WO2017201462A1

WO2017201462A1 - Microfluidic module, system and kit having magnetic interconnects on same side of inlet and outlet openings

Info

Publication number: WO2017201462A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/033626
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 on same side of inlet and outlet openings. Moreover, a method is described herein for manufacturing the microfluidic module which incorporates the magnetic interconnects on same side of inlet and outlet openings.

Description

MICROFLUIDIC MODULE, SYSTEM AND KIT HAVING MAGNETIC INTERCONNECTS ON SAME 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 62/405,644 filed on October 7, 2016, and is related to co-pending application PCT/US17/33595 filed on May 19, 2017, 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, 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 l 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-dimensional (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 applications (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). In addition, there are plug-n-play modular microfluidic kits available on the market for building modular 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). In all plug-n-play reconfigurable 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 reliable 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 communications 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, a modular microfluidic system, and a microfluidic kit.

SUMMARY

[0005] Microfluidic modules, systems, kits and methods for manufacturing the microfluidic modules, are described herein, along with advantageous embodiments of the microfluidic module, the modular microfluidic system, methods for manufacturing the microfluidic module, the microfluidic kit, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module, and methods for manufacturing the inlet-outlet microfluidic module.

[0006] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a microfluidic module which comprises: (1) a body having a first recess formed therein and an inlet opening located within an interior surface of the first recess, wherein the inlet opening is in communication with a first end of an internal channel located within the body; and (2) an inlet magnetic interconnect comprising a first ring magnet having a first opening extending there through, wherein at least a portion of the first ring magnet is located within the first recess of the body, wherein the first opening is in communication with the inlet opening and the first end of the internal channel located within the body, wherein the first ring magnet having one end adjacent to the interior surface of the first recess of the body and further having an opposing end, and wherein the one end of the first ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity. If desired, the inlet magnetic interconnect further comprises a first sealing gasket (e.g., O-ring, adhesive tape, or the like) adjacent to the opposing end of the first ring magnet, and wherein the first sealing gasket having a first hole extending there through where the first hole is in communication with the first opening in the first ring magnet, the inlet opening in the first recess of the body, and the first end of the internal channel located within the body. If desired, the microfluidic module may further comprises: (1) the body having a second recess formed therein and an outlet opening located within an interior surface of the second recess, wherein the outlet opening is in communication with a second end of the internal channel located within the body; and (2) an outlet magnetic interconnect comprising a second ring magnet having a second opening extending there through, wherein at least a portion of the second ring magnet is located within the second recess of the body, wherein the second opening is in communication with the outlet opening and the second end of the internal channel, wherein the second ring magnet having one end adjacent to the interior surface of the second recess of the body a nd further having an opposing end , and wherein the one end of the second ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity. If desired, the outlet magnetic interconnect further comprises a second sealing gasket (e.g., O-ring, adhesive tape, or the like) adjacent to the opposing end of the second ring magnet, and wherein the second sealing gasket having a second hole extending there through where the second hole is in communication with the second opening of the second ring magnet, the outlet opening in the second recess of the body, and the second end of the internal channel.

[0007] In additional aspects, the present disclosure provides a modular microfluidic system comprising: (1) a plurality of microfluidic modules where each microfluidic module comprises: (i) a body having a first recess formed therein and an inlet opening located within an interior surface of the first recess, wherein the inlet opening is in communication with a first end of an internal channel located within the body; (ii) an inlet magnetic interconnect comprising a first ring magnet having a first opening extending there through, wherein at least a portion of the first ring magnet is located within the first recess of the body, wherein the first opening is in communication with the inlet opening and the first end of the internal channel, wherein the first ring magnet having one end adjacent to the interior surface of the first recess of the body and further having an opposing end, and wherein the one end of the first ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; (iii) the body further having a second recess formed therein and an outlet opening located within an interior surface of the second recess, wherein the outlet opening is in communication with a second end of the internal channel located within the body; (iv) an outlet magnetic interconnect comprising a second ring magnet having a second opening extending there through, wherein at least a portion of the second ring magnet is located within the second recess of the body, wherein the second opening is in communication with the outlet opening and the second end of the internal channel, wherein the second ring magnet having one end adjacent to the interior surface of the second recess of the body and further having a n opposing end, and wherein the one end of the second ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; and (2) one of the microfluidic modules is magnetically coupled to another one of the microfluidic modules when the one microfluidic module has the opposing end of the second ring magnet magnetically coupled to the opposing end of the first ring 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 inlet magnetic interconnect further comprises a first sealing gasket adjacent (e.g., O-ring, adhesive tape, or the like) to the opposing end of the first ring magnet, and wherein the first sealing gasket having a first hole extending there through where the first hole is in communication with the first opening in the first ring magnet, the inlet opening in the first recess of the body, and the first end of the internal channel. If desired, the outlet magnetic interconnect further comprises a second sealing gasket (e.g., O-ring, adhesive tape, or the like) adjacent to the opposing end of the second ring magnet, and wherein the second sealing gasket having a second hole extending there through where the second hole is in communication with the second opening of the second ring magnet, the outlet opening in the second recess of the body, and the second end of the internal channel.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a microfluidic module. The method comprises: (1) forming a body having a first recess formed therein and an inlet opening located within an interior surface of the first recess, wherein the inlet opening is in communication with a first end of an internal channel located within the body, and the body optionally having a second recess formed therein and an outlet opening located within an interior surface of the second recess, wherein the inlet opening is in communication with the outlet opening via the internal channel located within the body; (2) securing a first ring magnet within the first recess, wherein the first ring magnet having a first opening extending there through, wherein the first opening is in communication with the inlet opening and a first end of the interna l channel, wherein the first ring magnet having one end adjacent to the interior surface of the first recess of the body and further having an opposing end, and wherein the one end of the first ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; (3) optionally securing a first sealing gasket (e.g., O-ring, adhesive tape, or the like) adjacent to the opposing end of the first ring magnet, and wherein the first sealing gasket has a first hole extending there through where the first hole is in comm unication with the first opening in the first ring magnet, the inlet opening in the first recess of the body, and the first end of the internal channel; (4) optionally securing a second ring magnet within the second recess, wherein the second ring magnet having a second opening extending there through, wherein the second opening is in communication with the outlet opening and a second end of the internal channel, wherein the second ring magnet having one end adjacent to the interior surface of the second recess of the body and further having an opposing end, and wherein the one end of the second ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; and, (5) optionally securing a second sealing gasket (O-ring, adhesive tape, or the like) adjacent to the opposing end of the second ring magnet, and wherein the second sealing gasket has a second hole extending there through where the second hole is in communication with the second opening of the second ring magnet, the outlet opening in the second recess of the body, and the second end of the internal channel.

[0009] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a 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; (2) an inlet magnetic interconnect comprising: (i) an inlet recess adapter having a first recess located therein and a first opening located therein, where the first opening is in communication with the first recess, the inlet opening, and the internal channel; a nd, (ii) a first ring magnet positioned at least partly within the first recess of the inlet recess adapter, the first ring magnet having a first hole extending there through, wherein the first hole of the first ring magnet is in communication with the first opening, the inlet opening, and with the internal channel, wherein the first ring magnet having one end adjacent to an interior surface of the first recess of the inlet recess adapter and further having an opposing end, and wherein the one end of the first ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; an outlet magnetic interconnect comprising: (i) an outlet recess adapter having a second recess located therein and a second opening located therein, where the second opening is in communication with the second recess, the outlet opening, and the internal channel; and, (ii) a second ring magnet positioned at least partly within the second recess of the outlet recess adapter, the second ring magnet having a second hole extending there through, wherein the second hole of the second ring magnet is in communication with the second opening, the outlet opening, and with the internal channel, wherein the second ring magnet having one end adjacent to an interior surface of the second recess of the outlet recess adapter and further having an opposing end, and wherein the one end of the second ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second ring magnet has an opposing magnetic pola rity. If desired, an inlet sealing gasket (O-ring, adhesive tape, or the like) is attached to the inlet recess adapter, wherein the inlet sealing gasket has a first hole extending there through which is in communication with the first hole in the first ring magnet, the first opening in the inlet recess adapter, the inlet opening, and the internal channel. If desired, an outlet sealing gasket (O-ring, adhesive tape, or the like) is attached to the outlet recess adapter, wherein the outlet sealing gasket has a second hole extending there through which is in communication with the second hole in the second ring magnet, the second opening in the outlet recess adapter, the outlet opening, and the internal channel.

[0010] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a modular microfluidic system comprising: a plurality of microfluidic modules where each microfluidic module 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; (2) an inlet magnetic interconnect comprising: (i) an inlet recess adapter having a first recess located therein and a first opening located therein, where the first opening is in communication with the first recess, the inlet opening, and the internal channel; and, (ii) a first ring magnet positioned at least partly within the first recess of the inlet recess adapter, the first ring magnet having a first hole extending there through, wherein the first hole of the first ring magnet is in communication with the first opening, the inlet opening, and with the internal channel, wherein the first ring magnet having one end adjacent to an interior surface of the first recess of the inlet recess adapter and further having an opposing end, and wherein the one end of the first ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; (3) an outlet magnetic interconnect comprising: (i) an outlet recess adapter having a second recess located therein and a second opening located therein, where the second opening is in communication with the second recess, the outlet opening, and the internal channel; and, (ii) a second ring magnet positioned at least partly within the second recess of the outlet recess adapter, the second ring magnet having a second hole extending there through, wherein the second hole of the second ring magnet is in communication with the second opening, the outlet opening, and with the internal channel, wherein the second ring magnet having one end adjacent to an interior surface of the second recess of the outlet recess adapter and further having an opposing end, and wherein the one end of the second ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; and (4) one of the microfluidic modules is magnetically coupled to another one of the microfluidic modules when the one microfluidic module has the opposing end of the second ring magnet magnetically coupled to the opposing end of the first ring 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.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a microfluidic module. The method comprises: (1) 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; (2) forming an inlet recess adapter having a first recess located therein; (3) securing a first ring magnet within the first recess of the inlet recess adapter; (4) attaching the inlet recess adapter to the body around the inlet opening; (5) forming an outlet recess adapter having a second recess located therein; (6) securing a second ring magnet within the second recess of the outlet recess adapter; (7) attaching the outlet recess adapter to the body around the outlet opening; (8) securing (optional) an inlet sealing gasket to the first ring magnet; and (9) securing (optional) an outlet sealing gasket to the second ring magnet.

[0012] In still yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides 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 gas or 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.

[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 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. I n embodiments, the magnet or magnets can be on the "opposite side" from the inlet and outlet.

[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 top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIGURE IB is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module shown in

FIG. 1A configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIGURE 1C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules (see

FIGs. 1A-1B) magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIGURE 2A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIGURE 2B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module shown in

FIG. 2A configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0022] FIGURE 2C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules (see

FIGS. 2A-2B) magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIGURE 3A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIGURE 3B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module shown in

FIG. 3A configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIGURE 3C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules (see

FIGs. 3A-3B) magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIGURE 3D is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIGURE 3E is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module shown in

FIG. 3D configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIGURE 3F is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules (see

FIGs. 3D-3E) magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIGURE 3G is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIGURE 3H is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module shown in

FIG. 3G configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIGURE 31 is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules (see FIGs.

3G-3H) magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIGURE 3J is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIGURE 3K is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module shown in

FIG. 3J configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0034] FIGURE 3L is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules (see

FIGs. 3J-3K) magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIGURE 3M is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIGURE 3N is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module shown in

FIG. 3M configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIGURE 30 is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules (see

FIGs. 3M-3N) magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIGURE 4 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an exemplary method for manufacturing the microfluidic module shown in FIGS. 3A-30 (including an inlet/outlet microfluidic module shown in FIGS. 7 A, 8A, and 9A) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIGURE 5A is a photo at one stage of a manufacturing process of an experimental 3D printed microfluidic module with a serpentine internal microchannel that utilized a first sealing gasket design in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIGURE 5B is a photo at another stage of the manufacturing process of an experimental 3D printed microfluidic module with the serpentine internal microchannel that utilized the first sealing gasket design in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIGURE 5C is a photo at the last stage of the manufacturing process of an experimental 3D printed microfluidic module with the serpentine internal microchannel that utilized the first sealing gasket design in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] FIGURE 6A is a photo at one stage of a manufacturing process of an experimental 3D printed microfluidic module with a serpentine internal microchannel that utilized a second sealing gasket design in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0043] FIGURE 6B is a photo at another stage of the manufacturing process of an experimental 3D printed microfluidic module with the serpentine internal microchannel that utilized the second sealing gasket design in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIGURE 6C is a photo at the last stage of the manufacturing process of an experimental 3D printed microfluidic module with the serpentine internal microchannel that utilized the second sealing gasket design in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIGURE 7A is a diagram of an inlet/outlet module (world-to-chip fluidic interconnect) which was used to conduct a fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIGURE 7B is a diagram of a blocked module which was used to conduct the fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIGURE 7C is a diagram of the inlet/outlet module magnetically coupled to the blocked module which was used to conduct the fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIGURE 7D is a diagram of a pressure gauge, the inlet/outlet module, and the blocked module which was used to conduct one step of the fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIGURE 7E is a diagram of the pressure gauge, the inlet/outlet module, and the blocked module which was used to conduct another step of the fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIGURE 7F is a diagram of the pressure gauge, the inlet/outlet module, and the blocked module which was used to conduct the last step of the fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIGURE 8A is a diagram of an inlet/outlet module (world-to-chip fluidic interconnect) which was used to conduct a fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIGURE 8B is a diagram of a blocked module which was used to conduct the fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0053] FIGURE 8C is a diagram of the inlet/outlet module magnetically coupled to the blocked module which was used to conduct the fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] FIGURE 8D is a diagram of a pressure gauge, the inlet/outlet module, and the blocked module which was used to conduct one step of the fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0055] FIGURE 8E is a diagram of the pressure gauge, the inlet/outlet module, and the blocked module which was used to conduct another step of the fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0056] FIGURE 8F is a diagram of the pressure gauge, the inlet/outlet module, and the blocked module which was used to conduct the last step of the fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0057] FIGURE 9A is a diagram of an inlet/outlet module (world-to-chip fluidic interconnect) which was used to conduct a fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] FIGURE 9B is a diagram of a blocked module which was used to conduct the fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0059] FIGURE 9C is a diagram of the inlet/outlet module magnetically coupled to the blocked module which was used to conduct the fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0060] FIGURE 9D is a diagram of a pressure gauge, the inlet/outlet module, and the blocked module which was used to conduct one step of the fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0061] FIGURE 9E is a diagram of the pressure gauge, the inlet/outlet module, and the blocked module which was used to conduct another step of the fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] FIGURE 9F is a diagram of the pressure gauge, the inlet/outlet module, and the blocked module which was used to conduct the last step of the fluid pressure test in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0063] FIGURE 10A is a graph that illustrates estimated maximum pull forces generated by a N52 neodymium ring magnet when attracted to another identical N52 neodymium ring magnet;

[0064] FIGURE 10B is a graph that illustrates estimated maximum pull forces generated by a N52 neodymium ring magnet when attracted to another identical N52 neodymium ring magnet;

[0065] FIGURE IOC is a graph that illustrates estimated maximum pull forces generated by a N52 neodymium ring magnet when attracted to another identical N52 neodymium ring magnet;

[0066] FIGURE 11A is a photo of a disassembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0067] FIGURE 11B is a photo of the assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0068] FIGURE 11C is a photo of the assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system with fluid flowing therein in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0069] FIGURE 12A is a photo of a disassembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0070] FIGURE 12B is a photo of the assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0071] FIGURE 12C is a photo of the assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system with fluid flowing therein in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0072] FIGURE 13A is a photo of a base platform in one stage of a manufacturing process that will be part of a reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0073] FIGURE 13B is a photo of the base platform in another stage of the manufacturing process that will be part of the reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0074] FIGURE 13C is a photo of the base platform at the end of the manufacturing process that will be part of the reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0075] FIGURE 13D is a photo of a disassembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system which includes the base platform, two inlet/outlet modules (two world- to-chip fluidic interconnects), and three serpentine microfluidic modules in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0076] FIGURE 13E is a photo of the assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system which includes the base platform, two inlet/outlet modules (world-to- chip fluidic interconnects), and three serpentine microfluidic modules in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0077] FIGURE 13F is a photo of the assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system which includes the base platform, two inlet/outlet modules (world-to- chip fluidic interconnects), and three serpentine microfluidic modules and has fluid flowing therein in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0078] FIGURE 13G is a photo of a disassembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system which includes the base platform, two inlet/outlet modules (world-to- chip fluidic interconnects), and five serpentine microfluidic channel modules in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0079] FIGURE 13H is a photo of the assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system which includes the base platform, two inlet/outlet modules (world-to- chip fluidic interconnects), and five serpentine microfluidic modules in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0080] FIGURE 131 is a photo of the assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system which includes the base platform, two inlet/outlet modules (world-to- chip fluidic interconnects), and five serpentine microfluidic modules and has fluid flowing therein in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0081] FIGURE 13J is a photo of a disassembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system which includes the base platform, two inlet/outlet modules (world-to- chip fluidic interconnects), and seven serpentine microfluidic modules in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0082] FIGURE 13K is a photo of the assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system which includes the base platform, two inlet/outlet modules (world-to- chip fluidic interconnects), and seven serpentine microfluidic modules in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] FIGURE 13L is a photo of the assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system which includes the base platform, two inlet/outlet modules (world-to- chip fluidic interconnects), and seven serpentine microfluidic modules and has fluid flowing therein in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0084] FIGURE 14A is a photo of a disassembled reconfigurable stick-n-play concentration gradient generation modular microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0085] FIGURE 14B is a photo of the assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play concentration gradient generation modular microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0086] FIGURE 14C is a photo of the assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play concentration gradient generation modular microfluidic system which has two different fluids flowing therein in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0087] FIGURES 15A-15D are cross sectional schematics of various examples of connected modules with non-tilted and tilted ring magnets;

[0088] FIGURES 16A-16F are cross-sectional schematics of an exemplary way to assemble a ring magnet into the recess of a module using a drill press setup and then glue a Kapton polyimide adhesive tape on top of the ring magnet and the module in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0089] FIGURES 17A-17D are cross-sectional schematics of an exemplary way to assemble a ring magnet into the recess of a module using a drill press setup and then glue an O-ring into the recess of the module in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0090] FIGURE 18A is a cross-sectional side view of an exploded inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0091] FIGURE 18B is a cross-sectional side view of an assem bled inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosu re;

[0092] FIGURE 18C is a cross-sectiona l side view of an exploded inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0093] FIGURE 18D is a cross-sectional side view of an assembled inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment having an adapter to accommodate a magnet;

[0094] FIGURE 18E is a cross-sectional side exploded view of an embodiment of an inlet-outlet microfluidic module having an ada pter to accommodate a magnet;

[0095] FIGURE 18F is a cross-sectional side view of an assembled inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosu re;

[0096] FIGURE 19A is a cross-sectional side view of an exploded inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0097] FIGURE 19B is a cross-sectional side view of an assem bled inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosu re;

[0098] FIGURE 19C is a cross-sectiona l side view of an exploded inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0099] FIGURE 19D is a cross-sectional side view of an assembled inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosu re; [00100] FIGURE 20A is a cross-sectional side view of an exploded inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00101] FIGURE 20B is a cross-sectional side view of an assem bled inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00102] FIGURE 20C is a cross-sectiona l side view of an exploded inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00103] FIGURE 20D is a cross-sectional side view of an assembled inlet-outlet microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosu re;

[00104] FIGURE 20E is a flowcha rt il lustrating the steps of an exemplary method for manufacturing the inlet-outlet microfluidic module shown in FIGS. 18A-18B, 18C-18D, 19A- 19B, 19C-19D, 20A-20B and 20C-20D in accorda nce with a n embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00105] FIGURE 21A and FIGU RE 21B are exploded views of a recess adapter forming a microfluidic module in a n embodiment (FIGURE 21B is a ghost drawing, showing the interna l structures of the embodiment);

[00106] FIGURE 21C and 21D are perspective views of a recess adapter forming a microfluidic module in a n embodiment (FIGURE 21D is a ghost drawing, showing the internal structures of the embodiment);

[00107] FIGURE 22A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured i n accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00108] FIGURE 22B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module shown in FIG. 22A configured in accorda nce with a n embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00109] FIGURE 22C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules (see FIGS. 22A-22B) magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [00110] FIGURE 22D 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;

[00111] FIGURE 23A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00112] FIGURE 23B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module shown in FIG. 23A configured in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00113] FIGURE 23C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules (see FIGS. 23A-23B) magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00114] FIGURE 23D 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;

[00115] FIGURE 24A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00116] FIGURE 24B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module shown in FIG 24A configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00117] FIGURE 24C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules (see FIGS. 24A-24B) magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00118] FIGURE 24D 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;

[00119] FIGURE 25A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00120] FIGURE 25B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module shown in FIG. 25A configured in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure; [00121] FIGURE 25C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules (see FIGS. 25A-25B) magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00122] FIGURE 25D 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;

[00123] FIGURE 26A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00124] FIGURE 26B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module shown in FIG. 26A configured in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00125] FIGURE 26C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules (see FIGS. 26A-26B) magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00126] FIGURE 26D 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;

[00127] FIGURE 27A is a top view of a microfluidic module configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00128] FIGURE 27B is a cross-sectional side view of the microfluidic module shown in FIG. 27A configured in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00129] FIGURE 27C is a cross-sectional side view of two microfluidic modules (see FIGS. 27A-27B) magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00130] FIGURE 27D 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; [00131] FIGURE 28 is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a n exemplary method for manufacturing the microfluidic module shown in FIGU RES 21-27 in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00132] FIGURE 29A illustrates an exemplary microfluidic kit in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00133] FIGURE 29B illustrates an exemplary microfluidic kit in accorda nce with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00134] FIGURES 30A-30K illustrate various exem plary channel inserts including: (1) a short straight channel insert (FIG. 30A); (2) a medium straight channel insert (FIG . 30B); (3) a long straight channel insert (FIG. 30C); (4) a short left-turn channel insert (FIG. 30D); (5) a long left-turn channel insert (FIG. 30E); (6) a short right-turn cha nnel insert (FIG 30F); (7) a long right-turn cha nnel insert (FIG. 30G); (8) a small H-shaped channel insert (FIG. 30H); (9) a large H-sha ped channel insert (FIG . 301); (10) a small T-shaped channe l insert (FIG. 30J); and (11) a la rge T-shaped channel insert (FIG. 30K) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; a nd,

[00135] FIGURES 31A-31D illustrate various exemplary microfluidic modules includi ng: (1) a mixing microfluidic module (FIG. 31A); (2) a detection chamber microfluidic module (FIG 31B); (3) a reaction microfluidic module (FIG. 31C); and (4) a n electrophoresis microfluidic module (FIG. 31D) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00136] Referring to FIGURES 1A-1C, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 100 configured in accordance with an embodime nt of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 1A (top view) and IB (cross-sectional side view), the microfluidic module 100 (chi p-to-chi p fluidic interconnect 100) has a body 102 with a first side 103 (and a second side 105 opposite thereto) with a first recess 104 formed therein a nd an inlet opening 106 located within an interior surface 108 of the first recess 104. The inlet opening 106 is in communication with a first end 110 of an i nternal cha nnel 112 which is located within the body 102. The microfluidic module 100 a lso has an inlet magnetic interconnect 114 which includes a first ring magnet 116 that has a first opening 118 extending there through. The first opening 118 is in comm unication with the inlet opening 106 and the first end 110 of the interna l channel 112. The first ring magnet 116 has one end 120 adjacent to the interior surface 108 of the first recess 104, and further has an opposing end 122. The one end 120 has a magnetic polarity (South polarity (S) or North polarity (N)) and the opposing end 122 has an opposing magnetic pola rity (N or S). I n this example, the first ring magnet 116 is located (secu red) within the first recess 104 and the opposi ng end 122 is also extending from the first recess 104.

[00137] The first side 103 a lso has a second recess 124 formed therein a nd an outlet opening 126 located within an interior surface 128 of the second recess 124. I n embodiments, as disclosed herein, recesses are structured to contain magnets. These recesses include recesses found in recess adaptors. The outlet opening 126 is in communication with a second end 130 of the internal channel 112 located within the body 102. The microfluidic module 100 also has an outlet magnetic interconnect 132 which includes a second ring magnet 134 that has a second opening 136 extending there through. The second opening 136 is in communication with the outlet opening 126 and the second end 130 of the interna l cha nnel 112. The second ring magnet 134 has one end 138 adjacent to the inte rior surface 128 of the second recess 124, and further has an opposing end 140. The one end 138 has a magnetic pola rity (N or S) and the opposing end 140 has a n opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). I n this example, the second ring magnet 134 is located (secured) within the second recess 124 a nd the opposing end 140 is also extending from the second recess 124.

[00138] Referring to FIGURE 1C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 100 magnetically coupled to a nother one to form a microfluidic system 150 in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) has the opposi ng end 140 (S or N) of the second ring magnet 134 magnetically coupled to the opposing end 122 (N or S) of the first ring magnet 116 of the other microfluidic module 100 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 130 of the one microfluidic module 100 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 106 of the other microfluidic module 100 (right side of image). It should be noted that any num ber and types of the microfluidic modules 100 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 150. Note: in FIGS. 1A-1C the magnetic interconnects 114 and 132 are shown on the top surface of the body 102 but it should be appreciated that the magnetic interconnects 114 and 132 can be located on any surface or surfaces of the body 102. For example, one magnetic interconnect 114 can be located on one side of the body 102 and the other magnetic interconnect 132 ca n be located on an opposing side of the body 102 in which case the internal channel 112 would be straight therein without the two 90° degree turns as shown in FIGS. IB and 1C.

[00139] The microfluidic modules 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C are all serpentine-mixing microfluidic modules 100 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 100 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 150. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 100 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 100 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 100 (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 100 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 100 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a separation microfluidic module 100 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 100 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 100 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 100 (which has an interna l pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 100 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 100 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. In each these examples, the microfluidic module 100 has at least two magnetic interconnects 114 and 132, at least two openings 106 and 126, and an internal channel 112 formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 31A-31D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 100). [00140] Referring to FIGURES 2A-2C, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 200 configured in accordance with an embodime nt of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 2A (top view) and 2B (cross-sectional side view), the microfluidic module 200 (chi p-to-chi p fluidic interconnect 200) has a body 202 with a first side 203 (and a second side 205 opposite thereto) with a first recess 204 formed therein a nd an inlet opening 206 located within an interior surface 208 of the first recess 204. The inlet opening 206 is in communication with a first end 210 of an internal cha nnel 212 which is located within the body 202. The microfluidic module 200 a lso has an inlet magnetic interconnect 214 which includes a first ring magnet 216 that has a first opening 218 extending there through. The first opening 218 is in comm unication with the inlet opening 206 and the first end 210 of the interna l channel 212. The first ring magnet 216 has one end 220 adjacent to the interior surface 208 of the first recess 204, and further has an opposing end 222. The one end 220 has a magnetic polarity (S or N) a nd the opposing end 222 has an opposing magnetic pola rity (N or S). The inlet magnetic interconnect 214 further includes a first sealing gasket 242 (e.g., O-ring 242) adjacent to the opposing end 222 of the first ring magnet 216. The first sealing gasket 242 has a first hole 244 extending there through where the first hole 244 is in communication with the first opening 218 in the first ring magnet 216, the inlet opening 206, and the first end 210 of the interna l channel 212. The first sealing gasket 242 has an outer perimeter that substantially matches the outer perimeter of the first recess 204. I n this exam ple, the first ring magnet 216 is located (secured) entirely within the first recess 204 and the first sealing gasket 242 is partially located (secured) in the first recess 204.

[00141] The first side 203 a lso has a second recess 224 formed therein a nd an outlet opening 226 located within an interior surface 228 of the second recess 224. The outlet opening 226 is in com munication with a second end 230 of the interna l cha nnel 212 located within the body 202. The microfluidic module 200 also has an outlet magnetic interconnect 232 which includes a second ring magnet 234 that has a second opening 236 extending there through. The second opening 236 is in communication with the outlet opening 226 and the second end 230 of the interna l channel 212. The second ring magnet 234 has one end 238 adjacent to the interior surface 228 of the second recess 224, and further has an opposing end 240. The one end 238 has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and the opposing end 240 has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). The outlet magnetic interconnect 232 further includes a second sealing gasket 246 (e.g., O-ring 246) adjacent to the opposing end 240 of the second ring magnet 234. The second sealing gasket 246 has a first hole 248 extending there through where the first hole 248 is in communication with the second opening 236 in the second ring magnet 234, the outlet opening 226, and the second end 230 of the internal channel 212. The second sealing gasket 246 has an outer perimeter that substantially matches the outer perimeter of the second recess 224. In this example, the second ring magnet 234 is located (secured) entirely within the second recess 224 and the second sealing gasket 246 is partially located (secured) in the second recess 224.

[00142] Referring to FIGURE 2C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 200 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 250 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 200 (left side of image) has an exposed end of the second sealing gasket 246 magnetically coupled to an exposed end of the first sealing gasket 242 of the other microfluidic module 200 (right side of image) (note: the magnetically coupling is caused by the opposing end 222 (N or S) of the first ring magnet 216 in the other microfluidic device 200 (right side of image) interacting with the opposing end 240 (S or N) of the second ring magnet 234 in the one microfluidic device 200 (left side of image)). The two microfluidic modules 200 when magnetically coupled result in the outlet opening 226 of the one microfluidic module 200 (left side of image) being in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 206 of the other microfluidic module 200 (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 200 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 250. Note: in FIGS. 2A-2C the magnetic interconnects 214 and 232 are shown on the top surface of the body 202 but it should be appreciated that the magnetic interconnects 214 and 232 can be located on any surface or surfaces of the body 202. For example, one magnetic interconnect 214 can be located on one side of the body 202 and the other magnetic interconnect 232 can be located on an opposing side of the body 202 in which case the interna l cha nnel 212 would be straight therein without the two 90° degree turns as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C.

[00143] The microfluidic modules 200 shown in FIGS. 2A-2C are all serpentine-mixing microfluidic modules 200 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 200 with different fu nctions would typically be used in practice and magnetica lly coupled to one a nother to form the desired microfluidic system 250. For example, the different types of m icrofluidic modules 200 that can be used include : (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 200 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 200 (which can 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 200 (which is used to sepa rate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 200 (which is used to filter sam ple fluid(s)); (5) a separation microfluidic module 200 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 200 (which has an interna l heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 200 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pum p microfluidic module 200 (which has an internal pump or is or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfl uidic module 200 (which is used to both pump sa mple fluid(s) and direct or stop sa mple fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 200 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. I n each of these examples, the microfluidic module 200 has at least two magnetic interconnects 214 a nd 232, at least two openings 206 a nd 226, a nd an internal channel 212 formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 31A-31D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 200).

[00144] Referring to FIGURES 3A-3C, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 300 configured in accordance with an embodime nt of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 3A (top view) and 3B (cross-sectional side view), the microfluidic module 300 (chi p-to-chi p fluidic interconnect 300) has a body 302 with a first side 303 (and a second side 305 opposite thereto) with a first recess 304 formed therein a nd an inlet opening 306 located within an interior surface 308 of the first recess 304. The inlet opening 306 is in communication with a first end 310 of an internal cha nnel 312 which is located within the body 302. The microfluidic module 300 a lso has an inlet magnetic interconnect 314 which includes a first ring magnet 316 that has a first opening 318 extending there through. The first opening 318 is in comm unication with the inlet opening 306 and the first end 310 of the interna l channel 312. The first ring magnet 316 has one end 320 adjacent to the interior surface 308 of the first recess 304, and further has an opposing end 322. The one end 320 has a magnetic polarity (S or N) a nd the opposing end 322 has an opposing magnetic pola rity (N or S). The inlet magnetic interconnect 314 further includes a first sealing tape 342 adjacent to the opposing end 322 of the first ring magnet 316 and secured to the first side 303 of the body 302. The first sealing tape 342 has a first hole 344 extending there through where the first hole 344 is in communication with the first opening 318 in the first ring magnet 316, the inlet opening 306, a nd the first end 310 of the interna l channel 312. The first sealing tape 342 has an outer perimeter that extends over the outer perimeter of the first recess 304. I n this example, the first ring magnet 316 is partia lly located (secured) within the first recess 304 and the first sealing tape 342 covers the first recess 304.

[00145] The first side 303 a lso has a second recess 324 formed therein a nd an outlet opening 326 located within an interior surface 328 of the second recess 324. The outlet opening 326 is in com munication with a second end 330 of the interna l cha nnel 312 located within the body 302. The microfluidic module 300 also has an outlet magnetic interconnect 332 which includes a second ring magnet 334 that has a second opening 336 extending there through. The second opening 336 is in communication with the outlet opening 326 and the second end 330 of the interna l channel 312. The second ring magnet 334 has one end 338 adjacent to the interior surface 328 of the second recess 324, and further has an opposi ng end 340. The one end 338 has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and the opposi ng end 340 has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). The outlet magnetic interconnect 332 further includes a second sealing tape 346 adjacent to the opposing end 340 of the second ring magnet 334 and secured to the first side 303 of the body 302. The second sealing tape 346 has a first hole 348 extending there through where the first hole 348 is in communication with the second ope ning 336 in the second ring magnet 334, the outlet opening 326, and the second end 330 of the internal channel 312. The second sealing tape 346 has an outer perimeter that extends over the outer perimeter of the second recess 324. In this example, the second ring magnet 334 is partially located (secured) within the second recess 324 and the second sealing tape 346 covers the second recess 324.

[00146] 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 an exposed end of the second sealing tape 346 magnetically coupled to an exposed end of the first sealing tape 342 of the other microfluidic module 300 (right side of image) (note: the magnetically coupling is caused by the opposing end 322 (N or S) of the first ring magnet 316 in the other microfluidic device 300 (right side of image) interacting with the opposing end 340 (S or N) of the second ring magnet 334 in the one microfluidic device 300 (left side of image)). The two microfluidic modules 300 when magnetically coupled result in the outlet opening 326 of the one microfluidic module 300 (left side of image) being 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. Note: in FIGS. 3A-3C the magnetic interconnects 314 and 332 are shown on the top surface of the body 302 but it should be appreciated that the magnetic interconnects 314 and 332 can be located on any surface or surfaces of the body 302. For example, one magnetic interconnect 314 can be located on one side of the body 302 and the other magnetic interconnect 332 can be located on an opposing side of the body 302 in which case the interna l channel 312 would be straight therein without the two 90° degree turns as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C.

[00147] The microfluidic modules 300 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C 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. 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 chemica l or biologica l reactions(s), cell culture or molecule amplification(s) such as polymerase chain reaction); (3) an electrophoresis microfluidic module 300 (which is used to sepa rate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 300 (which is used to filter sam ple 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 interna l 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 interna l pum p or is connected to a pum p to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 300 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) a nd direct or stop sa mple fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 300 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or com binations of these. I n each of these examples, the microfluidic module 300 has at least two magnetic interconnects 314 and 332, at least two openings 306 a nd 326, a nd an internal channel 312 formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGU RES 31A-31D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 300).

[00148] Referring to FIGURES 3D-3F, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 300a configu red in accorda nce with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 3D (top view) and 3E (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 3D), the microfluidic module 300a (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 300a), the microfluidic module 300a has a body 302a with a first side 303a having a first recess 304a formed therein and an inlet opening 306a located within an interior surface 308a of the first recess 304a. The inlet opening 306a is in communication with a fi rst end 310a of a n internal channel 312a which is located within the body 302a. The microfluidic module 300a also has an inlet magnetic interconnect 314a which includes a first ring magnet 316a that has a first opening 318a extending there through. The first openi ng 318a is in communication with the inlet opening 306a and the first end 310a of the interna l cha nnel 312a. The first ring magnet 316a has one end 320a adjacent to the interior surface 308a of the first recess 304a, and further has an opposing end 322a. The one end 320a has a magnetic pola rity (S or N) and the opposing end 322a has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S). The inlet magnetic interconnect 314a further includes a first sealing gasket 342a (e.g., O-ring 342a) adjacent to the opposing end 322a of the first ring magnet 316a. The first sealing gasket 342a has a first hole 344a extending there through where the first hole 344a is in communication with the first opening 318a in the first ring magnet 316a, the inlet openi ng 306a, and the first end 310a of the internal channe l 312a. The first sealing gasket 342a has an outer perimeter that substantially matches the outer perimeter of the first recess 304a. I n this example, the first ring magnet 316a is located (secured) entirely within the fi rst recess 304a and the first sea ling gasket 342a is pa rtia lly located (secured) in the first recess 304a .

[00149] The body 302a a lso has a second side 305a (opposite the first side 303a) having a second recess 324a formed therei n and an outlet opening 326a located within an interior surface 328a of the second recess 324a. The outlet opening 326a is in communication with a second end 330a of the internal channel 312a located within the body 302a. The microfluidic mod ule 300a a lso has an outlet magnetic interconnect 332a which includes a second ring magnet 334a that has a second opening 336a extending there through. The second opening 336a is in communication with the outlet opening 326a and the second end 330a of the internal cha nnel 312a. The second ring magnet 334a has one end 338a adjacent to the interior surface 328a of the second recess 324a, and further has an opposi ng end 340a. The one end 338a has a magnetic pola rity (N or S) and the opposing end 340a has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). The outlet magnetic interconnect 332a further includes a second sea ling gasket 346a (e.g., O-ring 346a) adjacent to the opposing end 340a of the second ring magnet 334a. The second sealing gasket 346a has a first hole 348a extending there through where the first hole 348a is in comm unication with the second opening 336a in the second ring magnet 334a, the outlet openi ng 326a, and the second end 330a of the interna l cha nnel 312a. The second sea ling gasket 346a has an outer perimeter that substantia lly matches the outer perimeter of the second recess 324a. I n this example, the second ring magnet 334a is located (secured) entirely within the second recess 324a and the second sealing gasket 346a is partially located (secured) in the second recess 324a.

[00150] Referring to FIGURE 3F (cross-sectiona l side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 300a magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 350a in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 300a (left side of image) has an exposed end of the second sealing gasket 346a magnetically coupled to an exposed end of the first sealing gasket 342a of the other microfluidic module 300a (right side of image) (note: the magnetically coupling is caused by the opposing end 322a (N or S) of the first ring magnet 316a in the other microfluidic device 300a (right side of image) interacting with the opposing end 340a (S or N) of the second ring magnet 334a in the one microfluidic device 300a (left side of image)). The two microfluidic modules 300a when magnetically coupled result in the outlet opening 326a of the one microfluidic module 300a (left side of image) being in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 306a of the other microfluidic module 300a (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 300a can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 350a.

[00151] The microfluidic modules 300a shown in FIGS. 3D-3F are all serpentine-mixing microfluidic modules 300a which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 300a with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 350a. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 300a that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 300a (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 300a (which can be heated, cooled and evacuated, and is used to allow chemical or biologica l reactions(s), cell culture or molecule amplification(s) such as polymerase chain reaction); (3) an electrophoresis microfluidic module 300a (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 300a (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a separation microfluidic module 300a (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 300a (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 300a (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 300a (which has an internal pump or is or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 300a (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 300a (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. I n each of these examples, the microfluidic module 300a has at least two magnetic interconnects 314a a nd 332a, at least two openings 306a and 326a, and an internal channel 312a formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 31A-31D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 300a).

[00152] Referring to FIGURES 3G-3I, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 300b configured in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 3G (top view) and 3G (cross-sectional side view), the microfluidic module 300b (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 300b) has a body 302b with a first side 303b having a first recess 304b formed therein and an inlet opening 306b located within an interior surface 308b of the first recess 304b. The inlet opening 306b is in communication with a first end 310b of an internal channel 312b which is located within the body 302b. The microfluidic module 300b a lso has an inlet magnetic interconnect 314b which includes a first ring magnet 316b that has a first opening 318b extending there through. The first opening 318b is in communication with the inlet opening 306b and the first end 310b of the internal channel 312b. The first ring magnet 316b has one end 320b adjacent to the interior surface 308b of the first recess 304b, and further has an opposing end 322b. The one end 320b has a magnetic polarity (S or N) and the opposing end 322b has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S). The inlet magnetic interconnect 314b further includes a first sealing tape 342b adjacent to the opposing end 322b of the first ring magnet 316b and secured to first side 303b of the body 302b. The first sealing tape 342b has a first hole 344b extending there through where the first hole 344b is in communication with the first opening 318b in the first ring magnet 316b, the inlet opening 306b, and the first end 310b of the internal channel 312b. The first sealing tape 342b has an outer perimeter that extends over the outer perimeter of the first recess 304b. In this example, the first ring magnet 316b is partially located (secured) within the first recess 304b and the first sealing tape 342b covers the first recess 304b.

[00153] The body 302b also has a second side 305b (opposite the first side 303b) having a second recess 324b formed therein and an outlet opening 326b located within an interior surface 328b of the second recess 324b. The outlet opening 326b is in communication with a second end 330b of the internal channel 312b located within the body 302b. The microfluidic module 300b also has an outlet magnetic interconnect 332b which includes a second ring magnet 334b that has a second opening 336b extending there through. The second opening 336b is in comm unication with the outlet opening 326b and the second end 330b of the internal channel 312b. The second ring magnet 334b has one end 338b adjacent to the interior surface 328b of the second recess 324b, and further has an opposing end 340b. The one end 338b has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and the opposing end 340b has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). The outlet magnetic interconnect 332b further includes a second sealing tape 346b adjacent to the opposing end 340b of the second ring magnet 334b and secured to the second side 305b of the body 303b. The second sealing tape 346b has a first hole 348b extending there through where the first hole 348b is in communication with the second opening 336b in the second ring magnet 334b, the outlet opening 326b, and the second end 330b of the internal channel 312b. The second sealing tape 346b has an outer perimeter that extends over the outer perimeter of the second recess 324b. In this example, the second ring magnet 334b is partially located (secured) within the second recess 324b and the second sealing tape 346b covers the second recess 324b.

[00154] Referring to FIGURE 31 (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 300b magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 350b in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 300b (left side of image) has an exposed end of the second sealing tape 346b magnetically coupled to an exposed end of the first sealing tape 342b of the other microfluidic module 300b (right side of image) (note: the magnetically coupling is caused by the opposing end 322b (N or S) of the first ring magnet 316b in the other microfluidic device 300b (right side of image) interacting with the opposing end 340b (S or N) of the second ring magnet 334b in the one microfluidic device 300b (left side of image)). The two microfluidic modules 300b when magnetically coupled result in the outlet opening 326b of the one microfluidic module 300b (left side of image) being in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 306b of the other microfluidic module 300b (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 300b can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 350b.

[00155] The microfluidic modules 300b shown in FIGS. 3G-3I are all serpentine-mixing microfluidic modules 300b which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 300b with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 350b. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 300b that can be used include: (1) a detection cham ber microfluidic module 300b (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 300b (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 300b (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 300b (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a separation microfluidic module 300b (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 300b (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 300b (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 300b (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 300b (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 300b (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. In each of these examples, the microfluidic module 300b has at least two magnetic interconnects 314b and 332b, at least two openings 306b and 326b, and an internal channel 312b formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 31A-31D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 300b).

[00156] Referring to FIGURES 3J-3L, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 300c configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 3J (top view) and 3K (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 3J), the microfluidic module 300c (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 300c), the microfluidic module 300c has a body 302c with a first side 303c having a first recess 304c formed therein and an inlet opening 306c located within an interior surface 308c of the first recess 304c. The inlet opening 306c is in communication with a first end 310c of an internal channel 312c which is located within the body 302c. The microfluidic module 300c also has an inlet magnetic interconnect 314c which includes a first ring magnet 316c that has a hole 318c extending there through. The hole 318c is in communication with the inlet opening 306c and the first end 310c of the internal channel 312c. The first ring magnet 316c has one end 320c adjacent to the interior surface 308c of the first recess 304c, and further has an opposing end 322c. The one end 320c has a magnetic polarity (S or N) and the opposing end 322c has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S). The inlet magnetic interconnect 314c further includes a first sealing gasket 342c (e.g., O-ring 342c) adjacent to the opposing end 322c of the first ring magnet 316c. The first sealing gasket 342c has a first hole 344c extending there through where the first hole 344c is in communication with the first opening 318c in the first ring magnet 316c, the inlet opening 306c, and the first end 310c of the internal channel 312c. The first sealing gasket 342c has an outer perimeter that substantially matches the outer perimeter of the first recess 304c. In this example, the first ring magnet 316c is located (secured) entirely within the first recess 304c and the first sealing gasket 342c is partially located (secured) in the first recess 304c.

[00157] The body 302c also has a second side 305c (opposite the first side 303c) having a second recess 324c formed therein and an outlet opening 326c located within an interior surface 328c of the second recess 324c. The outlet opening 326c is in communication with a second end 330c of the internal channel 312c located within the body 302c. The microfluidic module 300c also has an outlet magnetic interconnect 332c which includes a second ring magnet 334c that has a hole 336c extending there through. The hole 336c is in communication with the outlet opening 326c and the second end 330c of the internal channel 312c. The second ring magnet 334c has one end 338c adjacent to the interior surface 328c of the second recess 324c, and further has an opposing end 340c. The one end 338c has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and the opposing end 340c has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N). The outlet magnetic interconnect 332c further includes a second sealing gasket 346c (e.g., O-ring 346c) adjacent to the opposing end 340c of the second ring magnet 334c. The second sealing gasket 346c has a first hole 348c extending there through where the first hole 348c is in communication with the second opening 336c in the second ring magnet 334c, the outlet opening 326c, and the second end 330c of the internal channel 312c. The second sealing gasket 346c has an outer perimeter that substantially matches the outer perimeter of the second recess 324c. I n this example, the second ring magnet 334c is located (secured) entirely within the second recess 324c and the second sealing gasket 346c is partially located (secured) in the second recess 324c.

[00158] Referring to FIGURE 3L (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 300c magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 350c in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 300c (left side of image) has an exposed end of the second sealing gasket 346c magnetically coupled to an exposed end of the first sealing gasket 342c of the other microfluidic module 300c (right side of image) (note: the magnetically coupling is caused by the opposing end 322c (N or S) of the first ring magnet 316c in the other microfluidic device 300c (right side of image) interacting with the opposing end 340c (S or N) of the second ring magnet 334c in the one microfluidic device 300c (left side of image)). The two microfluidic modules 300c when magnetically coupled result in the outlet opening 326c of the one microfluidic module 300c (left side of image) being in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 306c of the other microfluidic module 300c (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 300c can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 350c.

[00159] The microfluidic modules 300c shown in FIGS. 3J-3L are a ll serpentine-mixing microfluidic modules 300c which function to mix fluids but it should be a ppreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 300c with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 350c. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 300c that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 300c (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 300c (which can be heated, cooled and evacuated, and is used to allow chemical or biologica l reactions(s), cell culture or molecule amplification(s) such as polymerase chain reaction); (3) an electrophoresis microfluidic module 300c (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 300c (which is used to filter sa mple fluid(s)); (5) a sepa ration microfluidic module 300c (which is used to separate sa mple fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 300c (which has an interna l heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 300c (which is used to direct and stop sa mple fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 300c (which has an internal pump or is or is connected to a pum p to pum p sam ple fluid(s)); (9) a pum p-valve microfluidic module 300c (which is used to both pump sa mple fluid(s) and direct or stop sa mple fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 300c (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. I n each of these examples, the microfluidic module 300c has at least two magnetic interconnects 314c and 332c, at least two openings 306c a nd 326c, and an internal channel 312c formed therein through which flows a sma ll amount of fluid or gas (see FIG URES 31A-31D which illustrate several of these differe nt microfluidic modules 300c).

[00160] Referring to FIGURES 3M-30, there a re shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 300d configured in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 3M (top view) and 3N (cross-sectional side view), the microfluidic module 300d (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 300d) has a body 302d with a first side 303d having a first recess 304d formed therein and an inlet opening 306d located within an interior surface 308d of the first recess 304d. The inlet opening 306d is in communication with a first end 310d of an interna l cha nnel 312d which is located within the body 302d. The microfluidic module 300d a lso has an inlet magnetic interconnect 314d which includes a first ring magnet 316d that has a hole 318d extending there through. The hole 318d is in communication with the inlet opening 306d and the first end 310d of the internal channel 312d. The first ring magnet 316d has one end 320d adjacent to the interior surface 308d of the first recess 304d, and further has an opposing end 322d. The one end 320d has a magnetic polarity (S or N) and the opposing end 322d has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S). The inlet magnetic interconnect 314d further includes a first sea ling tape 342d adjacent to the opposing end 322d of the first ring magnet 316d a nd secured to first side 303d of the body 302d. The first sealing tape 342d has a first hole 344d extending there through where the first hole 344d is in com munication with the first openi ng 318d in the first ring magnet 316d, the inlet opening 306d, and the first end 310d of the interna l channel 312d. The first sealing tape 342d has an outer perimeter that extends over the outer perimeter of the first recess 304d. In this example, the first ring magnet 316d is partially located (secured) within the first recess 304d and the first sealing tape 342d covers the first recess 304d.

[00161] The body 302d also has a second side 305d (opposite the first side 303d) having a second recess 324d formed therein and an outlet opening 326d located within an interior surface 328d of the second recess 324d. The outlet opening 326d is in communication with a second end 330d of the internal channel 312d located within the body 302d. The microfluidic module 300d also has an outlet magnetic interconnect 332d which includes a second ring magnet 334d that has a hole 336d extending there through. The hole 336d is in comm unication with the outlet opening 326d and the second end 330d of the internal channel 312d. The second ring magnet 334d has one end 338d adjacent to the interior surface 328d of the second recess 324d, and further has an opposing end 340d. The one end 338d has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and the opposing end 340d has an opposi ng magnetic polarity (S or N). The outlet magnetic interconnect 332d further includes a second sealing tape 346d adjacent to the opposing end 340d of the second ring magnet 334d and secured to the second side 305d of the body 303d. The second sealing tape 346d has a fi rst hole 348d extending there through where the first hole 348d is in comm unication with the second opening 336d in the second ring magnet 334d, the outlet opening 326d, a nd the second end 330d of the internal channel 312d. The second sea ling tape 346d has a n outer perimeter that extends over the outer perimeter of the second recess 324d. In this example, the second ring magnet 334d is partially located (secured) within the second recess 324d a nd the second sealing tape 346d covers the second recess 324d.

[00162] Referring to FIGURE 30 (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 300d magnetica lly coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 350d in accordance with a n em bodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 300d (left side of image) has an exposed end of the second sealing tape 346d magnetically coupled to an exposed end of the first sealing tape 342d of the other microfluidic module 300d (right side of image) (note: the magnetically coupling is caused by the opposing end 322d (N or S) of the first ring magnet 316d in the other microfluidic device 300d (right side of image) interacting with the opposing end 340d (S or N) of the second ring magnet 334d in the one microfluidic device 300d (left side of image)). The two microfluidic modules 300d when magnetically coupled result in the outlet opening 326d of the one microfluidic module 300d (left side of image) being in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 306d of the other microfluidic module 300d (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 300d can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 350d.

[00163] The microfluidic modules 300d shown in FIGS. 3M-30 are all serpentine- mixing microfluidic modules 300d which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 300d with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 350d. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 300d that can be used include: (1) a detection cham ber microfluidic module 300d (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 300d (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 300d (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 300d (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a separation microfluidic module 300d (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 300d (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 300d (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 300d (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 300d (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 300d (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. In each of these examples, the microfluidic module 300d has at least two magnetic interconnects 314d and 332d, at least two openings 306d and 326d, and an internal channel 312d formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 31A-31D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 300d). [00164] It should be appreciated that the microfluidic modules 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d can be magnetically coupled to one another as desired, i.e., there is no requirement that one microfluidic module 100 needs to be magnetically coupled to a nother microfluidic module 100 but instead one microfluidic module 100 can be magnetically coupled to one or more microfluidic modu les 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c and/or 300d and vice versa. For example, the present disclosure in addition to having magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 100 (ring magnet 116 on ring magnet 134), magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 200 (O-ring 242 on O-ring 246) and magnetica lly coupled microfluidic modules 300 (sealing tape 342 on sealing ta pe 346) also covers the combinations of these magnetically couplings including (for example) ring magnet 116 on O-ring 246, ring magnet 116 on sea ling tape 346; O-ring 242 on sealing tape 346, etc... Also, the O-ring 242, 246 ca n be sized to fit in the recess 204, 224 (as shown) or like the sealing tape 342, 346 be sized to fit outside the recess 204, 224 and can be adhered to the ring magnet 216, 234 by glue etc... Further, the O-ring 242, 246 or the sealing tape 342, 346 (as shown in FIG. 3) can be larger tha n the ring magnet 216, 234, 316, 334 or the recess 204, 224, 304, 324. Alternatively, the sealing ta pe 342, 346 can be the same size as the ring magnet 316, 334 (not shown in FIG. 3). I n addition, the sealing tape 342, 346 can have pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), heat sensitive adhesive (but should not be designed to adhere at a temperature in excess the working temperature that will demagnetize the ring magnet permanently, typically the maxim um working temperature of neodymium ring magnet is around 80°C from the specifications of the manufacturer) or the like already coated on it so that the sealing tape 342, 346 ca n self-adhere on the magnet 316, 334 a nd on the top surface of the body 302. These same features related to O-rings, sealing tapes etc... and different magnetic couplings are also possible with the microfluidic modules 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d and the other microfluidic modules 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, and 2700 described hereinafter.

[00165] Referring to FIGURE 4, there is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a n exem plary method 400 for man ufacturing the microfluidic module 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d (including the inlet/outlet microfluidic modules 100a, 200a, 300a' shown in FIGS. 7A, 8A, and 9A) in accordance with a n embodiment of the present disclosure. Beginning at step 402, forming (e.g. 3D printing, additive manufacturing, injection molding, hot embossing, lamination, microfabrication, softlithography) a body 102, 202, 302, 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d that has a first recess 104, 204, 304, 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d formed therein and an inlet opening 106, 105a, 206, 205a, 306, 305a', 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d located within an interior surface 108, 208, 308, 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d of the first recess 104, 204, 304, 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d, where the inlet opening 106, 105a, 206, 205a, 306, 305a', 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d is in communication with a first end 110, 210, 310, 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d of an internal channel 112, 212, 312, 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d which is located within the body 102, 202, 302, 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d. The body 102, 202, 302, 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d may also has a second recess 124, 224, 324, 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d formed therein and an outlet opening 126, 226, 326, 326a, 326b, 326c, 326d located within an interior surface 128, 228, 328, 328a, 328b, 328c, 328d of the second recess 124, 224, 324, 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d. The inlet opening 106, 105a, 206, 205a, 306, 305a', 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d is in communication with the outlet opening 126, 226, 326, 326a, 326b, 326c, 326d via the internal channel 112, 212, 312, 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d located within the body 102, 202, 302, 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d (note: the inlet/outlet microfluidic modules 100a, 200a, 300a' shown in FIGS. 7 A, 8A, and 9A only have one recess not two recesses like in the microfluidic modules 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d shown in FIGS. 1-3). At step 404, a first ring magnet 116, 116a, 216, 216a, 316, 316a', 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d is secured (e.g., via glue) within the first recess 104, 204, 304, 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d. The first ring magnet 116, 116a, 216, 216a, 316, 316a', 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d has a first opening 118, 118a, 218, 218a, 318, 318a', 318a, 318b, 318c, 318d extending there through, where the first opening 118, 218, 318, 318a, 318b, 318c, 318d is in communication with the inlet opening 106, 206, 306, 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d and the first end 110, 210, 310, 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d of the internal channel 112, 212, 312, 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d. The first ring magnet 116, 216, 316, 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d has one end 120, 220, 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d (S or N) which is adjacent to the interior surface 108, 208, 308, 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d of the first recess 104, 204, 304, 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d and further has an opposing end 122, 222, 322, 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d (N or S). At step 406, a first sealing gasket 242, 242a, 342, 342a', 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d (e.g., O-ring or adhesive tape) is secured to at least the opposing end 222, 322, 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d of the first ring magnet 216, 216a, 316, 316a', 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d a nd possibly the surface of the body 302, 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d . The first sealing gasket 242, 242a, 342, 342a', 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d has a first hole 244, 244a, 344, 344a', 344a, 344b, 344c, 344d extending there through where the first hole 244, 244a, 344, 344a', 344a, 344b, 344c, 344d is in communication with the first opening 218, 318, 318a, 318b, 318c, 318d in the first ring magnet 216, 216a, 316, 316a', 318a, 318b, 318c, 318d, the inlet opening 206, 306, 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d in the first recess 204, 304, 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d of the body 202, 302, 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d, and the first end 210, 310, 310a, 310b, 310c, 310c of the internal channel 212, 312, 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d located within the body 202, 302, 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d. At step 408, a second ring magnet 134, 234, 334, 334a, 334b, 334c, 334d is secured (e.g., via glue) within the second recess 124, 224, 324, 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d (if present). The second ring magnet 134, 234, 334, 334a, 334b, 334c, 334d has a second opening 136, 236, 336, 336a, 336b, 336c, 336d extending there through, where the second opening 136, 236, 336, 336a, 336b, 336c, 336d is in communication with the outlet opening 126, 226, 326, 326a, 326b, 326c, 326d and a second end 130, 230, 330, 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d of the internal channel 112, 212, 312, 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d. The second ring magnet 134, 234, 334, 334a, 334b, 334c, 334d has one end 138, 238, 338, 338a, 338b, 338c, 338d (N or S) which is adjacent to the interior surface 128, 228, 328, 328a, 328b, 328c, 328d of the second recess 124, 224, 324, 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d and further has an opposing end 140, 240, 340, 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d (S or N). At step 410, a second sealing gasket 246, 346, 346a, 346b, 346c, 346d (e.g., O-ring or adhesive tape) is secured to at least the opposing end 240, 340, 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d of the second ring magnet 234, 334, 334a, 334b, 334c, 334d and possibly the surface of the body 302, 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d. The second sealing gasket 246, 346, 346a, 346b, 346c, 346d has a second hole 248, 348, 348a, 348b, 348c, 348d extending there through where the second hole 248, 348, 348a, 348b, 348c, 348d is in communication with the second opening 236, 336, 336a, 336b, 336c, 336d of the second ring magnet 234, 334, 334a, 334b, 334c, 334d, the outlet opening 226, 326, 326a, 326b, 326c, 326d in the second recess 224, 324, 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d of the body 202, 302, 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d, and the second end 230, 330, 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d of the interna l channel 212, 312, 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d located withi n the body 202, 302, 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d.

[00166] The following is a discussion about several exemplary manufacturing methods, materials, designs, tests etc... associated with the microfluidic modu les 100, 200, 300 etc... and the microfluidic systems 150, 250 and 350 etc... in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure.

3D Computer- Aided Design (CAD) Model and Printing

[00167] Microfluidic modu les of a stick-n-play modula r microfluidic system, which comprised a serpenti ne chan nel base platform a nd various microfluidic modules as well as inlet/outlet modules for world-to-chip fluidic interconnects, were 3D printed using an Ultimaker 2 (Ultimaker B.V., Gelderma lsen, The Netherlands) (see FIGS. 5-14). In operation, each 3D computer-aided design (CAD) microfluidic module 100, 200, 300 etc... was designed, generated and exported to a STL (stereolithography) file using AutoDesk^® AutoCAD^® Mechanical 2014 Software (Autodesk, I nc., San Rafael, CA, USA). The STL file was then loaded to a Cura 3D Printing Slicing Software (Version 14.09, Ulti ma ker B.V.) and saved as a GCode file into a SDHC card (SanDisk Corporation, Milpitas, CA, USA). The SDHC ca rd was inserted into the Ultimaker 2 to 3D print the va rious microfluidic modules 100, 200, 300 etc... using the GCode files. As recommended by the U ltimaker 2 manufacturer, before 3D printing each microfluidic module 100, 200, 300 etc., a glue stick (Staples^® Washable Glue Sticks, Staples, Inc., Framingham, MA, USA) was used to apply a thin layer of glue on an adjusta ble heated glass build plate so that the printed microfluidic mod ule 100, 200, 300 etc... could be easily removed from the build plate. Natural/Transparent 2.85mm diameter colorFa bb XT Copolyester Filament (colorFabb, Venlo, The Netherlands), which is a styrene free, FDA food contact com pliant and BPA (Bisphenol A) free formulation, was used to 3D print the microfluidic modules 100, 200, 300 etc... without any support structure to eliminate any post-processing and finishing steps. Note: this 3D printing process and similar 3D printing or additive manufactu ring processes (e.g., stereolithgoraphy) can be a pa rt of the method 400 described above with respect to FIG. 4. Magnetic Interconnect Design

[00168] An exemplary magnetic interconnect 114, 132, 214, 232, 314, 332 can comprise a nickel plated neodymium ring magnet 116, 134, 216, 234, 316, 334 (e.g., N52 5 mm OD x 1 mm ID ^χ 1 mm thick, The SuperMagnetMan, Pelham, AL, USA) and possibly a sealing gasket 242, 246, 342, 346 (e.g., see FIGS. 1A-1C, 2A-2C and 3A-3C). Each tested nickel plated neodymium ring magnet 116, 134, 216, 234, 316, 334 was magnetized through its thickness with an estimated pull force of 0.59 lb at zero distance and with either the north or the south pole facing the sealing gasket 242, 246, 342, 346 (if any) (note 1: severa l tests of exemplary magnetic interconnects 114, 132, 214, 232, 314, 332 have been conducted where the results are discussed below with respect to FIGS. 7A-7F, 8A-8F and 9A- 9F). The two ring magnets 116/134, 216/234, 316/334 in each pair of the magnetic interconnects 114/132, 214/232, 314/332 provided the force required to hold the two ring magnets 116/134 (FIGS. 1A-1C) or the two sealing gaskets 242/246, 342/346 (see FIGS. 2A- 2C and 3A-3C) tightly together to form a leak-free fluidic seal between connected microfluidic modules 100, 200, 300. Two sealing gasket designs 242, 246, 342, 346 were tested for the magnetic interconnects 214, 232, 314, 332 (note: the use of the sealing gasket 242, 246, 342, 346 has the advantage of being easily replaceable if they became worn out from repeated use). In the first sealing gasket design 242, 246, a square profile O-ring (0.21" (~5.3 mm) OD x 0.07" (~1.8 mm) ID x 0.07" (~1.8 mm) thick) (#1170N14, Square-Profile CD- Ring, Chemical-Resistant Viton^®, Dash Number 004, McMaster-Carr, Robbinsville, NJ, USA) was used (see FIGS. 2A-2C) while in the second sealing gasket design 342, 346, a 10 mm ^χ 10 mm with a 1.5 mm diameter center hole Kapton polyimide adhesive tape (2 mil (~50 μιη) thick Nulink™ Kapton Polyimide Heat High Temperature Resistant Adhesive Gold Tape, Amazon.com, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA) was used (see FIGS. 3A-3C). It should be noted that in alternative embodiments the ring magnets 116, 134, 216, 234, 316, 334 can be coated with materials other than nickel such as Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (for solvent resistant), rubber etc.... Magnetic Interconnect Assembly

[00169] After 3D printing the body 102, 202 and 302 for each microfluidic module 100, 200, 300, one ring magnet 116, 134, 216, 234, 316, 334 was individually press fitted and glued (Bio-PSA 7-4301 Silicone Adhesive, Dow Corning, Midland, Ml, USA) into each recess 104, 124, 204, 224, 304, 324 of the 3D printed bodies 102, 202 and 302 (see FIGS. 1A- 1C, 2A-2C, 3A-3C, 5A-5B, and 6A-6B). The pairs of recesses 104/124, 204/224, 304/324 connected the inlet opening 106, 206, 306 to the outlet opening 126, 226, 326 of each microfluidic module 100, 200, 300 via the internal microchannel 112, 212, 312. The biocompatible silicone adhesive was used to ensure that there was no fluid leakage between the circular side walls of the ring magnets 116, 134, 216, 234, 316, 334 and the side wall of the recesses 104, 124, 204, 224, 304, 324 during fluid pumping. Also, care was taken to ensure that the correct pole (N or S) of each ring magnet 116, 134, 216, 234, 316, 334 was facing upwards and that the ring magnet 116, 134, 216, 234, 316, 334 was not tilted in the recess 104, 124, 204, 224, 304, 324. A tilted ring magnet 116, 134, 216, 234, 316, 334 could adversely affect the sealing performance of the magnetic interconnects 114, 132, 214, 232, 314, 332. For the first sealing gasket design 242, 246, the square profile CD- ng was then press fitted and glued (Bio-PSA 7-4301 Silicone Adhesive, Dow Corning) into each recess 204, 224 on top of the ring magnet 216, 234 leaving a small protrusion (approximately 0.2 mm) of the O-ring 242, 246 extending out of the recess 204, 224 after assembly (see FIGS. 2B and 5C). Again, the biocompatible silicon adhesive would ensure that there was no fluid leakage around the square profile O-ring 242, 246 during fluid pumping. In the second sealing gasket design 342, 346, after the ring magnet 316, 334 was press fitted and glued into the recess 304, 324, a small protrusion (a pproximately 0.2 mm) of the ring magnet 316, 334 extended out of the recess 304, 324 (see FIGS. 3B and 6B). Then, Kapton polyimide adhesive tape 342, 346 with a center hole 344, 348 was then adhered on top of the ring magnet 316, 334 and on the top surface of the body 302 (see FIGS. 3B and 6C).

[00170] FIGURES 5A-5C are photos of an experimental 3D printed microfluidic module 200 with a serpentine internal channel 212 that utilized the first sealing gasket design 242, 246 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The serpentine internal channel 212 was 1 mm ^χ l mm and the two recesses 204, 224 were 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm deep (see FIG. 5A). Nickel plated neodymium ring magnets 216, 234 were press fitted and glued into the respective recesses 204, 224 (see FIG. 5B), where N and S represent the north and the south poles of the ring magnets 216, 234, respectively. The square profile O- rings 242, 246 were press fitted and glued into each recess 204, 224 on top of the ring magnets 216, 234 (see FIG. 5C).

[00171] FIGURES 6A-6C are photos of an experimental 3D printed microfluidic module 300 with a serpentine internal channel 312 that utilized the second sealing gasket design 342, 346 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The serpentine internal channel 312 was 1 mm ^χ 1 mm and the two recesses 304, 324 were 5 mm in diameter and 0.8 mm deep (see FIG. 6A). Nickel plated neodymium ring magnets 316, 334 were press fitted and glued into the respective recesses 304, 324 (see FIG. 6B), where N and S represent the north and the south poles of the ring magnets 316, 334, respectively. The Kapton polyimide adhesive tape 342, 346 (10 mm ^χ 10 mm with a 1.5 mm diameter center hole 344, 348) was adhered on top of the ring magnets 316, 334 and on top of a portion of the body 304 (see FIG. 6C).

Fluid Leakage Test

[00172] Using either the square profile O-rings 242, 246 or the Kapton polyimide adhesive tape 342, 346 as the sealing gaskets as well as without any sealing gasket, inlet/outlet modules 100a, 200a, 300a' with a magnetic interconnect 114a, 214a, 314a' and blocked modules 100b, 200b, 300b' with a magnetic interconnect 132b, 232b, 332b' were used to estimate the maximum fluid pressure that a pair of magnetic interconnects 114a/132b, 214a/232b, 314a'/332b' could withstand before fluid leakage was first observed at the interface of the two magnetic interconnects 114a/132b, 214a/232b, 314a'/332b' (see FIGS. 7A-7F, 8A-8F and 9A-9F). In these three tests, after inserting/gluing tubing 117, 217, 317 to the inlet/outlet module 100a, 200a, 300a' and connecting the tubing 117, 217, 317 to a pressure gauge 115 (Model: DPG1001B-100G; Omega Engineering, Inc., Stamford, CT, USA), a syringe (1 ml NORM-JECT^® Luer Slip Syringe, Air-Tite Products Co., Inc., Virginia Beach, VA, USA) and a syringe pump (Model: SP230IW; World Precision Instruments, Sarasota, FL, USA) were used to pump water through the tubing 117, 217, 317 and into the two magnetically connected modules lOOa/lOOb, 200a/200b, 300a'/300b' at 100 μΙ/min until fluid leakage at the interface of the two magnetic interconnects 114a/132b, 214a/232b, 314a'/332b' was first observed. A detailed discussion about these three fluid leakage tests is provided next with respect to FIGS. 7A-7F, 8A-8F and 9A-9F.

[00173] Referring to FIGURES 7A-7F, there are several illustrations used to describe a fluid pressure test using the inlet/outlet module 100a with the inlet magnetic interconnect 114a and the blocked module 100b with the outlet magnetic interconnect 132b (note: this setup corresponds the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 100 shown in FIG. 1C). Each magnetic interconnect 114a, 132b comprised a nickel plated neodymium (N52) ring magnet 116a and 134b which had the following dimensions: 5mm outer diameter (OD) x 1mm inner diameter (ID) ^χ 1mm thick and magnetized through the thickness with an estimated pull force of 0.59 lb at zero distance. The following set-up was used to perform the fluid pressure test: (1) the inlet/outlet module 100a included the magnetic interconnect 114a (comprising a ring magnet 116a where the N and S respectively represent the north pole and the south poles), an inlet opening 105a, and the outlet opening 107a (see FIG. 7A (cross-sectional side view)); (2) the blocked module 100b included the magnetic interconnect 132b (which comprised a ring magnet 134b where the N and S respectively represent the north pole and the south poles) but did not include an inlet opening or an outlet opening (see FIG. 7B (cross-sectional side view)); and (3) the inlet/outlet module 100a is magnetically coupled to the blocked module 100b (see FIG. 7C (cross-sectional side view)). The following results were obtained when performing the fluid pressure test: (1) the pressure gauge 115 (Model: DPG1001B-100G; Omega Engineering, Inc., Stamford, CT, USA) illustrated a baseline pressure of 0.1 psig (pounds per square inch gauge) when the tubing 117 connected to the inlet/outlet module 100a was filled with water but prior to the modules 100a and 100b being connected to one another by the magnetic interconnects 114a and 132b (see FIG. 7D); (2) the pressure gauge 115 illustrating the baseline pressure of 0.1 psig when the tubing 117 was filled with water and the modules 100a and 100b where connected to one another by the magnetic interconnects 114a and 132b but without pumping the water (see FIG. 7E); and (3) the pressure gauge 115 illustrating a pressure of 1.0 psig that was observed when water leakage was first observed at the interface of the magnetic interconnects 114a and 132b of the two magnetically coupled modules 100a and 100b (see FIG. 7F where the arrow 119 indicates the flow direction of the water and the flow rate was ΙΟΟμΙ/minute).

[00174] Referring to FIGURES 8A-8F, there are several illustrations used to describe a fluid pressure test using the inlet/outlet module 200a with the inlet magnetic interconnect 214a and the blocked module 200b using the outlet magnetic interconnect 232b (note: this setup corresponds to the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 200 shown in FIG. 2C). Each magnetic interconnect 214a and 232b comprised a nickel plated neodymium (N52) ring magnet 216a and 234b which had the following dimensions: 5mm OD ^χ 1mm inner ID ^χ 1mm thick a nd magnetized through the thickness with an estimated pull force of 0.59 lb at zero distance. Further, each magnetic interconnect 214a and 232b comprised a square profile O-ring 242a and 246b (sealing gasket 242a and 246b) which had the following dimensions: (0.21" (~5.3 mm) OD x 0.07" (~1.8 mm) ID x 0.07" (~1.8 mm) thick) (#1170N14, Square-Profile O-Ring, Chemical-Resistant Viton^®, Dash Number 004, McMaster-Carr, Robbinsville, NJ, USA) (note: the O-rings 242a and 246b were force-fitted and glued into the recesses of the inlet/outlet module 200a and the blocked module 200b). The following setup was used to perform the fluid pressure test: (1) the inlet/outlet module 200a included the magnetic interconnect 214a (comprising a ring magnet 216a where the N and S respectively represent the north pole and the south poles and the O-ring 242a), an inlet opening 205a, and the outlet opening 207a (see FIG. 8A (cross-sectional side view)); (2) the blocked module 200b included the magnetic interconnect 232b (which comprised a ring magnet 234b where the N and S respectively represent the north pole and the south poles and the O-ring 246b) but did not include an inlet opening or an outlet opening (see FIG. 8B (cross-sectional side view)); and (3) the inlet/outlet module 200a is magnetically coupled to the blocked module 200b (see FIG. 8C (cross-section side view)). The following results were obtained when performing the fluid pressure test: (1) the pressure gauge 115 (Model: DPG1001B-100G; Omega Engineering, Inc., Stamford, CT, USA) illustrated a baseline pressure of 0.1 psig (pounds per square inch gauge) when the tubing 217 connected to the inlet/outlet module 200a was filled with water but prior to the modules 200a and 200b being connected to one another by the magnetic interconnects 214a and 232b (see FIG. 8D); (2) the pressure gauge 115 illustrating the baseline pressure of 0.1 psig when the tubing 217 was filled with water and the modules 200a and 200b where connected to one another by the magnetic interconnects 214a and 232b but without pumping the water (see FIG. 8E); and (3) the pressure gauge 115 illustrating a pressure of 1.4 psig that was observed when water leakage was first observed at the interface of the magnetic interconnects 214a and 232b of the two magnetically coupled modules 200a and 200b (see FIG. 8F where the arrow 219 indicates the flow direction of the water and the flow rate was ΙΟΟμΙ/minute).

[00175] Referring to FIGURES 9A-9F, there are several illustrations used to describe a fluid pressure test using the inlet/outlet module 300a' with the inlet magnetic interconnect 314a' and the blocked module 300b' using the outlet magnetic interconnect 332b' (note: this setup corresponds to the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 300 shown in FIG. 3C). Each magnetic interconnect 314a' and 332b' comprised a nickel plated neodymium (N52) ring magnet 316a' and 334b' which had the following dimensions: 5mm OD x 1mm inner ID ^χ 1mm thick and magnetized through the thickness with an estimated pull force of 0.59 lb at zero distance. Further, each magnetic interconnect 314a' and 332b' comprised a 2 mil (~50 μιη) thick Kapton polyimide adhesive tape 342a' and 346b' with a 1.5 mm diameter center hole 344a', 348b' (sealing gasket 342a' and 346b') (dimensions 8 mm OD x 1 mm ID) (Nulink™ Kapton Polyimide Heat High Temperature Resistant Adhesive Gold Tape, Amazon.com, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA). The following set-up was used to perform the fluid pressure test: (1) the inlet/outlet module 300a' included the magnetic interconnect 314a' (comprising a ring magnet 316a' where the N and S respectively represent the north pole and the south poles and the adhesive tape 342a' with the hole 344a' therein), an inlet opening 305a', and the outlet opening 307a' (see FIG. 9A (cross-sectional side view)); (2) the blocked module 300b' included the magnetic interconnect 332b' (which comprised a ring magnet 334b' where the N a nd S respectively represent the north pole a nd the south poles and the adhesive tape 346b' with the hole 348b' therein) but did not include an inlet opening or an outlet opening (see FIG. 9B (cross-sectional side view)); and (3) the inlet/outlet module 300a' is magnetically coupled to the blocked module 300b' (see FIG. 9C (cross-section side view)). The following results were obtained when performing the fluid pressure test: (1) the pressure gauge 115 (Model: DPG1001B-100G; Omega Engineering, Inc., Stamford, CT, USA) illustrated a baseline pressure of 0.1 psig (pounds per square inch gauge) when the tubing 317 connected to the inlet/outlet module 300a' was filled with water but prior to the modules 300a' and 300b' being connected to one another by the magnetic interconnects 314a' and 332b' (see FIG. 9D); (2) the pressure gauge 115 illustrating the baseline pressure of 0.1 psig when the tubing 317 was filled with water and the modules 300a' and 300b' where connected to one another by the magnetic interconnects 314a' and 332b' but without pumping the water (see FIG. 9E); and (3) the pressure gauge 115 illustrating a pressure of 26.3 psig that was observed when water leakage was first observed at the interface of the magnetic interconnects 314a' and 332b' of the two magnetically coupled modules 300a' and 300b' (see FIG. 9F where the arrow 319 indicates the flow direction of the water and the flow rate was ΙΟΟμΙ/minute).

Magnetic Interconnect Design. Assembly and Testing

[00176] Since it would be costly to fabricate the ring magnets 116, 134, 216, 234, 316, 334 with extremely flat and smooth surfaces that could achieve a robust high performance leak-free fluidic seal for the module's magnetic interconnects 114/132, 214/232, 314/332 by the two ring magnets 116/134, 216/234, 316/334 alone, the integration of sealing gaskets 242, 246, 342, 346 provided a low-cost and convenient solution to achieve a robust high performance leak-free fluidic seal by the magnetic interconnects 214/232, 314/332. Also, the sealing gasket 242, 246, 342, 346 would protect the ring magnet 216, 234, 316, 334 from wear and tear during repeated connection and disconnection. In addition, the sealing gasket 242, 246, 342, 346 can be easily replaced if needed. Soft, sticky polymeric/elastomeric materials, such as for example polyimide tape, polyester tape, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and O-ring, as sealing gaskets 242, 246, 342, 346 can be used in accordance with the present disclosure.

[00177] It is expected that the maximum leak-free fluid pressure could be withstood by a pair of magnetic interconnects 114/132, 214/232, 314/332 depends not only on the sealing gasket 242, 246, 342, 346 but also on the total pull (magnetic) force generated by the two ring magnets 116/134, 216/234, 316/334. The total pull force of the two ring magnets 116/134, 216/234, 316/334 depends on their magnetic grade and dimensions. A higher magnetic grade value indicates stronger magnets and it ranges from N35 to N52 for neodymium magnets (see reference no. 33). The estimated total pull force generated by two identica l N52 neodymi um ring magnets 116/134, 216/234, 316/334 with various dimensions as a function of distance was calculated using a proprietary web-based pull force calculator (the Original K&J Magnet Calculator (K&J Magnetics, I nc., Pipersville, PA, USA- see reference no. 34). The results of these calculations are shown in the graphs of FIGS. lOA-lOC which indicate the estimated maximum pull force generated by a N52 neodymium ring magnet 116, 216, 316 when attracted to another identical N52 neodymium ring magnet 134, 234, 334. Both ring magnets 116/134, 216/234, 316/334 were magnetized through the thickness and had the sa me dimensions. The dimensions of the ring magnets 116/134, 216/234, 316/334 were (FIG. 10A) Squares: 4 mm OD x 1 m m I D x 1 m m thick; Circles: 5 mm OD x 1 mm ID x 1 mm thick; Triangles: 6 mm OD x 1 mm I D x 1 mm thick, (FIG. 10B) Circles: 5 mm OD x 1 mm I D x 1 m m thick; Squa res: 5 mm OD x 1 m m I D x 1.5 m m thick; Triangles: 5 mm OD x 1 mm I D x 2 mm thick, (FIG. IOC) Squares: 5 mm OD x 0.5 mm I D x 1 mm thick; Circles: 5 mm OD ^χ 1 mm I D ^χ 1 mm thick; Triangles: 5 mm OD ^χ 1.5 mm I D ^χ 1 mm thick. The insert in FIG. 10A depicts the schematic of the maximum pull force test setup. I n view of these calculations, it can be seen that the larger diameter ring magnets 116/134, 216/234, 316/334 (FIG. 10A) or the taller/thicker ring magnets 116/134, 216/234, 316/334 (FIG. 10B) as well as the ring magnets 116/134, 216/234, 316/334 with a smaller center hole 118/136, 218/236, 318/336 (FIG. IOC) would result in a la rger total pull force. However, the effect of the center hole 118/136, 218/236, 318/336 size was less significant compa red with the diameter and thickness of the ring magnets 116/134, 216/234, 316/334.

[00178] The total pull force generated by the two ring magnets 116/134, 216/234, 316/334 can a lso be improved significantly by reducing the distance between the two ring magnets 116/134, 216/234, 316/334 (see FIGS. lOA-lOC). With a pair of magnetic interconnects 214/232, 314/332, the distance between the two ring magnets 216/234, 316/334 is dictated by the total thickness of the two sea ling gaskets 242/246, 342/346. Thus, it is expected that a thinner sealing gasket 242/246, 342/346 could potentially improve the leak-free fluid pressure as it reduces the distance and improves the total pull force generated by the two ring magnets 216/234, 316/334. For example, by reducing the distance between the two ring magnets 216/234, 316/334 from 0.14" (~3.6 mm) (the total thickness of the two square profile O-rings 242/246) to 0.1 mm (the total thickness of the two Kapton polyimide adhesive tapes 342/346), the estimated maximum pull force was improved significantly from 0.03 lb to 0.46 lb (approximately 15X) (see circles in FIGS. 10A- 10C). With the increased total pull force generated by the two ring magnets 316/334 and the Kapton polyimide adhesive tape as the sealing gasket 342/346, fluid leakage at the interface of the magnetic interconnect 314/332 was first observed at around 26.3 psig (see FIG. 9F), which was approximately 19X higher than 1.4 psig when the square profile O-ring was used as the sealing gasket 242/246 (see FIG. 8F). It should be noted that this increase in leak-free fluid pressure was the result of both the sealing gasket 342/346 and the increased total pull force generated by the two ring magnets 316/334. When a sealing gasket was not used in the magnetic interconnect 114/132, fluid leakage at the interface of the magnetic interconnect 114/132 was first observed at around 1.0 psig (see FIG. 7F). These tests demonstrate the importance of the sealing gasket 242/246, 342/346 in achieving a high performance leak-free fluidic seal. Also, when a sealing gasket is not used, it is expected that the maximum leak-free fluid pressure can be withstood by a pair of magnetic interconnects 114/132 would depend on the flatness and the surface finish quality of the ring magnets 116/134.

Reconfigurable Modular System Demonstration

[00179] Several exemplary proof-of-concept reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic systems were built and used to demonstrate their reconfigurability by reversibly sticking various modules together. These exemplary proof-of-concept reconfigurable stick- n-play modular microfluidic systems are discussed below with respect to FIGURES 11A-11C, 12A-12C, 13A-13L and 14A-14C.

[00180] Referring to FIGURES 11A-11C, there is shown a first example of a reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system 250a built in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the 7-serpentine channel modular microfluidic system 250a comprised seven serpentine channel modules 200i, 200₂, 200₃, 200₄, 2ΟΟ5, 200₆, 2ΟΟ7 and two inlet/outlet modules 200ai and 200a₂ (two world-to-chip fluidic interconnects 200ai and 200a₂) (note: N and S represent the north and the south poles of each magnetic interconnect 214 and 232, respectively). A square profile O-ring 242 and 246 (0.21" (~5.3 mm) OD x 0.07" (~1.8 mm) ID x 0.07" (~1.8 mm) thick) was used as the sealing gasket in each magnetic interconnect 214 and 232, respectively. FIG. 11A shows the seven serpentine channel modules 200i, 200₂, 200₃, 200₄, 200₅, 200₆, 200₇ and two inlet/outlet modules 200ai and 200a₂ (i.e., world-to-chip fluidic interconnects 200ai and 200a₂) before being assembled to form the 7-serpentine channel modular microfluidic system 250a. FIG. 11B shows the assembled 7-serpentine channel modular microfluidic system 250a. FIG. 11C shows the assembled 7-serpentine channel modular microfluidic system 250a that was filled with a dark colored food dye solution that was flowing within the internal channels 212i, 212₂, 212₃, 212₄, 212₅, 212₆, 212₇ by the use of a syringe pump (Model: SP230IW; World Precision I nstruments) (note: the black with white outlined a rrows indicate the fluid flow direction). The fluid flow rate was 100 μΙ/min. No fluid leakage was observed at any of the magnetic interconnects 214/232.

[00181] Referring to FIGURES 12A-12C, there is shown a second example of a reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system 350a built in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the 7-serpentine channel modular microfluidic system 350a comprised seven serpentine channel modules 300i, 300₂, 300₃,

300₄, 300₅, 300₆, 300₇ and two inlet/outlet modules 300a 1' and 300a₂' (two world-to-chip fluidic interconnects 300ai' and 300a₂') (note: N and S represent the north and the south poles of each magnetic interconnect 314 and 332, respectively). Kapton polyimide adhesive tape 342 and 346 (2 mil (~50 μιη) thick 10 mm ^χ 10 mm with a 1.5 mm diameter center hole) was used as the sealing gasket in each magnetic interconnect 314 and 332, respectively. FIG. 12A shows the seven serpentine channel modules 300i, 300₂, 300₃, 300₄,

300₅, 300₆, 300₇ and two inlet/outlet modules 300ai' and 300a₂' (i.e., world-to-chip fluidic interconnects 300ai' and 300a₂') before being assembled to form the 7-serpentine cha nnel modular microfluidic system 350a. FIG. 12B shows the assembled 7-serpentine channel modular microfluidic system 350a. FIG. 12C shows the assembled 7-serpentine channel modula r microfluidic system 350a that was filled with a da rk colored food dye solution that was flowing within the internal chan nels 312i, 312₂, 312₃, 312₄, 312₅, 312₆, 312₇ by the use of a syringe pump (Model : SP230IW; World Precision I nstruments) (note: the black with white outlined arrows indicate the fluid flow direction). The fluid flow rate was 100 μΙ/min. No fluid leakage was observed at any of the magnetic interconnects 314/332.

[00182] Referring to FIGURES 13A-13L, there is shown a third example of a reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system 350bi, 350b₂, 350b₃ built in accorda nce with an embodiment of the present disclosu re. Three different configurations of the reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic system 350bi, 350b₂, 350b₃ were built each of which used a serpentine cha nnel base platform 1301 (see FIGS. 13A-13C) and two inlet/outlet modules 300ai' and 300a₂' (two world-to-chip fluidic interconnects 300ai' and 300a₂') (see FIGS. 13D-13L), and then eithe r three serpentine channe l modules 300i, 300₂, 300₃ (see FIGS. 13D-13F— first configuration), five serpentine channe l modules 300i, 300₂, 300₃, 300₄, 300₅ (see FIGS. 13G-13I— second configuration) or seven serpentine channel modules 300i, 300₂, 300₃, 300₄, 300₅, 300₆, 300₇ (see FIGS. 13J-13L— third configuration).

[00183] The serpentine channel base platform 1301 had eight 1 mm ^χ 1 mm serpentine channels 1303i, 1303₂, 1303₃, 1303₄, 1303₅, 1303₆, 1303₇, 1303₈ and sixteen 5 mm diameter ^χ 0.8 mm tall inlet/outlet recesses 1305 (see FIG. 13A). The serpentine channel base platform 1301 a lso had sixteen nickel plated neodymi um ring magnets 1307 (N52 5 mm OD ^χ 1 mm I D ^χ 1 mm thick magnetized through the thickness with an estimated pull force of 0.59 lb at zero distance) (The SuperMagnetMan) press fitted and glued into the sixteen recesses 1305 (see FIG. 13B). The N and S respectively represent the north and the south poles of each neodymium ri ng magnet 1307. Further, the serpentine channel base platform 1301 had sixteen pieces of Ka pton polyimide adhesive ta pe 1309 (sealing gasket) (2 mil (~50 μιη) thick 10 mm ^χ 10 mm with a 1.5 mm diameter center hole) where one of which was adhered on top of each nickel plated neodymium ring magnet 1307 and on top of a portion of the surface of the serpentine channel base platform 1301 (note: the "assembled" serpentine channel base platform 1301 shown in FIG. 13C is what is shown in FIGS. 13D-13L while FIGS. 13A and 13B il lustrate a "non-assembled" serpentine channel base platform 1301).

[00184] In the first configuration, three serpentine channel modules 300i, 300₂, 300₃ (similar to aforementioned module 300 but where the interna l channels 312i, 312₂, 312₃ have been labeled while the ring magnets and sealing gaskets collectively have been labeled as N or S for clarity) and two inlet/outlet modules 300ai' and 300a₂' were reversibly stuck on the serpentine channel base platform 1301 to build a la rger serpentine channel modula r microfluidic system 350bi that connected seven serpentine channels 1303₄, 312₃, 1303₃, 312i, 1303₂, 312₂, 1303i in sequence together. I n pa rticular, FIG . 13D shows the unassembled serpentine channel modular microfl uidic system 350bi. FIG. 13E shows the assembled serpentine channel modular microfluidic system 350bi but with no fluid therein. FIG. 13F shows the assembled serpentine channel modula r microfluidic system 350bi which was filled with a da rk colored food dye solution by a syringe pum p where the fluid flow rate was 100 μΙ/min through the seven sequentially connected seven serpentine channels 1303₄, 312₃, 1303₃, 312i, 1303₂, 312₂, 1303i (note: the black with white outlined arrows indicate the fluid flow direction). In embodiments, the first configuration may be formed usi ng recess adapters (e.g., see FIGs. 21-27) instead of module bodies having integral recesses.

[00185] In the second configuration, five serpentine channel mod ules 300i, 300₂, 300₃, 300₄, 300₅ (similar to aforementioned module 300 but whe re the interna l cha nnels 312i, 312₂, 312₃, 312₄, 312₅ have been labeled while the ring magnets and sealing gaskets collectively have been labeled as N or S for clarity) and two inlet/outlet modules 300ai' and 300a₂' were reversibly stuck on the serpentine channel base platform 1301 to build a larger serpentine channel modula r microfluidic system 350b₂ that connected eleven serpentine channels 1303₄, 312₃, 1303₃, 312₅, 1303₇, 312i, 1303₆, 312₄, 1303₂, 312₂, 1303i in sequence together. I n particular, FIG. 13G shows the un-assembled serpentine channel modular microfluidic system 350b₂. FIG. 13H shows the assembled serpentine channel modula r microfluidic system 350b₂ but with no fluid therein. FIG. 131 shows the assembled serpentine channel modula r microfluidic system 350b₂ which was filled with a dark colored food dye solution by a syringe pump where the fluid flow rate was 100 μΙ/min through the eleven sequentially connected serpentine channel 1303₄, 312₃, 1303₃, 312₅, 1303₇, 312i, 1303₆, 312₄, 1303₂, 312₂, 1303i (note: the black with white outlined arrows indicate the fluid flow direction). In embodiments, the second configuration may be formed using recess adapters (e.g., see FIGs. 21-27) instead of module bodies having integral recesses.

[00186] In the third configuration, seven serpentine channel modules 300i, 300₂, 300₃, 300₄, 300₅, 300₆, 300₇ (similar to aforementioned module 300 but where the internal channels 312i, 312₂, 312₃, 312₄, 312₅, 312₆, 312₇ have been labeled while the ring magnets and sealing gaskets collectively have been labeled as N or S for clarity) and two inlet/outlet modules 300ai' and 300a₂' were reversibly stuck on the serpentine channel base platform 1301 to build a larger serpentine channel modular microfluidic system 350b₃ that connected fifteen serpentine channels 1303₅, 312i, 1303₆, 312₂, 1303₇, 312₃, 1303₈, 312₄, 1303₄, 312₅, 1303₃, 312₆, 1303₂, 312₇, 1303i in sequence together. In particular, FIG. 13J shows the unassembled serpentine channel modular microfluidic system 350b₃. FIG. 13K shows the assembled serpentine channel modular microfluidic system 350b₃ but with no fluid therein. FIG. 13L shows the assembled serpentine channel modula r microfluidic system 350b₃ which was filled with a dark colored food dye solution by a syringe pump where the fluid flow rate was 100 μΙ/min through the fifteen sequentially connected serpentine channel 1303₅, 312i, 1303₆, 312₂, 1303₇, 312₃, 1303₈, 312₄, 1303₄, 312₅, 1303₃, 312₆, 1303₂, 312₇, 1303i (note: the black with white outlined arrows indicate the fluid flow direction). I n embodiments, the third configuration may be formed using recess adapters (e.g. see FIGs. 21-27) instead of module bodies having integral recesses.

[00187] Referring to FIGURES 14A-14C, there is shown a fourth example of reconfigurable stick-n-play microfluidic system 350c (referred to herein as reconfigurable stick-n-play concentration gradient generation modular microfluidic system 350c) built in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The reconfigurable stick-n-play concentration gradient generation modular microfluidic system 350c was built using one 2- to-3 fluid flow splitter module 1401 and one 3-to-4 fluid flow splitter module 1402, four serpentine channel modules 300i, 300₂, 300₃, 300₄, one 2-inlet module 300c (one world-to- chip fluidic interconnect 300c) and four outlet modules 300di, 300d₂, 300d₃, 300d₄ (four world-to-chip fluidic interconnects 300di, 300d₂, 300d₃, 300d₄) (note 1: N and S respectively represent the north and the south poles of each magnetic interconnect) (note 2: Kapton polyimide adhesive tape (2 mil (~50 μιη) thick 10 mm ^χ 10 mm with a 1.5 mm diameter center hole) was used as the sealing gasket for each magnetic interconnect) (note 3: nickel plated neodymium ring magnets (N52 5 mm OD ^χ 1 mm ID ^χ 1 mm thick magnetized through the thickness with an estimated pull force of 0.59 lb at zero distance was used for each magnetic interconnect). In pa rticu lar, FIG. 14A shows a disassembled reconfigurable stick-n-play concentration gradient generation modula r microfluidic system 350c. FIG. 14B shows the assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play concentration gradient generation modula r microfluidic systems 350c but with no fluid therein. FIG. 14C shows the assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play concentration gradient generation modular microfluidic system 350c which was filled with two different colored food dye solutions. One colored food dye solution was introduced via tube 1406 and the other colored food dye solution was introduced via tube 1408. Each food dye solution was pumped into the assembled reconfigurable stick-n-play concentration gradient generation modular microfluidic system 350c at ~700 μΙ/min by a porta ble battery-powered micropump (Models: mp5 Micropump and mp5-a Controller, Bartels Mikrotechnik GmbH, Dortmund, Germany). No fluid leakage was observed at any of the magnetic interconnects (note: the magnetic interconnects are similar to the aforementioned magnetic interconnects 314 and 332 which are identified by the N's and S's in FIGS. 14A-14C). In em bodiments, the fourth configuration may be formed using recess adapters (e.g., see FIGs. 21-27) instead of module bodies having integral recesses.

[00188] These proof-of-concept mod ula r microfluidic systems 250a, 350a, 350bi, 350b₂, 350b₃ and 350c demonstrated the worki ng principle of the reconfigurable stick-n- play modular microfluidic system and also demonstrated that various configurations of modula r microfluidic systems ca n be built by reconfiguring the various microfluidic modules. Also, the proof-of-concept modula r microfluidic systems 250a, 350a, 350bi, 350b₂, 350b₃ and 350c demonstrated that the magnetic interconnects can be used for both module-to- module (chip-to-chip) and world-to-chip fluidic interconnects. Although the microfluidic modules presented in these demonstrations only contained serpentine channe ls and flow splitters, it should be appreciated that using the magnetic interconnects, customized multidimensional reconfigurable stick-n-play modular microfluidic systems with other microfluidic modules (technology), such as filtration, heating, cooling, pumping, mixing, reaction and detection, etc... can be designed, built and used in accordance with the present disclosure.

Impact of Tilted Ring Magnet on Magnetic Interconnects

[00189] In order to achieve a consistent and reliable lea k-free fluidic seal, a pair of connected magnetic interconnects have to always be in full contact with each other such that the two sealing gaskets are tightly pressed against each other by the pull force generated by the two ring magnets. Depending on how the magnetic interconnects are connected, if one of the ring magnets is titled inside the recess of the magnetic interconnect, the tilted ring magnet could potentially affect the sealing performance of the connected magnetic interconnects. For example, when only two magnetic interconnects 314a'/314a' (e.g., modules 1 and 2-two modules 300a' shown in FIG. 9A) are connected together, any tilted ring magnet 316a' (FIG. 15A's module 2 or FIG. 15B's modules 1 and 2) inside the recess of the magnetic interconnect 314a' will not affect the sealing performance of the connected magnetic interconnects 314a'/314a' (see FIGS. 15A-15B) (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid flow direction). This is simply because the two modules 300a'/300a' (module 1 and 2) can freely move and self-adjust themselves so that the two connected magnetic interconnects 314a'/314a; are always in full contact with each other. Similarly, when two modules 300a'/300a' (modules 1 and 2) are connected to one module 300 (module 3— e.g., see FIG. 3B) with two magnetic interconnects 314 and 332, any tilted ring magnet 316, 334, 316a' and 316a' inside the recess of the magnetic interconnect 314a', 314a', 314, 332 will not affect the sealing performance of the connected magnetic interconnects 314/314a' and 332/316a' as both modules 300a and 300a (module 1 and module 2) can freely move and self-adjust themselves so that the connected magnetic interconnects 314/314a' and 332/316a' with respect to module 3 are always in full contact with each other (see FIG. 15C) (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid flow direction). However, when a module 300a'-300a' (module 4) with two magnetic interconnects 314a' and 314a' in one unit are connected to another module 300 (module 3— e.g., FIG. 3B) with two magnetic interconnects 314 and 332, any tilted ring magnet 316a', 316a', 316 or 334 inside the recess of one of the magnetic interconnects 314a', 314a', 314, or 332 could potentially affect the sealing performance of the connected magnetic interconnects 314a'/314 and 314a'/332 (see FIG. 15D in which ring magnets 316 and 334 are tilted) (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid flow direction). In this case, both module 3 and module 4 will have less freedom to move and self-adjust themselves to allow the connected magnetic interconnects 314a'/314 or 314a'/332 to achieve a full contact with each other. Solutions to address the tilted ring magnet concern are using thicker and more elastomeric sealing gaskets or fabricating modules from elastomeric materials such as PDMS or flexible thin plastic.

Ring Magnet Assembly

[00190] In order to ensure that the ring magnet is not tilted after press-fitted into the recess of the module, a drill press setup can be used (see FIG. 16A). The drill press setup consists of a bottom non-magnetic stainless steel plate 1602, a top magnetic steel plate 1604 with an alignment pin 1606 inserted into the center thereof and extending downward and two non-magnetic stainless steel spacers 1608a and 1608b extending up from the bottom non-magnetic stainless steel plate 1602. A level (not shown) is used to confirm that the top magnetic steel plate 1604 and the bottom non-magnetic stainless steel plate 1602 are level and parallel to each other. For magnetic interconnects using Kapton polyimide adhesive tape (2 mil (~50 μιη) thick Nulink™ Kapton Polyimide Heat High Temperature Resistant Adhesive Gold Tape, Amazon.com, Inc., Seattle, WA, USA) as the sealing gasket, the two non-magnetic stainless steel spacers 1608a and 1608b will ensure that the module 1610 (only a portion thereof is shown with recess 1614, inlet/outlet opening 1616 (for example) and microchannel 1618; the module 1610 may have multiple recesses and inlet- outlet openings) and the ring magnet 1620 will not be damaged during the assembly process and a small protrusion (approximately 0.2 mm) of the ring magnet 1620 extended out of the recess 1614 of the module 1610 after assembly. After placing the module 1610, which has a double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape (e.g., Scotch^® Double Sided Office Tape, 3M Center, St. Paul, MN, USA) (not shown) adhered to its bottom surface, in the center of the bottom non-magnetic stainless steel plate 1602, the top magnetic steel plate 1604 is slowly and carefully lowered by hand towards the module 1610 such that the alignment pin 1606 on the top magnetic steel plate 1604 is aligned with the inlet/outlet opening 1616 inside the recess 1614 of the module 1610 (see FIG. 16A). After this alignment step, the top magnetic steel plate 1604 is retracted to its original position. Next, the ring magnet 1620 is magnetically attached to the top magnetic steel plate 1604 with the alignment pin 1606 inserted through the inner hole of the ring magnet 1620 (see FIG. 16B). Care is taken to ensure that the correct pole (N or S) of the ring magnet 1620 is facing upwards. A biocompatible silicone adhesive (e.g., Bio-PSA 7-4301 Silicone Adhesive, Dow Corning, Midland, Ml, USA) is then carefully added to the circular side wall of the ring magnet 1620. The biocompatible silicone adhesive will ensure that there will be no fluid leakage between the circular side wall of the ring magnet 1620 and the side wall of the recess 1614 of the module 1610 during fluid pumping. After attaching the ring magnet 1620 and adding the biocompatible silicone adhesive, the top magnetic steel plate 1604 is then slowly and carefully lowered by hand towards the bottom non-magnetic stainless steel plate 1602 to press-fit the ring magnet 1620 into the recess 1614 of the module 1610 (see FIG. 16C). The alignment pin 1606 will ensure that the ring magnet 1612 will be properly placed inside the recess 1614 of the module 1610 after assembly. The top magnetic steel plate 1604 is retracted to its original position to complete the ring magnet assembly (see FIG. 16D). After press-fitting ring magnet(s) 1620 into each of the recess(es) 1614 of the module 1610, the module 1610 with the assembled ring magnet(s) 1620 is removed from the drill press. For magnetic interconnects using tape such as, for example, Kapton polyimide adhesive tape 1622 as the sealing gasket, the Kapton polyimide adhesive tape 1622 with a center hole 1624 is then adhered on top of each ring magnet 1620 and on the surface of the module 1610 by hand using a pair of tweezers to complete the magnetic interconnect assembly (see FIGS. 16E-16F). Care is taken to ensure that the center hole 1624 of the Kapton polyimide adhesive tape 1622 is aligned with the hole 1626 of the ring magnet 1620. The Kapton polyimide adhesive tape 1622 and its center hole 1624 can be cut to the required dimensions using a desktop digital craft cutter. For example, to help with the assembly, the Kapton polyimide adhesive tape 1622 can be attached to a polyester release film taken from a double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape (ARcare^® 90106, Adhesives Research, Inc., Glen Rock, PA, USA) before cutting. Then, the polyester release film is peeled off from the cut Kapton polyimide adhesive tape 1622 before adhering the cut Kapton polyimide adhesive tape 1622 on top of the ring magnet 1620 and on the surface of the module 1610.

[00191] For magnetic interconnects using a square profile O-ring as the sealing gasket (for example, 0.21" (~5.3 mm) OD x 0.07" (~1.8 mm) ID x 0.07" (~1.8 mm) thick (#1170N14, Square-Profile O-Ring, Chemical-Resistant Viton^®, Dash Number 004, McMaster-Carr, Robbinsville, NJ, USA)), after the ring magnet 1620 is press-fitted by the aforementioned drill press into the recess 1614 of the module 1610, a square profile O-ring 1630 is attached to the top magnetic steel plate 1604 with the alignment pin 1606 inserted through the inner hole of the O-ring 1630 (see FIG. 17A). A biocompatible silicone adhesive (not shown) is then carefully added to the circular side wall and the bottom surface of the O-ring 1630. Again, the biocompatible silicone adhesive will ensure that there will be no fluid leakage between the circular side wall of the O-ring 1630 and the side wall of the recess 1614 of the module 1610 during fluid pumping. Next, the top magnetic steel plate 1604 is then slowly and carefully lowered by hand towards the bottom non-magnetic stainless steel plate 1602 to press-fit the O-ring 1630 into the recess 1614 of the module 1610 on top of the ring magnet 1620, leaving a small protrusion (approximately 0.2 mm) of the O-ring 1630 extended out of the recess 1614 after assembly (see FIG. 17B). Finally, the top magnetic steel plate 1604 is retracted to its original position (see FIG. 17C) and the module 1610 with the assembled magnetic interconnect(s) (ring magnet(s) 1620 and O-ring(s) 1630) is removed from the drill press (see FIG. 17D).

Additional Exemplary Inlet-Outlet Microfluidic Modules

[00192] Referring to FIGURES 18A-18B, there are shown various diagrams of an inlet- outlet microfluidic module 1800 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 18A (exploded cross-sectional side view) and 18B (assembled cross-sectional side view), the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (world-to- chip fluidic interconnect 1800) has a body 1802 (e.g., circular shaped) with a first side 1804 and a second side 1806 where the second side 1806 is located opposite of the first side 1804. The body 1802 (recess adapter 1802) has a recess 1808 located on the second side 1806. The body 1802 further has an opening 1810 located in the first side 1804, where the opening 1810 is in communication via an interior channel 1812 with an opening 1814 located within an interior surface 1816 of the recess 1808. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 further has a ring magnetic 1818 positioned at least partly within the recess 1808 (note: in the example shown the ring magnet 1818 is positioned within the recess 1808). The ring magnet 1818 has a hole 1820 extending there through in which the hole 1820 is in communication with the openings 1810 and 1814 and the interior channel 1812. The ring magnet 1818 has one end 1822 adjacent to the interior surface 1816 of the recess 1808 and further having an opposing end 1824. The one end 1822 of the ring magnet 1818 has a magnetic polarity (e.g., N or S) and the opposing end 1824 of the ring magnet 1818 has an opposing magnetic polarity (e.g., S or N). If desired, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 can have a sealing gasket 1826 that is attached to the opposing end 1824 of the ring magnet 1818 and the second side 1806 of the body 1802. The sealing gasket 1826 has a hole 1828 extending there through where the hole 1828 is in communication with the opening hole 1820 in the ring magnet 1818, the opening 1814 in the recess 1808 of the body 1802, the internal channel 1812, and the opening 1810 in the first side 1804 of the body 1802. In addition, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 has a tube 1830 positioned within the opening 1810 of the first side 1804, the interior channel 1812, the opening 1814 in the recess 1808, and within at least a portion of the hole 1820 of the ring magnet 1818. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 basically functions to supply (remove) a fluid (or gas) into (from) a microfluidic module 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700 (see discussion below). In another embodiment there is an inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 1800' shown in FIGURES 18C (exploded cross-sectional side view) and 18D (assembled cross-sectional side view) which is similar to the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 but instead of having a tube 1830 the inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 1800' has a well 1830'. The well 1830' has a side wall 1832a', an opening 1832b' (located at top of the side wall 1832a'), and a bottom side 1832c' (opposite of opening 1832b') which has a hole 1834' located therein (note : the well 1830' can be a circular shaped well, a squa re sha ped well or any sha ped well). The bottom side 1832c' is attached to the first side 1804 of the body 1802 where the hole 1834' of the well 1830' is in communication with the opening 1810 in the first side 1804 of the body 1802, the interior channe l 1812, the opening 1814 in the recess 1808 of the body 1802, the openi ng hole 1820 in the ring magnet 1818, and the hole 1828 of the sealing gasket 1826 (if present). The inlet-outlet microfluidic ( reservoir) module 1800' basically functions to supply (remove) a fluid (or gas) into (from) a microfluidic module 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500 (see discussion below).

[00193] In the embodiments shown in FIGURES 18E - 18F, the magnet recess, structured to contain a ring magnet, has a magnet recess wa ll 1851 between the magnet and interior channe l or the fluid path. FIGURE 18E is an exploded cross-sectional view of an outlet microfluidic module having a magnet recess 1852 with a magnet recess wall 1851, to accommodate a magnet. FIGURE 18F 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, and having a magnet recess wall 1851. I n the embodiment shown in FIGURE 18F, the magnet recess is shown filled by magnet 1818. I n this embodiment, fluid traveling through the interior channel, as shown by the arrow 1856 in FIGURE 18F, contacts the magnet recess wall and does not contact the magnet, and therefore is protected from potentia l contamination of fluid traveling through the interior channel from contact with the material of the magnet.

[00194] The body 1802 (recess adapter 1802) has an interior channe l 1812 having an opening 1810 located in the first side 1804, and a n opening in the second side 1806. I n this embodiment, the body 1802 has a magnet recess 1852. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 further has a ring magnet 1818. The magnet recess 1852 has a magnet recess wall 1851. The ring magnet 1818 can be positioned at least partly within the magnet recess 1852. I n this embodiment, the ring magnet 1818 does not contact fluid in the through channel 1812. The magnet recess wa ll 1851 protects the contents of the interior channel from contacting the ring magnet 1818. The ring magnet 1818 has one end 1822 adjacent to the interior surface 1816 of the recess 1808 a nd further having an opposing end 1824. The one end 1822 of the ring magnet 1818 has a magnetic polarity (e.g., North (N) or South (S)) and the opposing end 1824 of the ring magnet 1818 has an opposing magnetic polarity (e.g., S or N). Optionally, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800' can have a sealing gasket 1826 that can form a liquid-tight seal against the opposing end 1824 of the ring magnet 1818. The sealing gasket 1826 has a hole 1828 extending there through where the hole 1828 is in communication with the opening hole 1820 in the ring magnet 1818, the opening 18814 in the recess 1808 of the body 1802, the internal channel 1812, and the opening 1810 in the first side 1804 of the body 1802. In addition, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 may optiona lly have a tube 1830 positioned within the opening 1810 of the first side 1804, the interior channel 1812, the opening 1814 in the recess 1808, and within at least a portion of the hole 1820 of the ring magnet 1818. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 basically functions to supply (remove) a fluid (or gas) into (from) a microfluidic module as discussed herein. And, in addition, the magnet recess wall 1851 protects the fluid flowing through the internal channel from directly contacting the magnet. While this embodiment is shown in FIGURES 18E and 18F, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that any embodiment that includes a ring magnet in the fluid path may incorporate a recess, or a recess adapter, that has a magnet recess wall 1851, and therefore is structured to contain the magnet while protecting the contents of the internal channel from contacting the surface of the magnet.

[00195] Referring to FIGURES 19A-19B, there are shown various diagrams of an inlet- outlet microfluidic module 1900 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 19A (exploded cross-sectional side view) and 19B (assembled cross-sectional side view), the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1900 (world-to- chip fluidic interconnect 1900) has a body 1902 (e.g., circular shaped top housing) with a first side 1904 and a second side 1906 where the second side 1906 is located opposite of the first side 1904. The body 1902 has a recess 1908 located on the second side 1906. The body 1902 (recess adapter 1902) further has an opening 1910 located in the first side 1904, where the opening 1910 is in communication via an interior channel 1912 with an opening 1914 located within an interior surface 1916 of the recess 1908. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1900 further has a ring magnetic 1918 positioned within the recess 1908. The ring magnet 1918 has a hole 1920 extending there through in which the hole 1920 is in communication with the openings 1910 and 1914 and the interior channel 1912. The ring magnet 1918 has one end 1922 adjacent to the interior surface 1916 of the recess 1908 and further having an opposing end 1924. The one end 1922 of the ring magnet 1918 has a magnetic polarity (e.g., N or S) and the opposing end 1924 of the ring magnet 1918 has an opposing magnetic polarity (e.g., S or N). The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1900 further has a cap 1926 (e.g., circular shaped bottom housing) having a first side 1930 positioned adjacent to the opposing end 1924 of the ring magnet 1918 and the second side 1906 of the body 1902. The cap 1926 has a first hole 1928 (e.g., circular hole 1928) extending from the first side 1930 to a second side 1934 thereof, where the first hole 1928 is in communication with the hole 1920 in the ring magnet 1918. If desired, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1900 can have a sealing gasket 1936 that is attached to the second side 1934 of the cap 1926. The sealing gasket 1936 has a hole 1938 extending there through where the hole 1938 is in communication with the hole 1928 of the cap 1926, the opening hole 1920 in the ring magnet 1918, the opening 1914 in the recess 1908 of the body 1902, the internal channel 1912, and the opening 1910 in the first side 1904 of the body 1902. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1900 further has a tube 1940 positioned within the opening 1910 of the first side 1904, the interior channel 1912, the opening 1914 in the recess 1908, the hole 1920 of the ring magnet 1918, and the hole 1928 of the cap 1926. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1900 basically functions to supply (remove) a fluid (or gas) into (from) a microfluidic module 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700 (see discussion below). In another embodiment there is an inlet- outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 1900' shown in FIGURES 19C (exploded cross- sectional side view) and 19D (assembled cross-sectional side view) which is similar to the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1900 but instead of having a tube 1940 the inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 1900' has a well 1940'. The well 1940' has a side wall 1942a', an opening 1942b' (located at top of the side wall 1942a'), and a bottom side 1942c' (opposite of opening 1942b') which has a hole 1944' located therein (note: the well 1940' can be a circular shaped well, a square shaped well or any shaped well). The bottom side 1942c' is attached to the first side 1904 of the body 1902 where the hole 1944' of the well 1940' is in communication with the opening 1910 in the first side 1904 of the body 1902, the interior channel 1912, the opening 1914 in the recess 1908 of the body 1902, the hole 1920 in the ring magnet 1918, the hole 1928 of the cap 1926 and the hole 1938 of the sea ling gasket 1936 (if present). The inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 1900' basical ly functions to supply (remove) a fluid (or gas) into (from) a microfluidic module 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500 (see discussion below).

[00196] Referring to FIGURES 20A-20B, there are shown various diagrams of an inlet- outlet microfluidic module 2050 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGU RES 20A (exploded cross-sectional side view) and 20B (assem bled cross-sectional side view), the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 2050 (world-to- chip fluidic interconnect 2050) has a body 2052 (e.g., circular shaped) with a first side 2054 and a second side 2056 where the second side 2056 is located opposite of the first side 2054. The body 2052 has a recess 2058 located on the first side 2054. The body 2052 (recess adapter 2052) further has an opening 2060 located in the second side 2056, where the opening 2060 is in communication via a n interior channel 2062 with an openi ng 2064 located within an interior surface 2066 of the recess 2058. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 2050 further has a ring magnetic 2068 positioned at least partly within the recess 2058 (note: in the example shown the ring magnet 2068 is positioned within the recess 2058). The ring magnet 2058 has a hole 2070 extending there through in which the hole 2070 is i n communication with the openings 2060 and 2064 and the interior channel 2062. The ring magnet 2068 has one end 2072 adjacent to the interior surface 2066 of the recess 2058 and further having an opposing end 2074. The one end 2072 of the ring magnet 2068 has a magnetic polarity (e.g., S or N) and the opposing end 2074 of the ring magnet 2068 has an opposing magnetic polarity (e.g., N or S). If desired, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 2050 can have a sealing gasket 2076 that is attached to the second side 2056 of the body 2052 (e.g., recess ada pter 2052). The sealing gasket 2076 has a hole 2078 extending there through where the hole 2078 is in comm unication with the opening 2060, interior channel 2062, opening 2064, and hole 2070. If desired, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 2050 can have a sealing ta pe 2080 (sealing gasket 2080) that is attached to the opposing end 2074 of the ring magnet 2068 and the first side 2054 of the body 2052 (e.g., recess adapter 2052). Further, the sealing ta pe 2080 has a hole 2082 extending there through where the hole 2082 is in communication with the hole 2070, opening 2064, interior channel 2062, opening 2060, and hole 2078 (if present). In addition, the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 2050 has a tube 2084 positioned within the hole 2082 of the sealing tape 2080 (if any), the hole 2070 of the ring magnet 2068, and the interior channel 2062 of the body 2052 (recess adapter 2052). The inlet-outlet microfluidic module 2050 basically functions to supply (remove) a fluid (or gas) into (from) a microfluidic module 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700 (see discussion below). In another embodiment there is an inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 2050' shown in FIGURES 20C (exploded cross-sectional side view) and 20D (assembled cross-sectiona l side view) which is similar to the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 2050 but instead of having a tube 2084 the inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 2050' has a well 2084'. The well 2084' has a side wall 2086a', an opening 2086b' (located at top of the side wall 2086a'), and a bottom side 2086c' (opposite of opening 2086b') which has a hole 2088' located therein (note: the well 2084' can be a circular shaped well, a square shaped well or any shaped well). The bottom side 2086c' is attached to the sealing tape 2080 (sealing gasket 2080) (if present) that is attached to the opposing end 2074 of the ring magnet 2068 and the first side 2054 of the body 2052 (e.g., recess adapter 2052) where the hole 2088' of the well 2084' is in communication with the hole 2082 of the sealing tape 2080 (sealing gasket 2080) (if present), the hole 2070 of the ring magnet 2068, the openings 2064 and 2060 and the interior channel 2062 of the body 2052 (recess adapter 2052), and the hole 2078 of the sealing gasket 2076 (if present). The inlet-outlet microfluidic (reservoir) module 2050' basically functions to supply (remove) a fluid (or gas) into (from) a microfluidic module 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500 (see discussion below).

[00197] Referring to FIGURE 20E, there is a flowcha rt illustrating the steps of an exemplary method 2000e for manufacturing the inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800, 1800', 1900, 1900', 2050, 2050' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Beginning at step 2002e, a body 1802, 1902, 2052 is formed (e.g. 3D printing, additive manufacturing, injection molding, hot embossing, lamination, microfabrication, softlithography). The body 1802, 1902, 2052 has a first side 1804, 1904, 2054 and a second side 1806, 1906, 2056 that is located opposite of the first side 1804, 1904, 2054. The body 1802, 1902, 2052 further has a recess 1808, 1908, 2058 located on the second side 1806, 1906 or the first side 2054. The body 1802, 1902, 2052 also has an opening 1810, 1910, 2060 that is located in the fi rst side 1804, 1904 or the second side 2056, where the opening 1810, 1910, 2060 is in communication via an interior cha nnel 1812, 1912, 2062 with a n another ope ning 1814, 1914, 2064 located within an surface 1816, 1916, 2066 of the recess 1808, 1908, 2058. At step 2004e, a ring magnetic 1818, 1918, 2068 is positioned at least partly within the recess 1808, 1908, 2058. The ring magnet 1818, 1918, 2068 has a hole 1820, 1920, 2070 extending there through. The hole 1820, 1920, 2070 is in communication with the openings 1810, 1814, 1910, 1914, 2060, 2064 in the first side 1804, 1904 or the second side 2056 and the recess 1808, 1908, 2058 and with the internal cha nnel 1812, 1912, 2062. The ring magnet 1818, 1918, 2068 has one end 1822, 1922, 2072 adjacent to the surface 1816, 1916, 2066 of the recess 1808, 1908, 2058 and furthe r has an opposing end 1824, 1924, 2074. The one end 1822, 1922, 2072 of the ring magnet 1818, 1918, 2068 has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and the opposing end 1824, 1924, 2074 of the ring magnet 1818, 1918, 2068 has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N).

[00198] In one em bodiment, a sealing gasket 1826 is attached at step 2006e to the opposing end 1824 of the ring magnet 1818 a nd the second side 1806 of the body 1802. The sealing gasket 1826 has a hole 1828 extending there through. The hole 1828 is in communication with the hole 1820 in the ring magnet 1818, the opening 1814 in the recess 1808 of the body 1802, the interna l channel 1812, a nd the opening 1810 in the first side 1804 of the body 1802 (see FIGS. 18A-18D).

[00199] I n another embodiment, a cap 1926 is attached at step 2008e to the opposing end 1924 of the ring magnet 1918 and the second side 1906 of the body 1902. At step 2010e,

[00200] a sealing gasket 1936 is attached to the cap 1926. The sealing gasket 1936 has a hole 1938 extending there through. The hole 1938 is in communication with a hole 1928 in the cap 1926, the hole 1920 in the ring magnet 1918, the opening 1914 in the recess 1908 of the body 1902, the interna l channel 1912, a nd the opening 1910 in the first side 1904 of the body 1902 (see FIGS. 19A-19D). [00201] I n yet another embodiment, a sealing tape 2080 (optiona l) is attached at step 2012e to the opposing end 2074 of the ring magnet 2068 a nd the first side 2054 of the body 2052. The sealing tape 2080 has a hole 2082 extending there through. The hole 2082 is in communication with the hole 2070 in the ring magnet 2068, the opening 2064 in the recess 2058 of the body 2052, the interna l channel 2062, and the opening 2060 in the second side 2056 of the body 2052. At step 2014e, a sealing gasket 2076 is positioned adjacent to the second side 2056 of the body 2052. The sealing gasket 2076 has a hole 2078 extending there through. The hole 2078 is in communication with the opening 2060 in the second side 2056 of the body 2052, the interna l cha nnel 2062, the openi ng 2064 in the recess 2058 of the body 2052, the hole 2070 in the magnet 2068, and the hole 2082 in the sealing ta pe 2080 (if present) (see FIGS. 20A-20D).

[00202] I n either of the embodiments, a tube 1830, 1940, 2084 is positioned at step 2016e within the opening 1810, 1910, 2064 of the first side first side 1804, 1904 or the second side 2056 of the body 1802, 1902, 2052, at least a portion of the interior channel 1812, 1912, 2062, and within at least a portion of the hole 1820, 1920, 2070 of the ring magnet 1818, 1918, 2068 (see FIGS. 18A-18B, 19A-19B, and 20A-20B).

[00203] Alternatively in either of the embodiments, a well 1830', 1940', 2084' is attached to the first side 1804, 1904, 2054 of the body 1802, 1902, 2052 or the sealing tape 2080 (if present). The well 1830', 1940', 2084' has three sides 1832a', 1832b', 1832c', 1942a', 1942b', 1942c', 2086a', 2086b' a nd 2086c' and an opening 1832d', 1942d', 2086d' therein. The side 1832c', 1942c', 2086c' (opposite the opening 1832d', 1942d', 2086d') has a hole 1834', 1944', 2088' located therein. The side 1832c', 1942c', 2086c' is attached to the first side 1804, 1904, 2054 of the body 1802, 1902, 2052 or the sealing tape 2080 (if present) (see FIGS. 18C-18D, 19C-19D, and 20C-20D).

Additional Exemplary Microfluidic Modules with Recess Adapter(s)

[00204] Referring to FIGURES 21A-21D, there are shown embodiments of a recess adapter 2108a and 2108b, a nd the assembly of a microfluidic device 2100 using recess ada pters 2108a and 2108b. These recess adapters 2108a and 2108b provide an additiona l embodiment of magnetic interconnects. For example, the recess adapter 2108a associated with an inlet opening 2120 of a module body 2102 is an inlet magnetic interconnect 2114. The recess adapter 2108b associated with an outlet opening 2121 of the module body 2102 is an outlet magnetic interconnect 2132. I n these embodiments, the recess adapter 2108a and 2108b a llows for the construction of a microfluidic module 2100 on the module body 2102 which does not have an integral recess, as described above in FIGURES 1A-30. Instead, the integral recess, which is structured to at least partially contain a ring magnet 2107a and 2107b, is provided in this embodiment and other embodiments described hereinafter by the separate recess adapters 2108a and 2108b. In this embodiment, the magnet 2107a and 2107b is a ring magnet, having a hole 2110a and 2110b through the magnet 2107a and 2107b where the hole 2110a and 2110b of the magnet 2107a and 2107b is structured to align with openings 2106a or 2106b (in the recess adapters 2108a or 2108b) and the inlet opening 2120 or the outlet opening 2121, respectively. The use of recess adapters 2108a and 2108b allows for additional configurations of the microfluidic module. The recess adapters 2108a and 2108b may be used in conjunction with gaskets, magnets, connectors, and other devices as discussed herein (see, for example, FIG. 13A-L)

[00205] FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B are exploded views showing the recess adapters 2108a and 2108b prior to installation on the module body 2102. FIG. 21C and 21D show the recess adapters 2108a and 2108b installed on the module body 2102. FIG. 21B and FIG. 21D are ghost drawings, showing the internal structures of the recess adapters 2108a and 2108b and the module body 2102, corresponding to FIG. 21A and 21C, respectively. I n embodiments, the microfluidic module 2100 comprises the module body 2102 having a first side 2104 and a second side 2123 opposite the first side 2104 with an inlet opening 2120 formed in the module body 2102 and an outlet opening 2121 formed in the module body 2102. The inlet opening 2120 and the outlet opening 2121 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 2110 which is located within the body 2102. The internal channel 2110 allows fluid (gas) communication between the inlet opening 2120 and the outlet opening 2121. As shown in FIG. 21B and FIG. 21D, the interna l cha nnel 2110 may be serpentine. In embodiments, the internal channel 2110 may have any shape or function, e.g., see FIGS. 31A-31D. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21A - 21D, the recess adapter 2108a and 2108b are each a separate part (or they can be connected to one another) having a first side 2118 and a second side 2119 opposite the first side 2118. I n embodiments, the first side 2118 of the recess adapter 2108a and 2108b has a recess 2105a and 2105b in the first side 2118 structured to contain the ring magnet 2107a and 2107b (see, for example, FIG. 21A) having a hole 2110a and 2110b extending there through which defines an internal channel. The second side 2119 of the recess adapter 2108a and 2108b is seated on the body 2102 or attached to the body 2102. This attachment may be made by gluing the parts together, or otherwise bonding the pa rts together.

[00206] In embodiments, the ring magnet 2107a and 2107b has a first side 2109', a second side 2109" opposite the first side 2109' and the hole 2110a and 2110b through the ring magnet 2107a and 2107b. In embodiments, the second side 2109" of the ring magnet 2107a and 2107b is attached to the recess 2105a and 2105b of the recess adapter 2108a and 2108b, and the hole 2110a and 2110b of the ring magnet 2107a and 2107b is structured to align with the inlet opening 2120 and the outlet opening 2121 to provide a fluid (gas) path from the inlet magnetic interconnect 2114 through the hole 2110a of the ring magnet 2107a, through the opening 2106a, through the inlet opening 2120, through the internal channel 2110, through the outlet opening 2121, through the opening 2106b, and through the hole 2110b of the ring magnet 2107b of the outlet magnetic interconnect 2337.

[00207] The recess adapter 2108a and 2108b may be used in conjunction with gaskets, connectors, and other devices. For example, optionally, a sealing gasket 2111a and 2111b may be placed around the top of the ring magnet 2107a and 2107b, or around the hole 2110a and 2110b at the top of the ring magnet 2107a and 2107b, or the sealing gasket 2111a a nd 2111b may be attached on the first side of the recess adapter 2108a and 2108b containing the ring magnet 2107a and 2107b, to form a sealed attachment between the ring magnet 2107a and 2107b and another ring magnet 2107a and 2107b of a complimentary module body. The sealing gasket 2111a and 2111b may be attached to the recess adapter 2108a and 2108b by gluing, bonding, heat sealing or other attachment methods, or the sealing gasket 2111a and 2111b may not be bonded, but may be placed in an appropriate location. In embodiments, the sealing gasket 2111a and 2111b may be placed in any location where a sealed attachment is desired. In embodiments, the sealing gasket 2111a and 2111b comprises an O-ring or adhesive tape. [00208] Referring to FIGURES 22A-22D, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 2200 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 22A (top view) and 22B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 22A), the microfluidic module 2200 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 2200) comprises a body 2202 having a first side 2204 with an inlet opening 2206 formed therein and an outlet opening 2208 formed therein. The inlet opening 2206 and the outlet opening 2208 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 2210 which is located within the body 2202. The body 2202 also has a second side 2212 which is opposite the first side 2204. The microfluidic module 2200 further has an inlet magnetic interconnect 2214 comprising a first ring magnet 2218 located at least partly within an inlet recess adapter 2219. The inlet recess adapter 2219 has a first side 2221 and a second side 2223 where the second side 2223 is opposite the first side 2221. The second side 2223 has an opening 2225 extending there through. The inlet recess ada pter 2219 has a first recess 2213 located within the first side 2221. The first ring magnet 2218 is located at least partly within the first recess 2213 (note: the first ring magnet 2218 is shown within the first recess 2213). The second side 2223 of the inlet recess adapter 2219 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the first side 2204 of the body 2202. The first ring magnet 2218 has a hole 2207 extending there through in which the hole 2207 is in communication with the openings 2225 and 2206 and the interior channel 2210. The first ring magnet 2218 has one end 2220 which has a magnetic polarity (S or N) and is located near the second side 2223 of the inlet recess adapter 2219. The first ring magnet 2218 also has an opposing end 2224 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S) and is located near the first side 2221 of the inlet recess adapter 2219.

[00209] The microfluidic module 2200 further has an outlet magnetic interconnect 2237 comprising a second ring magnet 2226 located at least partly within an outlet recess adapter 2229. The outlet recess adapter 2229 has a first side 2231 and a second side 2233 where the second side 2233 is opposite the first side 2231. The second side 2233 has an opening 2235 extending there through. The outlet recess adapter 2229 has a second recess 2213' located within the first side 2231. The second ring magnet 2226 is located at least partly within the second recess 2213' (note: the second ring magnet 2226 is shown within the second recess 2213'). The second side 2233 of the outlet recess adapter 2229 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the first side 2204 of the body 2202. The second ring magnet 2226 has a hole 2209 extending there through in which the hole 2209 is in communication with the openings 2235 and 2208 and the interior channel 2210. The second ring magnet 2226 has one end 2230 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and is located near the second side 2233 of the outlet recess adapter 2229. The second ring magnet 2226 also has an opposing end 2232 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N) and is located near the first side 2231 of the outlet recess adapter 2219. If desired, the inlet recess adapter 2219 can be coupled via a connecting piece 2243 to the outlet recess adapter 2229. If desired, the microfluidic module 2200 can have an inlet sealing gasket 2234 (e.g., O-ring 2234, adhesive tape 2234 or the like) and an outlet sealing gasket 2236 (e.g., O-ring 2236, adhesive tape 2236 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 2234 has an inlet hole 2238 extending there through where the inlet hole 2238 is in communication with the hole 2207, the openings 2225 and 2206, and the internal channel 2210. The outlet sealing gasket 2236 has an outlet hole 2240 extending there through where the outlet hole 2240 is in communication with the hole 2209, the openings 2235 and 2208, and the internal channel 2210.

[00210] Referring to FIGURE 22C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 2200 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 2250 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 2200 (left side of image) has the other end 2232 (S or N) of the second ring magnet 2226 magnetically coupled to the other end 2224 (N or S) of the first magnet 2218 of the other microfluidic module 2200 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 2208 of the one microfluidic module 2200 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 2206 of the other microfluidic module 2200 (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 2200 can be magnetically coupled to one a nother in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 2250.

[00211] Referring to FIGURE 22D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 2200 magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 2200 to form a microfluidic system 2250' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 2200 (left side of image) has the other end 2232 (S or N) of the second ring magnet 2226 magnetically coupled to the other end 2224 (N or S) of the first magnet 2218 of the other microfluidic module 2200 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 2208 of the one microfluidic module 2200 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 2206 of the other microfluidic module 2200 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via ring magnets 1818 and 2218) to the inlet opening 2206 of the one microfluidic module 2200 (left side of image) while another inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via ring magnets 1818 and 2226) to the outlet opening 2208 of the other microfluidic module 2200 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2200 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (right side of image) enables fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2200. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 2200 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner and any number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 1800, 1800', 1900, 1900', 2050, or 2050' (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2200 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 2250'.

[00212] The microfluidic modules 2200 shown in FIGS. 22A-22D are all serpentine- mixing microfluidic modules 2200 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 2200 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 2250 or 2250'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 2200 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 2200 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 2200 (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 2200 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 2200 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a sepa ration microfluidic module 2200 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 2200 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 2200 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 2200 (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 2200 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 2200 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. In each these examples, the microfluidic module 2200 has at least two magnets 2218 and 2226 (more possible), at least two openings 2206 and 2208 (more possible), and an internal channel 2210 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 31A-31D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 2200).

[00213] Referring to FIGURES 23A-23D, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 2300 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 23A (top view) and 23B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 23A), the microfluidic module 2300 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 2300) comprises a body 2302 having a first side 2304 with an inlet opening 2306 formed therein and an outlet opening 2308 formed therein. The inlet opening 2306 and the outlet opening 2308 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 2310 which is located within the body 2302. The body 2302 also has a second side 2312 which is opposite the first side 2304. The microfluidic module 2300 further has an inlet magnetic interconnect 2314 comprising a first ring magnet 2318 located within an inlet recess adapter 2319. The inlet recess adapter 2319 has a first side 2321 and a second side 2323 where the second side 2323 is opposite the first side 2321. The first side 2321 has an opening 2325 extending there through. The inlet recess adapter 2319 has a first recess 2313 located within the second side 2323. The first ring magnet 2318 is located within the first recess 2313. The second side 2323 of the inlet recess adapter 2319 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the first side 2304 of the body 2302. The first ring magnet 2318 has a hole 2307 extending there through in which the hole 2307 is in communication with the openings 2325 and 2306 and the interior channel 2310. The first ring magnet 2318 has one end 2320 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and is located near the second side 2323 of the inlet recess adapter 2319. The first ring magnet 2318 also has an opposing end 2324 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N) and is located near the first side 2321 of the inlet recess adapter 2319.

[00214] The microfluidic module 2300 further has an outlet magnetic interconnect 2337 comprising a second ring magnet 2326 located within an outlet recess adapter 2329. The outlet recess adapter 2329 has a first side 2331 and a second side 2333 where the second side 2333 is opposite the first side 2331. The first side 2331 has an opening 2335 extending there through. The outlet recess adapter 2329 has a second recess 2313' located within the second side 2333. The second ring magnet 2326 is located within the second recess 2313'. The second side 2333 of the outlet recess adapter 2329 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the first side 2304 of the body 2302. The second ring magnet 2326 has a hole 2309 extending there through in which the hole 2309 is in communication with the openings 2335 and 2308 and the interior channel 2310. The second ring magnet 2318 has one end 2330 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and is located near the second side 2333 of the outlet recess adapter 2329. The second ring magnet 2326 also has an opposing end 2332 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N) and is located near the first side 2331 of the outlet recess adapter 2319. If desired, the inlet recess adapter 2319 can be coupled via a connecting piece 2343 to the outlet recess adapter 2329. If desired, the microfluidic module 2300 can have an inlet sealing gasket 2334 (e.g., O-ring 2334, adhesive tape 2334 or the like) and an outlet sealing gasket 2336 (e.g., O-ring 2336, adhesive tape 2336 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 2334 has an inlet hole 2338 extending there through where the inlet hole 2338 is in communication with the hole 2307, the openings 2325 and 2306, and the internal channel 2310. The outlet sealing gasket 2336 has an outlet hole 2340 extending there through where the outlet hole 2340 is in communication with the hole 2309, the openings 2335 and 2308, and the internal channel 2310.

[00215] Referring to FIGURE 23C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 2300 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 2350 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 2300 (left side of image) has the other end 2332 (S or N) of the second ring magnet 2326 magnetically coupled to the other end 2324 (N or S) of the first magnet 2318 of the other microfluidic module 2200 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 2308 of the one microfluidic module 2200 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 2306 of the other microfluidic module 2300 (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 2300 can be magnetically coupled to one a nother in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 2350.

[00216] Referring to FIGURE 23D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 2300 magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 2300 to form a microfluidic system 2350' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 2300 (left side of image) has the other end 2332 (S or N) of the second ring magnet 2326 magnetically coupled to the other end 2324 (N or S) of the first magnet 2318 of the other microfluidic module 2300 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 2308 of the one microfluidic module 2300 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 2306 of the other microfluidic module 2300 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via ring magnets 1818 and 2318) to the inlet opening 2306 of the one microfluidic module 2300 (left side of image) while another inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via ring magnets 1818 and 2326) to the outlet opening 2308 of the other microfluidic module 2300 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2300 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (right side of image) enables fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2300. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 2300 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner and any number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 1800, 1800', 1900, 1900', 2050, or 2050' (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2300 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 2350'.

[00217] The microfluidic modules 2300 shown in FIGS. 23A-23D are all serpentine- mixing microfluidic modules 2300 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 2300 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 2350 or 2350'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 2300 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 2300 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 2300 (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 2300 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 2300 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a sepa ration microfluidic module 2300 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 2300 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 2300 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 2300 (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 2300 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 2300 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. In each these examples, the microfluidic module 2300 has at least two magnets 2318 and 2326 (more possible), at least two openings 2306 and 2308 (more possible), and an internal channel 2310 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 31A-31D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 2300).

[00218] Referring to FIGURES 24A-24D, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 2400 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 24A (top view) and 24B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 24A), the microfluidic module 2400 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 2400) comprises a body 2402 having a first side 2404 with an inlet opening 2406 formed therein and a second side 2412 with an outlet opening 2408 formed therein. The second side 2412 is opposite the first side 2404. The inlet opening 2406 and the outlet opening 2408 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 2410 which is located within the body 2402. The microfluidic module 2400 further has an inlet magnetic interconnect 2414 comprising a first ring magnet 2418 located at least partly within an inlet recess adapter 2419. The inlet recess adapter 2419 has a first side 2421 and a second side 2423 where the second side 2423 is opposite the first side 2421. The second side 2423 has an opening 2425 extending there through. The inlet recess ada pter 2419 has a first recess 2413 located within the first side 2421. The first ring magnet 2418 is located at least partly within the first recess 2413 (note: the first ring magnet 2418 is shown located within the first recess 2413). The second side 2423 of the inlet recess adapter 2419 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the first side 2404 of the body 2402. The first ring magnet 2418 has a hole 2407 extending there through in which the hole 2407 is in communication with the openings 2425 and 2406 and the interior channel 2410. The first ring magnet 2418 has one end 2420 which has a magnetic pola rity (S or N) and is located near the second side 2423 of the inlet recess adapter 2419. The first ring magnet 2418 also has an opposing end 2424 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S) and is located near the first side 2421 of the inlet recess adapter 2419.

[00219] The microfluidic module 2400 further has an outlet magnetic interconnect 2437 comprising a second ring magnet 2426 located at least partly within an outlet recess adapter 2429. The outlet recess adapter 2429 has a first side 2431 and a second side 2433 where the second side 2433 is opposite the first side 2431. The second side 2433 has an opening 2435 extending there through. The outlet recess adapter 2429 has a second recess 2413' located within the first side 2431. The second ring magnet 2426 is located at least partly within the second recess 2413' (note: the second ring magnet 2426 is shown located within the second recess 2413'). The second side 2433 of the outlet recess adapter 2429 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 2412 of the body 2402. The second ring magnet 2426 has a hole 2409 extending there through in which the hole 2409 is in communication with the openings 2435 and 2408 and the interior channel 2410. The second ring magnet 2418 has one end 2430 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and is located near the second side 2433 of the outlet recess adapter 2429. The second ring magnet 2426 also has an opposing end 2432 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N) and is located near the first side 2431 of the outlet recess adapter 2419. If desired, the microfluidic module 2400 can have an inlet sealing gasket 2434 (e.g., O-ring 2434, adhesive tape 2434 or the like) and an outlet sealing gasket 2436 (e.g., O-ring 2436, adhesive tape 2436 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 2434 has an inlet hole 2438 extending there through where the inlet hole 2438 is in communication with the hole 2407, the openings 2425 and 2406, and the internal channel 2410. The outlet sealing gasket 2436 has an outlet hole 2440 extending there through where the outlet hole 2440 is in communication with the hole 2409, the openings 2435 and 2408, and the internal channel 2410.

[00220] Referring to FIGURE 24C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 2400 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 2450 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 2400 (left side of image) has the opposing end 2432 (S or N) of the second ring magnet 2426 magnetically coupled to the one end 2424 (N or S) of the first magnet 2418 of the other microfluidic module 2400 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 2408 of the one microfluidic module 2400 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 2406 of the other microfluidic module 2400 (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 2400 can be magnetically coupled to one a nother in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 2450.

[00221] Referring to FIGURE 24D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 2400 magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 2400 to form a microfluidic system 2450' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 2400 (left side of image) has the one end 2432 (S or N) of the second ring magnet 2426 magnetically coupled to the one end 2424 (N or S) of the first magnet 2418 of the other microfluidic module 2400 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 2408 of the one microfluidic module 2400 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 2406 of the other microfluidic module 2400 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via ring magnets 1818 and 2418) to the inlet opening 2406 of the one microfluidic module 2400 (left side of image) while another inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via ring magnets 1818 and 2426) to the outlet opening 2408 of the other microfluidic module 2400 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2400 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (right side of image) enables fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2400. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 2400 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner and any number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 1800, 1800', 1900, 1900', 2050, or 2050' (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2400 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 2450'.

[00222] The microfluidic modules 2400 shown in FIGS. 24A-24D are all serpentine- mixing microfluidic modules 2400 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 2400 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 2450 or 2450'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 2400 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 2400 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 2400 (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 2400 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 2400 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a sepa ration microfluidic module 2400 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 2400 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 2400 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 2400 (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 2400 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 2400 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. In each these examples, the microfluidic module 2400 has at least two magnets 2418 and 2426 (more possible), at least two openings 2406 and 2408 (more possible), and an internal channel 2410 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 31A-31D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 2400).

[00223] Referring to FIGURES 25A-25D, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 2500 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 25A (top view) and 25B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 25A), the microfluidic module 2500 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 2500) comprises a body 2502 having a first side 2504 with an inlet opening 2506 formed therein and a second side 2512 with an outlet opening 2508 formed therein. The second side 2512 is opposite the first side 2504. The inlet opening 2506 and the outlet opening 2508 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 2510 which is located within the body 2502. The microfluidic module 2500 further has an inlet magnetic interconnect 2514 comprising a first ring magnet 2518 located within an inlet recess adapter 2519. The inlet recess adapter 2519 has a first side 2521 and a second side 2523 where the second side 2523 is opposite the first side 2521. The first side 2521 has an opening 2525 extending there through. The inlet recess adapter 2519 has a first recess 2513 located within the second side 2523. The first ring magnet 2518 is located within the first recess 2513. The second side 2523 of the inlet recess adapter 2519 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the first side 2504 of the body 2502. The first ring magnet 2518 has a hole 2507 extending there through in which the hole 2507 is in communication with the openings 2525 and 2506 and the interior channel 2510. The first ring magnet 2518 has one end 2520 which has a magnetic polarity (S or N) and is located near the second side 2523 of the inlet recess adapter 2519. The first ring magnet 2518 also has an opposing end 2524 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S) and is located near the first side 2521 of the inlet recess adapter 2519. [00224] The microfluidic module 2500 further has an outlet magnetic interconnect 2537 comprising a second ring magnet 2526 located within an outlet recess adapter 2529. The outlet recess adapter 2529 has a first side 2531 and a second side 2533 where the second side 2533 is opposite the first side 2531. The first side 2531 has an opening 2535 extending there through. The outlet recess adapter 2529 has a second recess 2513' located within the second side 2533. The second ring magnet 2526 is located within the second recess 2513'. The second side 2533 of the outlet recess adapter 2529 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 2512 of the body 2502. The second ring magnet 2526 has a hole 2509 extending there through in which the hole 2509 is in communication with the openings 2535 and 2508 and the interior channel 2510. The second ring magnet 2518 has one end 2530 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and is located near the second side 2533 of the outlet recess adapter 2529. The second ring magnet 2526 also has an opposing end 2532 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N) and is located near the first side 2531 of the outlet recess adapter 2519. If desired, the microfluidic module 2500 can have an inlet sealing gasket 2534 (e.g., O-ring 2534, adhesive tape 2534 or the like) and an outlet sealing gasket 2536 (e.g., O-ring 2536, adhesive tape 2536 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 2534 has an inlet hole 2538 extending there through where the inlet hole 2538 is in communication with the hole 2507, the openings 2525 and 2506, and the internal channel 2510. The outlet sealing gasket 2536 has an outlet hole 2540 extending there through where the outlet hole 2540 is in communication with the hole 2509, the openings 2535 and 2508, and the internal channel 2510.

[00225] Referring to FIGURE 25C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 2500 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 2550 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 2500 (left side of image) has the opposing end 2532 (S or N) of the second ring magnet 2526 magnetically coupled to the one end 2524 (N or S) of the first magnet 2518 of the other microfluidic module 2500 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 2508 of the one microfluidic module 2500 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 2506 of the other microfluidic module 2500 (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 2500 can be magnetically coupled to one a nother in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 2550.

[00226] Referring to FIGURE 25D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 2500 magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 2500 to form a microfluidic system 2550' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 2500 (left side of image) has the opposing end 2532 (S or N) of the second ring magnet 2526 magnetically coupled to the one end 2524 (N or S) of the first magnet 2518 of the other microfluidic module 2500 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 2508 of the one microfluidic module 2500 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 2506 of the other microfluidic module 2500 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via ring magnets 1818 and 2518) to the inlet opening 2506 of the one microfluidic module 2500 (left side of image) while another inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via ring magnets 1818 and 2526) to the outlet opening 2508 of the other microfluidic module 2500 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2500 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (right side of image) enables fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2500. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 2500 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner and any number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 1800, 1800', 1900, 1900', 2050, or 2050' (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2500 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 2550'.

[00227] The microfluidic modules 2500 shown in FIGS. 25A-25D are all serpentine- mixing microfluidic modules 2500 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 2500 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 2550 or 2550'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 2500 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 2500 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 2500 (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 2500 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 2500 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a sepa ration microfluidic module 2500 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 2500 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 2500 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 2500 (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 2500 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 2500 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. In each these examples, the microfluidic module 2500 has at least two magnets 2518 and 2526 (more possible), at least two openings 2506 and 2508 (more possible), and an internal channel 2510 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 31A-31D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 2500).

[00228] Referring to FIGURES 26A-26D, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 2600 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 26A (top view) and 26B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 26A), the microfluidic module 2600 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 2600) comprises a body 2602 having a first side 2604 with an inlet opening 2606 formed therein and a second side 2612 with an outlet opening 2608 formed therein. The second side 2612 is opposite the first side 2604. The inlet opening 2606 and the outlet opening 2608 are in communication with one another via an internal channel 2610 which is located within the body 2602. The microfluidic module 2600 further has an inlet magnetic interconnect 2614 comprising a first ring magnet 2618 located at least partially within an inlet recess adapter 2619. The inlet recess adapter 2619 has a first side 2621 and a second side 2623 where the second side 2623 is opposite the first side 2621. The second side 2623 has an opening 2625 extending there through. The inlet recess ada pter 2619 has a first recess 2613 located within the first side 2621. The first ring magnet 2618 is located at least partially within the first recess 2613 (note: the first ring magnet 2618 is shown located within the first recess 2613). The second side 2623 of the inlet recess adapter 2619 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the first side 2604 of the body 2602. The first ring magnet 2618 has a hole 2607 extending there through in which the hole 2607 is in communication with the openings 2625 and 2606 and the interior channel 2610. The first ring magnet 2618 has one end 2620 which has a magnetic pola rity (S or N) and is located near the second side 2623 of the inlet recess adapter 2619. The first ring magnet 2618 also has an opposing end 2624 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (N or S) and is located near the first side 2621 of the inlet recess adapter 2619.

[00229] The microfluidic module 2600 further has an outlet magnetic interconnect 2637 comprising a second ring magnet 2626 located at least partly within an outlet recess adapter 2629. The outlet recess adapter 2629 has a first side 2631 and a second side 2633 where the second side 2633 is opposite the first side 2631. The second side 2633 has an opening 2635 extending there through. The outlet recess adapter 2629 has a second recess 2613' located within the first side 2631. The second ring magnet 2626 is located at least partially within the second recess 2613' (note: the second ring magnet 2626 is shown located within the second recess 2613'). The second side 2633 of the outlet recess adapter 2629 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 2612 of the body 2602. The second ring magnet 2626 has a hole 2609 extending there through in which the hole 2609 is in communication with the openings 2635 and 2608 and the interior channel 2610. The second ring magnet 2618 has one end 2630 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and is located near the second side 2633 of the outlet recess adapter 2629. The second ring magnet 2626 also has an opposing end 2632 which has an opposing magnetic polarity (S or N) and is located near the first side 2631 of the outlet recess adapter 2619. If desired, the microfluidic module 2600 can have an inlet sealing gasket 2634 (e.g., O-ring 2634, adhesive tape 2634 or the like) and an outlet sealing gasket 2636 (e.g., O-ring 2636, adhesive tape 2636 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 2634 has an inlet hole 2638 extending there through where the inlet hole 2638 is in communication with the hole 2607, the openings 2625 and 2606, and the internal channel 2610. The outlet sealing gasket 2636 has an outlet hole 2640 extending there through where the outlet hole 2640 is in communication with the hole 2609, the openings 2635 and 2608, and the internal channel 2610.

[00230] Referring to FIGURE 26C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 2600 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 2650 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 2600 (left side of image) has the one end 2632 (S or N) of the second ring magnet 2626 magnetically coupled to the one end 2624 (N or S) of the first magnet 2618 of the other microfluidic module 2600 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 2608 of the one microfluidic module 2600 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 2606 of the other microfluidic module 2600 (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 2600 can be magnetically coupled to one a nother in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 2650.

[00231] Referring to FIGURE 26D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 2600 magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 2600 to form a microfluidic system 2650' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 2600 (left side of image) has the one end 2632 (S or N) of the second ring magnet 2626 magnetically coupled to the one end 2624 (N or S) of the first magnet 2618 of the other microfluidic module 2600 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 2608 of the one microfluidic module 2600 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 2606 of the other microfluidic module 2600 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via ring magnets 1818 and 2618) to the inlet opening 2606 of the one microfluidic module 2600 (left side of image) while another inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via ring magnets 1818 and 2626) to the outlet opening 2608 of the other microfluidic module 2600 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2600 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (right side of image) enables fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2600. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 2600 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner and any number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 1800, 1800', 1900, 1900', 2050, or 2050' (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2600 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 2650'.

[00232] The microfluidic modules 2600 shown in FIGS. 26A-26D are all serpentine- mixing microfluidic modules 2600 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 2600 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 2650 or 2650'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 2600 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 2600 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 2600 (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 2600 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 2600 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a sepa ration microfluidic module 2600 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 2600 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 2600 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 2600 (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 2600 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 2600 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. In each these examples, the microfluidic module 2600 has at least two magnets 2618 and 2626 (more possible), at least two openings 2606 and 2608 (more possible), and an internal channel 2610 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 31A-31D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 2600). [00233] Referring to FIGURES 27A-27D, there are shown various diagrams of a microfluidic module 2700 configu red in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGURES 27A (top view) and 27B (cross-sectional side view— not to scale with FIG. 27A), the microfluidic module 2700 (chip-to-chip fluidic interconnect 2700) comprises a body 2702 having a first side 2704 with an inlet openi ng 2706 formed therein and a second side 2712 with an outlet opening 2708 formed the rein. The second side 2712 is opposite the first side 2704. The i nlet opening 2706 and the outlet ope ning 2708 a re in communication with one another via an internal channel 2710 which is located withi n the body 2702. The microfluidic modu le 2700 further has an inlet magnetic interconnect 2714 comprising a first ring magnet 2718 located within an inlet recess adapter 2719. The inlet recess adapter 2719 has a first side 2721 and a second side 2723 where the second side 2723 is opposite the first side 2721. The first side 2721 has an opening 2725 extending there through. The inlet recess adapter 2719 has a first recess 2713 located within the second side 2723. The first ring magnet 2718 is located within the first recess 2713. The second side 2723 of the inlet recess adapter 2719 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the first side 2704 of the body 2702. The first ring magnet 2718 has a hole 2707 extending there through in which the hole 2707 is in communication with the openings 2725 and 2706 and the interior channel 2710. The first ring magnet 2718 has one end 2720 which has a magnetic polarity (S or N) and is located nea r the second side 2723 of the inlet recess adapter 2719. The first ring magnet 2718 a lso has an opposing end 2724 which has an opposing magnetic pola rity (N or S) and is located near the first side 2721 of the inlet recess ada pter 2719.

[00234] The microfluidic module 2700 further has an outlet magnetic interconnect 2737 comprising a second ring magnet 2726 located within an outlet recess ada pter 2729. The outlet recess adapter 2729 has a first side 2731 and a second side 2733 where the second side 2733 is opposite the first side 2731. The fi rst side 2731 has an opening 2735 extending there through. The outlet recess adapter 2729 has a second recess 2713' located within the second side 2733. The second ring magnet 2726 is located within the second recess 2713'. The second side 2733 of the outlet recess adapter 2729 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the second side 2712 of the body 2702. The second ring magnet 2726 has a hole 2709 extending there through in which the hole 2709 is in communication with the openings 2735 and 2708 and the interior channel 2710. The second ring magnet 2718 has one end 2730 which has a magnetic polarity (N or S) and is located near the second side 2733 of the outlet recess adapter 2729. The second ring magnet 2726 also has an opposing end 2732 which has an opposing magnetic pola rity (S or N) and is located near the first side 2731 of the outlet recess adapter 2719. If desired, the microfluidic module 2700 can have an inlet sealing gasket 2734 (e.g., O-ring 2734, adhesive tape 2734 or the like) and an outlet sealing gasket 2736 (e.g., O-ring 2736, adhesive tape 2736 or the like). The inlet sealing gasket 2734 has an inlet hole 2738 extending there through where the inlet hole 2738 is in communication with the hole 2707, the openings 2725 and 2706, and the internal channel 2710. The outlet sealing gasket 2736 has an outlet hole 2740 extending there through where the outlet hole 2740 is in communication with the hole 2709, the openings 2735 and 2708, and the internal channel 2710.

[00235] Referring to FIGURE 27C (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 2700 magnetically coupled to another one to form a microfluidic system 2750 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 2700 (left side of image) has the one end 2732 (S or N) of the second ring magnet 2726 magnetically coupled to the one end 2724 (N or S) of the first magnet 2718 of the other microfluidic module 2700 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 2708 of the one microfluidic module 2700 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 2706 of the other microfluidic module 2700 (right side of image). It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 2700 can be magnetically coupled to one a nother in a similar manner to form any desired microfluidic system 2750.

[00236] Referring to FIGURE 27D (cross-sectional side view), there is shown two microfluidic modules 2700 magnetically coupled to another and an inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 magnetically coupled to each of the microfluidic modules 2700 to form a microfluidic system 2750' in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, one microfluidic module 2700 (left side of image) has the one end 2732 (S or N) of the second ring magnet 2726 magnetically coupled to the one end 2724 (N or S) of the first magnet 2718 of the other microfluidic module 2700 (right side of image) whereby the outlet opening 2708 of the one microfluidic module 2700 (left side of image) is in communication (e.g., fluid communication, gas communication) with the inlet opening 2706 of the other microfluidic module 2700 (right side of image). Further, one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (left side of image) is magnetically coupled (via ring magnets 1818 and 2718) to the inlet opening 2706 of the one microfluidic module 2700 (left side of image) while another inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (right side of image) is magnetically coupled (via ring magnets 1818 and 2726) to the outlet opening 2708 of the other microfluidic module 2700 (right side of image). The one inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (left side of image) enables fluid or gas to be inputted into the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2700 (note: the black arrows indicate the fluid or gas flow direction). The other inlet-outlet microfluidic module 1800 (right side of image) enables fluid or gas to be outputted from the two magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2700. It should be noted that any number and types of the microfluidic modules 2700 can be magnetically coupled to one another in a similar manner and any number of inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 1800, 1800', 1900, 1900', 2050, or 2050' (or similar) can be attached to the magnetically coupled microfluidic modules 2700 as needed to form any desired microfluidic system 2750'.

[00237] The microfluidic modules 2700 shown in FIGS. 27A-27D are all serpentine- mixing microfluidic modules 2700 which function to mix fluids but it should be appreciated that different types of microfluidic modules 2700 with different functions would typically be used in practice and magnetically coupled to one another to form the desired microfluidic system 2750 or 2750'. For example, the different types of microfluidic modules 2700 that can be used include: (1) a detection chamber microfluidic module 2700 (which is used as a biosensor); (2) a reaction microfluidic module 2700 (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 2700 (which is used to separate molecules); (4) a filtering microfluidic module 2700 (which is used to filter sample fluid(s)); (5) a sepa ration microfluidic module 2700 (which is used to separate sample fluid(s)); (6) a heating microfluidic module 2700 (which has an internal heater to heat sample fluid(s)); (7) a valve microfluidic module 2700 (which is used to direct and stop sample fluids(s)); (8) a pump microfluidic module 2700 (which has an internal pump or is connected to a pump to pump sample fluid(s)); (9) a pump-valve microfluidic module 2700 (which is used to both pump sample fluid(s) and direct or stop sample fluid(s)); (10) an isolation microfluidic module 2700 (which is used to isolate sample fluid(s)), etc... or combinations of these. In each these examples, the microfluidic module 2700 has at least two magnets 2718 and 2726 (more possible), at least two openings 2706 and 2708 (more possible), and an internal channel 2710 (more possible) formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid or gas (see FIGURES 31A-31D which illustrate several of these different microfluidic modules 2700).

[00238] Referring to FIGURE 28, there is a flowchart illustrating the steps of an exemplary method 2800 for manufacturing the microfluidic module 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Beginning at step 2802, a body 2102, 2202, 2302, 2402, 2502, 2602, 2702 is formed (e.g. 3D printing, additive manufacturing, injection molding, hot embossing, lamination, microfabrication, softlithography) where the body 2102, 2202, 2302, 2402, 2502, 2602, 2702 has an inlet opening 2120, 2206, 2306, 2406, 2506, 2606, 2706 located therein, and an outlet opening 2121, 2208, 2308, 2408, 2508, 2608, 2708 located therein. The inlet opening 2120, 2206, 2306, 2406, 2506, 2606, 2706 and the outlet opening 2121, 2208, 2308, 2408, 2508, 2608, 2708 a re in communication with one another via an internal cha nnel 2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510, 2610, 2710 which is located within the body 2102, 2202, 2302, 2402, 2502, 2602, 2702. At step 2804, an inlet recess adapter 2108a, 2219, 2319, 2419, 2519, 2619, 2719 is formed (e.g. 3D printing, additive manufacturing, injection molding, hot embossing, lamination, microfabrication, softlithography) where the inlet recess adapter 2108a, 2219, 2319, 2419, 2519, 2619, 2719 has a first recess 2105a, 2213, 2313, 2413, 2513, 2613, 2713 located therein. At step 2806, a first ring magnet 2107a, 2218, 2318, 2418, 2518, 2618, 2718 is secured (e.g., via glue) within the first recess 2105a, 2213, 2313, 2413, 2513, 2613, 2713. At step 2808, the inlet recess adapter 2108a, 2219, 2319, 2419, 2519, 2619, 2719 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the body 2102, 2202, 2302, 2402, 2502, 2602, 2702 around the inlet opening 2120, 2206, 2306, 2406, 2506, 2606, 2706. At step 2810 (optional), an inlet sealing gasket 2111a, 2234, 2334, 2434, 2534, 2634, 2734 is secured (e.g., via glue) to the exposed side 2109', 2224, 2324, 2424, 2524, 2624, 2724 of the first ring magnet 2107a, 2218, 2318, 2418, 2518, 2618, 2718. At step 2812, an outlet recess adapter 2108b, 2229, 2329, 2429, 2529, 2629, 2729 is formed (e.g. 3D printing, additive manufacturing, injection molding, hot embossing, lamination, microfabrication, softlithography) where the outlet recess adapter 2108b, 2229, 2329, 2429, 2529, 2629, 2729 has a second recess 2105b, 2213', 2313', 2413', 2513', 2613', 2713' located therein. At step 2814, a second ring magnet 2107b, 2226, 2326, 2426, 2526, 2626, 2726 is secured (e.g., via glue) within the second recess 2105b, 2213', 2313', 2413', 2513', 2613', 2713'. At step 2816, the outlet recess adapter 2108b, 2229, 2329, 2429, 2529, 2629, 2729 is attached (e.g., glued, bonded) to the body 2102, 2202, 2302, 2402, 2502, 2602, 2702 around the outlet opening 2121, 2208, 2308, 2408, 2508, 2608, 2708. At step 2818 (optiona l), an outlet sealing gasket 2111b, 2236, 2336, 2436, 2536, 2636, 2736 is secured (e.g., via glue) to the exposed side 2109', 2232, 2332, 2432, 2532, 2632, 2732 of the second ring magnet 2107b, 2226, 2326, 2426, 2526, 2626, 2726. Note: the base platform 1301 described herein can also be manufactured in a similar manner.

[00239] In view of the foregoing description about the exemplary inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100a, 200a, 300a' 1800, 1800', 1900, 1900'. 2050. 2050', the microfluidic modules 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, and the base platform 1301 one should appreciate the following:

[00240] The exemplary microfluidic modules 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d,

2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700 are not restricted to being coupled to similar configured microfluidic modules 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700. That is, a microfluidic module 300 ca n be magnetically coupled to other microfluidic modules 100, 200, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700. Plus, microfluidic module 200 can be magnetically coupled to other microfluidic modules 100, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700. The microfluidic module 2100 can be magnetically coupled to other microfluidic modules 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700. Also, the microfluidic module 2200 can be magnetically coupled to other microfluidic modules 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2100, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700. And so on with a wide va riety of possibilities..

[00241] The exemplary microfluidic modules 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d,

2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700 can have one or more inlet openings 106, 206, 306, 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d, 2120, 2206, 2306, 2406, 2506, 2606, 2706 and one or more outlet ope nings 106, 206, 306, 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d, 2121, 2206, 2306, 2406, 2506, 2606, 2706 located on any side or sides of the body 102, 202, 302, 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d, 2102, 2202, 2302, 2402, 2502, 2602, 2702.

[00242] The exemplary inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100a, 200a, 300a' 1800, 1800', 1900, 1900'. 2050. 2050', the exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, and the exemplary base platform 1301 do not require the sealing gaskets, For example, the sealing gaskets would not be needed if the module's body (platform's body) was made from soft, sticky polymeric/elastomeric materials such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or O-ring like materials.

[00243] The exemplary inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100a, 200a, 300a' 1800, 1800', 1900, 1900'. 2050. 2050', the exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, and the exemplary base platform 1301 can have sealing gaskets in the form of O-rings or sealing tape with a hole therein. I n the case of O-rings they can be adhered to the module's body by glue etc... For example, the O-rings can be adhered to the module's body by a biocompatible silicon adhesive which would ensure that there was no fluid leakage around the O-rings during fluid pumping. I n addition, the module's body (platform's body) may also have a recess (not shown) formed therein at the inlet and outlet openings within which the O-rings can be placed a nd secured.

[00244] The use of sea ling gaskets has the advantage of them being easily replaceable if they became worn out from repeated use. Exemplary O-rings can be #1170N14, Square- Profile O-Ring, Chemica l-Resistant Viton^®, Dash Num ber 004, McMaster-Carr, Robbinsville, NJ, USA. Exemplary sealing ta pe can be Nulink™ Kapton Polyimide Heat High Tem perature Resistant Adhesive Gold Tape, Amazon.com, I nc., Seattle, WA, USA. I n addition, the sealing tape can have pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), and heat sensitive adhesive located thereon.

[00245] Soft, sticky polymeric/elastomeric materials, such as for example polyimide tape, polyester tape, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and O-rings can be used as sealing gaskets in accordance with the present disclosure.

[00246] The various magnets described herein can, for example, be made from nickel plated neodymium (e.g., N52-SuperMagnetMan, Pelham, AL, USA). Alternatively, the magnets can be neodymium (or other magnetic material) coated with materials other than nickel such as Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (for solvent resistant), rubber etc....

[00247] In securing the magnets within the module's body or recess adapters care should be taken to ensure that the correct pole (N or S) of each magnet is facing in the correct direction and that each magnet is not tilted in the recess. A tilted magnet could potentially affect the sealing performance of the magnetic coupling between the exemplary inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100a, 200a, 300a' 1800, 1800', 1900, 1900'. 2050. 2050', the exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, and the exemplary base platform 1301.

[00248] It is expected that the maximum leak-free fluid pressure could be withstood by a pair of magnetically coupled magnets depends not only on the sealing gasket,(if present) but also on the total pull (magnetic) force generated by the magnetically coupled magnets. The total pull force of the magnetically coupled magnets 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).

[00249] The exemplary inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100a, 200a, 300a' 1800, 1800', 1900, 1900'. 2050. 2050', the exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, and the exemplary base platform 1301 can be transparent or non-transparent and have a wide-variety of sizes and shapes. For example, the exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700 can be 10 mm (w) x 30 mm (h) x 3 mm (t) (for example). Further, the exemplary inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100a, 200a, 300a' 1800, 1800', 1900, 1900'. 2050. 2050', the exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, and the exemplary base platform 1301 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 (HI PS)), flexible materials such as Trycite^® polystyrene film, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), soft, sticky elastomeric materials such as PDMS, combination of silicon and glass, and glass as well as a wide variety of low autofluorescence materials such low a utofluorescence glass..

[00250] The exemplary inlet-outlet microfluidic modules 100a, 200a, 300a' 1800, 1800', 1900, 1900'. 2050. 2050', the exemplary microfluidic modules 300, 100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, and the exemplary base platform 1301 may all have a magnetic polarity indicator (N or S) marked near the openings thereof.

Microfluidic Kit

[00251] 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 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 as described in the present disclosure was disclosed in the co-assigned U.S. Patent No. 7,919,062 B2 (the content of which a re hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes).

[00252] Referring to FIGURE 29A, there is illustrated a perspective view of an exemplary microfluidic kit 2900 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The microfluidic kit 2900 can have any combination of a wide-variety of components including for example channel inserts 2902 and microfluidic modules 2904 which are plugged into or placed on top of a motherboard 2906. The exemplary motherboa rd 2906 shown has a top surface 2908 with a network of interconnect channels 2910 (grooves 2910), holes 2912 within which electrodes or optica l fibers can pass through, and depressions 2914 within which different components such as the microfluidic module 2904 would be located. In addition, the depressions 2914 can accept devices such as a pumping-valve actuator (not shown), a heater/cooler 2916 (see FIG. 29B), an electrical contact unit (not shown) all of which could be positioned under in order to interface with a corresponding microfluidic module 2904. If desired, the motherboard 2906 may also have integrated electrodes formed therein instead of or in addition to the holes 2912 through which electrodes or optical fibers can pass through.

[00253] Referring to FIGURE 29B, there is illustrated an embodiment of the microfluidic kit 2900 where different sized channel inserts 2902, microfluidic modules 2904, and heaters/coolers 2916 can be placed on top of the motherboard 2906. The motherboard 2906, with its networks of channels 2910, holes 2912, and depressions 2914 is structured and arranged to form connections with many types and sizes of components including channel inserts 2902, various types of microfluidic modules 2904, pumping-valve actuators (not shown), heaters/coolers 2916, electrical contact units (not shown) etc...

[00254] Referring to FIGURES 30A-30K, there are respectively illustrated a wide- variety of channel inserts 2902a, 2902b, 2902c, 2902d, 2902e, 2902f, 2902g, 2902h, 2902Ϊ, 2902j, 2902k having different sizes and shapes which can be part of the microfluidic kit 2900 in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure. The channel inserts 2902a, 2902b, 2902c, 2902d, 2902e, 2902f, 2902g, 2902h, 2902Ϊ, 2902j, 2902k 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 2902a (e.g., 6mm (wide) x 2mm (thick) x 4mm (long)); (2) a medium straight channel insert 2902b, (3) a long straight channel insert 2902c; (4) a short left-turn channel insert 2902d; (5) a long left- turn channel insert 2902e; (6) a short right-turn channel insert 2902f; (7) a long right-turn channel insert 2902g; (8) a small H-shaped channel insert 2902h; (9) a large H-shaped channel insert 2902i; (10) a small T-shaped channel insert 2902j; and (11) a large T-shaped channel insert 2902k. Each channel insert 2902a, 2902b, 2902c, 2902d, 2902e, 2902f, 2902g, 2902h, 2902i, 2902j, 2902k has at least two openings 2924 at each of which there can be a magnetic interconnect 2925 (similar to the aforementioned magnetic interconnects 114, 132, 214, 232, 314, 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d, 332, 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d) and an internal channel 2926 formed therein through which flows a small amount of fluid (or gas). If desired, the channel inserts 2902a, 2902b, 2902c, 2902d, 2902e, 2902f, 2902g, 2902h, 2902i, 2902j, 2902k can also incorporate one or more turn valves 2927 that can be controlled to allow or prevent the flow of a fluid (or gas) within an internal channel 2926 (note: if a turn valve is used then there is no need for a magnetic interconnect 2925 to be located at that particular opening 2924). The user selects and places the desired channel inserts 2902a, 2902b, 2902c, 2902d, 2902e, 2902f, 2902g, 2902h, 2902Ϊ, 2902j, 2902k within the interconnect channels 2910 of the motherboard 2906 when building a modular microfluidic system.

[00255] Referring to FIGURES 31A-31D, there are illustrated different types of exemplary microfluidic modules 2904a, 2904b, 2904c, 2904d which can be part of the microfluidic kit 2900 in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure. The microfluidic modules 2904a, 2904b, 2904c, 2904d can be transparent (shown) or non- transparent (not shown). The microfluidic modules 2904a, 2904b, 2904c, 2904d shown include: (1) a mixing microfluidic module 2904a (which is used to mix sample fluids); (2) a detection chamber microfluidic module 2904b (which is used as a biosensor); (3) a reaction microfluidic module 2904c (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 2904d (which is used to separate molecules). Each microfluidic module 2904a, 2904b, 2904c, 2904d has at least two openings 2928 at each of which there can be a magnetic interconnect 2930 (similar to the aforementioned magnetic interconnects 114, 132, 214, 232, 314, 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d, 332, 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d), and an internal channel 2932 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 2904a, 2904b, 2904c, 2904d in addition to having different functions and can have different sizes and shapes (see FIGURE 29B). The microfluidic modules 2904a, 2904b, 2904c, 2904d 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 2904 which have a wide variety of functions could be fabricated and used in this stick-n-play microfluidic system. For example, some alternative microfluidic modules 2904 that could be fabricated and used in a 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.

[00256] 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 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 to 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 can be used for both module-to-module (chip-to-chip) and world-to-chip interconnects.

• Magnetic interconnects between microfluidic modules can be repeatedly connected and disconnected.

• Magnetic interconnects 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 a nd 3D) of integrated microfluidic system can be designed and built with ease.

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

[00257] 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.

[00258] 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.

[00259] 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.

[00260] 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."

[00261] 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.

[00262] While various features, elements or steps of particular embodiments may be disclosed using the transitiona l 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. [00263] Although multiple embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated in the accompanyi ng Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed em bodiments, but is capa ble of numerous rearra ngements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the disclosure as set forth and defined by the following claims.

[00264] I n an aspect (1) the disclosure provides for a microfluidic module (100, 100a, 200, 200a, 300, 300a', 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d) comprising: a body (102, 202, 302, 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d) having a first recess (104, 204, 304, 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d) formed therein and an inlet opening (106, 105a, 206, 205a, 306, 305a', 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d) located within an interior surface (108, 208, 308, 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d) of the first recess, wherein the inlet opening is in communication with a first end (110, 210, 310, 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d) of a n internal cha nnel (112, 212, 312, 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d) located within the body; and, an in let magnetic interconnect (114, 114a, 214, 214a, 314, 314a', 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d) comprisi ng a first ring magnet (116, 116a, 216, 216a, 316, 316a', 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d) having a first opening (118, 118a, 218, 218a, 318, 318a', 318a, 318b, 318c, 318d) extending there through, wherein at least a portion of the first ring magnet is located within the first recess of the body, wherein the first opening is in communication with the inlet opening and the first end of the internal cha nnel, wherein the first ring magnet having one end (120, 220, 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d) adjacent to the interior surface of the first recess of the body and further having an opposi ng end (122, 222, 322, 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d), and wherein the one end of the fi rst ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

[00265] I n another aspect (2) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (1), wherein the inlet magnetic interconnect further comprises a first sealing gasket (242, 242a, 342, 342a', 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d) adjacent to the opposing end of the first ring magnet, and wherein the first sealing gasket has a first hole (244, 244a, 344, 344a', 344a, 344b, 344c, 344d) extending there through where the first hole is in communication with the first opening in the first ring magnet, the inlet opening in the first recess of the body, a nd the first end of the i nternal channe l. [00266] I n another aspect (3) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (1), wherein the first sealing gasket is an O-ring (242, 242a, 342a, 342c) or adhesive ta pe (342, 342a', 342b, 342d).

[00267] I n another aspect (4) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (1), wherein the body having a second recess (124, 224, 324, 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d) formed therein and a n outlet opening (126, 226, 326, 326a, 326b, 326c, 326d) located within an interior surface (128, 228, 328, 328a, 328b, 328c, 328d) of the second recess, wherein the outlet opening is in communication with a second end ( 130, 230, 330, 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d) of the internal channel located within the body; and, an outlet magnetic interconnect (132, 232, 332, 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d) com prising a second ring magnet (134, 234, 334, 334a, 334b, 334c, 334d) having a second opening (136, 236, 336, 336a, 336b, 336c, 336d) extending there through, wherein at least a portion of the second ring magnet is located within the second recess of the body, wherein the second opening is in comm unication with the outlet opening and the second end of the internal channel, wherein the second ring magnet having one end (138, 238, 338, 338a, 338b, 338c, 338d) adjacent to the interior surface of the second recess of the body a nd further having a n opposing end (140, 240, 340, 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d), and wherein the one end of the second ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

[00268] I n another aspect (5) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (4), wherein the outlet magnetic interconnect further com prises a second sealing gasket (246, 346, 346a, 346b, 346c, 346d) adjacent to the opposing end of the second ring magnet, and wherein the second sealing gasket has a second hole (248, 348, 348a, 348b, 348c, 348d) extending there through where the second hole is in communication with the second opening of the second ring magnet, the outlet opening in the second recess of the body, a nd the second end of the internal channel.

[00269] I n another aspect (6) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (5), wherein the second sealing gasket is an O-ring (246, 346a, 346c) or adhesive ta pe (346, 346b, 346d). [00270] In an aspect (7) the disclosure provides for a microfluidic module (2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700) comprising: a body (2102, 2202, 2302, 2402, 2502, 2602, 2702) having an inlet opening (2120, 2206, 2306, 2406, 2506, 2606, 2706) located therein, and an outlet opening (2121, 2208, 2308, 2408, 2508, 2608, 2708) located therein, wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with one another via an internal channel (2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510, 2610, 2710) which is located within the body; an inlet magnetic interconnect (2114, 2214, 2314, 2414, 2514, 2614, 2714) comprising: (i) an inlet recess adapter (2108a, 2219, 2319, 2419, 2519, 2619, 2719) having a first recess (2105a, 2213, 2313, 2413, 2513, 2613, 2713) located therein and a first opening (2106a, 2225, 2325, 2425, 2525, 2625, 2725) located therein, where the first opening is in communication with the first recess, the inlet opening, and the interna l channel; and, (ii) a first ring magnet (2107a, 2218, 2318, 2418, 2518, 2618, 2718) positioned at least partly within the first recess of the inlet recess adapter, the first ring magnet having a hole (2110a, 2207, 2307, 2407, 2507, 2607, 2707) extending there through, wherein the hole of the first ring magnet is in communication with the first opening, the inlet opening, and with the internal channel, wherein the first ring magnet having one end (2109", 2220, 2324, 2420, 2524, 2620, 2724) adjacent to an interior surface of the first recess of the inlet recess adapter and further having an opposing end (2109', 2224, 2320, 2424, 2520, 2624, 2720), and wherein the one end of the first ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; an outlet magnetic interconnect comprising: (i) an outlet recess adapter (2108b, 2229, 2329, 2429, 2529, 2629, 2729) having a second recess (2105b, 2213', 2313', 2413', 2513', 2613', 2713') located therein and a second opening (2106b, 2235, 2335, 2435, 2535, 2635, 2735) located therein, where the second opening is in communication with the second recess, the outlet opening, and the internal channel; and, (ii) a second ring magnet (2107b, 2226, 2326, 2426, 2526, 2626, 2726) positioned at least partly within the second recess of the outlet recess adapter, the second ring magnet having a hole (2110b, 2209, 2309, 2409, 2509, 2609, 2709) extending there through, wherein the hole of the second ring magnet is in communication with the second opening, the outlet opening, and with the internal channel, wherein the second ring magnet having one end (2109", 2230, 2332, 2430, 2532, 2630, 2732) adjacent to an interior surface of the second recess of the outlet recess adapter and further having an opposing end (2109', 2232, 2330, 2432, 2530, 2632, 2730), and wherein the one end of the second ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

[00271] In another aspect (8) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (7), wherein: the inlet recess adapter having a first side (2118, 2221, 2421, 2621 and a second side (2119, 2223, 2423, 2623) that is located opposite of the first side, wherein the first side of the inlet recess adapter has the first recess located therein, and the second side of the inlet recess adapter has the first opening located therein, and wherein the second side of the inlet recess adapter is attached to the body; and, the outlet recess adapter having a first side (2118, 2231, 2431, 2631) and a second side (2119, 2233, 2433, 2633) that is located opposite of the first side, wherein the first side of the outlet recess adapter has the second recess located therein, and the second side of the outlet recess adapter has the second opening located therein, and wherein the second side of the outlet recess adapter is attached to the body.

[00272] In another aspect (9) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (7),

[00273] wherein: the inlet recess adapter having a first side (2321, 2521, 2721) and a second side (2323, 2523, 2723) that is located opposite of the first side, wherein the first side of the inlet recess adapter has the first opening located therein, and the second side of the inlet recess adapter has the first recess located therein, and wherein the second side of the inlet recess adapter is attached to the body; and, the outlet recess adapter having a first side (2331, 2531, 2731) and a second side (2333, 2533, 2733) that is located opposite of the first side, wherein the first side of the outlet recess adapter has the second opening located therein, and the second side of the outlet recess adapter has the second recess located therein, and wherein the second side of the outlet recess adapter is attached to the body.

[00274] In another aspect (10) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (7), further comprising: a first sealing gasket (2111a, 2234, 2334, 2434, 2534, 2634, 2734) attached to the inlet recess adapter, wherein the first sealing gasket has a hole extending there through which is in communication with the hole in the first ring magnet, the first opening in the inlet recess adapter, the inlet opening, and the internal channel; and, a second sealing gasket (2111b, 2236, 2336, 2436, 2536, 2636, 2736) attached to the outlet recess adapter, wherein the second sealing gasket has a hole extending there through which is in communication with the hole in the second ring magnet, the second opening in the outlet recess adapter, the outlet opening, and the interna l channel.

[00275] In another aspect (11) the disclosure provides the microfluidic module of aspect (10), wherein: the first sealing gasket is an O-ring or adhesive tape; and, the second sealing gasket is an O-ring or adhesive tape.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A microfluidic module (100, 100a, 200, 200a, 300, 300a', 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d) comprising:

a body (102, 202, 302, 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d) having a first recess (104, 204, 304, 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d), an inlet opening (106, 105a, 206, 205a, 306, 305a', 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d) located within an interior surface (108, 208, 308, 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d) of the first recess, wherein the inlet opening is in communication with a first end (110, 210, 310, 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d) of an internal channel (112, 212, 312, 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d) located within the body; and,

an inlet magnetic interconnect (114, 114a, 214, 214a, 314, 314a', 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d) comprising a first ring magnet (116, 116a, 216, 216a, 316, 316a', 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d) having a first opening (118, 118a, 218, 218a, 318, 318a', 318a, 318b, 318c, 318d) extending there through, wherein at least a portion of the first ring magnet is located within the first recess of the body, wherein the first opening is in communication with the inlet opening and the first end of the internal channel, wherein the first ring magnet having one end (120, 220, 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d) adjacent to the interior surface of the first recess of the body and further having an opposing end (122, 222, 322, 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d), and wherein the one end of the first ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

2. The microfluidic module of claim 1, wherein the first recess comprises a magnet recess wall (1851) between the first ring magnet (116, 116a, 216, 216a, 316, 316a', 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d) and the internal channel (112, 212, 312, 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d).

3. The microfluidic module of claim 1 or 2, wherein the inlet magnetic interconnect further comprises a first sealing gasket (242, 242a, 342, 342a', 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d) adjacent to the opposing end of the first ring magnet, and wherein the first sealing gasket has a first hole (244, 244a 344, 344a', 344a, 344b, 344c, 344d) extending there through where the first hole is in communication with the first opening in the first ring magnet, the inlet opening in the first recess of the body, and the first end of the internal channel.

4. The microfluidic module of claim 3, wherein the first sealing gasket is an O-ring (242, 242a, 342a, 342c) or adhesive tape (342, 342a', 342b, 342d).

5. The microfluidic module of claim 1, wherein:

the body having a second recess (124, 224, 324, 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d) formed therein and an outlet opening (126, 226, 326, 326a, 326b, 326c, 326d) located within an interior surface (128, 228, 328, 328a, 328b, 328c, 328d) of the second recess, wherein the outlet opening is in communication with a second end (130, 230, 330, 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d) of the internal channel located within the body; and,

an outlet magnetic interconnect (132, 232, 332, 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d) comprising a second ring magnet (134, 234, 334, 334a, 334b, 334c, 334d) having a second opening (136, 236, 336, 336a, 336b, 336c, 336d) extending there through, wherein at least a portion of the second ring magnet is located within the second recess of the body, wherein the second opening is in communication with the outlet opening and the second end of the internal channel, wherein the second ring magnet having one end (138, 238, 338, 338a, 338b, 338c, 338d) adjacent to the interior surface of the second recess of the body and further having an opposing end (140, 240, 340, 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d), and wherein the one end of the second ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

6. The microfluidic module of claim 5, wherein the outlet magnetic interconnect further comprises a second sealing gasket (246, 346, 346a, 346b, 346c, 346d) adjacent to the opposing end of the second ring magnet, and wherein the second sealing gasket has a second hole (248, 348, 348a, 348b, 348c, 348d) extending there through where the second hole is in communication with the second opening of the second ring magnet, the outlet opening in the second recess of the body, a nd the second end of the internal channel.

no

7. The microfluidic module of claim 6, wherein the second sealing gasket is an O-ring (246, 346a, 346c) or adhesive tape (346, 346b, 346d).

8. A modular microfluidic system (150, 250, 350, 350a, 350b, 350c, 350d) comprising: a plurality of microfluidic modules (100, 200, 300, 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d);

each microfluidic module comprising

a body (102, 202, 302, 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d) having a first recess (104, 204, 304, 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d) and an inlet opening (106, 206, 306, 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d) located within an interior surface (108, 208, 308, 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d) of the first recess, wherein the inlet opening is in comm unication with a first end (110, 210, 310, 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d) of an internal channel (112, 212, 312, 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d) in the body;

an inlet magnetic interconnect (114, 214, 314, 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d) comprising a first ring magnet (116, 216, 316, 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d) having a first opening (118, 218, 318, 318a, 318b, 318c, 318d) extending there through, wherein at least a portion of the first ring magnet is located within the first recess of the body, wherein the first opening is in communication with the inlet opening and the first end of the internal channel, wherein the first ring magnet having one end (120, 220, 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d) adjacent to the interior surface of the first recess of the body and further having an opposing end (122, 222, 322, 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d), and wherein the one end of the first ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity;

the body having a second recess (124, 224, 324, 324a, 324b, 324c, 324d) formed therein and an outlet opening (126, 226, 326, 326a, 326b, 326c, 326d) located within a n interior surface (128, 228, 328, 328a, 328b, 328c, 328d) of the second recess, wherein the outlet opening is in communication with a second end (130, 230, 330, 330a, 330b, 330c, 330d) of the internal channel located within the body; and,

an outlet magnetic interconnect (132, 232, 332, 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d) comprising a second ring magnet (134, 234, 334, 334a, 334b, 334c, 334d) having a second opening (136, 236, 336, 336a, 336b, 336c, 336d) extending there through, wherein at least a portion of the second ring magnet is located within the second recess of the body, wherein i l l the second opening is in communication with the outlet opening and the second end of the internal channel, wherein the second ring magnet having one end (138, 238, 338, 338a, 338b, 338c, 338d) adjacent to the interior surface of the second recess of the body and further having an opposing end (140, 240, 340, 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d), and wherein the one end of the second ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; and,

one of the microfluidic modules is magnetically coupled to another one of the microfluidic modules when the one microfluidic module has the opposing end of the second ring magnet magnetically coupled to the opposing end of the first ring 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.

9. The modular microfluidic system of claim 8, wherein:

the inlet magnetic interconnect further comprises a first sealing gasket (242, 342, 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d) adjacent to the opposing end of the first ring magnet, and wherein the first sealing gasket has a first hole (244, 344, 344a, 344b, 344c, 344d) extending there through where the first hole is in communication with the first opening in the first ring magnet, the inlet opening in the first recess of the body, and the first end of the internal channel; and,

the outlet magnetic interconnect further comprises a second sealing gasket (246, 346, 346a, 346b, 346c, 346d) adjacent to the opposing end of the second ring magnet, and wherein the second sealing gasket has a second hole (248, 348, 348a, 348b, 348c, 348d) extending there through where the second hole is in communication with the second opening of the second ring magnet, the outlet opening in the second recess of the body, and the second end of the internal channel.

10. The modular microfluidic system of claim 9, wherein:

the first sealing gasket is an O-ring (242, 342a, 342c) or adhesive tape (342, 342b, 342d); and, the second sealing gasket is an O-ring (246, 346a, 346c) or adhesive tape (346, 346b,

346d).

11. The modular microfluidic system of claim 8, further comprising a base platform.

12. The modular microfluidic system of claim 8, wherein each of the microfluidic modules includes one of following:

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.

13. A microfluidic module (2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700) comprising:

a body (2102, 2202, 2302, 2402, 2502, 2602, 2702) having an inlet opening (2120, 2206, 2306, 2406, 2506, 2606, 2706) located therein, and an outlet opening (2121, 2208, 2308, 2408, 2508, 2608, 2708) located therein, wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with one another via an internal channel (2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510, 2610, 2710) which is located within the body;

an inlet magnetic interconnect (2114, 2214, 2314, 2414, 2514, 2614, 2714) comprising:

an inlet recess adapter (2108a, 2219, 2319, 2419, 2519, 2619, 2719) having a first recess (2105a, 2213, 2313, 2413, 2513, 2613, 2713) located therein and a first opening (2106a, 2225, 2325, 2425, 2525, 2625, 2725) located therein, where the first opening is in communication with the first recess, the inlet opening, and the interna l channel; and,

a first ring magnet (2107a, 2218, 2318, 2418, 2518, 2618, 2718) positioned at least partly within the first recess of the inlet recess adapter, the first ring magnet having a hole (2110a, 2207, 2307, 2407, 2507, 2607, 2707) extending there through, wherein the hole of the first ring magnet is in communication with the first opening, the inlet opening, and with the internal channel, wherein the first ring magnet having one end (2109", 2220, 2324, 2420, 2524, 2620, 2724) adjacent to an interior surface of the first recess of the inlet recess adapter and further having an opposing end (2109', 2224, 2320, 2424, 2520, 2624, 2720) , and wherein the one end of the first ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity;

an outlet magnetic interconnect comprising:

an outlet recess adapter (2108b, 2229, 2329, 2429, 2529, 2629, 2729) having a second recess (2105b, 2213', 2313', 2413', 2513', 2613', 2713') located therein and a second opening (2106b, 2235, 2335, 2435, 2535, 2635, 2735) located therein, where the second opening is in communication with the second recess, the outlet opening, and the internal channel; and,

a second ring magnet (2107b, 2226, 2326, 2426, 2526, 2626, 2726) positioned at least partly within the second recess of the outlet recess adapter, the second ring magnet having a hole (2110b, 2209, 2309, 2409, 2509, 2609, 2709) extending there through, wherein the hole of the second ring magnet is in communication with the second opening, the outlet opening, and with the internal channel, wherein the second ring magnet having one end (2109", 2230, 2332, 2430, 2532, 2630, 2732) adjacent to an interior surface of the second recess of the outlet recess adapter and further having an opposing end (2109', 2232, 2330, 2432, 2530, 2632, 2730), and wherein the one end of the second ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

14. The microfluidic module of claim 13, wherein:

the inlet recess adapter having a first side (2118, 2221, 2421, 2621) and a second side (2119, 2223, 2423, 2623) that is located opposite of the first side, wherein the first side of the inlet recess adapter has the first recess located therein, and the second side of the inlet recess adapter has the first opening located therein, and wherein the second side of the inlet recess adapter is attached to the body; and,

the outlet recess adapter having a first side (2118, 2231, 2431, 2631) and a second side (2119, 2233, 2433, 2633) that is located opposite of the first side, wherein the first side of the outlet recess adapter has the second recess located therein, and the second side of the outlet recess adapter has the second opening located therein, and wherein the second side of the outlet recess adapter is attached to the body.

15. The microfluidic module of claim 14, wherein the recess adapter further comprises a a magnet recess wall (1851) between the first ring magnet (116, 116a, 216, 216a, 316, 316a', 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d) and the internal channel (112, 212, 312, 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d).

16. The microfluidic module of claim 14 or 15, wherein:

the inlet recess adapter having a first side (2321, 2521, 2721) and a second side (2323, 2523, 2723) that is located opposite of the first side, wherein the first side of the inlet recess adapter has the first opening located therein, and the second side of the inlet recess adapter has the first recess located therein, and wherein the second side of the inlet recess adapter is attached to the body; and,

the outlet recess adapter having a first side (2331, 2531, 2731) and a second side (2333, 2533, 2733) that is located opposite of the first side, wherein the first side of the outlet recess adapter has the second opening located therein, and the second side of the outlet recess adapter has the second recess located therein, and wherein the second side of the outlet recess adapter is attached to the body.

17. The microfluidic module of claim 16, further comprising:

a first sealing gasket (2111a, 2234, 2334, 2434, 2534, 2634, 2734) attached to the inlet recess adapter, wherein the first sealing gasket has a hole extending there through which is in communication with the hole in the first ring magnet, the first opening in the inlet recess adapter, the inlet opening, and the internal channel; and,

a second sealing gasket (2111b, 2236, 2336, 2436, 2536, 2636, 2736) attached to the outlet recess adapter, wherein the second sealing gasket has a hole extending there through which is in communication with the hole in the second ring magnet, the second opening in the outlet recess adapter, the outlet opening, and the internal channel.

18. The microfluidic module of claim 17, wherein:

the first sealing gasket is an O-ring or adhesive tape; and,

the second sealing gasket is an O-ring or adhesive tape.

19. A modular microfluidic system comprising:

a plurality of microfluidic modules;

each microfluidic module comprising;

an inlet recess adapter (2108a, 2219, 2319, 2419, 2519, 2619, 2719) having a first recess (2105a, 2213, 2313, 2413, 2513, 2613, 2713) located therein and a first opening (2106a, 2225, 2325, 2425, 2525, 2625, 2725) located therein, where the first opening is in communication with the first recess, the inlet opening, and the interna l channel; and, a first ring magnet (2107a, 2218, 2318, 2418, 2518, 2618, 2718) positioned at least partly within the first recess of the inlet recess adapter, the first ring magnet having a hole (2110a, 2207, 2307, 2407, 2507, 2607, 2707) extending there through, wherein the hole of the first ring magnet is in communication with the first opening, the inlet opening, and with the internal channel, wherein the first ring magnet having one end (2109", 2220, 2324, 2420, 2524, 2620, 2724) adjacent to an interior surface of the first recess of the inlet recess adapter and further having an opposing end (2109', 2224, 2320, 2424, 2520, 2624, 2720) , and wherein the one end of the first ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity;

an outlet magnetic interconnect comprising:

a second ring magnet (2107b, 2226, 2326, 2426, 2526, 2626, 2726) positioned at least partly within the second recess of the outlet recess adapter, the second ring magnet having a hole (2110b, 2209, 2309, 2409, 2509, 2609, 2709) extending there through, wherein the hole of the second ring magnet is in communication with the second opening, the outlet opening, and with the internal channel, wherein the second ring magnet having one end (2109", 2230, 2332, 2430, 2532, 2630, 2732) adjacent to an interior surface of the second recess of the outlet recess adapter and further having an opposing end (2109', 2232, 2330, 2432, 2530, 2632, 2730), and wherein the one end of the second ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity; and,

20. The modular microfluidic system of claim 19, wherein each microfluidic module further comprises:

21. The modular microfluidic system of claim 20, wherein:

the first sealing gasket is an O-ring or adhesive tape; and,

the second sealing gasket is an O-ring or adhesive tape.

22. The modular microfluidic system of claim 21, further comprising a base platform.

23. The modular microfluidic system of claim 22, wherein each of the microfluidic modules includes one of following:

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.

24. A microfluidic kit (2900) comprising:

a motherboard (2906) having a top surface (2908) with a plurality of channels (2910) formed therein;

a plurality of channel inserts (2902a, 2902b, 2902c, 2902d, 2902e, 2902f, 2902g, 2902h, 2902i, 2902j, 2902k), 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 (2925); and,

a plurality of microfluidic modules (2904a, 2904b, 2904c, 2904d), each microfluidic module having a plurality of magnetic interconnects (2930), wherein one of the microfluidic modules is magnetically coupled to one of the channel inserts such that there is gas or 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.

25. The microfluidic kit of claim 24, wherein at least one of the microfluidic modules comprises:

a body (102, 202, 302, 302a, 302b, 302c, 302d) having a first recess (104, 204, 304, 304a, 304b, 304c, 304d) formed therein and an inlet opening (106, 206, 306, 306a, 306b, 306c, 306d) located within an interior surface (108, 208, 308, 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d) of the first recess, wherein the inlet opening is in communication with a first end (110, 210, 310, 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d) of an internal channel (112, 212, 312, 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d) located within the body;

the inlet magnetic interconnect (114, 214, 314, 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d) comprising a first ring magnet (116, 216, 316, 316a, 316b, 316c, 316d) having a first opening (118, 218, 318, 318a, 318b, 318c, 318d) extending there through, wherein at least a portion of the first ring magnet is located within the first recess of the body, wherein the first opening is in communication with the inlet opening and the first end of the internal channel, wherein the first ring magnet having one end (120, 220, 320, 320a, 320b, 320c, 320d) adjacent to the interior surface of the first recess of the body and further having an opposing end (122, 222, 322, 322a, 322b, 322c, 322d), and wherein the one end of the first ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity;

the outlet magnetic interconnect (132, 232, 332, 332a, 332b, 332c, 332d) comprising a second ring magnet (134, 234, 334, 334a, 334b, 334c, 334d) having a second opening (136, 236, 336, 336a, 336b, 336c, 336d) extending there through, wherein at least a portion of the second ring magnet is located within the second recess of the body, wherein the second opening is in communication with the outlet opening and the second end of the internal channel, wherein the second ring magnet having one end (138, 238, 338, 338a, 338b, 338c, 338d) adjacent to the interior surface of the second recess of the body and further having an opposing end (140, 240, 340, 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d), and wherein the one end of the second ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

26. The microfluidic kit of claim 25, wherein:

the inlet magnetic interconnect further comprises a first sealing gasket (242, 342, 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d) adjacent to the opposing end of the first ring magnet, and wherein the first sealing gasket having a first hole (244, 344, 344a, 344b, 344c, 344d) extending there through where the first hole is in communication with the first opening in the first ring magnet, the inlet opening in the first recess of the body, and the first end of the internal channel; and,

the outlet magnetic interconnect further comprises a second sealing gasket (246, 346, 346a, 346b, 346c, 346d) adjacent to the opposing end of the second ring magnet, and wherein the second sealing gasket having a second hole (248, 348, 348a, 348b, 348c, 348d) extending there through where the second hole is in communication with the second opening of the second ring magnet, the outlet opening in the second recess of the body, and the second end of the internal channel.

27. The microfluidic kit of claim 26, wherein at least one of the microfluidic modules comprises:

an outlet magnetic interconnect comprising: an outlet recess adapter (2108b, 2229, 2329, 2429, 2529, 2629, 2729) having a second recess (2105b, 2213', 2313', 2413', 2513', 2613', 2713') located therein and a second opening (2106b, 2235, 2335, 2435, 2535, 2635, 2735) located therein, where the second opening is in communication with the second recess, the outlet opening, and the internal channel; and,

28. The microfluidic kit of claim 27, wherein the at least one of the microfluidic modules further comprising:

29. The microfluidic kit of claim 28, wherein each channel insert comprises: a body having a first recess formed therein and an inlet opening (2924) located within an interior surface of the first recess, wherein the inlet opening is in communication with a first end of an internal channel (2926) located within the body;

the inlet magnetic interconnect (2925) comprising a first ring magnet having a first opening extending there through, wherein at least a portion of the first ring magnet is located within the first recess of the body, wherein the first opening is in comm unication with the inlet opening and the first end of the internal channel, wherein the first ring magnet having one end adjacent to the interior surface of the first recess of the body and further having an opposing end, and wherein the one end of the first ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the first ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity;

the body having a second recess formed therein and an outlet opening (2924) located within an interior surface of the second recess, wherein the outlet opening is in communication with a second end of the internal channel located within the body; and, the outlet magnetic interconnect (2925) comprising a second ring magnet having a second opening extending there through, wherein at least a portion of the second ring magnet is located within the second recess of the body, wherein the second opening is in communication with the outlet opening and the second end of the internal channel, wherein the second ring magnet having one end adjacent to the interior surface of the second recess of the body and further having an opposing end, and wherein the one end of the second ring magnet has a magnetic polarity and the opposing end of the second ring magnet has an opposing magnetic polarity.

30. The microfluidic kit of claim 29, wherein:

the inlet magnetic interconnect further comprises a first sealing gasket adjacent to the opposing end of the first ring magnet, and wherein the first sealing gasket having a first hole extending there through where the first hole is in communication with the first opening in the first ring magnet, the inlet opening in the first recess of the body, and the first end of the interna l channel; and,

the outlet magnetic interconnect further comprises a second sealing gasket adjacent to the opposing end of the second ring magnet, and wherein the second sealing gasket having a second hole extending there through where the second hole is in communication with the second opening of the second ring magnet, the outlet opening in the second recess of the body, and the second end of the internal channel.

31. The microfluidic kit of any one of claims 24-30, wherein each of the microfluidic modules is one of following:

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.

32. An inlet-outlet microfluidic module (1800, 1800', 1900, 1900', 2050, 2050') comprising:

a body (1802, 1902, 2052) having a first side (1804, 1904, 2054) and a second side (1806, 1906, 2056) that is located opposite of the first side, wherein the body further comprises a recess (1808, 1908, 2058) located on the second side or the first side, and an opening (1810, 1910, 2060) located in the first side or the second side, where the opening is in communication via a n interior channel (1812, 1912, 2062) with an another opening (1810, 1910, 2060) located within a surface (1816, 1916, 2066) of the recess; and,

a ring magnetic (1818, 1918, 2068) positioned at least partly within the recess, the ring magnet having a hole (1820, 1920, 2070) 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 (1822, 1922, 2072) adjacent to the surface of the recess of the body and further having an opposing end (1824, 1924, 2074), 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.

33. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module of claim 32, further comprising a sealing gasket (1826) attached to the opposing end of the ring magnet and the second side of the body, wherein the sealing gasket has a hole (1828) extending there through where the hole is in communication with the hole in the ring magnet, the opening in the recess of the body, the internal channel, and the opening in the first side of the body.

34. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module of claim 33, further comprising:

a cap (1926) attached to the opposing end of the ring magnet and the second side of the body; a nd,

a sealing gasket (1936) attached to the cap, wherein the sealing gasket has a hole (1938) extending there through where the hole is in communication with a hole in the cap, the hole in the ring magnet, the opening in the recess of the body, the interna l channel, and the opening in the first side of the body.

35. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module of any one of claims 32-34, further comprising a tube (1830, 1940, 2084) positioned within at least the interior channel, and within at least a portion of the hole of the ring magnet.

36. The inlet-outlet microfluidic module of claim 35, further com prising a well (1830', 1940', 2084') having a hole (1834', 1944', 2088') located therein, wherein the well has a side (1832c', 1942c', 2086c') with the hole located therein, and wherein the side of the well is attached to the first side (1804, 1904, 2054) of the body (1802, 1902, 2052), or a sealing tape (2080) attached to the first side (2054) of the body (2052).