Porous members can be positioned so as to partially or fully span channels in microfluidic systems. The porous members can be assembled and / or disassembled in situ. The porous members can be made such that pores are separated by connections including but a single molecule at one location, allowing for a high level of open area in a very small pore size member. The porous member can be made up of
colloid particles interconnected with molecular species. These can be used to detect analytes qualitatively and / or quantitatively, or to selectively bind and / or release agents on command for a variety of purposes including first blocking, then opening a channel, concentrating
analyte over time followed by release of
analyte and detection downstream, etc. Porous members can define valves in multiple-channel systems and, with controlled binding and release of agents at the porous members, these valves can be opened and closed and fluid flow controlled in a multi-channel
system. Fluidic systems of the invention can include multiple sensing locations at which different analytes are determined. Systems of the invention provide flexibility for overall microchemical analysis, sequentially, of a variety of agents.