Devices and methods for biological sample-to-answer and analysis

A device comprising:

• a top structure;
• a bottom structure;
• a connecting structure, wherein the connecting structure connects the top structure to the bottom structure;
• and
• a cartridge comprising:
• a first part, wherein the first part is transparent to electromagnetic waves of a desired wavelength range and has an inner surface defining a first surface of at least one reaction chamber;
• a central part, attached to the first part, wherein the central part has an inner surface defining sidewalls of the at least one reaction chamber;
• and
• a metal back plate, attached to the central part, wherein the metal back plate has an inner surface defining a second surface of the at least one reaction chamber,
• wherein the first part comprises:
• a transparent top layer configured to act as a waveguide and focus or direct electromagnetic waves onto the at least one reaction chamber;
• at least one prism, attached to a side of the transparent top layer and configured to focus or direct electromagnetic waves onto the transparent top layer;
• at least one handle;
• at least one opening in the transparent top layer;
• and
• at least one fluidics channel connecting the at least one opening to the at least one reaction chamber, the cartridge attached to the top structure or the bottom structure;
• wherein the top structure comprises
• a first plurality of containers, each container of the first plurality of containers having:
• a top opening, wherein the top opening has a sealing element which can slide inside the container while substantially maintaining a seal;
• a central part;
• a bottom opening;
• at least two ports in at least one container of the first plurality of containers, the at least two ports comprising
• a first port configured for air venting;
• a second port configured for fluid insertion;
• a sealing cap for each port;
• the bottom structure comprises
• a second plurality of containers, each container of the second plurality of containers having:
• a top opening;
• a central part;
• a bottom opening, wherein the bottom opening has a sealing element;
• the connecting structure comprises
• at least one fluidics channel;
• a supporting element which can slide, rotate or move within a plane, thereby establishing a fluidics connection, through the at least one fluidics channel, between:
• i) the bottom opening of at least one container of the first plurality of containers and the top opening of at least one container of the second plurality of containers, while substantially sealing other bottom openings of the first plurality of containers and other top openings of the second plurality of containers;
• ii) the bottom opening of at least one container of the first plurality of containers and the at least one opening of the cartridge, while substantially sealing other bottom openings of the first plurality of containers and the top openings of the second plurality of containers;
• or
• iii) the top opening of at least one container of the second plurality of containers and the at least one opening of the cartridge, while substantially sealing the bottom openings of the first plurality of containers and other top openings of the second plurality of containers.