Interface component for a microfluidic device, assemblies, and method for extracting particles from a sample

An interface component, suitable for cooperating with a microfluidic device, the interface component comprising,

• one or more elements which can be selectively connected to a pneumatic system which can provide a positive and/or negative air flow to the one or more elements;
• wherein each of the one or more elements comprises, an input port which can be selectively fluidly connected to a pneumatic system;
• a flow restrictor arranged in fluid communication with the input port, wherein the flow restrictor can restrict the flow of fluid through the element;
• and an aerosol filter which is arranged to be in fluid communication with the flow restrictor;
• and
• wherein the interface component further comprises one or more outlets, each of the one or more outlets being in fluid communication with a respective element, so that fluid can flow from the element out of the interface component via the one or more outlets;
• and wherein each of the one or more outlets can be selectively arranged to be in fluid communication with a respective reservoir of a microfluidic device, wherein the interface component further comprises one or more magnetic assemblies, each of the magnetic assemblies comprise,
• a plunger, having a shaft wherein one end of the shaft is connected to a means for generating a magnetic field;
• a biasing means which biases the shaft in a first direction;
• and
• an electromagnet, which cooperates with the shaft, such that operating the electromagnet forces the shaft to move against in a second, opposite, direction, against the biasing force of the biasing means.