v) forming (optional) a second recess adapter having a second recess located therein; (vi) securing (optional) a second magnet located at least partly within the second recess, wherein the second magnet has one end a nd an opposing end, and wherein the one end of the second magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; (vii) attaching (optional) the second recess adapter to the body; (viii) securing (optional) an inlet sealing gasket to the inlet opening, wherein the inlet sealing gasket having an inlet hole extending there through, wherein the inlet hole is in communication with the inlet opening and the internal channel; and (ix) securing (optional) an outlet sealing gasket to the outlet opening, wherein the outlet sealing gasket having an outlet hole extending there through, wherein the outlet hole is in communication with the outlet opening and the internal channel.

[0013] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an inlet-outlet microfluidic module comprising: (1) a body having a first side and a second side that is located opposite of the first side, wherein the body further having a recess located on the second side or the first side, wherein the body also having an opening that is located in the first side or the second side, where the opening is in communication via an interior channel with an another opening located within an interior surface of the recess; (2) a ring magnetic positioned at least partly within the recess, the ring magnet having a hole extending there through, wherein the hole of the ring magnet is in communication with the openings in the first side or the second side and the recess and with the internal channel, wherein the ring magnet has one end adjacent to the interior surface of the recess of the body and further having an opposing end, and wherein the one end of the ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module may further comprise a sealing gasket attached to the second side of the body or to a cap that is attached to the second side of the body, If desired, a tube is positioned within the opening of the first side or the second side of the body, the interior channel, the opening in the recess, and within at least a portion of the hole of the ring magnet. Alternatively, a well having a hole located therein is attached to the first side of the body, or a sealing tape attached to the first side of the body.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an inlet-outlet microfluidic module. The method comprising: (1) forming a body having a first side and a second side that is located opposite of the first side, wherein the body further having a recess located on the second side or the first side, wherein the body also having an opening that is located in the first side or the second side, where the opening is in communication via an interior channel with an another opening located within an interior surface of the recess; (2) positioning a ring magnetic at least partly within the recess, the ring magnet having a hole extending there through, wherein the hole of the ring magnet is in communication with the openings in the first side or the second side and the recess and with the internal channel, wherein the ring magnet has one end adjacent to the interior surface of the recess of the body and further having an opposing end, and wherein the one end of the ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module may further comprise a sealing gasket attached to the second side of the body or to a cap that is attached to the second side of the body, If desired, a tube is positioned within at least the interior channel, and within at least a portion of the hole of the ring magnet.. Alternatively, a well having a hole located therein is attached to the first side of the body, or a sealing tape attached to the first side of the body.

[0015] In still yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides for a microfluidic kit comprising: (i) a motherboard having a top surface with a plurality of channels formed therein; (ii) a plurality of channel inserts, each channel insert is sized to be placed within one of the channels within the motherboard, and each channel insert having a plurality of magnetic interconnects; and (iii) a plurality of microfluidic modules, each microfluidic module having a plurality of magnetic interconnects, wherein one of the microfluidic modules is magnetically coupled to one of the channel inserts such that there is fluid communication between the one microfluidic module and the one channel insert when one of the magnetic interconnects of the one microfluidic module is magnetically coupled to one of the magnetic interconnects of the one channel insert.

[0016] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth, in part, in the detailed description, figures and any claims which follow, and in part will be derived from the detailed description, or can be learned by practice of the disclosure. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure as disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] A more complete understanding of the present disclosure may be had by referencing to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0018] FIGURE 1A is a cross-sectional side view of an exploded inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0019] FIGURE IB is a cross-sectional side view of an assembled inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIGURE 1C is a cross-sectional side view of an exploded inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIGURE ID is a cross-sectional side view of an assembled inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIGURE IE is a cross-sectional side exploded view of an embodiment of an inlet-outlet microfluidic module having an adapter to accommodate a magnet;

[0023] FIGURE IF is a cross-sectional side side view of an assembled inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment having an adapter to accommodate a magnet;

[0024] FIGURE 2A is a cross-sectional side view of an exploded inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIGURE 2B is a cross-sectional side view of an assembled inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIGURE 2C is a cross-sectional side view of an exploded inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIGURE 2D is a cross-sectional side view of an assembled inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIGURE 2E is a cross-sectional side view of an exploded inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0029] FIGURE 2F is a cross-sectiona l side view of an assembled inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIGURE 2G is a cross-sectional side view of an exploded inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIGURE 2H is a cross-sectional side view of an assembled inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIGURE 21 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an exemplary method for manufacturing the inlet-outlet microfluidic module shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, 1C-1D, 2A-2B, 2C- 2D, 2E-2F, and 2G-2H in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIGURE 3A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIGURE 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIGURE 3C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIGURE 3D is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIGURE 4A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIGURE 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIGURE 4C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0040] FIGURE 4D is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIGURE 5A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIGURE 5B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIGURE 5C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIGURE 5D is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIGURE 6A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIGURE 6B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIGURE 6C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIGURE 6D is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIGURE 7 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an exemplary method for manufacturing the microfluidic module shown in FIGURES 3-6 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIGURE 8A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0051] FIGURE 8B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module configu red in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIGURE 8C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] FIGURE 8D is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules to form a microfluidic system in accorda nce with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIGURE 9A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accorda nce with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIGURE 9B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module configu red in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIGURE 9C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] FIGURE 9D is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules to form a microfluidic system in accorda nce with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] FIGURE 10A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] FIGURE 10B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic mod ule configu red in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] FIGURE IOC is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic mod ules magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] FIGURE 10D is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules to form a microfluidic system in accorda nce with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0062] FIGURE 11A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0063] FIGURE 11B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0064] FIGURE 11C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0065] FIGURE 11D is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0066] FIGURE 12A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] FIGURE 12B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] FIGURE 12C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] FIGURE 12D is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] FIGURE 13A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] FIGURE 13B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] FIGURE 13C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIGURE 13D is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0074] FIGURE 14 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an exemplary method for manufacturing the microfluidic module shown in FIGURES 8-13 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0075] FIGURE 15A is a top view of a base platform that can be a part of a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIGURE 15B is a cross-sectional side view of the base platform shown in

FIGURE 15A in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] FIGURE 15C is a top view of an assembled reconfigurable exemplary stick-n- play modular microfluidic system which includes the base platform shown in FIGS. 15A-15B, two inlet-outlet modules shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, and three serpentine microfluidic modules shown in FIGS. 3A-3B in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0078] FIGURE 16A is a top view of a base platform that can be a part of a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0079] FIGURE 16B is a cross-sectional side view of the base platform shown in

FIGURE 16A in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0080] FIGURE 17A is a top view of a base platform that can be a part of a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0081] FIGURE 17B is a cross-sectional side view of the base platform shown in

FIGURE 17A in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0082] FIGURE 18A is a top view of a base platform that can be a part of a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] FIGURE 18B is a cross-sectional side view of the base platform shown in

FIGURE 18A in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0084] FIGURE 18C is a top view of an assembled reconfigurable exemplary stick-n- play modular microfluidic system which includes the base platform shown in FIGS. 18A-18B, two inlet-outlet modules shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, and five serpentine microfluidic modules shown in FIGS. 3A-3B in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0085] FIGURE 19A is a top view of a base platform that can be a part of a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0086] FIGURE 19B is a cross-sectional side view of the base platform shown in

FIGURE 19A in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0087] FIGURE 20A is a top view of a base platform that can be a part of a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0088] FIGURE 20B is a cross-sectional side view of the base platform shown in

FIGURE 20A in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0089] FIGURE 21A illustrates an exemplary microfluidic kit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0090] FIGURE 21B illustrates an exemplary microfluidic kit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0091] FIGURES 22A-22K illustrate various exemplary channel inserts including: (1) a short straight channel insert (FIG. 22A); (2) a medium straight channel insert (FIG. 22B); (3) a long straight channel insert (FIG. 22C); (4) a short left-turn channel insert (FIG. 22D); (5) a long left-turn channel insert (FIG. 22E); (6) a short right-turn channel insert (FIG 22F); (7) a long right-turn channel insert (FIG. 22G); (8) a small H-shaped channel insert (FIG. 22H); (9) a large H-shaped channel insert (FIG. 221); (10) a small T-shaped channel insert (FIG. 22J); and (11) a large T-shaped channel insert (FIG. 22K) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and,

[0092] FIGURES 23A-23D illustrate various exemplary microfluidic modules including: (1) a mixing microfluidic module (FIG. 23A); (2) a detection chamber microfluidic module (FIG 23B); (3) a reaction microfluidic module (FIG. 23C); and (4) an electrophoresis microfluidic module (FIG. 23D) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0093] Referring to FIGURES 1A-1B, there are shown various diagrams of an inlet- outlet microfluidic module 100 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 1A (exploded cross-sectional side view) and IB (assembled cross-sectional side view), the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (world-to- chip fluidic interconnect 100) has a body 102 (e.g., circular shaped) with a first side 104 and a second side 106 where the second side 106 is located opposite of the first side 104. The body 102 (recess adapter 102) has a recess 108 located on the second side 106. In embodiments, recesses, as disclosed herein, are structured to contain magnets. The body 102 further has an opening 110 located in the first side 104, where the opening 110 is in communication via an interior channel 112 with an opening 114 located within an interior surface 116 of the recess 108. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 further has a ring magnetic 118 positioned at least partly within the recess 108 (note: in the example shown the ring magnet 118 is positioned within the recess 108). The ring magnet 118 has a hole 120 extending there through in which the hole 120 is in communication with the openings 110 and 114 and the interior channel 112. The ring magnet 118 has one end 122 adjacent to the interior surface 116 of the recess 108 and further having an opposing end 124. The one end 122 of the ring magnet 118 has a magnetic polarity (e.g., North (N) or South (S)) and the opposing end 124 of the ring magnet 118 has an opposing magnetic polarity (e.g., S or N). If desired, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 can have a sealing gasket 126 that is attached to the opposing end 124 of the ring magnet 118 and the second side 106 of the body 102. The sealing gasket 126 has a hole 128 extending there through where the hole 128 is in communication with the opening hole 120 in the ring magnet 118, the opening 114 in the recess 108 of the body 102, the internal channel 112, and the opening 110 in the first side 104 of the body 102. In addition, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 has a tube 130 positioned within the opening 110 of the first side 104, the interior channel 112, the opening 114 in the recess 108, and within at least a portion of the hole 120 of the ring magnet 118. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 basically functions to supply (remove) a fluid (or gas) into (from) a microfluidic module 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, and 2000 (see discussion below). In another embodiment there is an inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 100' shown in FIGURES 1C (exploded cross-sectional side view) and ID (assembled cross-sectional side view) which is similar to the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 but instead of having a tube 130 the inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 100' has a well 130'. The well 130' has a side wall 132a', an opening 132b' (located at top of the side wall 132a'), and a bottom side 132c' (opposite of opening 132b') which has a hole 134' located therein (note: the well 130' can be a circular shaped well, a square shaped well or any shaped well). The bottom side 132c' is attached to the first side 104 of the body 102 where the hole 134' of the well 130' is in communication with the opening 110 in the first side 104 of the body 102, the interior channel 112, the opening 114 in the recess 108 of the body 102, the opening hole 120 in the ring magnet 118, and the hole 128 of the sealing gasket 126 (if present). The inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 100' basically functions to supply (remove) a fluid (or gas) into (from) a microfluidic module 300, 400, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, and 2000 (see discussion below).

[0094] Referring to FIGURE IE and FIGURE IF, in embodiments, the recess adapter

102 inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100' has an adapter is a cross-sectional side exploded view of an embodiment of an inlet-outlet microfluidic module having a magnet recess 152 to accommodate a magnet. FIGURE IF is a cross-sectional side view of an assembled inlet- outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with the embodiment having a magnet recess, to accommodate a magnet, shown filled by magnet 118.

[0095] The body 102 (recess adapter 102) has an interior channel 112 having an opening 110 located in the first side 104, and an opening in the second side 106. In this embodiment, the body 102 has a magnet recess 152. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 further has a ring magnet 118. The magnet recess 152 has a magnet recess wall 151. The ring magnet 118 can be positioned at least partly within the magnet recess 152. In this embodiment, the ring magnet 118 does not contact fluid in the through channel 112. The magnet recess wall 151 protects the contents of the interior channel from contacting the ring magnet 118. The ring magnet 118 has one end 122 adjacent to the interior surface 116 of the recess 108 and further having an opposing end 124. The one end 122 of the ring magnet 118 has a magnetic polarity (e.g., North (N) or South (S)) and the opposing end 124 of the ring magnet 118 has an opposing magnetic polarity (e.g., S or N). Optionally, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 can have a sealing gasket 126 that can form a liquid- tight seal against the opposing end 124 of the ring magnet 118. The sealing gasket 126 has a hole 128 extending there through where the hole 128 is in communication with the opening hole 120 in the ring magnet 118, the opening 114 in the recess 108 of the body 102, the internal channel 112, and the opening 110 in the first side 104 of the body 102. In addition, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 may optionally have a tube 130 positioned within the opening 110 of the first side 104, the interior channel 112, the opening 114 in the recess 108, and within at least a portion of the hole 120 of the ring magnet 118. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 basically functions to supply (remove) a fluid (or gas) into (from) a microfluidic module 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, and 2000 (see discussion below).

[0096] Referring to FIGURES 2A-2B, there are shown various diagrams of an inlet- outlet microfluidic module 200 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 2A (exploded cross-sectional side view) and 2B (assembled cross-sectional side view), the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 200 (world-to- chip fluidic interconnect 200) has a body 202 (e.g., circular shaped top housing) with a first side 204 and a second side 206 where the second side 206 is located opposite of the first side 204. The body 202 has a recess 208 located on the second side 206. The body 202 (recess adapter 202) further has an opening 210 located in the first side 204, where the opening 210 is in communication via an interior channel 212 with an opening 214 located within an interior surface 216 of the recess 208. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 200 further has a ring magnetic 218 positioned within the recess 208. The ring magnet 218 has a hole 220 extending there through in which the hole 220 is in communication with the openings 210 and 214 and the interior channel 212. The ring magnet 218 has one end 222 adjacent to the interior surface 216 of the recess 208 and further having an opposing end 224. The one end 222 of the ring magnet 218 has a magnetic polarity (e.g., N or S) and the opposite end 224 of the ring magnet 218 has an opposing magnetic polarity (e.g., S or N). The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 200 further has a cap 226 (e.g., circular shaped bottom housing) having a first side 230 positioned adjacent to the opposite end 224 of the ring magnet 218 and the second side 206 of the body 202. The cap 226 has a hole 228 (e.g., circular hole 228) extending from the first side 230 to a second side 234 thereof, where the hole 228 is in communication with the hole 220 in the ring magnet 218. If desired, the inlet- outlet microfluidic module 200 can have a sealing gasket 236 that is attached to the second side 234 of the cap 226. The sealing gasket 236 has a hole 238 extending there through where the hole 238 is in communication with the hole 228 of the cap 226, the hole 220 in the ring magnet 218, the opening 214 in the recess 208 of the body 202, the internal channel 212, and the opening 210 in the first side 204 of the body 202. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 200 further has a tube 240 positioned within the opening 210 of the first side 204, the interior channel 212, the opening 214 in the recess 208, the hole 220 of the ring magnet 218, a nd the hole 228 of the cap 226. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 200 basically functions to supply (remove) a fluid (or gas) into (from) a microfluidic module 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, and 2000 (see discussion below). In another embodiment there is an inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 200' shown in FIGURES 2C (exploded cross-sectional side view) and 2D (assembled cross-sectional side view) which is similar to the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 200 but instead of having a tube 240 the inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 200' has a well 240'. The well 240' has a side wall 242a', an opening 242b' (located at top of the side wall 242a'), and a bottom side 242c' (opposite of opening 242b') which has a hole 244' located therein (note: the well 240' can be a circular shaped well, a square shaped well or any shaped well). The bottom side 242c' is attached to the first side 204 of the body 202 where the hole 244' of the well 240' is in communication with the opening 210 in the first side 204 of the body 202, the interior channel 212, the opening 214 in the recess 208 of the body 202, the hole 220 in the ring magnet 218, the hole 228 of the cap 226 and the hole 238 of the sealing gasket 236 (if present). The inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 200' basically functions to supply (remove) a fluid (or gas) into (from) a microfluidic module 300, 400, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, and 2000 (see discussion below).

[0097] Referring to FIGURES 2E-2F, there are shown various diagrams of an inlet- outlet microfluidic module 250 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 2E (exploded cross-sectional side view) and 2F (assembled cross-sectional side view), the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 250 (world-to- chip fluidic interconnect 250) has a body 252 (e.g., circular shaped) with a first side 254 and a second side 256 where the second side 256 is located opposite of the first side 254. The body 252 (recess adapter 252) has a recess 258 located on the first side 254. The body 252 further has an opening 260 located in the second side 256, where the opening 260 is in communication via an interior channel 262 with an opening 264 located within an interior surface 266 of the recess 258. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 250 further has a ring magnetic 268 positioned at least partly within the recess 258 (note: in the example shown the ring magnet 268 is positioned within the recess 258). The ring magnet 258 has a hole 270 extending there through in which the hole 270 is in communication with the openings 260 and 264 and the interior channel 262. The ring magnet 268 has one end 272 adjacent to the interior surface 266 of the recess 258 and further having an opposing end 274. The one end 272 of the ring magnet 268 has a magnetic polarity (e.g., S or N) and the opposite end 274 of the ring magnet 268 has an opposing magnetic polarity (e.g., N or S). If desired, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 250 can have a sealing gasket 276 that is attached to the second side 256 of the body 252 (e.g., recess adapter 252). The sealing gasket 276 has a hole 278 extending there through where the hole 278 is in communication with the opening 260, interior channel 262, opening 264, and hole 270. If desired, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 250 can have a sealing tape 280 (sealing gasket 280) that is attached to the opposite end 274 of the ring magnet 268 and the first side 254 of the body 252 (e.g., recess adapter 252). Further, the sealing tape 280 has a hole 282 extending there through where the hole 282 is in communication with the hole 270, opening 264, interior channel 262, opening 260, and hole 278 (if present). In addition, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 250 has a tube 284 positioned within the hole 282 of the sealing tape 280 (if any), the hole 270 of the ring magnet 268, and the interior channel 262 of the body 252 (recess adapter 252). The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 250 basically functions to supply (remove) a fluid (or gas) into (from) a microfluidic module 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, and 2000 (see discussion below). In another embodiment there is an inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 250' shown in FIGURES 2G (exploded cross-sectional side view) and 2H (assembled cross-sectional side view) which is similar to the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 250 but instead of having a tube 284 the inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 250' has a well 284'. The well 284' has a side wall 286a', an opening 286b' (located at top of the side wall 286a'), and a bottom side 286c' (opposite of opening 286b') which has a hole 288' located therein (note: the well 284' can be a circular shaped well, a square shaped well or any shaped well). The bottom side 286c' is attached to the sealing tape 280 (sealing gasket 280) (if present) that is attached to the opposing end 274 of the ring magnet 268 and the first side 254 of the body 252 (e.g., recess adapter 252) where the hole 288' of the well 284' is in communication with the hole 282 of the sealing tape 280 (sealing gasket 280) (if present), the hole 270 of the ring magnet 268, the openings 264 and 260 and the interior channel 262 of the body 252 (recess adapter 252), and the hole 278 of the sealing gasket 276 (if present). The inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 250' basically functions to supply (remove) a fluid (or gas) into (from) a microfluidic module 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, and 2000 (see discussion below).

[0098] Referring to FIGURE 21, there is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an exemplary method 200e for manufacturing the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Beginning at step 202e, a body 102, 202, 252 is formed (e.g. 3D printing, additive manufacturing, injection molding, hot embossing, lamination, microfabrication, softlithography). The body 102, 202, 252 has a first side 104, 204, 254 and a second side 106, 206, 256 that is located opposite of the first side 104, 204, 254. The body 102, 202, 252 further has a recess 108, 208, 258 located on the second side 106, 206 or the first side 254. The body 102, 202, 252 also has an opening 110, 210, 260 that is located in the first side 104, 204 or the second side 256, where the opening 110, 210, 260 is in communication via an interior channel 112, 212, 262 with an another opening 114, 214, 264 located within an surface 116, 216, 266 of the recess 108, 208, 258. At step 204e, a ring magnetic 118, 218, 268 is positioned at least partly within the recess 108, 208, 258. The ring magnet 118, 218, 268 has a hole 120, 220, 270 extending there through. The hole 120, 220, 270 is in communication with the openings 110, 114, 210, 214, 260, 264 in the first side 104, 204 or the second side 256 and the recess 108, 208, 258 and with the internal channel 112, 212, 262. The ring magnet 118, 218, 268 has one end 122, 222, 272 adjacent to the surface 116, 216, 266 of the recess 108, 28, 258 and further has an opposing end 124, 224, 274. The one end 122, 222, 272 of the ring magnet 118, 218, 268 has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and the opposing end 124, 224, 274 of the ring magnet 118, 218, 268 has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N).

[0099] In one embodiment, a sealing gasket 126 is attached at step 206e to the opposing end 124 of the ring magnet 118 and the second side 106 of the body 102. The sealing gasket 126 has a hole 128 extending there through. The hole 128 is in communication with the hole 120 in the ring magnet 118, the opening 114 in the recess 108 of the body 102, the internal channel 112, and the opening 110 in the first side 104 of the body 102 (see FIGS. 1A-1D). [00100] In another embodiment, a cap 226 is attached at step 208e to the opposing end 224 of the ring magnet 218 and the second side 206 of the body 202. At step 210e, a sea ling gasket 236 is attached to the cap 226. The sea ling gasket 236 has a hole 238 extending there through. The hole 238 is in communication with a hole 228 in the cap 226, the hole 220 in the ring magnet 218, the opening 214 in the recess 208 of the body 202, the internal channel 212, and the opening 210 in the first side 24 of the body 202 (see FIGS. 2A- 2D).

[00101] In yet another embodiment, a sealing tape 280 (optional) is attached at step 212e to the opposing end 274 of the ring magnet 268 and the first side 254 of the body 252. The sealing tape 280 has a hole 282 extending there through. The hole 282 is in communication with the hole 270 in the ring magnet 268, the opening 264 in the recess 258 of the body 252, the internal channe l 262, and the opening 260 in the second side 256 of the body 252. At step 214e, a sea ling gasket 276 is positioned adjacent to the second side 256 of the body 252. The sealing gasket 276 has a hole 278 extending there through. The hole 278 is in communication with the opening 260 in the second side 256 of the body 252, the internal channel 262, the opening 264 in the recess 258 of the body 252, the hole 270 i n the magnet 268, and the hole 282 in the sealing tape 280 (if present) (see FIGS. 2E-2H).

[00102] I n either of the embodiments, a tube 130, 240, 284 is positioned at step 216e within the opening 110, 210, 264 of the first side first side 104, 204 or the second side 256 of the body 102, 202, 252, at least a portion of the interior channel 112, 212, 262, and within at least a portion of the hole 120, 220, 270 of the ri ng magnet 118, 218, 268 (see FIGS. 1A-1B, 2A-2B, and 2E-2F).

[00103] Alternatively in either of the embodiments, a well 130', 240', 284' is attached to the first side 104, 204, 254 of the body 102, 202, 252 or the sealing ta pe 280 (if present). The well 130', 240', 284' has three sides 132a', 132b', 132c', 232a', 232b', 232c', 286a', 286b' and 286c' and an opening 132d', 232d', 286d' therein. The side 132c', 232c', 286c' (opposite the opening 132d', 232d', 286d') has a hole 134', 234', 288' located therein. The side 132c', 232c', 286c' is attached to the first side 104, 204, 254 of the body 102, 202, 252 or the sealing tape 280 (if present) (see FIGS. 1C-1D, 2C-2D, and 2G-2H).

[00104] Referring to FIGURES 3A-3B, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 300 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 3A (top view) and 3B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 3A), the microfluidic module 300 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 300) comprises a body 302 having a first side 304 with an inlet opening 306 formed therein and an outlet opening 308 formed therein. The inlet opening 306 and the outlet opening 308 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 310 which is located within the body 302. The body 302 also has a second side 312 which has a first recess 314 formed therein, and a second recess 316 formed therein. The second side 312 is opposite the first side 304. The microfluidic module 300 also has a first magnet 318 (e.g., solid magnet 318, ring magnet 318) that is located at least partly within the first recess 314 (note: in the example shown the first magnet 318 is located within the first recess 314). The first magnet 318 also has one end 320 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 324 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). The one end 320 of the first magnet 318 is aligned (through the body 302) with the inlet opening 306. The microfluidic module 300 also has a second magnet 326 (e.g., solid magnet 326, ring magnet 326) that is at least partly located within the second recess 316 (note: in the example shown the second magnet 326 is located within the second recess 316). The second magnet 326 has one end 330 which has a magnetic polarity (S or N) and an opposing end 332 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S). The one end 330 of the second magnet 326 is aligned (through the body 302) with the outlet opening 308. If desired, the microfluidic module 300 can also have an inlet sealing gasket 334 (e.g., O-ring 334, adhesive tape 334 or the like) and an outlet sealing gasket 336 (e.g., O-ring 336, adhesive tape 336 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 334 has an inlet hole 338 extending there through where the inlet hole 338 is in communication with the inlet opening 306 and the internal channel 310. The outlet sealing gasket 336 has an outlet hole 340 extending there through where the outlet hole 340 is in communication with the outlet opening 308 and the internal channel 310. The microfluidic module 300 also has a sealing tape 342 that is applied to the second side 312 of the body 302 to help secure the first magnet 318 within the first recess 314 and the second magnet 326 within the second recess 316.

[00105] Referring to FIGURE 3C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 300 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 350 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 300 (left side of image) has the one end 330 (S or N) of the second magnet 326 magnetically coupled to the one end 320 (N or S) of the first magnet 318 of the other microfluidic module 300 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 308 of the one microfluidic module 300 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 306 of the other microfluidic module 300 (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 300 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 350.

[00106] Referring to FIGURE 3D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 300 magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 300 to form a microfluidic system 350' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 300 (left side of image) has the one end 330 (S or N) of the second magnet 326 magnetically coupled to the one end 320 (N or S) of the first magnet 318 of the other microfluidic module 300 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 308 of the one microfluidic module 300 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 306 of the other microfluidic module 300 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnets 118 and 318) to the inlet opening 306 of the one microfluidic module 300 (left side of image) while another inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnets 118 and 326) to the outlet opening 308 of the other microfluidic module 300 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 300 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) enables fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 300. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 300 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner and any number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250' (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 300 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 350'. [00107] The microfluidic modules 300 shown in FIGS. 3A-3D are all serpentine-mixing microfluidic modules 300 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 300 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 350 or 350'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 300 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 300 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 300 (which can be heated, cooled and evacuated, and is used to allow chemical or biological reactions(s), cell culture or molecule amplification(s) such as polymerase chain reaction); (3) an electrophoresis microfluidic module 300 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 300 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a separation microfluidic module 300 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 300 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 300 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 300 (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 300 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 300 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. I n each these examples, the microfluidic module 300 has at least two magnets 318 and 326 (more possible), at least two openings 306 and 308 (more possible), and an internal channel 310 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 23A-23D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 300).

[00108] Referring to FIGURES 4A-4B, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 400 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 4A (top view) and 4B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 4A), the microfluidic module 400 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 400) comprises a body 402 having a first side 404 with an inlet opening 406 formed therein and an outlet opening 408 formed therein. The inlet opening 406 and the outlet opening 408 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 410 which is located within the body 402. The body 402 also has a second side 412 which has a recess 414 formed therein. The second side 412 is opposite the first side 404. The microfluidic module 400 also has a magnet 418 (e.g., solid magnet 418, non-solid magnet 418 (i.e., one or more holes located therein)) that is located at least partly within the recess 414 (note: in the example shown the magnet 418 is located within the recess 414). The magnet 418 also has one end 420 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 424 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). Further, the magnet 418 has a first portion 419a of the one end 420 thereof aligned with the inlet opening 406, and a second portion 419b of the one end 420 thereof a ligned with the outlet opening 408. If desired, the microfluidic module 400 can also have an inlet sealing gasket 434 (e.g., O-ring 434, adhesive tape 434 or the like) and an outlet sealing gasket 436 (e.g., O-ring 436, adhesive tape 436 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 434 has an inlet hole 438 extending there through where the inlet hole 438 is in communication with the inlet opening 406 and the internal channel 410. The outlet sealing gasket 436 has an outlet hole 440 extending there through where the outlet hole 440 is in communication with the outlet opening 408 and the internal channel 410. The microfluidic module 400 also has a sealing tape 442 that is applied to the second side 412 of the body 402 to help secure the magnet 418 within the recess 414.

[00109] Referring to FIGURE 4C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 400 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 450 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 400 (left side of image) has the second portion 419b of the one end 420 of the magnet 418 magnetically coupled to the first portion 419a of the one end 420 of the magnet 418 in the other microfluidic module 400 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 408 of the one microfluidic module 400 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 406 of the other microfluidic module 400 (right side of image). Note: the one microfluidic module 400 (left side of image) has the magnet 418 where the one end 420 has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and the other microfluidic module 400 (right side of image) has the magnet 418 where the one end 420 has an magnetic polarity (S or N). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 400 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 450.

[00110] Referring to FIGURE 4D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 400 magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 400 to form a microfluidic system 450' in accorda nce with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic modu le 400 ( left side of image) has the second portion 419b of the one end 420 of the magnet 418 magnetically coupled to the first portion 419a of the one end 420 of the magnet 418 in the other microfluidic module 400 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 408 of the one microfluidic module 400 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid commu nication, gas communication) with the i nlet opening 406 of the other microfluidic module 400 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnet 118 and first portion 419a of magnet 418) to the inlet opening 406 of the one microfluidic module 400 (left side of image) while another inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnet 118 a nd second portion 419b of magnet 418) to the outlet opening 408 of the other microfluidic module 400 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled m icrofl uidic modules 400 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) ena bles fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 400. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 400 can be magnetically coupled to one a nother in a similar manner and a ny number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250' (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 400 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 450'.

[00111] The microfluidic modules 400 shown in FIGS. 4A-4D are all serpentine-mixing microfluidic modules 400 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 400 with different fu nctions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one a nother to form the desired microfluidic system 450 or 450'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 400 that can be used include: (1) a detection cham ber microfluidic module 400 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 400 (which ca n be heated, cooled and evacuated, and is used to allow chemica l or biologica l reactions(s), cell culture or molecule amplification(s) such as polymerase chain reaction); (3) an electrophoresis microfluidic module 400 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 400 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a separation microfluidic module 400 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 400 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 400 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 400 (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 400 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 400 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. In each these examples, the microfluidic module 400 has at least two openings 406 and 408 (more possible), and an internal channel 410 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 23A-23D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 400).

[00112] Referring to FIGURES 5A-5B, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 500 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 5A (top view) and 5B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 5A), the microfluidic module 500 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 500) comprises a body 502 having a first side wall 505 with an inlet opening 506 formed therein and a second side wall 507 with an outlet opening 508 formed therein. The first side wall 505 is opposite the second side wall 507. The inlet opening 506 and the outlet opening 508 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 510 which is located within the body 502. The body 502 has a first side 504 and a second side 512 which is opposite the first side 504. The second side 512 has a first recess 514 formed therein, and a second recess 516 formed therein. Although not shown, the second side 512 may have a first recess structured to contain a single magnet located at least partly within the first recess. The microfluidic module 500 also has a first magnet 518 (e.g., solid magnet 518, ring magnet 518) that is located at least partly within the first recess 514 (note: in the example shown the first magnet 518 is located within the first recess 514). The first magnet 518 also has one end 520 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 524 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). The one end 520 of the first magnet 518 is aligned (through the body 502) with the inlet opening 506. The microfluidic module 500 also has a second magnet 526 (e.g., solid magnet 526, ring magnet 526) that is at least partly located within the second recess 516 (note: in the example shown the second magnet 526 is located within the second recess 516). The second magnet 526 has one end 530 which has a magnetic polarity (S or N) and an opposing end 532 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S). The one end 530 of the second magnet 526 is aligned (through the body 502) with the outlet opening 508. In embodiments, the second side may have a first recess structured to contain a single magnet, one end of the single magnet aligned with the inlet, and the other end of the single magnet aligned with the outlet. If desired, the microfluidic module 500 can also have an inlet sealing gasket 534 (e.g., O-ring 534, adhesive tape 534 or the like) and an outlet sealing gasket 536 (e.g., O-ring 536, adhesive tape 536 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 534 has an inlet hole 538 extending there through where the inlet hole 538 is in communication with the inlet opening 506 and the internal channel 510. The outlet sealing gasket 536 has an outlet hole 540 extending there through where the outlet hole 540 is in communication with the outlet opening 508 and the internal channel 510. The microfluidic module 500 also has sealing tape 542 that is applied to the second side 512 of the body 502 to help secure the first magnet 518 within the first recess 514 and the second magnet 526 within the second recess 516.

[00113] Referring to FIGURE 5C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 500 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 550 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 500 (left side of image) has the one end 530 (S or N) of the second magnet 526 magnetically coupled to the one end 520 (N or S) of the first magnet 518 of the other microfluidic module 500 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 508 of the one microfluidic module 500 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 506 of the other microfluidic module 500 (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 500 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 550.

[00114] Referring to FIGURE 5D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 500 magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 500 to form a microfluidic system 550' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 500 (left side of image) has the one end 530 (S or N) of the second magnet 526 magnetically coupled to the one end 520 (N or S) of the first magnet 518 of the other microfluidic module 500 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 508 of the one microfluidic module 500 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 506 of the other microfluidic module 500 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnets 118 and 518) to the inlet opening 506 of the one microfluidic module 500 (left side of image) while another inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnets 118 and 526) to the outlet opening 508 of the other microfluidic module 500 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 500 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 500 (right side of image) enables fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 500. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 500 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner and any number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100, 200 or 250 (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 500 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 550'.

[00115] The microfluidic modules 500 shown in FIGS. 5A-5D are all serpentine-mixing microfluidic modules 500 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 500 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 550 or 550'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 500 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 500 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 500 (which can be heated, cooled and evacuated, and is used to allow chemical or biological reactions(s), cell culture or molecule amplification(s) such as polymerase chain reaction); (3) an electrophoresis microfluidic module 500 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 500 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a separation microfluidic module 500 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 500 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 500 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfl uidic module 500 (which has an interna l pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 500 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) a nd direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 500 (which is used to isolate sam ple fluid(s)), etc... or com binations of these. I n each these examples, the microfluidic module 500 has at least two magnets 518 a nd 526 (more possible), at least two openings 506 and 508 (more possible), and an interna l channel 510 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a sma ll amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 23A-23D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 500).

[00116] Referring to FIGURES 6A-6B, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 600 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 6A (top view) and 6B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 6A), the microfluidic module 600 (chip-to-chip fluidic intercon nect 600) comprises a body 602 having a first side 604 with an inlet opening 606 formed the rein and a second side 612 with an outlet opening 608 formed therein. The first side 604 is opposite the second side 612. The inlet opening 606 and the outlet opening 608 are in communication with one another via an interna l channel 610 which is located within the body 602. The second side 612 a lso has a first recess 614 formed therei n. The first side 604 also has a second recess 616 formed therein. The microfluidic module 600 also has a first magnet 618 (e.g., solid magnet 618, ring magnet 618) that is located at least partly within the first recess 614 (note: in the example shown the first magnet 618 is located within the first recess 614). The first magnet 618 a lso has one end 620 which has a magnetic pola rity (S or N) and an opposing end 624 which has a n opposing magnetic polarity (N or S). The one end 620 of the first magnet 618 is a ligned (through the body 602) with the inlet opening 606. The microfluidic module 600 also has a second magnet 626 (e.g., solid magnet 626, ring magnet 626) that is at least partly located within the second recess 616 (note: in the example shown the second magnet 626 is located within the second recess 616). The second magnet 626 has one end 628 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 632 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). The one end 628 of the second magnet 626 is aligned (through the body 602) with the outlet opening 608. If desired, the microfluidic module 600 can also have an inlet sealing gasket 634 (e.g., O-ring 634, adhesive tape 634 or the like) and an outlet sealing gasket 636 (e.g., O-ring 636, adhesive tape 636 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 634 has an inlet hole 638 extending there through where the inlet hole 638 is in communication with the inlet opening 606 and the internal channel 610. The outlet sealing gasket 636 has an outlet hole 640 extending there through where the outlet hole 640 is in communication with the outlet opening 608 and the internal channel 610. The microfluidic module 600 also has a sealing tape 642a that is applied to the second side 612 of the body 602 to help secure the first magnet 618 within the first recess 614. Further, the microfluidic module 600 also has a sealing tape 642b that is applied to the first side 604 of the body 602 to help secure the second magnet 626 within the second recess 616.

[00117] Referring to FIGURE 6C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 600 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 650 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 600 (left side of image) has the one end 628 (N or S) of the second magnet 626 magnetically coupled to the one end 620 (S or N) of the first magnet 618 of the other microfluidic module 600 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 608 of the one microfluidic module 600 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 606 of the other microfluidic module 600 (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 600 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 650.

[00118] Referring to FIGURE 6D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 600 magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 600 to form a microfluidic system 650' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 600 (left side of image) has the one end 628 (N or S) of the second magnet 626 magnetically coupled to the one end 620 (S or N) of the first magnet 618 of the other microfluidic module 600 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 608 of the one microfluidic module 600 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 606 of the other microfluidic module 600 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnets 118 and 618) to the inlet opening 606 of the one microfluidic module 600 (left side of image) while another inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnets 118 and 626) to the outlet opening 608 of the other microfluidic module 600 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 600 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) enables fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 600. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 600 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner and any number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250' (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 600 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 650'.

[00119] The microfluidic modules 600 shown in FIGS. 6A-6D are all serpentine-mixing microfluidic modules 600 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 600 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 650 or 650'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 600 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 600 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 600 (which can be heated, cooled and evacuated, and is used to allow chemical or biological reactions(s), cell culture or molecule amplification(s) such as polymerase chain reaction); (3) an electrophoresis microfluidic module 600 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 600 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a separation microfluidic module 600 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 600 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 600 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 600 (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 600 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 600 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. I n each these examples, the microfluidic module 600 has at least two magnets 618 and 626 (more possible), at least two openings 606 and 608 (more possible), and an internal channel 610 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 23A-23D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 600).

[00120] Referring to FIGURE 7, there is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an exemplary method 700 for manufacturing the microfluidic module 300, 400, 500 and 600 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Beginning at step 702, a body 302, 402, 502, 602 is formed (e.g. 3D printing, additive manufacturing, injection molding, hot embossing, lamination, microfabrication) where the body 302, 402, 502, 602 has a first recess 314, 414, 514, 614 located therein, a second recess 316, 516, 616 (not required), an inlet opening 306, 406, 506, 606 located therein, and an outlet opening 308, 408, 508, 608 located therein. The inlet opening 306, 406, 506, 606 and the outlet opening 308, 408, 508, 608 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 310, 410, 510, 610 which is located within the body 302, 402, 502, 602. At step 704, a first magnet 318, 418, 518, 618 is secured (e.g., via glue) at least partly within the first recess 314, 414, 514, 614. The first magnet 318, 418, 518, 618 having one end 320, 420, 520, 620 and an opposing end 324, 424, 524, 624. The one end 320, 420, 520, 620 has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and the opposing end 324, 424, 524, 624 has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). At step 706 (optional), an inlet sealing gasket 334, 434, 534, 634 is secured (e.g., via glue) to the inlet opening 306, 406, 506, 606. The inlet sealing gasket 334, 434, 534, 634 has an inlet hole 338, 438, 538, 638 extending there through and in communication with the inlet opening 306, 406, 506, 606 and the internal channel 310, 410, 510, 610. At step 708 (optional), an outlet sealing gasket 336, 436, 536, 636 is secured (e.g., via glue) to the outlet opening 308, 408, 508, 608. The outlet sealing gasket 336, 436, 536, 636 has an outlet hole 340, 440, 540, 640 extending there through which is in communication with the outlet opening 308, 408, 508, 608 and the internal cha nnel 310, 410, 510, 610. At step 710 (optional), a second magnet 326, 526, 626 is secured (e.g., via glue) at least partly within the second recess 316, 516, 616. The second magnet 326, 526, 626 having one end 330, 530, 628 and an opposing end 332, 532, 632. The one end 330, 530, 628 has a magnetic polarity (S or N) and the opposing end 332, 532, 632 has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S). Note: the base platform 1500 and 1800 can also be manufactured in a similar manner.

[00121] In one example, steps 702, 704, 706, 708, and 710 can be used to manufacture the microfluidic module 300 which has a configuration where the inlet opening 306 and the outlet opening 308 are located on a first side 304 of the body 302. The first recess 314 and the second recess 316 are both located on a second side 312 of the body 302. The second side 312 is opposite the first side 304. The one end 320 of the first magnet 318 is aligned (through the body 302) with the inlet opening 306 and the one end 330 of the second magnet 326 is aligned (through the body 302) with the outlet opening 308. If desired, the microfluidic module 300 has an inlet sealing gasket 334 secured (e.g., via glue) to the inlet opening 306, and an outlet sealing gasket 336 secured (e.g., via glue) to the outlet opening 308 (see FIGURES 3A-3B).

[00122] In another example, steps 702, 704, 706 and 708 can be used to manufacture the microfluidic module 400 which has a configuration where the inlet opening 406 and the outlet opening 408 are located on a first side 404 of the body 402. The first recess 414 is located on a second side 412 of the body 402. The second side 412 is opposite the first side 404. The first magnet 418 has a first portion 419a of the one end 420 thereof aligned (through the body 402) with the inlet opening 406. Further, the first magnet 418 has a second portion 419b of the one end 420 thereof aligned (through the body 402) with the outlet opening 408. If desired, the microfluidic module 400 has an inlet sealing gasket 434 secured (e.g., via glue) to the inlet opening 406, and an outlet sealing gasket 436 secured (e.g., via glue) to the outlet opening 408 (see FIGURES 4A-4B).

[00123] In yet another example, steps 702, 704, 706, 708, and 710 can be used to manufacture the microfluidic module 500 which has a configuration where the inlet opening 506 is located on a first sidewall 505 of the body 502 and the outlet opening 508 is located on a second sidewall 507 of the body 502. The second sidewall 507 is opposite the first sidewall 505 of the body 502. The first recess 514 and the second recess 516 are both located on a second side 512 of the body 502. The second side 512 is adjacent to the first sidewall 505 and the second sidewall 507. The one end 520 of the first magnet 518 is aligned with the inlet opening 506, and the one end 530 of the second magnet 526 is aligned with the outlet opening 508. If desired, the microfluidic module 500 has an inlet sealing gasket 534 secured (e.g., via glue) to the inlet opening 506, and an outlet sealing gasket 536 secured (e.g., via glue) to the outlet opening 508 (see FIGURES 5A-5B).

[00124] In still yet another example, steps 702, 704, 706, 708, and 710 can be used to manufacture the microfluidic module 600 which has a configuration where the inlet opening 606 is located on the first side 604 of the body 602 and the outlet opening 608 is located on the second side 612 of the body 602. The second side 612 is opposite the first side 604. The first recess 614 is located on the second side 612 and the second recess 616 is located on the first side 604. The one end 620 of the first magnet 618 is aligned (through the body 602) with the inlet opening 606, and the one end 628 of the second magnet 626 is aligned (through the body 602) with the outlet opening 608. If desired, the microfluidic module 600 has an inlet sealing gasket 634 secured (e.g., via glue) to the inlet opening 606, and an outlet sealing gasket 636 secured (e.g., via glue) to the outlet opening 608 (see FIGURES 6A-6B).

[00125] Referring to FIGURES 8A-8D, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 800 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 8A (top view) and 8B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 8A), the microfluidic module 800 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 800) comprises a body 802 having a first side 804 with an inlet opening 806 formed therein and an outlet opening 808 formed therein. The inlet opening 806 and the outlet opening 808 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 810 which is located within the body 802. The body 802 also has a second side 812 which is opposite the first side 804. The microfluidic module 800 further has a first magnet 818 (e.g., solid magnet 818, ring magnet 818) located within a first recess adapter 819. The first recess adapter 819 has a first side 821 and a second side 823 where the second side 823 is opposite the first side 821. The first recess adapter 819 has a first recess 814 located within the first side 821. The first magnet 818 is located within the first recess 814. The first side 821 of the first recess adapter 819 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 812 of the body 802. The first magnet 818 also has one end 820 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 824 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). The one end 820 of the first magnet 818 is aligned (through the body 802) with the inlet opening 806. The microfluidic module 800 further has a second magnet 826 (e.g., solid magnet 826, ring magnet 826) located within a second recess adapter 829. The second recess adapter 829 has a first side 831 and a second side 833 where the second side 833 is opposite the first side 831. The second recess adapter 829 has a second recess 835 located within the first side 831. The second magnet 826 is located within the second recess 835. The first side 831 of the second recess adapter 829 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 812 of the body 802. The second magnet 826 also has one end 830 which has a magnetic polarity (S or N) and an opposing end 832 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S). The one end 830 of the second magnet 826 is aligned (through the body 802) with the outlet opening 808. If desired, the first recess adapter 819 can be coupled via a connecting piece 843 to the second recess adapter 829. If desired, the microfluidic module 800 can have an inlet sealing gasket 834 (e.g., O-ring 834, adhesive tape 834 or the like) and an outlet sealing gasket 836 (e.g., O-ring 336, adhesive tape 336 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 834 has an inlet hole 838 extending there through where the inlet hole 838 is in communication with the inlet opening 806 and the internal channel 810. The outlet sealing gasket 836 has an outlet hole 840 extending there through where the outlet hole 840 is in communication with the outlet opening 808 and the internal channel 810.

[00126] Referring to FIGURE 8C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 800 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 850 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 800 (left side of image) has the one end 830 (S or N) of the second magnet 826 magnetically coupled to the one end 820 (N or S) of the first magnet 818 of the other microfluidic module 800 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 808 of the one microfluidic module 800 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 806 of the other microfluidic module 800 (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 800 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 850.

[00127] Referring to FIGURE 8D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 800 magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 800 to form a microfluidic system 850' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 800 (left side of image) has the one end 830 (S or N) of the second magnet 826 magnetically coupled to the one end 820 (N or S) of the first magnet 818 of the other microfluidic module 800 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 808 of the one microfluidic module 800 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 806 of the other microfluidic module 800 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnets 118 and 818) to the inlet opening 806 of the one microfluidic module 800 (left side of image) while another inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnets 118 and 826) to the outlet opening 808 of the other microfluidic module 800 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 800 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) enables fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 800. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 800 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner and any number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250' (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 800 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 850'.

[00128] The microfluidic modules 800 shown in FIGS. 8A-8D are all serpentine-mixing microfluidic modules 800 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 800 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 850 or 850'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 800 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 800 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 800 (which can be heated, cooled and evacuated, and is used to allow chemical or biological reactions(s), cell culture or molecule amplification(s) such as polymerase chain reaction); (3) an electrophoresis microfluidic module 800 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 800 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a separation microfluidic module 800 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 800 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 800 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 800 (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 800 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 800 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. I n each these examples, the microfluidic module 800 has at least two magnets 818 and 826 (more possible), at least two openings 806 and 808 (more possible), and an internal channel 810 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 23A-23D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 800).

[00129] Referring to FIGURES 9A-9D, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 900 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 9A (top view) and 9B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 9A), the microfluidic module 900 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 900) comprises a body 902 having a first side 904 with an inlet opening 906 formed therein and an outlet opening 908 formed therein. The inlet opening 906 and the outlet opening 908 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 910 which is located within the body 902. The body 902 also has a second side 912 which is opposite the first side 904. The microfluidic module 900 further has a first magnet 918 (e.g., solid magnet 918, ring magnet 918) located within a first recess adapter 919. The first recess adapter 919 has a first side 921 and a second side 923 where the second side 923 is opposite the first side 921. The first recess adapter 919 has a first recess 914 located within the second side 923. The first magnet 918 is located within the first recess 914. The first recess adapter 910 also has a sealing tape 942 that is applied to the second side 923 to help secure the first magnet 819 within the first recess 914. The first side 921 of the first recess adapter 919 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 912 of the body 902. The first magnet 918 also has one end 920 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 924 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). The one end 920 of the first magnet 918 is aligned (through the body 902) with the inlet opening 906. The microfluidic module 900 further has a second magnet 926 (e.g., solid magnet 926, ring magnet 926) located within a second recess adapter 929. The second recess adapter 929 has a first side 931 and a second side 933 where the second side 933 is opposite the first side 931. The second recess adapter 929 has a second recess 935 located within the second side 933. The second magnet 926 is located within the second recess 935. The second recess adapter 929 a lso has a sealing tape 944 that is a pplied to the second side 933 to help secure the second magnet 926 within the second recess 935. The first side 931 of the second recess adapter 929 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 912 of the body 902. The second magnet 926 also has one end 930 which has a magnetic polarity (S or N) and an opposing end 932 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S). The one end 930 of the second magnet 926 is aligned (through the body 902) with the outlet opening 908. If desired, the first recess adapter 919 can be coupled via a connecting piece 943 to the second recess adapter 929. If desired, the microfluidic module 900 ca n have an inlet sea ling gasket 934 (e.g., O-ring 934, adhesive tape 934 or the like) and an outlet sea ling gasket 936 (e.g., O-ring 936, adhesive tape 936 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 934 has an inlet hole 938 extending there through where the inlet hole 938 is in communication with the inlet opening 906 and the internal channel 910. The outlet sealing gasket 936 has an outlet hole 940 extending there through where the outlet hole 940 is in communication with the outlet opening 908 and the internal cha nnel 910.

[00130] Referring to FIGURE 9C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 900 magnetically coupled to a nother one to form a microfluidic system 950 in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 900 (left side of image) has the one end 930 (S or N) of the second magnet 926 magnetically coupled to the one end 920 (N or S) of the first magnet 918 of the other microfluidic module 900 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 908 of the one microfluidic module 900 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid comm unication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 906 of the other microfluidic module 900 (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 900 ca n be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 950.

[00131] Referring to FIGURE 9D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 900 magnetica lly coupled to another and a n inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 900 to form a microfluidic system 950' in accorda nce with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 900 (left side of image) has the one end 930 (S or N) of the second magnet 926 magnetically coupled to the one end 920 (N or S) of the first magnet 918 of the other microfluidic module 900 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 908 of the one microfluidic module 900 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 906 of the other microfluidic module 900 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnets 118 and 918) to the inlet opening 906 of the one microfluidic module 900 (left side of image) while another inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnets 118 and 926) to the outlet opening 908 of the other microfluidic module 900 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 900 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) enables fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 900. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 900 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner and any number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250' (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 900 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 950'.

[00132] The microfluidic modules 900 shown in FIGS. 9A-9D are all serpentine-mixing microfluidic modules 900 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 900 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 950 or 950'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 900 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 900 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 900 (which can be heated, cooled and evacuated, and is used to allow chemical or biological reactions(s), cell culture or molecule amplification(s) such as polymerase chain reaction); (3) an electrophoresis microfluidic module 900 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 900 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a separation microfluidic module 900 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 900 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 900 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 900 (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 900 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 900 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. I n each these examples, the microfluidic module 900 has at least two magnets 918 and 926 (more possible), at least two openings 906 and 908 (more possible), and an internal channel 910 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 23A-23D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 900).

[00133] Referring to FIGURES 10A-10B, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 1000 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 10A (top view) and 10B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 10A), the microfluidic module 1000 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 1000) comprises a body 1002 having a first side 1004 with an inlet opening 1006 formed therein and an outlet opening 1008 formed therein. The inlet opening 1006 and the outlet opening 1008 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 1010 which is located within the body 1002. The microfluidic module 1000 further has a magnet 1018 (e.g., solid magnet 1018, non-solid magnet 1018 (i.e., one or more holes located therein)) located within a recess adapter 1019. The recess adapter 1019 has a first side 1021 and a second side 1023 where the second side 1023 is opposite the first side 1021. The recess adapter 1019 has a recess 1014 located within the first side 1021. The magnet 1018 is located within the recess 1014. The first side 1021 of the recess adapter 1019 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 1012 of the body 1002. The magnet 1018 also has one end 1020 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 1024 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). Further, the magnet 1018 has a first portion 1019a of the one end 1020 thereof aligned (through the body 1002) with the inlet opening 1006, and a second portion 1019b of the one end 1020 thereof aligned (through the body 1002) with the outlet opening 1008. If desired, the microfluidic module 1000 can also have an inlet sealing gasket 1034 (e.g., O-ring 1034, adhesive tape 1034 or the like) and an outlet sealing gasket 1036 (e.g., O-ring 1036, adhesive tape 1036 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 1034 has an inlet hole 1038 extending there through where the inlet hole 1038 is in communication with the inlet opening 1006 and the interna l channel 1010. The outlet sealing gasket 1036 has an outlet hole 1040 extending there through where the outlet hole 1040 is in communication with the outlet opening 1008 and the internal channel 1010.

[00134] Referring to FIGURE IOC (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 1000 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 1050 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 1000 (left side of image) has the second portion 1019b of the one end 1020 of the magnet 1018 magnetically coupled to the first portion 1019a of the one end 1020 of the magnet 1018 in the other microfluidic module 1000 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 1008 of the one microfluidic module 1000 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 1006 of the other microfluidic module 1000 (right side of image). Note: the one microfluidic module 1000 (left side of image) has the magnet 1018 where the one end 1020 has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and the other microfluidic module 1000 (right side of image) has the magnet 1018 where the one end 1020 has an magnetic polarity (S or N). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 1000 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 1050.

[00135] Referring to FIGURE 10D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 1000 magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 1000 to form a microfluidic system 1050' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 1000 (left side of image) has the second portion 1019b of the one end 1020 of the magnet 1018 magnetically coupled to the first portion 1019a of the one end 1020 of the magnet 1018 in the other microfluidic module 1000 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 1008 of the one microfluidic module 1000 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 1006 of the other microfluidic module 1000 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnet 118 and first portion 1019a of magnet 1018) to the inlet opening 1006 of the one microfluidic module 1000 (left side of image) while another inlet -outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnet 118 and second portion 1019b of magnet 1018) to the outlet opening 1008 of the other microfluidic module 1000 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 1000 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) enables fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 1000. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 1000 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner and any number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250' (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 1000 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 1050'.

[00136] The microfluidic modules 1000 shown in FIGS. 10A-10D are all serpentine- mixing microfluidic modules 1000 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 1000 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 1050 or 1050'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 1000 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 1000 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 1000 (which can be heated, cooled and evacuated, and is used to allow chemical or biological reactions(s), cell culture or molecule amplification(s) such as polymerase chain reaction); (3) an electrophoresis microfluidic module 1000 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 1000 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a separation microfluidic module 1000 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 1000 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 1000 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 1000 (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 1000 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 1000 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. In each these examples, the microfluidic module 1000 has at least two openings 1006 and 1008 (more possible), and an internal channel 1010 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 23A-23D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 1000).

[00137] Referring to FIGURES 11A-11B, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 1100 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 11A (top view) and 11B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 11A), the microfluidic module 1100 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 1100) comprises a body 1102 having a first side 1104 with an inlet opening 1106 formed therein and an outlet opening 1108 formed therein. The inlet opening 1106 and the outlet opening 1108 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 1110 which is located within the body 1102. The microfluidic module 1100 further has a magnet 1118 (e.g., solid magnet 1118, non-solid magnet 1118 (i.e., one or more holes located therein)) located within a recess adapter 1119. The recess adapter 1119 has a first side 1121 and a second side 1123 where the second side 1123 is opposite the first side 1121. The recess adapter 1119 has a recess 1114 located within the second side 1123. The magnet 1118 is located within the first recess 1114. The recess adapter 1119 also has a sealing tape 1142 that is applied to the second side 1123 to help secure the magnet 1118 within the recess 1114. The first side 1121 of the recess adapter 1119 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 1112 of the body 1102. The magnet 1118 also has one end 1120 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 1124 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). Further, the magnet 1118 has a first portion 1119a of the one end 1120 thereof aligned (through the body 1102) with the inlet opening 1106, and a second portion 1119b of the one end 1120 thereof aligned (through the body 1102) with the outlet opening 1108. If desired, the microfluidic module 1100 can also have an inlet sealing gasket 1134 (e.g., O-ring 1134, adhesive tape 1134 or the like) and an outlet sealing gasket 1136 (e.g., CD- ring 1136, adhesive tape 1136 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 1134 has an inlet hole 1138 extending there through where the inlet hole 1138 is in communication with the inlet opening 1106 and the internal channel 1110. The outlet sealing gasket 1136 has an outlet hole 1140 extending there through where the outlet hole 1140 is in communication with the outlet opening 1108 and the internal channel 1110.

[00138] Referring to FIGURE 11C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 1100 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 1150 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 1100 (left side of image) has the second portion 1119b of the one end 1120 of the magnet 1118 magnetically coupled to the first portion 1119a of the one end 1120 of the magnet 1118 in the other microfluidic module 1100 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 1108 of the one microfluidic module 1100 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 1106 of the other microfluidic module 1100 (right side of image). Note: the one microfluidic module 1100 (left side of image) has the magnet 1118 where the one end 1120 has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and the other microfluidic module 1100 (right side of image) has the magnet 1118 where the one end 1120 has an magnetic polarity (S or N). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 1100 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 1150.

[00139] Referring to FIGURE 11D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 1100 magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 1100 to form a microfluidic system 1150' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 1100 (left side of image) has the second portion 1119b of the one end 1120 of the magnet 1118 magnetically coupled to the first portion 1119a of the one end 1120 of the magnet 1118 in the other microfluidic module 1100 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 1108 of the one microfluidic module 1100 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 1106 of the other microfluidic module 1100 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnet 118 and first portion 1119a of magnet 1118) to the inlet opening 1106 of the one microfluidic module 1100 (left side of image) while another inlet -outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnet 118 and second portion 1119b of magnet 1118) to the outlet opening 1108 of the other microfluidic module 1100 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 1100 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) enables fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 1100. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 1100 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner and any number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250' (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 1100 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 1150'.

[00140] The microfluidic modules 1100 shown in FIGS. 11A-11D are all serpentine- mixing microfluidic modules 1100 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 1100 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 1150 or 1150'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 1100 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 1100 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 1100 (which can be heated, cooled and evacuated, and is used to allow chemical or biological reactions(s), cell culture or molecule amplification(s) such as polymerase chain reaction); (3) an electrophoresis microfluidic module 1100 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 1100 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a separation microfluidic module 1100 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 1100 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 1100 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 1100 (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 1100 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 1100 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. In each these examples, the microfluidic module 1100 has at least two openings 1106 and 1108 (more possible), and an internal channel 1110 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 23A-23D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 1100).

[00141] Referring to FIGURES 12A-12B, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 1200 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 12A (top view) and 12B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 12A), the microfluidic module 1200 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 1200) comprises a body 1202 having a first side 1204 with an inlet opening 1206 formed therein and a second side 1212 with an outlet opening 1208 formed therein. The first side 1204 is opposite the second side 1212. The inlet opening 1206 and the outlet opening 1208 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 1210 which is located within the body 1202. The microfluidic module 1200 further has a first magnet 1218 (e.g., solid magnet 1218, ring magnet 1218) located within a first recess adapter 1219. The first recess adapter 1219 has a first side 1221 and a second side 1223 where the second side 1223 is opposite the first side 1221. The first recess adapter 1219 has a first recess 1214 located within the first side 1221. The first magnet 1218 is located within the first recess 1214. The first side 1221 of the first recess adapter 1219 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 1212 of the body 1202. The first magnet 1218 also has one end 1220 which has a magnetic polarity (S or N) and an opposing end 1224 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S). The one end 1220 of the first magnet 1218 is aligned (through the body 1202) with the inlet opening 1206. The microfluidic module 1200 further has a second magnet 1226 (e.g., solid magnet 1226, ring magnet 1226) located within a second recess adapter 1229. The second recess adapter 1229 has a first side 1231 and a second side 1233 where the second side 1233 is opposite the first side 1231. The second recess adapter 1229 has a second recess 1235 located within the first side 1231. The second magnet 1226 is located within the second recess 1235. The first side 1231 of the second recess adapter 1229 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the first side 1204 of the body 1202. The second magnet 1226 has one end 1228 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 1232 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). The one end 1228 of the second magnet 1226 is aligned (through the body 1202) with the outlet opening 1208. If desired, the microfluidic module 1200 can also have an inlet sealing gasket 1234 (e.g., O-ring 1234, adhesive tape 1234 or the like) and an outlet sealing gasket 1236 (e.g., O-ring 1236, adhesive tape 1236 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 1234 has an inlet hole 1238 extending there through where the inlet hole 1238 is in communication with the inlet opening 1206 and the internal channel 1210. The outlet sealing gasket 1236 has an outlet hole 1240 extending there through where the outlet hole 1240 is in communication with the outlet opening 1208 and the internal channel 1210.

[00142] Referring to FIGURE 12C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 1200 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 1250 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 1200 (left side of image) has the one end 1228 (N or S) of the second magnet 1226 magnetically coupled to the one end 1220 (S or N) of the first magnet 1218 of the other microfluidic module 1200 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 1208 of the one microfluidic module 1200 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 1206 of the other microfluidic module 1200 (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 1200 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 1250.

[00143] Referring to FIGURE 12D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 1200 magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 1200 to form a microfluidic system 1250' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 1200 (left side of image) has the one end 1228 (N or S) of the second magnet 1226 magnetically coupled to the one end 1220 (S or N) of the first magnet 1218 of the other microfluidic module 1200 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 1208 of the one microfluidic module 1200 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 1206 of the other microfluidic module 1200 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnets 118 and 1218) to the inlet opening 1206 of the one microfluidic module 1200 (left side of image) while another inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnets 118 and 1226) to the outlet opening 1208 of the other microfluidic module 1200 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 1200 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) enables fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 1200. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 1200 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner and any number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250' (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 1200 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 1250'.

[00144] The microfluidic modules 1200 shown in FIGS. 23A-23D are all serpentine- mixing microfluidic modules 1200 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 1200 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 1250 or 1250'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 1200 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 1200 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 1200 (which can be heated, cooled and evacuated, and is used to allow chemical or biological reactions(s), cell culture or molecule amplification(s) such as polymerase chain reaction); (3) an electrophoresis microfluidic module 1200 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 1200 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a separation microfluidic module 1200 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 1200 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 1200 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 1200 (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 1200 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 1200 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. In each these examples, the microfluidic module 1200 has at least two magnets 1218 and 1226 (more possible), at least two openings 1206 and 1208 (more possible), and an internal channel 1210 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 23A-23D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 1200).

[00145] Referring to FIGURES 13A-13B, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 1300 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 13A (top view) and 13B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 13A), the microfluidic module 1300 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 1300) comprises a body 1302 having a first side 1304 with an inlet opening 1306 formed therein and a second side 1312 with an outlet opening 1308 formed therein. The first side 1304 is opposite the second side 1312. The inlet opening 1306 and the outlet opening 1308 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 1310 which is located within the body 1302. The microfluidic module 1300 further has a first magnet 1318 (e.g., solid magnet 1318, ring magnet 1318) located within a first recess adapter 1319. The first recess adapter 1319 has a first side 1321 and a second side 1323 where the second side 1323 is opposite the first side 1321. The first recess adapter 1319 has a first recess 1314 located within the second side 1323. The first magnet 1318 is located within the first recess 1314. The first recess adapter 1310 also has a sealing tape 1342 that is applied to the second side 1323 to help secure the first magnet 1319 within the first recess 1314. The first side 1321 of the first recess adapter 1319 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 1312 of the body 1302. The first magnet 1318 also has one end 1320 which has a magnetic polarity (S or N) and an opposing end 1324 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S). The one end 1320 of the first magnet 1318 is aligned (through the body 1302) with the inlet opening 1306. The microfluidic module 1300 further has a second magnet 1326 (e.g., solid magnet 1326, ring magnet 1326) located within a second recess adapter 1329. The second recess adapter 1329 has a first side 1331 and a second side 1333 where the second side 1333 is opposite the first side 1331. The second recess adapter 1329 has a second recess 1335 located within the second side 1333. The second magnet 1326 is located within the second recess 1335. The second recess adapter 1329 also has a sealing tape 1344 that is applied to the second side 1333 to help secure the second magnet 1326 within the second recess 1335. The second magnet 1326 has one end 1328 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 1332 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). The one end 1328 of the second magnet 1326 is aligned (through the body 1302) with the outlet opening 1308. If desired, the microfluidic module 1300 can also have an inlet sealing gasket 1334 (e.g., O-ring 1334, adhesive tape 1334 or the like) and an outlet sealing gasket 1336 (e.g., CD- ring 1336, adhesive tape 1336 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 1334 has an inlet hole 1338 extending there through where the inlet hole 1338 is in communication with the inlet opening 1306 and the internal channel 1310. The outlet sealing gasket 1336 has an outlet hole 1340 extending there through where the outlet hole 1340 is in communication with the outlet opening 1308 and the internal channel 1310.

[00146] Referring to FIGURE 13C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 1300 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 1350 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 1300 (left side of image) has the one end 1328 (N or S) of the second magnet 1326 magnetically coupled to the one end 1320 (S or N) of the first magnet 1318 of the other microfluidic module 1300 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 1308 of the one microfluidic module 1300 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 1306 of the other microfluidic module 1300 (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 1300 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 1350.

[00147] Referring to FIGURE 13D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 1300 magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 1300 to form a microfluidic system 1350' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 1300 (left side of image) has the one end 1328 (N or S) of the second magnet 1326 magnetically coupled to the one end 1320 (S or N) of the first magnet 1318 of the other microfluidic module 1300 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 1308 of the one microfluidic module 1300 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 1306 of the other microfluidic module 1300 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnets 118 and 1318) to the inlet opening 1306 of the one microfluidic module 1300 (left side of image) while another inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via magnets 118 and 1326) to the outlet opening 1308 of the other microfluidic module 1300 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 1300 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) enables fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 1300. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 1300 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner and any number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250' (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 1300 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 1350'.

[00148] The microfluidic modules 1300 shown in FIGS. 13A-13D are all serpentine- mixing microfluidic modules 1300 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 1300 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 1350 or 1350'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 1300 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 1300 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 1300 (which can be heated, cooled and evacuated, and is used to allow chemical or biological reactions(s), cell culture or molecule amplification(s) such as polymerase chain reaction); (3) an electrophoresis microfluidic module 1300 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 1300 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a separation microfluidic module 1300 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 1300 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 1300 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 1300 (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 1300 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 1300 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. In each these examples, the microfluidic module 1300 has at least two magnets 1318 and 1326 (more possible), at least two openings 1306 and 1308 (more possible), and an internal channel 1310 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 23A-23D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 1300).

[00149] Referring to FIGURE 14, there is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an exemplary method 1400 for manufacturing the microfluidic module 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Beginning at step 1402, a body 802, 902, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302 is formed (e.g. 3D printing, additive manufacturing, injection molding, hot embossing, lamination, microfabrication) where the body 802, 902, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302 has an inlet opening 806, 906, 1006, 1106, 1206, 1306 located therein, and an outlet opening 808, 908, 1008, 1108, 1208, 1308 located therein. The inlet opening 806, 906, 1006, 1106, 1206, 1306 and the outlet opening 808, 908, 1008, 1108, 1208, 1308 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310 which is located within the body 802, 902, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302. At step 1404, a first recess adapter 819, 919, 1019, 1119, 1219, 1319 is formed (e.g. 3D printing, additive manufacturing, injection molding, hot embossing) where the first recess adapter 819, 919, 1019, 1119, 1219, 1319 has a first recess 814, 914, 1014, 1114, 1214, 1314 located therein. At step 1406, a first magnet 818, 918, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1318 is secured (e.g., via glue) at least partly within the first recess 814, 914, 1014, 1114, 1214, 1314. The first magnet 818, 918, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1318 has one end 820, 920, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1320 and an opposing end 824, 924, 1024, 1124, 1224, 1324. The one end 820, 920, 1020, 1120, 1220, 1320 has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and the opposing end 824, 924, 1024, 1124, 1224, 1324 has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). At step 1408, the first recess adapter 819, 919, 1019, 1119, 1219, 1319 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the body 802, 902, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302. At step 1410 (optional), an inlet sealing gasket 834, 934, 1034, 1134, 1234, 1334 is secured (e.g., via glue) to the inlet opening 806, 906, 1006, 1106, 1206, 1306. The inlet sealing gasket 834, 934, 1034, 1134, 1234, 1334 has an inlet hole 838, 938, 1038, 1138, 1238, 1338 extending there through and in communication with the inlet opening 806, 906, 1006, 1106, 1206, 1306 and the internal channel 810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310. At step 1412 (optional), an outlet sealing gasket 836, 936, 1036, 1136, 1236, 1336 is secured (e.g., via glue) to the outlet opening 808, 908, 1008, 1108, 1208, 1308. The outlet sealing gasket 836, 936, 1036, 1136, 1236, 1336 has an outlet hole 840, 940, 1040, 1140, 1240, 1340 extending there through and in communication with the outlet opening 808, 908, 1008, 1108, 1208, 1308 and the internal channel 810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310. At step 1414 (optional), a second recess adapter 829, 929, 1229, 1329 is formed (e.g. 3D printing, additive manufacturing, injection molding, hot embossing) where the second recess adapter 829, 929, 1229, 1329 has a second recess 835, 935, 1235, 1335 located therein. At step 1416 (optional), a second magnet 826, 926, 1226, 1326 is secured (e.g., via glue) at least partly within the second recess 835, 935, 1235, 1335. The second magnet 826, 926, 1226, 1326 has one end 830, 930, 1228, 1328 and an opposing end 832, 932, 1232, 1332. The one end 830, 930, 1228, 1328 has a magnetic polarity (S or N) and the opposing end 832, 932, 1232, 1332 has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S). At step 1418 (optional), the second recess adapter 829, 929, 1229, 1329 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the body 802, 902, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302. Note: the base platform 1600, 1700, 1900, 2000 described hereinafter can also be manufactured in a similar manner.

[00150] In one example, steps 1402, 1404, 1406, 1408, 1410 and 1412 can be used to manufacture the microfluidic module 1000 and 1100 which has a configuration where the inlet opening 1006, 1106 and the outlet opening 1008, 1108 are located on a first side 1004, 1104 of the body 1002, 1102. The body 1002, 1102 has a second side 1012, 1112 that is opposite the first side 1004, 1104. The first recess adapter 1019, 1119 is attached to the second side 1012, 1112 of the body 1002, 1102. The first magnet 1018, 1118 has a first portion 1019a, 1119a of the one end 1020, 1120 thereof aligned (through the body 1002, 1102) with the inlet opening 1006, 1106, and a second portion 1019b, 1119b of the one end 1020, 1120 thereof aligned (through the body 1002, 1102) with the outlet opening 1008, 1108. If desired, the microfluidic module 1000 and 1100 has an inlet sealing gasket 1034, 1134 secured (e.g., via glue) to the inlet opening 1006, 1106 and an outlet sealing gasket 1036, 1136 secured (e.g., via glue) to the outlet opening 1008, 1108 (see FIGURES 10A-10B and 11A-11B).

[00151] In another example, steps 1402, 1404, 1406, 1408, 1410, 1412, 1414, 1416 and 1418 can be used to manufacture the microfluidic module 800 and 900 which has a configuration where the inlet opening 806, 906 and the outlet opening 808, 908 are located on a first side 804, 904 of the body 802, 902. The first recess adapter 819, 919 and the second recess adapter 829, 929 are both attached to a second side 812, 912 of the body 802, 902 that is opposite the first side 804, 904 of the body 802, 902. The one end 820, 920 of the first magnet 818, 918 is aligned (through the body 802, 902) with the inlet opening 806, 906 and the one end 830, 930 of the second magnet 826, 926 is aligned (through the body 802, 902) with the outlet opening 808, 908. If desired, the microfluidic module 800 and 900 has an inlet sealing gasket 834, 934 secured (e.g., via glue) to the inlet opening 806, 906 and an outlet sealing gasket 836, 936 secured (e.g., via glue) to the outlet opening 808, 908 (see FIGURES 8A-8B and 9A-9B).

[00152] In yet another example, steps 1402, 1404, 1406, 1408, 1410, 1412, 1414,

1416 and 1418 can be used to manufacture the microfluidic module 1200 and 1300 which has a configuration where the inlet opening 1206, 1306 is located on a first side 1204, 1304 of the body 1202, 1302 and the outlet opening 1208, 1308 is located on a second side 1212, 1312 of the body 1202, 1302 that is opposite the first side 1204, 1304 of the body 1202, 1302. The first recess adapter 1219, 1319 is attached to the second side 1212, 1312 of the body 1202, 1302. The second recess adapter 1229, 1329 is attached to the first side 1204, 1304 of the body 1202, 1302. The one end 1220, 1320 of the first magnet 1218, 1318 is aligned (through the body 1202, 1302) with the inlet opening 1206, 1306 and the one end 1228, 1328 of the second magnet 1226, 1326 is aligned (through the body 1202, 1302) with the outlet opening 1208, 1308. If desired, the microfluidic module 1200, 1300 has an inlet sealing gasket 1234, 1334 secured (e.g., via glue) to the inlet opening 1206, 1306 and a n outlet sealing gasket 1236, 1336 secured (e.g., via glue) to the outlet opening 1208, 1308 (see FIGURES 12A-12B and 13A-13B).

[00153] Referring to FIGURES 15A-15B, there are shown various diagrams of an exemplary base platform 1500 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 15A (top view) and 15B (partial cross-sectional side view), the base platform 1500 has eight embedded micromodules 1502i, 1502₂, 1502₃, 1502₄, 1502₅, 1502₆, 1502₇, 1502₈ (more or less possible). Each micromodule 1502i, 1502₂, 1502₃, 1502₄, 1502₅, 1502₆, 1502₇, 1502₈ comprises at least one inlet opening 1504 (one shown) and at least one outlet opening 1506 (one shown). Each pair of inlet openings 1504 and outlet openings 1506 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 1508_!, 1508₂, 1508₃, 1508₄, 1508₅, 1508₆, 1508₇, 1508₈ (which can take any shape or functionality as discussed herein, e.g., see FIG. 23A-23D). The base platform 1500 further has a single magnet 1510 (shown) or a single magnetizable material (single piece of magnetic material such as iron (for example)) positioned under all of the embedded micromodules 1502i, 1502₂, 1502₃, 1502₄, 1502₅, 1502₆, 1502₇, 1502₈. The base platform 1500 has a first side 1512 with eight inlet openings 1504 (more or less possible) formed therein and eight outlet openings 1506 (more or less possible) formed therein. Plus, the base platform 1500 has a second side 1505 (which is opposite the first side 1512) with a recess 1507 formed therein within which the single magnet 1510 (shown) or a single magnetizable material is at least partly attached within the recess 1507 (note: in the example shown the single magnet 1510 (shown) or the single magnetizable material is attached within the recess 1507). The base platform 1500 also has a sealing tape 1542 that is applied to the second side 1505 to help secure the single magnet 1510 (shown) or the single magnetizable material within the recess 1507. Alternatively, the base platform 1500 has a second side 1505 (no recess) which the single magnet 1510 (shown) or a single magnetizable material is attached thereto. The single magnet 1510 has one end 1511 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 1513 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). If desired, each micromodule 1502i, 1502₂, 1502₃, 1502₄, 1502₅, 1502₆, 1502₇, 1502₈ further includes an inlet sealing gasket 1514 having an inlet hole 1516 extending there through, where the inlet hole 1516 is in communication with the inlet opening 1504 and respective internal channel

15081, 1508₂, 1508₃, 1508₄, 1508₅, 1508₆, 1508₇, 1508₈. Further, each micromodule 1502!, 1502₂, 1502₃, 1502₄, 1502₅, 1502₆, 1502₇, 1502₈ may include an outlet sealing gasket 1518 having an outlet hole 1520 extending there through, where the outlet hole 1520 is in communication with the outlet opening 1506 and the respective internal channel 1508i,

1508₂, 1508₃, 1508₄, 1508₅, 1508₆, 1508₇, 1508₈. In yet another embodiment, the base platform 1500 instead of having a single magnet 1510 or single magnetizable material associated with all of the eight embedded micromodules 1502i, 1502₂, 1502₃, 1502 , 1502₅, 1502₆, 1502₇, 1502₈ (more or less possible) could have an individual magnet or individual magnetizable material associated with each individual embedded micromodule 1502i, 1502₂, 1502₃, 1502₄, 1502₅, 1502₆, 1502₇, 1502₈ (more or less possible) (e.g., see FIG. 4B for an example of a single magnet positioned under a single micromodule).

[00154] Referring to FIGURE 15C, there is a top view of an assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system 1550 which includes the base platform 1500, two inlet-outlet modules 100a and 100b (world-to-chip fluidic interconnects), and three serpentine microfluidic modules 300i, 300₂, and 300₃ (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnects) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The three serpentine microfluidic modules 300i, 300₂, 300₃ (similar to the aforementioned microfluidic module 300) and the two inlet-outlet modules 100a and 100b were reversibly stuck on the base platform 1500 to build a larger serpentine channel modular microfluidic system 1550 that connected seven serpentine channels 1508 , 310₃, 1508₃, 310i, 1508₂, 310₂, 1508i in sequence together. FIG. 15C shows the assembled serpentine channel modular microfluidic system 1550 which is filled with a dark colored solution that is being pumped from the inlet- outlet module 100a into the seven sequentially connected serpentine channels 1508₄, 310₃, 1508₃, 310_!, 1508₂, 310₂, 1508i and out the inlet-outlet module 100b (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid flow direction). It should be appreciated that the microfluidic modules 300i, 300₂, 300₃ would have magnets 318 and 326 where their respective one ends 320 and 330 would have the same magnetic polarities (S or N) in order to be able to magnetically couple to the one end 1511 which has the opposing magnetic polarity (N or S) of the single magnet 1510 (shown) or the one ends 320 and 330 of respective magnets 318 and 326 could have different or the same magnetic polarities (S or N) when a single magnetizable material 1150 having no magnetic polarity is attached within the recess 1507 of the base platform 1500. It should also be appreciated that the base platform 1500, any number of inlet-outlet modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250' (world-to-chip fluidic interconnects), and any number and types of microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnects) can be magnetically coupled to one another to form an assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system.

[00155] Referring to FIGURES 16A-16B, there are shown various diagrams of an exemplary base platform 1600 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 16A (top view) and 16B (partial cross-sectional side view), the base platform 1600 has eight embedded micromodules 1602i, 1602₂, 1602₃, 1602₄, 1602₅, 1602₆, 1602₇, 1602₈ (more or less possible). Each micromodule 1602i, 1602₂, 1602₃, 1602₄, 1602₅, 1602₆, 1602₇, 1602₈ comprises at least one inlet opening 1604 (one shown) and at least one outlet opening 1606 (one shown). Each pair of inlet openings 1604 and outlet openings 1606 are in communication with one another via an internal channel I6O8₁, 1608₂, I6O83, I6O8₄, I6O85, 1608₆, I6O87, 1608₈ (which can take any shape or functionality as discussed herein, e.g., see FIG. 23A-23D). As shown, the base platform 1600 has a first side 1612 with eight inlet openings 1604 (more or less possible) formed therein and eight outlet openings 1606 (more or less possible) formed therein. Plus, the base platform 1600 has a second side 1605 which is opposite the first side 1612. The base platform 1600 further has a single magnet 1610 (shown) or a single magnetizable material (single piece of magnetic material such as iron (for example)) located within a recess adapter 1619. The recess adapter 1619 has a first side 1621 and a second side 1623 where the second side 1623 is opposite the first side 1621. The recess adapter 1619 has a recess 1615 located within the first side 1621. The magnet 1610 is located within the recess 1615. The first side 1621 of the recess adapter 1619 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 1605 of the body 1602. The magnet 1610 also has one end 1620 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 1624 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). If desired, each micromodule 1602i, 1602₂, 1602₃, 1602₄, 1602₅, 1602₆, 1602₇, 1602₈ further includes an inlet sealing gasket 1614 having an inlet hole 1616 extending there through, where the inlet hole 1616 is in communication with the inlet opening 1604 and respective internal channel 1608 1608₂, 1608₃, 1608₄, 1608₅, 1608₆, 1608₇, 1608₈. Further, each micromodule 1602i, 1602₂, 1602₃, 1602₄, 1602₅, 1602₆, 1602₇, 1602₈ may include an outlet sealing gasket 1618 having an outlet hole 1620 extending there through, where the outlet hole 1620 is in communication with the outlet opening 1606 and the respective internal channel 1608i, I6O8₂, 1608₃, 1608₄, I6O8₅, 1608₆, I6O8₇, 1608₈. In a similar manner as shown in FIG. 15C, the base platform 1600, any number of inlet-outlet modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250' (world-to-chip fluidic interconnects), and any number and types of microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnects) can be magnetically coupled to one another form an assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system. In yet another embodiment, the base platform 1600 instead of having a single magnet 1610 or single magnetizable material associated with all of the eight embedded micromodules 1602i, 1602₂, 1602₃, 1602₄, 1602₅, 1602₆, 1602₇, 1602₈ (more or less possible) could have an individual magnet or individual magnetizable material within a recess adapter (e.g., recess adapter 1019) associated with each individual embedded micromodule 1602i, 1602₂, 1602₃, 1602₄, 1602₅, 1602₆, 1602₇, 1602₈ (more or less possible) (e.g., see FIG. 10B for an example of single magnet located in a recess adapter which is positioned under a single micromodule).

[00156] Referring to FIGURES 17A-17B, there are shown various diagrams of an exemplary base platform 1700 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 17A (top view) and 17B (partial cross-sectional side view), the base platform 1700 has eight embedded micromodules 1702i, 1702₂, 1702₃, 1702₄, 1702₅, 1702₆, 1702₇, 1702₈ (more or less possible). Each micromodule 1702i, 1702₂, 1702₃, 1702₄, 1702₅, 1702₆, 1702₇, 1702₈ comprises at least one inlet opening 1704 (one shown) and at least one outlet opening 1706 (one shown). Each pair of inlet openings 1704 and outlet openings 1706 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 1708i, 1708₂, 1708₃, 1708₄, 1708s, 1708₆, 1708₇, 1708₈ (which can take any shape or functionality as discussed herein, e.g., see FIG. 23A-23D). As shown, the base platform 1700 has a first side 1712 with eight inlet openings 1704 (more or less possible) formed therein and eight outlet openings 1706 (more or less possible) formed therein. Plus, the base platform 1700 has a second side 1705 which is opposite the first side 1712. The base platform 1700 further has a single magnet 1710 (shown) or a single magnetizable material (single piece of magnetic material such as iron (for example)) located within a recess adapter 1719. The recess adapter 1719 has a first side 1721 and a second side 1723 where the second side 1723 is opposite the first side 1721. The recess adapter 1719 has a recess 1715 located within the second side 1723. The magnet 1710 is located within the recess 1715. The first side 1721 of the recess adapter 1719 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 1705 of the body 1702. The magnet 1710 also has one end 1720 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 1724 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). The base platform 1700 also has a sealing tape 1742 that is applied to the second side 1723 to help secure the single magnet 1710 (shown) or the single magnetizable material within the recess adapter 1719. If desired, each micromodule 1702i, 1702₂, 1702₃, 1702₄, 1702₅, 1702₆, 1702₇, 1702₈ further includes an inlet sealing gasket 1714 having an inlet hole 1716 extending there through, where the inlet hole 1716 is in communication with the inlet opening 1704 and respective internal channel 1708i, 1708₂, 1708₃, 1708₄, 1708₅, 1708₆, I7O87, 1708₈. Further, each micromodule 1702i, 1702₂, 1702₃, 1702₄, 1702₅, 1702₆, 1702₇, 1702₈ may include an outlet sealing gasket 1718 having an outlet hole 1720 extending there through, where the outlet hole 1720 is in communication with the outlet opening 1706 and the respective internal channel 1708i, 1708₂, 1708₃, 1708₄, 1708₅, 1708₆, 1708₇, 1708₈. In a similar manner as shown in FIG. 15C, the base platform 1700, any number of inlet-outlet modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250' (world-to-chip fluidic interconnects), and any number and types of microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnects) can be magnetically coupled to one another form an assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system. In yet another embodiment, the base platform 1700 instead of having a single magnet 1710 or single magnetizable material associated with all of the eight embedded micromodules 1702i, 1702₂, 1702₃, 1702₄, 1702₅, 1702₆, 1702₇, 1702₈ (more or less possible) could have an individual magnet or individual magnetizable material within a recess adapter (e.g., recess adapter 1119) associated with each individual em bedded micromodule 1702i, 1702₂, 1702₃, 1702₄, 1702₅, 1702₆, 1702₇, 1702₈ (more or less possible) (e.g., see FIG. 11B for an example of single magnet located in a recess adapter which is positioned under a single micromodu le).

[00157] Referring to FIGURES 18A-18B, there a re shown various diagrams of a n exemplary base platform 1800 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 18A (top view) and 18B (pa rtial cross-sectiona l side view), the base platform 1800 has eight embedded micromodules 1802i, 1802₂, 1802₃, 1802₄, 1802₅, 1802₆, 1802₇, 1802₈ (more or less possible). Each micromodule 1802i, 1802₂, 1802₃, 1802₄, 1802₅, 1802₆, 1802₇, 1802₈ comprises at least one inlet opening 1804 (one shown) and at least one outlet opening 1806 (one shown). Each pair of inlet openings 1804 and outlet openi ngs 1806 are in communication with one another via an internal cha nnel 1808i, 1808₂, 1808₃, I8O8₄, I8O8₅, 1808₆, 1808₇, 1808₈ (which can take any shape or functionality as discussed herein, e.g., see FIG. 23A-23D). The base platform 1800 further has sixteen magnets 1810 (more or less possible) where one magnet 1810 is positioned under each inlet opening 1804 a nd each outlet opening 1806. That is, the base platform 1800 has a first side 1809 with eight inlet openings 1804 (more or less possible) formed therein and eight outlet openi ngs 1806 (more or less possible) formed therein. Pl us, the base platform 1800 has a second side 1811 (which is opposite the first side 1809) with sixteen recesses 1813 (more or less possible) formed therein and a ligned with the inlet openings 1804 and the outlet openings 1806 where each recess 1813 is configured to receive one of the magnets 1810. Each magnet 1810 is at least partly located within the recess 1813 (note: in the example shown the magnet 1810 is located within the recess 1813). The base platform 1800 also has a sealing tape 1842 that is applied to the second side 1811 to help secure the magnets 1810 within the recesses 1813. Each magnet 1810 has one end 1815 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 1817 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). If desired, each micromodule 1802i, 1802₂, 1802₃, 1802₄, 1802₅, 1802₆, 1802₇, 1802₈ further includes an inlet sealing gasket 1814 having an inlet hole 1816 extending there through, where the inlet hole 1816 is in comm unication with the inlet opening 1804 and the respective internal channel I8O8₁, 1808₂, I8O8₃, I8O8₄, I8O8₅, 1808₆, I8O8₇, 1808₈ . Further, each micromodule 1802i, 1802₂, 1802₃, 1802₄, 1802₅, 1802₆, 1802₇, 1802₈ may include an outlet sealing gasket 1818 having an outlet hole 1820 extending there through, where the outlet hole 1820 is in communication with the outlet opening 1806 and the respective internal channel I8O8₁, 1808₂, 1808₃, 1808₄, 1808₅, 1808₆, 1808₇, 1808₈ .

[00158] Referring to FIGURE 18C, there is a top view of an assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system 1850 which includes the base platform 1800, two inlet-outlet modules 100a and 100b (world-to-chip fluidic interconnects), and five serpentine microfluidic modules 300i, 300₂, 300₃, 300₄, 300₅ (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnects) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The five serpentine microfluidic modules 300i, 300₂, 300₃, 300₄, 300₅ (similar to aforementioned module 300) and the two inlet-outlet modules 100a and 100b were reversibly stuck on the base platform 1800 to build a larger serpentine channel modular microfluidic system 1850 that connected eleven serpentine channels I8O8₄, 310₃, 1808₃, 310₅, I8O87, 310i, 1808₆, 310₄, 1808₂, 310₂, I8O8₁ in sequence together. FIG. 18C shows the assembled serpentine channel modular microfluidic system 1850 which is filled with a dark colored solution that is being pumped from the inlet-outlet module 100a into the connected eleven serpentine channels 1808₄, 310₃, 1808₃, 310₅, I8O8₇, 310_!, 1808₆, 310₄, 1808₂, 310₂, 18018i and out the inlet-outlet module 100b (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid flow direction). It should be appreciated that in view of FIGS. 15C and 18C that one could use any number and combination of the inlet-outlet modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250', the microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 and the base platform 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800 to efficiently and easily assemble (and disassemble) a specifically designed reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system.

[00159] Referring to FIGURES 19A-19B, there are shown various diagrams of an exemplary base platform 1900 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 19A (top view) and 19B (partial cross-sectiona l side view), the base platform 1900 has eight embedded micromodules 1902i, 1902₂, 1902₃, 1902₄, 1902₅, 1902₆, 1902₇, 1902₈ (more or less possible). Each micromodule 1902i, 1902₂, 1902₃, 1902₄, 1902₅, 1902₅, 1902₇, 1902₈ comprises at least one inlet opening 1904 (one shown) and at least one outlet opening 1906 (one shown). Each pair of inlet openings 1904 and outlet openings 1906 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 1908i, 1908₂, 1908₃, 1908₄, 1908s, 1908₆, 1908₇, 1908₈ (which can take any shape or functionality as discussed herein, e.g., see FIG. 23A-23D). The base platform 1900 further has sixteen magnets 1910 (more or less possible) where one magnet 1910 is positioned under each inlet opening 1904 and each outlet opening 1906. That is, the base platform 1900 has a first side 1909 with eight inlet openings 1904 (more or less possible) formed therein and eight outlet openings 1906 (more or less possible) formed therein. Plus, the base platform 1900 has a second side 1911 which is opposite the first side 1909. Further, the sixteen magnets 1910 (e.g., solid magnets 1910, ring magnets 910) are located within sixteen recess adapters 1919. Each recess adapter 1919 has a first side 1921 and a second side 1923 where the second side 1923 is opposite the first side 1921. Each recess adapter 1919 has a recess 1914 located within the first side 1921. Each magnet 1910 is located within each recess 1914. The first side 1921 of each recess adapter 1919 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 1911 of the base platform 1900. Each magnet 1910 also has one end 1915 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 1917 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). If desired, the recess adapters 1919 can be coupled to one another via a connecting piece 1943. If desired, each micromodule 1902i, 1902₂, 1902₃, 1902₄, 1902₅, 1902₆, 1902₇, 1902₁₉ further includes an inlet sealing gasket 1914 having an inlet hole 1916 extending there through, where the inlet hole 1916 is in communication with the inlet opening 1904 and the respective internal channel 1908 1908₂, 1908₃, 1908₄, 1908s, 1908₆, 1908₇, 1908₈. Further, each micromodule 1902i, 1902₂, 1902₃, 1902₄, 1902₅, 1902₆, 1902₇, 1902₈ may include an outlet sealing gasket 1918 having an outlet hole 1920 extending there through, where the outlet hole 1920 is in communication with the outlet opening 1906 and the respective internal channel 1908i, 1908₂, 1908₃, 1908₄, 1908₅, 1908₆, 1908₇, 1908₈ . In a similar manner as shown in FIG. 18C, the base platform 1900, any number of inlet-outlet modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250' (world-to-chip fluidic interconnects), and any number and types of microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnects) can be magnetically coupled to one another form an assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system. [00160] Referring to FIGURES 20A-20B, there are shown various diagrams of an exemplary base platform 2000 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 20A (top view) and 20B (partial cross-sectional side view), the base platform 2000 has eight embedded micromodules 2002i, 2002₂, 2002₃, 2002₄, 2002₅, 2002₆, 2002₇, 2002₈ (more or less possible). Each micromodule 2002i, 2002₂, 2002₃, 2002₄, 2002₅, 2002₅, 2002₇, 2002₈ comprises at least one inlet opening 2004 (one shown) and at least one outlet opening 2006 (one shown). Each pair of inlet openings 2004 and outlet openings 2006 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 2008i, 2008₂, 2ΟΟ83, 2ΟΟ84, 2ΟΟ85, 2008₆, 2ΟΟ87, 2008₈ (which can take any shape or functionality as discussed herein, e.g., see FIG. 23A-23D). The base platform 2000 further has sixteen magnets 2010 (more or less possible) where one magnet 2010 is positioned under each inlet opening 2004 and each outlet opening 2006. That is, the base platform 2000 has a first side 2009 with eight inlet openings 2004 (more or less possible) formed therein and eight outlet openings 2006 (more or less possible) formed therein. Plus, the base platform 2000 has a second side 2011 which is opposite the first side 2009. Further, the sixteen magnets 2010 (e.g., solid magnets 2010, ring magnets 2010) are located within sixteen recess adapters 2019. Each recess adapter 2019 has a first side 2021 and a second side 2023 where the second side 2023 is opposite the first side 2021. Each recess adapter 2019 has a recess 2014 located within the second side 2023. Each magnet 2010 is located within each recess 2014. The first side 2021 of each recess adapter 2019 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 2011 of the base platform 2000. Each magnet 2010 also has one end 2015 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and an opposing end 2017 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). Further, the recess adapters 2019 also have a sealing tape 2042 that is applied to the second side 2023 to help secure the magnet 2010 within the recesses 2014. If desired, the recess adapters 2019 can be coupled to one a nother via a connecting piece 2043. If desired, each micromodule 2002i, 2002₂, 2002₃, 2002₄, 2002₅, 2002₆, 2002₇, 2002₂o further includes an inlet sealing gasket 2014 having an inlet hole 2016 extending there through, where the inlet hole 2016 is in communication with the inlet opening 2004 and the respective internal channel 2008i, 2008₂, 2008₃, 2008₄, 2008₅, 2008₆, 2008₇, 2008₈. Further, each micromodule 2002i, 2002₂, 2002₃, 2002₄, 2002₅, 2002₆, 2002₇, 2002₈ may include an outlet sealing gasket 2018 having an outlet hole 2020 extending there through. where the outlet hole 2020 is in communication with the outlet opening 2006 and the respective internal cha nnel 2008i, 2008₂, 2008₃, 2008₄, 2008₅, 2008₆, 2008₇, 2008₈ . I n a similar manner as shown in FIG. 18C, the base platform 2000, any number of inlet-outlet modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250' (world-to-chip fluidic interconnects), a nd any number and types of microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnects) can be magnetically coupled to one another form a n assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system.

[00161] I n view of the foregoing description about the exemplary inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250', the microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300, and the base platforms 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2000 one should a ppreciate the following:

[00162] I . The exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000,

1100, 1200 and 1300 are not restricted to being coupled to simila r configured microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300. That is, a microfluidic module 300 can be magnetically coupled to other microfluidic modules 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300. Plus, microfluidic module 400 can be magnetically coupled to other m icrofluidic modules 300, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300. The microfluidic module 500 can be magnetically coupled to other microfluidic modules 300, 400, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300. Also, the microfluidic module 600 can be magnetically coupled to other microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300. And so on with a wide variety of possibilities.

[00163] I I. The exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000,

1100, 1200 and 1300 can have one or more inlet openings 306, 406, 506, 606, 806, 906, 1006, 1106, 1206 and 1306 and one or more outlet openings 308, 408, 508, 608, 808, 908, 1008, 1108, 1208 and 1308 located on a ny side or sides of the body 302, 402, 502, 602, 802, 902, 1002, 1102, 1202 and 1302.

[00164] I I I. The exem pla ry inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250,

250' do not require the sea ling gaskets 126, 236 and 276, the exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 a nd 1300 do not require the sealing gaskets 334, 336, 434, 436, 534, 536, 634, 636, 834, 836, 934, 936, 1034, 1036, 1134, 1136, 1234, 1236, 1334 and 1336 and the base platforms 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2000 do not require the sealing gaskets 1514, 1518, 1614, 1618, 1714, 1718, 1814, 1818, 1914, 1918, 2014, and 2018 For example, the sealing gaskets 126, 236, 276, 334, 336, 434, 436, 534, 536, 634, 636, 834, 836, 934, 936, 1034, 1036, 1134, 1136, 1234, 1236,1334, 1336, 1514, 1518, 1614, 1618, 1714, 1718, 1814, 1818, 1914, 1918, 2014, and 2018 would not be needed if the body 102, 226, 252, 302, 402, 502, 602, 802, 902, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2000 was made from soft, sticky polymeric/elastomeric materials such as polydimethylsiloxane (PD S) or O-ring like materials.

[00165] IV. The exemplary inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250', the exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300, and the exemplary base platforms 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2000 can have sealing gaskets 126, 236, 276, 334, 336, 434, 436, 534, 536, 634, 636, 834, 836, 934, 936, 1034, 1036, 1134, 1136, 1234, 1236, 1514, 1518, 1614, 1618, 1714, 1718, 1814, 1818, 1914, 1918, 2014, and 2018 in the form of O-rings or sealing tape with a hole therein. In the case of O-rings 126, 236, 276, 334, 336, 434, 436, 534, 536, 634, 636, 834, 836, 934, 936, 1034, 1036, 1134, 1136, 1234, 1236, 1514, 1518, 1614, 1618, 1714, 1718, 1814, 1818, 1914, 1918, 2014, and 2018 they can be adhered to the body 102, 202, 252, 302, 402, 502, 602, 802, 902, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2000 by glue etc... For example, the O-rings 126, 236, 276, 334, 336, 434, 436, 534, 536, 634, 636, 834, 836, 934, 936, 1034, 1036, 1134, 1136, 1234, 1236, 1514, 1518, 1614, 1618, 1714, 1718, 1814, 1818, 1914, 1918, 2014, and 2018 can be adhered to the body 102, 202, 252, 302, 402, 502, 602, 802, 902, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2000 by a biocompatible silicon adhesive which would ensure that there was no fluid leakage around the O-rings 126, 236, 276, 334, 336, 434, 436, 534, 536, 634, 636, 834, 836, 934, 936, 1034, 1036, 1134, 1136, 1234, 1236, 1514, 1518, 1614, 1618, 1714, 1718, 1814, 1818, 1914, 1918, 2014, and 2018 during fluid pumping. In addition, the body 102, 202, 252, 302, 402, 502, 602, 802, 902, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2000 may also have a recess (not shown) formed therein at the inlet and outlet openings 108, 228, 260, 306, 308, 406, 408, 506, 508, 606, 608, 806, 808, 906, 908, 1006, 1008, 1106, 1108, 1206, 1208, 1306, 1308, 1504, 1506, 1604, 1606, 1704, 1706, 1804, 1806, 1904, 1906, 2004, and 2006 within which the O-rings 126, 236, 276, 334, 336, 434, 436, 534, 536, 634, 636, 834, 836, 934, 936, 1034, 1036, 1134, 1136, 1234, 1236, 1514, 1518, 1614, 1618, 1714, 1718, 1814, 1818, 1914, 1918, 2014, and 2018 can be placed and secured.

[00166] V. The use of sealing gaskets 126, 236, 276, 334, 336, 434, 436, 534, 536,

634, 636, 834, 836, 934, 936, 1034, 1036, 1134, 1136, 1234, 1236, 1514, 1518, 1614, 1618, 1714, 1718, 1814, 1818, 1914, 1918, 2014, and 2018 has the advantage of them being easily replaceable if they became worn out from repeated use. Exemplary O-rings 126, 236, 276, 334, 336, 434, 436, 534, 536, 634, 636, 834, 836, 934, 936, 1034, 1036, 1134, 1136, 1234, 1236, 1514, 1518, 1614, 1618, 1714, 1718, 1814, 1818, 1914, 1918, 2014, and 2018 can be #1170N14, Square-Profile O-Ring, Chemical-Resistant Viton^®, Dash Number 004, cMaster- Carr, Robbinsville, NJ, USA. Exemplary sealing tape 126, 236, 276, 334, 336, 434, 436, 534, 536, 634, 636, 834, 836, 934, 936, 1034, 1036, 1134, 1136, 1234, 1236, 1514, 1518, 1614, 1618, 1714, 1718, 1814, 1818, 1914, 1918, 2014, and 2018 can be Nulink™ Kapton Polyimide Heat High Temperature Resistant Adhesive Gold Tape, Amazon.com, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA. I n addition, the sealing tape 126, 236, 276, 334, 336, 434, 436, 534, 536, 634, 636, 834, 836, 934, 936, 1034, 1036, 1134, 1136, 1234, 1236, 1514, 1518, 1614, 1618, 1714, 1718, 1814, 1818, 1914, 1918, 2014, and 2018 can have pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), and heat sensitive adhesive located thereon.

[00167] VI. Soft, sticky polymeric/elastomeric materials, such as for example polyimide tape, polyester tape, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and O-rings can be used as sealing gaskets 126, 236, 276, 334, 336, 434, 436, 534, 536, 634, 636, 834, 836, 934, 936, 1034, 1036, 1134, 1136, 1234, 1236, 1514, 1518, 1614, 1618, 1714, 1718, 1814, 1818, 1914, 1918, 2014, and 2018 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[00168] VII. The magnets 118, 218, 268, 318, 326, 418, 518, 526, 618, 626, 818, 826,

918, 926, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1226, 1318, 1326, 1510, 1610, 1710, 1810, 1910, and 2010 can, for example, be made from nickel plated neodymium (e.g., N52-SuperMagnetMan, Pelham, AL, USA). Alternatively, the magnets 118, 218, 268, 318, 326, 418, 518, 526, 618, 626, 818, 826, 918, 926, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1226, 1318, 1326, 1510, 1610, 1710, 1810, 1910, and 2010 can be neodymium (or other magnetic material) coated with materials other than nickel such as Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (for solvent resistant), rubber etc....

[00169] VIII. In securing the magnets 118, 218, 268, 318, 326, 418, 518, 526, 618,

626, 818, 826, 918, 926, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1226, 1318, 1326, 1510, 1610, 1710, 1810, 1910, and 2010 within the body 102, 202, 252, 302, 402, 502, 602, 802, 902, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2000 care should be taken to ensure that the correct pole (N or S) of each magnet 118, 218, 268, 318, 326, 418, 518, 526, 618, 626, 818, 826, 918, 926, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1226, 1318, 1326, 1510, 1610, 1710, 1810, 1910, and 2010 is facing in the correct direction and that each magnet 118, 218, 268, 318, 326, 418, 518, 526, 618, 626, 818, 826, 918, 926, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1226, 1318, 1326, 1510, 1610, 1710, 1810, 1910, and 2010 is not tilted in the recess 108, 208, 258, 314, 316, 414, 514, 516, 614, 616, 814, 835, 914, 935, 1014, 1114, 1214, 1235, 1314, 1335, 1507, 1615, 1715, 1813, 1914, and 2014. A tilted magnet 118, 218, 268, 318, 326, 418, 518, 526, 618, 626, 818, 826, 918, 926, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1226, 1318, 1326, 1510, 1610, 1710, 1810, 1910, and 2010 could potentially affect the sealing performance of the magnetic coupling between the exemplary inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100, 100', 200, 200', 250, 250', the exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300, and the exemplary base platforms 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2000.

[00170] IX. It is expected that the maximum leak-free fluid pressure could be withstood by a pair of magnetically coupled magnets 118/318, 218/318, 318/326, 418/418, 518/526, 618/626, 1510/318, 1510/326 etc.... depends not only on the sealing gasket 126, 236, 276, 334, 336, 434, 436, 534, 536, 634, 636, 834, 836, 934, 936, 1034, 1036, 1134, 1136, 1234, 1236, 1514, 1518, 1614, 1618, 1714, 1718, 1814, 1818, 1914, 1918, 2014, and 2018 (if present) but also on the total pull (magnetic) force generated by the magnetically coupled magnets 118/318, 218/318, 318/326, 418/418, 518/526, 618/626, 1510/318, 1510/326 etc... The total pull force of the magnetically coupled magnets 118/318, 218/318, 318/326, 418/418, 518/526, 618/626, 1510/318, 1510/326 etc... depends on their magnetic grade and dimensions. A higher magnetic grade value indicates stronger magnets and the grade value ranges from N35 to N52 for neodymium magnets (see reference no. 33).

[00171] X. The exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000,

1100, 1200 and 1300 can be transparent or non-transparent and have a wide-variety of sizes and shapes. For example, the exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300 can be 10 mm (w) x 30 mm (h) x 3 mm (t) (for example). Further, the exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300 can be made from a wide variety of materials such as, for example, polymers (e.g.. polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), _polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), high impact polystyrene (HIPS)), flexible materials such as Trycite^® polystyrene film, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), soft, sticky elastomeric materials such as PDMS, combination of silicon and glass, and glass. In addition, the exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300 can be made from a wide variety of low autofluorescence materials such low autofluorescence glass.

[00172] XI. The exemplary inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100, 100', 200, 200',

250, 250', the exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200 and 1300, and the exemplary base platforms 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900 and 2000 may all have a magnetic polarity indicator (N or S) marked near the openings thereof.

[00173] The following is a discussion about another embodiment of the present disclosure which is related to a microfluidic kit which comprises: (1) a motherboard having a top surface with a plurality of channels formed therein; (2) a plurality of channel inserts, each channel insert is sized to be placed within one of the channels within said motherboard, and each channel insert having a plurality of magnetic interconnects; and, (3) a plurality of microfluidic modules, each microfluidic module having a plurality of magnetic interconnects, wherein one of the microfluidic modules is magnetically coupled to one of the channel inserts such that there is fluid or gas communication between the one microfluidic module and the one channel insert when one of the magnetic interconnects of the one microfluidic module is magnetically coupled to one of the magnetic interconnects of the one channel insert. A similar microfluidic kit with a motherboard, channel inserts, and microfluidic modules which incorporated other types of interconnects (e.g., barbed fitting, taper fitting, Luer fitting, Luer lock fitting) other than the new magnetic interconnect (e.g., magnet-sealing gasket (if any)) as described in the present disclosure was disclosed in the co-assigned U.S. Patent No. 7,919,062 B2 (the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes).

[00174] Referring to FIGURE 21A, there is illustrated a perspective view of an exemplary microfluidic kit 2100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The microfluidic kit 2100 can have any combination of a wide-variety of components including for example channel inserts 2102 and microfluidic modules 2104 (which can be configured the same as or similar to the aforementioned microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900 , 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) which are plugged into or placed on top of a motherboard 2106. The exemplary motherboard 2106 shown has a top surface 2108 with a network of interconnect channels 2110 (grooves 2110), holes 2112 within which electrodes or optical fibers can pass through, and depressions 2114 within which different components such as the microfluidic module 2104 would be located. In addition, the depressions 2114 can accept devices such as a pumping-valve actuator (not shown), a heater/cooler 2116 (see FIG. 21B), an electrical contact unit (not shown) all of which could be positioned under in order to interface with a corresponding microfluidic module 2104. If desired, the motherboard 2106 may also have integrated electrodes formed therein instead of or in addition to the holes 2112 through which electrodes or optica l fibers can pass there through.

[00175] Referring to FIGURE 21B, there is illustrated an embodiment of the microfluidic kit 2100 where different sized channel inserts 2102, microfluidic modules 2104, and heaters/coolers 2116 can be placed on top of the motherboard 2106. The motherboard 2106, with its networks of channels 2110, holes 2112, and depressions 2114 is structured and arranged to form connections with many types and sizes of components including channel inserts 2102, various types of microfluidic modules 2104 (which can be configured the same as or similar to the aforementioned microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900 , 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300), pumping-valve actuators (not shown), heaters/coolers 2116, electrical contact units (not shown) etc...

[00176] Referring to FIGURES 22A-22K, there are respectively illustrated a wide- variety of channel inserts 2102a, 2102b, 2102c, 2102d, 2102e, 2102f, 2102g, 2102h, 2102i, 2102j, 2102k having different sizes and shapes which can be part of the microfluidic kit 2100 in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure. The channel inserts 2102a, 2102b, 2102c, 2102d, 2102e, 2102f, 2102g, 2102h, 2102i, 2102j, 2102k can be transparent (shown) or non-transparent (not shown) and have a wide-variety of sizes and shapes where only a representative few have been shown and described herein. The exemplary channel inserts shown include: (1) a short straight channel insert 2102a (e.g., 6mm (wide) x 2mm (thick) x 4mm (long); (2) a medium straight channel insert 2102b, (3) a long straight channel insert 2102c; (4) a short left-turn channel insert 2102d; (5) a long left- turn channel insert 2102e; (6) a short right-turn channel insert 2102f; (7) a long right-turn channel insert 2102g; (8) a small H-shaped channel insert 2102h; (9) a large H-shaped channel insert 2102i; (21) a small T-shaped channel insert 2102j; and (11) a large T-shaped channel insert 2102k. Each channel insert 2102a, 2102b, 2102c, 2102d, 2102e, 2102f, 2102g, 2102h, 2102i, 2102j, 2102k has at least two openings 2124 at each of which there can be a magnetic interconnect 2125 (e.g., a magnet located opposite the internal channel 2126 connected to the opening 2124 as in the aforementioned microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900 , 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 and a sealing gasket (if desired)) and an internal channel 2126 formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid (or gas). If desired, the channel inserts 2102a, 2102b, 2102c, 2102d, 2102e, 2102f, 2102g, 2102h, 2102i, 2102j, 2102k can also incorporate one or more turn valves 2127 that can be controlled to allow or prevent the flow of a fluid (or gas) within an internal channel 2126 (note: if a turn valve is used then there is no need for a magnetic interconnect 2125 to be located at that particular opening 2124). The user selects and places the desired channel inserts 2102a, 2102b, 2102c, 2102d, 2102e, 2102f, 2102g, 2102h, 2102i, 2102j, 2102k within the interconnect channels 2110 of the motherboard 2106 when building a modular microfluidic system.

[00177] Referring to FIGURES 23A-23D, there are illustrated different types of exemplary microfluidic modules 2104a, 2104b, 2104c, 2104d which can be part of the microfluidic kit 2100 in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure. The microfluidic modules 2104a, 2104b, 2104c, 2104d can be transparent (shown) or non- transparent (not shown). The microfluidic modules 2104a, 2104b, 2104c, 2104d shown include: (1) a mixing microfluidic module 2104a (which is used to mix sample fluids); (2) a detection chamber microfluidic module 2104b (which is used as a biosensor); (3) a reaction microfluidic module 2104c (which can be heated, cooled and evacuated, a nd is used to allow chemical or biological reactions(s), cell culture or molecule amplification(s) such as polymerase chain reaction); and (4) an electrophoresis microfluidic module 2104d (which is used to separate molecules). Each microfluidic module 2104a, 2104b, 2104c, 2104d has at least two openings 2128 at each of which there can be a magnetic interconnect 2130 (e.g., a magnet located opposite the internal channel 2126 connected to the opening 2128 as in the aforementioned microfluidic modules 300, 400, 500, 600, 800, 900 , 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 and a sealing gasket (if desired)) and an internal channel 2132 formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid (note: fluid is defined herein to include a liquid or a gas). The microfluidic modules 2104a, 2104b, 2104c, 2104d in addition to having different functions and can have different sizes and shapes (see FIGURE 21B). The microfluidic modules 2104a, 2104b, 2104c, 2104d can be any thickness (e.g., 2 mm) and have for example dimensions of 7.5mm x 7.5mm, 16.5mm X 16.5mm, 7.5mm x 16.5mm, 25.5mm X 25.5mm, and 34.5mm X 34.5mm. It should be appreciated that microfluidic modules 2104 which have a wide variety of functions could be fabricated and used in this reconfigurable stick-n-play microfluidic system. For example, some alternative microfluidic modules 2104 that could be fabricated and used in a reconfigurable stick-n-play microfluidic system of the present disclosure can include a filtering microfluidic module (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)), a separation microfluidic module (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)), a heating microfluidic module (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)), a valve microfluidic module (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)) a pump micro fluidic module (which has an internal pump to pump sample fluid(s)), a pump-valve microfluidic module (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)), and an isolation microfluidic module (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc.... or a combinations of these.

[00178] In view of the foregoing disclosure, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that a reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system using magnetic interconnects is presented. Using the magnetic interconnects, the microfluidic modules can be easily connected, disconnected, reconfigured and connected again, allowing flexible design changes and their optimization. Rapid customization of microfluidic modules can be achieved with 3D printing using 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models and then integrated with the magnetic interconnects. Thus, microfluidic module design change and optimization can be easily performed by simply modifying the 3D CAD model and then 3D printed with little efforts. The reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system with basic microfluidic technology could be a very useful tool in teaching laboratories which have limited resources for expensive and high tech equipment, and will lower the barriers for new entrants to the field of micro-scale devices and systems. In addition, the present disclosure has the following advantages (for example): • No extra mechanical components such as thumbscrews or adhesive materials such glue and epoxy are required in order to provide a leak-free fluidic communication between microfluidic modules.

• Microfluidic modules can be connected in a single step.

• Magnetic interconnects (magnet and sealing gasket (if any)) can be used for both module-to-module interconnects (chip-to-chip interconnects) and world-to-chip interconnects.

• Magnetic interconnects (magnet and sealing gasket (if any)) between microfluidic modules can be repeatedly connected and disconnected.

• Magnetic interconnects (magnet and sealing gasket (if any)) can sustained high leak-free fluid pressure that is suitable for systems that implement microfluidic technology.

• All passive (reaction, detection, mixing, etc.) and active (pump, valve, etc.) functionalities can be built into the microfluidic modules.

• Microfluidic modules are reversibly connected together so that they can be easily disconnected, rearranged and re-connected without any damages.

• Different configurations (2D and 3D) of integrated microfluidic system can be designed and built with ease.

• A motherboard/base platform could be incorporated into the disclosed modula r microfluidic system to provide all the electrical connections for heaters, actuators, etc... and external electronics for data acquisition and system control.

[00179] It will be appreciated that the various disclosed embodiments may involve particular features, elements or steps that are described in connection with that particular embodiment. It will also be appreciated that a particular feature, element or step, although described in relation to one particular embodiment, may be interchanged or combined with alternate embodiments in various non-illustrated combinations or permutations.

[00180] It is also to be understood that, as used herein the terms "the," "a," or "an," mean "at least one," and should not be limited to "only one" unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "an opening" includes examples having two or more such "openings" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. [00181] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, examples include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[00182] All numerical values expressed herein are to be interpreted as including "about," whether or not so stated, unless expressly indicated otherwise. It is further understood, however, that each numerical value recited is precisely contemplated as well, regardless of whether it is expressed as "about" that value. Thus, "a dimension less than 10 mm" and "a dimension less than about 10 mm" both include embodiments of "a dimension less than about 10 mm" as well as "a dimension less than 10 mm."

[00183] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred.

[00184] While various features, elements or steps of particular embodiments may be disclosed using the transitional phrase "comprising," it is to be understood that alternative embodiments, including those that may be described using the transitional phrases "consisting" or "consisting essentially of," are implied. Thus, for example, implied alternative embodiments to a method comprising A+B+C include embodiments where a method consists of A+B+C, and embodiments where a method consists essentially of A+B+C.

[00185] Although multiple embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the disclosure as set forth and defined by the following claims. [00186] In an aspect (1) the disclosure provides for a microfluidic module (300, 400,

500, 600) comprising: a body (302, 402, 502, 602) having a first recess (314, 414, 514, 614) located therein, an inlet opening (306, 406, 506, 606) located therein, and an outlet opening (308, 408, 508, 608) located therein, wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with one another via an internal channel (310, 410, 510, 610) which is located within the body; and, a first magnet (318, 418, 518, 618) located at least partly within the first recess, wherein the first magnet has one end (320, 420, 520, 620) and an opposing end (324, 424, 524, 624), wherein the one end of the first magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

[00187] In another aspect (2) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (1), further comprising: an inlet sealing gasket (334, 434, 534, 634) having an inlet hole (338, 438, 538, 638) extending there through, wherein the inlet hole is in communication with the inlet opening and the internal channel; and, an outlet sealing gasket (336, 436, 536, 636) having an outlet hole (340, 440, 540, 640) extending there through, wherein the outlet hole is in communication with the outlet opening and the internal channel.

[00188] In another aspect (3) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (2), wherein: the inlet sealing gasket is an O-ring or adhesive tape; and, the outlet sealing gasket is an O-ring or adhesive tape.

[00189] In another aspect (4) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (1), wherein the inlet opening (406) and the outlet opening (408) are located on a first side (404) of the body (402), wherein the first recess (414) is located on a second side (412) of the body that is opposite the first side (404) of the body, and wherein the first magnet (418) has a first portion (419a) of the one end (420) thereof aligned with the inlet opening (406) and a second portion (419b) of the one end (420) thereof aligned with the outlet opening (408).

[00190] In another aspect (5) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (1), further comprising a second magnet (326, 526, 626), wherein the body (302, 502, 602) further comprises a second recess (316, 516, 616) located therein, wherein the second magnet located at least partly within the second recess, wherein the second magnet has one end (330, 530, 628) and an opposing end (332, 532, 632), wherein the one end of the second magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

[00191] I n another aspect (6) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (5), wherein the inlet opening (306) and the outlet opening (308) are located on a first side (304) of the body (302), wherein the first recess (314) and the second recess (316) are both located on a second side (312) of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, and wherein the one end (320) of the first magnet (318) is aligned with the inlet opening (306) and the one end (330) of the second magnet (326) is a ligned with the outlet openi ng (308).

[00192] I n another aspect (7) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (5), wherein the inlet opening (506) is located on a first sidewa ll (505) of the body (502) and the outlet opening (508) is located on a second sidewall (507) of the body that is opposite the first sidewall of the body, wherein the first recess (514) and the second recess (516) a re both located on a second side (512) of the body that is adjacent to the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and wherein the one end (520) of the first magnet (518) is aligned with the inlet opening (506) and the one end (530) of the second magnet (526) is aligned with the outlet opening (508).

[00193] I n another aspect (8) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (5), wherein the inlet opening (606) is located on a first side (604) of the body (602) and the outlet opening (608) is located on a second side (612) of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, wherein the first recess (614) is located on the second side and the second recess (616) is located on the first side, and wherein the one end (620) of the first magnet (618) is aligned with the inlet opening (606) a nd the one end (628) of the second magnet (626) is aligned with the outlet openi ng (608).

[00194] I n an aspect (9) the disclosure provides for a microfluidic module (800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) comprising: a body (802, 902, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302) having an inlet opening (806, 906, 1006, 1106, 1206, 1306) located therei n, a nd an outlet opening (808, 908, 1008, 1108, 1208, 1308) located therein, wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with one another via an internal cha nnel (810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310) which is located within the body; and, a first magnet (818, 918, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1318) located within a first recess adapter (819, 919, 1019, 1119, 1219, 1319), wherein the first recess adapter is attached to the body, wherein first magnet has one end (821, 921, 1021, 1121, 1221, 1321) and an opposing end (823, 923, 1023, 1123, 1223, 1323), wherein the one end of the first magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

[00195] In another aspect (10) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (9), further comprising: an inlet sealing gasket (834, 934, 1034, 1134, 1234, 1334) having an inlet hole (838, 938, 1038, 1138, 1238, 1338) extending there through, wherein the inlet hole is in communication with the inlet opening and the internal channel; and, an outlet sealing gasket (836, 936, 1036, 1136, 1236, 1336) having an outlet hole (840, 940, 1040, 1140, 1240, 1340) extending there through, wherein the outlet hole is in communication with the outlet opening and the internal channel.

[00196] In another aspect (11) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (10), wherein the inlet sealing gasket is an O-ring or adhesive tape; and, the outlet sealing gasket is an O-ring or adhesive tape.

[00197] In another aspect (12) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (9), wherein the inlet opening (1006, 1106) and the outlet opening (1008, 1108) are located on a first side (1004, 1104) of the body (1002, 1102), wherein the body has a second side (1012, 1112) that is opposite the first side (1004, 1104) of the body, wherein the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, and wherein the first magnet (1018, 1118) has a first portion (1019a, 1119a) of the one end (1020, 1120) thereof aligned with the inlet opening (1006, 1106) and a second portion (1019b, 1119b) of the one end (1020, 1120) thereof aligned with the outlet opening (1008, 1108).

[00198] In another aspect (13) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (12), wherein the first recess adapter (1019) comprises a first side (1021) and a second side (1023) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the recess adapter has a first recess (1014) located therein, wherein the first side of the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, a nd wherein the first magnet is located within the first recess.

[00199] In another aspect (14) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (12), wherein the first recess adapter (1119) comprises a first side (1121) and a second side (1123) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the first recess adapter has a first recess (1114) located therein, wherein the first side of the first recess adapter is attached to the body, wherein the first magnet is located within the first recess, and wherein a sealing tape is attached to the second side of the first recess adapter to hold the first magnet within the first recess.

[00200] In another aspect (15) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (9), further comprising a second magnet (826, 926, 1226, 1326) located within a second recess adapter (829, 929, 1229, 1329), wherein the second recess adapter is attached to the body, wherein second magnet has one end (830, 930, 1230, 1330) and an opposing end (832, 932, 1232, 1332), wherein the one end of the second magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

[00201] In another aspect (16) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (15), wherein the inlet opening (806, 906) and the outlet opening (808, 908) are located on a first side (804, 904) of the body (802, 902), wherein the first recess adapter (814, 914) and the second recess adapter (829, 929) are both attached to a second side (812, 912) of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, and wherein the one end (820, 920) of the first magnet (818, 918) is aligned with the inlet opening (806, 906) and the one end (830, 930) of the second magnet (826, 926) is aligned with the outlet opening (808, 908).

[00202] In another aspect (17) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (16), wherein the first recess adapter (819) comprises a first side (821) and a second side (823) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the first recess adapter has a first recess (814) located therein, wherein the first side of the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, a nd wherein the first magnet is located within the first recess; and, the second recess adapter (829) comprises a first side (831) and a second side (833) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the second recess adapter has a second recess (835) located therein, wherein the first side of the second recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, and wherein the second magnet is located within the second recess.

[00203] In another aspect (18) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (17), wherein the first recess adapter is connected to the second recess adapter. [00204] In another aspect (19) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (16), wherein the first recess adapter (919) comprises a first side (921) and a second side (923) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the first recess adapter has a first recess (914) located therein, wherein the first side of the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, wherein the first magnet is located within the first recess, and wherein a first sealing tape (942) is attached to the second side of the first recess adapter to hold the first magnet within the first recess; and. the second recess adapter (929) comprises a first side (931) and a second side (933) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the second recess adapter has a second recess (935) located therein, wherein the first side of the second recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, wherein the second magnet is located within the second recess, and wherein a second sealing tape (944) is attached to the second side of the second recess adapter to hold the second magnet within the second recess.

[00205] In another aspect (20) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (19), wherein the first recess adapter is connected to the second recess adapter.

[00206] In another aspect (21) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (15), wherein the inlet opening (1206, 1306) is located on a first side (1204, 1304) of the body (1202, 1302) and the outlet opening (1208, 1308) is located on a second side (1212, 1312) of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, wherein the first recess adapter (1214, 1314) is attached to the second side of the body and the second recess adapter (1229, 1329) is attached to the first side of the body, and wherein the one end (1220, 1320) of the first magnet (1218, 1318) is aligned with the inlet opening (1206, 1306) and the one end (1228, 1328) of the second magnet (1226, 1326) is aligned with the outlet opening (1208, 1308).

[00207] In another aspect (22) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (21), wherein the first recess adapter (1219) comprises a first side (1221) and a second side (1223) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the first recess adapter has a first recess (1214) located therein, wherein the first side of the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, and wherein the first magnet is located within the first recess; and, the second recess adapter (1229) comprises a first side (1231) and a second side (1233) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the second recess adapter has a second recess (1235) located therein, wherein the first side of the second recess adapter is attached to the first side of the body, a nd wherein the second magnet is located within the second recess.

[00208] In another aspect (23) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (21), wherein the first recess adapter (1319) comprises a first side (1321) and a second side (1323) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the first recess adapter has a first recess (1314) located therein, wherein the first side of the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, wherein the first magnet is located within the first recess, and wherein a first sealing tape (1342) is attached to the second side of the first recess adapter to hold the first magnet within the first recess; and. the second recess adapter (1329) comprises a first side (1331) and a second side (1333) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the second recess adapter has a second recess (1335) located therein, wherein the first side of the second recess adapter is attached to the first side of the body, wherein the second magnet is located within the second recess, and wherein a second sealing tape (1344) is attached to the second side of the second recess adapter to hold the second magnet within the second recess.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A microfluidic module comprising: a body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; an inlet opening and an outlet opening located in the first side, wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with one another via an internal channel located within the body; a first recess located in the second side; a first magnet located at least partly within the first recess, wherein the first magnet has one end and an opposing end, wherein the one end of the first magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

2. The microfluidic module of claim 1, further comprising an inlet sealing gasket having a gasket inlet hole extending therethrough, wherein the gasket inlet hole is in communication with the inlet opening.

3. The microfluidic module of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an outlet sealing gasket having a gasket outlet hole extending therethrough, wherein the gasket outlet hole is in communication with the outlet opening.

4. The microfluidic module of claim 3, wherein the inlet sealing gasket, the outlet sealing gasket, or both comprise an O-ring or adhesive tape.

5. The microfluidic module of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first magnet has a first portion of the one end aligned with the inlet opening and a second portion of the one end thereof aligned with the outlet opening.

6. The microfluidic module of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising a second recess in the second side of the body, structured to contain a second magnet, and a second magnet located at least partly within the second recess, wherein the second magnet has one end and an opposing end, wherein the one end of the second magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

7. The microfluidic module of claim 9, wherein the one end of the first magnet is aligned with the inlet opening and the one end of the second magnet is aligned with the outlet opening.

8. The microfluidic module of any one of claims 1-7 wherein the magnet comprises a ring magnet or a solid magnet.

9. A microfluidic module comprising: a body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; an inlet opening in the first side and an outlet opening in the second side; wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with one another via an internal channel located within the body; a first recess in the second side structured to contain a first magnet located at least partly within the first recess, wherein the first magnet has one end a nd an opposing end, wherein the one end of the first magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

10. The microfluidic module of claim 9 wherein the first magnet is a ring magnet, wherein first recess in the second side comprises a magnet recess wall between the internal channel and the ring magnet.

11. The microfluidic module of claim 9 or 10 wherein the first side is a first sidewall and the second side is a second sidewall.

12. The microfluidic module of any one of claims 9-11, wherein the first magnet has a first portion of the one end aligned with the inlet opening and a second portion of the one end thereof aligned with the outlet opening.

13. The microfluidic module of any one of claims 9 - 11, further comprising a second recess in the second side of the body structured to contain a second magnet, located at least partly within the second recess, wherein the one end of the first magnet is aligned with the inlet opening and the one end of the second magnet is aligned with the outlet opening.

14. The microfluidic module of any one of claims 9-13, further comprising an inlet sealing gasket having a gasket inlet hole extending therethrough, wherein the gasket inlet hole is in communication with the inlet opening.

15. The microfluidic module of any one of claims 9-14, further comprising an outlet sealing gasket having a gasket outlet hole extending therethrough, wherein the gasket outlet hole is in communication with the outlet opening.

16. The microfluidic module of any one of claims 9 and 11-15, wherein the magnet comprises a ring magnet or a solid magnet.

17. A modular microfluidic system comprising a plurality of microfluidic modules of any one of claims 1-8, wherein one of the microfluidic modules magnetically coupled to another one of the microfluidic modules by magnetically coupling the first magnet of one microfluidic module to the first magnet of a second microfluidic module whereby the outlet opening of the one microfluidic module is in communication with the inlet opening of the second microfluidic module.

18. A modular microfluidic system comprising a plurality of microfluidic modules of any one of claims 9-16, wherein one microfluidic module is magnetically coupled to a second microfluidic module by magnetically coupling the first magnet of the one microfluidic module to the second magnet of the second microfluidic module, whereby the outlet opening of the one microfluidic module of is in communication with the inlet opening of the second microfluidic module.

19. The modular microfluidic system of claim 17 or 18, further comprising a base platform.

20. A microfluidic module (800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) comprising: a body (802, 902, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302) having an inlet opening (806, 906, 1006, 1106, 1206, 1306), and an outlet opening (808, 908, 1008, 1108, 1208, 1308), wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with one another via an internal channel (810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310) located within the body; and, a first magnet (818, 918, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1318) located at least partly within a first recess adapter (819, 919, 1019, 1119, 1219, 1319), wherein the first recess adapter is attached to the body, wherein the first magnet has one end (821, 921, 1021, 1121, 1221, 1321) and an opposing end (823, 923, 1023, 1123, 1223, 1323), wherein the one end of the first magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

21. The microfluidic module of claim 20, further comprising an inlet sealing gasket (834, 934, 1034, 1134, 1234, 1334) having an inlet hole (838, 938, 1038, 1138, 1238, 1338) extending there through, wherein the inlet hole is in communication with the inlet opening and the internal channel.

22. The microfluidic module of claim 20 or 21 further comprising: an outlet sealing gasket (836, 936, 1036, 1136, 1236, 1336) having an outlet hole (840, 940, 1040, 1140, 1240, 1340) extending there through, wherein the outlet hole is in communication with the outlet opening and the internal channel.

23. The microfluidic module of any one of claims 20-22 wherein the inlet sealing gasket or the outlet sealing gasket or both comprise an O-ring or adhesive tape.

24. The microfluidic module of any one of claims 20-23, wherein the inlet opening (1006, 1106) and the outlet opening (1008, 1108) are located on a first side (1004, 1104) of the body (1002, 1102), wherein the body has a second side (1012, 1112) that is opposite the first side (1004, 1104) of the body, wherein the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, and wherein the first magnet (1018, 1118) has a first portion (1019a, 1119a) of the one end (1020, 1120) thereof aligned with the inlet opening (1006, 1106) and a second portion (1019b, 1119b) of the one end (1020, 1120) thereof aligned with the outlet opening (1008, 1108).

25. The microfluidic module of claim 24, wherein the first recess adapter (1019) comprises a first side (1021) and a second side (1023) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the recess adapter has a first recess (1014) located therein, wherein the first side of the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, a nd wherein the first magnet is located within the first recess.

26. The microfluidic module of any one of claims 20-25, further comprising a second magnet (826, 926, 1226, 1326) located at least partly within a second recess adapter (829, 929, 1229, 1329), wherein the second recess adapter is attached to the body, wherein second magnet has one end (830, 930, 1230, 1330) and an opposing end (832, 932, 1232, 1332), wherein the one end of the second magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

27. The microfluidic module of any one of claims 20 - 26, wherein the inlet opening (806, 906) and the outlet opening (808, 908) are located on a first side (804, 904) of the body (802, 902), wherein the first recess adapter (814, 914) and the second recess adapter (829, 929) are both attached to a second side (812, 912) of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, and wherein the one end (820, 920) of the first magnet (818, 918) is aligned with the inlet opening (806, 906) and the one end (830, 930) of the second magnet (826, 926) is aligned with the outlet opening (808, 908).

28. The microfluidic module of claim 27, wherein: the first recess adapter (819) comprises a first side (821) and a second side (823) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the first recess adapter has a first recess (814) located therein, wherein the first side of the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, and wherein the first magnet is located within the first recess; and, the second recess adapter (829) comprises a first side (831) and a second side (833) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the second recess adapter has a second recess (835) located therein, wherein the first side of the second recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, and wherein the second magnet is located within the second recess.

29. The microfluidic module of claim 28, wherein the first recess adapter is connected to the second recess adapter.

30. The microfluidic module of claim 26, wherein the inlet opening (1206, 1306) is located on a first side (1204, 1304) of the body (1202, 1302) and the outlet opening (1208, 1308) is located on a second side (1212, 1312) of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, wherein the first recess adapter (1214, 1314) is attached to the second side of the body and the second recess adapter (1229, 1329) is attached to the first side of the body, and wherein the one end (1220, 1320) of the first magnet (1218, 1318) is aligned with the inlet opening (1206, 1306) and the one end (1228, 1328) of the second magnet (1226, 1326) is aligned with the outlet opening (1208, 1308).

31. The microfluidic module of claim 29, wherein: the first recess adapter (1219) comprises a first side (1221) and a second side (1223) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the first recess adapter has a first recess (1214) located therein, wherein the first side of the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, and wherein the first magnet is located within the first recess; and, the second recess adapter (1229) comprises a first side (1231) and a second side (1233) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the first side of the second recess adapter has a second recess (1235) located therein, wherein the first side of the second recess adapter is attached to the first side of the body, and wherein the second magnet is located within the second recess.

32. The microfluidic module of claim 30, wherein: the first recess adapter (1319) comprises a first side (1321) and a second side (1323) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the first recess adapter has a first recess (1314) located therein, wherein the first side of the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, wherein the first magnet is located within the first recess, and wherein a first sealing tape (1342) is attached to the second side of the first recess adapter to hold the first magnet within the first recess; and. the second recess adapter (1329) comprises a first side (1331) and a second side (1333) where the second side is opposite the first side, wherein the second side of the second recess adapter has a second recess (1335) located therein, wherein the first side of the second recess adapter is attached to the first side of the body, wherein the second magnet is located within the second recess, and wherein a second sealing tape (1344) is attached to the second side of the second recess adapter to hold the second magnet within the second recess.

33. A modular microfluidic system (850, 850', 950, 950', 1050, 1050', 1150, 1150', 1250, 1250', 1350, 1350', 1600, 1700, 1900, 2000) comprising: a plurality of microfluidic modules (800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300); each microfluidic module comprising: a body (802, 902, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302) having an inlet opening (806, 906, 1006, 1106, 1206, 1306) located therein, and an outlet opening (808, 908, 1008, 1108, 1208, 1308) located therein, wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with one another via an internal channel (810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310) which is located within the body; and, a first magnet (818, 918, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1318) located at least partly within a first recess adapter (819, 919, 1019, 1119, 1219, 1319), wherein the first recess adapter is attached to the body, wherein the first magnet has one end (821, 921, 1021, 1121, 1221, 1321) and an opposing end (823, 923, 1023, 1123, 1223, 1323), wherein the one end of the first magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; an inlet sealing gasket (834, 934, 1034, 1134, 1234, 1334) having an inlet hole (838, 938, 1038, 1138, 1238, 1338) extending there through, wherein the inlet hole is in communication with the inlet opening and the internal channel; an outlet sealing gasket (836, 936, 1036, 1136, 1236, 1336) having an outlet hole (840, 940, 1040, 1140, 1240, 1340) extending there through, wherein the outlet hole is in communication with the outlet opening and the internal channel;

Wherein the inlet opening (1006, 1106) and the outlet opening (1008, 1108) are located on a first side (1004, 1104) of the body (1002, 1102), wherein the body has a second side (1012, 1112) that is opposite the first side (1004, 1104) of the body, wherein the first recess adapter is attached to the second side of the body, and wherein the first magnet (1018, 1118) has a first portion (1019a, 1119a) of the one end (1020, 1120) thereof aligned with the inlet opening (1006, 1106) and a second portion (1019b, 1119b) of the one end (1020, 1120) thereof aligned with the outlet opening (1008, 1108); and wherein one of the microfluidic modules is magnetically coupled to another one of the microfluidic modules when the one microfluidic module has the second portion of the one end of the first magnet magnetically coupled to the first portion of the one end of the first magnet of the another microfluidic module whereby the outlet opening of the one microfluidic module is in communication with the inlet opening of the another microfluidic module.

34. The modular microfluidic system of claim 33, wherein each microfluidic module (800, 900, 1200, 1300) further comprises: a second magnet (826, 926, 1226, 1326) located at least partly within a second recess adapter (829, 929, 1229, 1329), wherein the second recess adapter is attached to the body. wherein second magnet has one end (830, 930, 1228, 1328) and a n opposing end (832, 932, 1232, 1332), wherein the one end of the second magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

35. The modular microfluidic system of any one of claims 33-34, wherein in each microfluidic module (900): the inlet opening (906) and the outlet opening (908) are located on a first side (904) of the body (902), wherein the first recess adapter (914) and the second recess adapter (929) are both attached to a second side (912) of the body that is opposite the first side of the body, and wherein the one end (920) of the first magnet (918) is aligned with the inlet opening (906) and the one end (930) of the second magnet (926) is

36.. A modular microfluidic system comprising a plurality of microfluidic modules (800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300); each microfluidic module comprising: a body (802, 902, 1002, 1102, 1202, 1302) having a first side and a second side, wherein the second side is on an opposite side of the body from the first side, an inlet opening (806, 906, 1006, 1106, 1206, 1306), and an outlet opening (808, 908, 1008, 1108, 1208, 1308), wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with one another via an internal channel (810, 910, 1010, 1110, 1210, 1310); wherein the inlet opening (1206) is located on the first side (1204) of the body (1202) and the outlet opening (1208) is located on the second side (1212) of the body, wherein the first recess adapter (1214) is attached to the second side of the body and the second recess adapter (1229) is attached to the first side of the body, and wherein the one end (1220) of the first magnet (1218) is aligned with the inlet opening (1206) and the one end (1228) of the second magnet (1226) is a ligned with the outlet opening (1208); a first magnet (818, 918, 1018, 1118, 1218, 1318) located at least partly within a first recess adapter (819, 919, 1019, 1119, 1219, 1319), wherein the first recess adapter is attached to the body, wherein the first magnet has one end (821, 921, 1021, 1121, 1221, 1321) and an opposing end (823, 923, 1023, 1123, 1223, 1323), wherein the one end of the first magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; an inlet sealing gasket (834, 934, 1034, 1134, 1234, 1334) having an inlet hole (838, 938, 1038, 1138, 1238, 1338) extending there through, wherein the inlet hole is in communication with the inlet opening and the internal channel; an outlet sealing gasket (836, 936, 1036, 1136, 1236, 1336) having an outlet hole (840, 940, 1040, 1140, 1240, 1340) extending there through, wherein the outlet hole is in communication with the outlet opening and the internal channel; one of the microfluidic modules is magnetically coupled to another one of the microfluidic modules when the one microfluidic module has the second portion of the one end of the first magnet magnetically coupled to the first portion of the one end of the first magnet of the another microfluidic module whereby the outlet opening of the one microfluidic module is in communication with the inlet opening of the another microfluidic module.

37. The modular microfluidic system of claim 36, further comprising: a base platform (1600, 1700, 1900, 2000) having a plurality of embedded micromodules (1602i, 1602₂, 1602₃, 1602₄, 1602₅, 1602₆, 1602₇, 1602₈, 1702i, 1702₂, 1702₃, 1702₄, 1702₅, 1702₆, 1702₇, 1702₈, 1902i, 1902₂, 1902₃, 1902₄, 1902₅, 1902₆, 1902₇, 1902₈, 2002i, 2002₂, 2002₃, 2002₄, 2002₅, 2002₆, 2002₇, 2002₈) wherein the base platform further comprises a single magnet (1610, 1710) or a single magnetic material positioned under the plurality of embedded micromodules (1602_!, 1602₂, 1602₃, 1602 , 1602₅, 1602₆, 1602₇, 1602₈, 1702i, 1702₂, 1702₃, 1702₄, 1702₅, 1702₆, 1702₇, 1702¾).

38. The modular microfluidic system of claim 37 wherein the base platform further comprises a recess adapter (1619, 1719) attached thereto having a recess (1615, 1715) therein in which there is located the single magnet (1610, 1710) or the single magnetic material.

39.. The modular microfluidic system of claim 38, wherein the base platform further comprises a plurality of recess adapters (1919, 2019) attached thereto each having a recess (1914, 2014) containing a magnet.

40. The modular microfluidic system of any one of claims 37-39, further comprising a module selected from the group consisting of: a pump microfluidic module; a valve microfluidic module; a heating microfluidic module; a mixing microfluidic module; a filtering microfluidic module; a detection microfluidic module; an electrophoresis microfluidic module; a reaction microfluidic module; a separation microfluidic module; or an isolation microfluidic module.