Devices and methods for mesofluidic and/or microfluidic processes

A system for the thermal processing of reagents, the system comprising:

• a heater block that emits heat;
• a first elastomeric membrane;
• and
• a second elastomeric membrane positioned adjacent the first elastomeric membrane, wherein a portion of the second elastomeric membrane is sealed to a portion of the first elastomeric membrane to define a first chamber positioned and arranged to receive the heat from the heater block.

A mixing system comprising:

• a first elastomeric membrane;
• a second elastomeric membrane positioned adjacent the first elastomeric membrane, wherein a portion of the second elastomeric membrane is sealed to a portion of the first elastomeric membrane to form a channel, a first mixing chamber, and a second mixing chamber;
• a first piston configured to interact with the first mixing chamber;
• and
• a second piston configured to interact with the second mixing chamber.

A magnetic bead handling system comprising:

• a first elastomeric membrane;
• a second elastomeric membrane positioned adjacent the first elastomeric membrane, wherein a portion of the second elastomeric membrane is sealed to a portion of the first elastomeric membrane to form a channel, a first mixing chamber, and a second mixing chamber;
• and
• a magnet positioned outside of the first and second mixing chambers, the magnet configured to be selectively moved to a position in which a magnetic field from the magnet extends into at least one of the first and second mixing chambers.

A cartridge comprising:

• a chassis comprising a top surface and a bottom surface and defining a first opening and a second opening each extending from the bottom surface to the top surface;
• a first elastomeric membrane connected to the bottom surface of the chassis and comprising:
• an unsealed portion defining at least a portion of a channel that conveys a fluid, and
• a sealed portion circumscribing the unsealed portion;
• a second elastomeric membrane comprising:
• a sealed portion fixedly connected to the sealed portion of the first elastomeric membrane, and the sealed portion of the first elastomeric membrane and the sealed portion of the second elastomeric membrane define at least a portion of the perimeter of the channel, and
• a flexible layer connected to the top surface of the chassis to encapsulate a reagent on the cartridge, in vertical alignment with the first opening;
• wherein the first elastomeric membrane comprises one or more open portions that overlap at least the first and second openings, and the channel leads to the one or more open portions.