Disposable, integrated microfluidic cartridge and methods of making and using same

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments concern microfluidic cartridges for detecting biological reactions. In some embodiments, the microfluidic cartridges are configured to perform sequencing operations on a nucleic acid sample. In one aspect, a microfluidic cartridge includes a stack of fluidics layers defining channels and valves for processing the nucleic acid sample to be sequenced, and a solid state CMOS biosensor integrated in the stack. The biosensor has an active area configured to detect signals of biological reactions, wherein substantially all of the active area is available for reagent delivery and illumination during operation. In another aspect, a microfluidic cartridge includes: (a) a flow cell including a reaction site area encompassing one or more reaction sites; (b) fluidics channels for delivering reactants to and/or removing reactants from the reaction site area; (c) a biosensor having an active area configured to detect signals of biological reactions in the reaction site area. The reaction site area is proximal to the active area of the biosensor and the reaction site area spans substantially all of the active area of the biosensor. In some embodiments, the fluidics channels do not substantially overlap with the active area of the biosensor. Methods for manufacturing and operating the microfluidic cartridges are also disclosed.