Biochips and related automated analyzers and methods

A biochip comprising a plurality of releasably engageable stacked cards with at least one gasket between neighboring cards with layers of gasket and cards defining microfluidic flow channels, wherein the channels extend upward or downward for a first distance corresponding to a thickness of a first card, laterally for a second distance along a substantially horizontal surface of the first card, the second distance corresponding to a width of a first gasket aperture, then extending upward or downward for a third distance corresponding to a thickness of a second card, then laterally for a fourth distance along a substantially horizontal surface of the second card, the fourth distance corresponding to a width of a second gasket aperture,

• wherein the gaskets are thermoplastic elastomer gaskets, wherein the gasket apertures have a box shape, and wherein the card apertures have a rectangular shape, with a width dimension of the card apertures being a minor portion of a width dimension of the gasket apertures, and with a length dimension of the card apertures being substantially the same as a length dimension of the gasket apertures.

A biochip, comprising:

• a plurality of stackable card/gasket members, each member having an opposing upper and lower surface and a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, the stackable members being aligned so that the apertures define fluidic flow channels, wherein the channels have a series of repeating and alternating substantially horizontal and substantially vertical surfaces defined by adjacent card member and gasket member layers, with at least some of the substantially horizontal surfaces defining at least one analytical site having at least one bioactive material, wherein the card members are rigid members and the gasket members are elastically compressible members.