Microfluidic device with reaction sites configured for blind filling

A microfluidic device comprising:

• (a) an input flow channel or an interconnected network of such channels that receives a liquid sample into the device;
• (b) a plurality of blind flow channels each having only a single connection through which to introduce a fluid, the single connection being a connection from the input flow channel or network;
• wherein the blind flow channels have at least one wall made from a material that is sufficiently porous such that when a liquid sample is introduced into the input flow channel or network, it flows into the blind flow channels while air passes out through the permeable material;
• and
• (c) a valve controlling flow through each of a plurality of the blind flow channels, wherein each valve is situated so that when the valve closes, a portion of the respective blind flow channel is fluidically isolated from the input flow channel, thereby forming an isolated reaction site;
• wherein a plurality of the valves is coordinately controlled with a control line or an interconnected network of control lines that can be actuated by way of a single port or inlet to close all the valves at the same time when sufficient pressure is applied.

A microfluidic device comprising:

• (a) an input flow channel or an interconnected network of such channels that receives a liquid sample into the device;
• (b) a plurality of blind flow channels each having only a single connection through which to introduce a fluid, the single connection being a connection from the input flow channel or network;
• wherein the blind flow channels are formed in a material that is permeable to air but not liquid, such that when a liquid sample is introduced into the input flow channel or network, it flows into the blind flow channels while air passes out through the permeable material;
• and
• (c) different reagent compositions deposited on one side of each of a plurality of the blind flow channels, the reagent compositions each containing a component that will react with an analyte if the analyte is present in a sample introduced into the respective blind flow channel,
• wherein the compositions are incorporated during manufacture of the device by depositing them onto an elastomeric layer, and then surrounding each deposit with additional elastomeric layers to form one of the blind flow channels.