Microfluidic systems

A microfluidic system, comprising:

• a modular microfluidic chip having a given configuration of microfeatures including a plurality of diaphragm valves, each of which is actuated by a pneumatic signal disposed in relation to only a single surface of the chip;
• a separate, modular replaceable chip manifold having a plurality of only pneumatic ports on an underside thereof and a plurality of only pneumatic channels disposed therein in fluid connection with both the plurality of valves and the plurality of pneumatic ports, wherein said plurality of pneumatic ports have a fixed configuration, and said plurality of pneumatic channels have a given configuration specifically corresponding to the given configuration of the plurality of valves, removably connected to the microfluidic chip;
• and
• a separate, modular pneumatic manifold having a plurality of apertures that provide a passage of the pneumatic signal therethrough, in fluid connection with said plurality of pneumatic ports, wherein said plurality of apertures have a fixed configuration specifically corresponding to the fixed configuration of the plurality of pneumatic ports of the chip manifold, removably connected to the chip manifold,
• wherein the modular replaceable chip manifold is disposed in between and in direct contact with the modular microfluidic chip and the modular pneumatic manifold, and the microfluidic system is a reconfigurable system due to the modular microfluidic chip, the separate, modular replaceable chip manifold, and the separate, modular pneumatic manifold.