Method for analyzing a liquid sample in a microfluidic device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for analyzing a liquid sample, implemented in a microfluidic device comprising several microfluidic elements connected in series by microfluidic channels, from upstream to downstream, between a microfluidic inlet (1) and a microfluidic outlet (2) opening to the outside. Said method consists of: Isolating a microfluidic analysis chamber (C2) by keeping an inlet microfluidic valve (V1) and an outlet microfluidic valve (V4) closed during analysis of the liquid sample in said analysis microfluidic chamber (C2); and using a protective microfluidic chamber (C3) to trap bubbles generated by the pneumatic actuation of at least one microfluidic valve of the microfluidic device. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method for analyzing a liquid sample in a microfluidic device Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for analyzing a liquid sample in a microfluidic device. The method of the invention makes it possible in particular to manage the presence of bubbles which may appear in the device during the analysis. State of the art

[0002] The analysis of a liquid sample can be implemented using a microfluidic cartridge, associated with an analysis device. The microfluidic cartridge integrates a microfluidic network composed in particular of microfluidic capsules and channels, organized to treat the liquid sample and allow its analysis directly in the microfluidic cartridge. For this, the capsules can have the function of chambers, valves or pumps in order to control the fluid flows.

[0003] Documents EP3541514A1, EP3085444A1, US2012 / 064597A1, US2013 / 130262A1, US2007 / 166199A1 and US2006 / 076068A1 describe different arrangements using such microfluidic capsules.

[0004] A microfluidic capsule comprises a microfluidic chamber into which at least one inlet channel opens and from which at least one outlet channel emerges. A membrane is controlled to deform in said chamber in order to confer two distinct states to the capsule, a first state in which the inlet channel and the outlet channel communicate with each other through the chamber so as to allow a transfer of fluid by filling the chamber, and a second state in which the membrane blocks the communication between the two channels, preventing the flow of fluid and the filling of the chamber of the capsule. The control of the membrane between its two states will for example be carried out using a pneumatic actuation system, for example by exerting a positive pressure or a negative pressure on it.

[0005] One of the chambers of the microfluidic network may be an analysis chamber as described in patent application EP3462162A1. The analysis is for example an optical analysis. In this patent application, to implement a reliable optical analysis, the analysis chamber has a specific architecture so that any bubbles present remain outside the optical reading zone. These bubbles are notably generated during the injection of the sample into the chamber.

[0006] The deformable membranes used at the microfluidic capsules of a microfluidic cartridge are porous to air, and when they are maintained in a state by pneumatic effect, air bubbles can thus propagate in the microfluidic network because of this porosity. The risk of injecting bubbles into the microfluidic network is all the greater when the pressure applied to the membrane to keep it in position is high and the duration of the pressure application is long, which is particularly the case for the valves in the network.

[0007] For long protocols including temperature incubations, the problem of membrane porosity and therefore of bubble creation in the microfluidic chambers therefore becomes critical for the analysis.

[0008] There are many types of biological protocols requiring long incubations and / or high temperatures (above 30°C): amplification of nucleic acids (heating 65° or 95°C), incubation during immunological tests, incubation for cell cultures, etc.

[0009] Similarly, it is known that high temperatures (60°C-90°C) can promote the formation of bubbles in a microfluidic network.

[0010] When carrying out this type of protocol in a microfluidic cartridge, the risk of injecting bubbles into the reaction zones is significant and can disrupt the biological reaction and alter the interpretation of the images, and thus lead to erroneous results.

[0011] The aim of the invention is to propose a method making it possible to prevent the bubbles generated both by the pneumatic actuation of the membranes of the microfluidic capsules (valves, pumps, chambers, etc.) and the high temperatures during the implementation of the reactions from disturbing the analysis carried out in a microfluidic chamber of the network. Statement of the invention

[0012] This aim is achieved by a method for analyzing a liquid sample, implemented in a microfluidic device which comprises several microfluidic elements connected in series to each other by microfluidic channels, from upstream to downstream, between a microfluidic inlet and a microfluidic outlet opening onto the outside, said microfluidic elements comprising: - A microfluidic chamber, called an analysis chamber, receiving the said liquid sample to be analyzed, - A microfluidic inlet valve arranged between said microfluidic analysis chamber and the microfluidic inlet, - A microfluidic outlet valve arranged between said microfluidic analysis chamber and said microfluidic outlet, - A protective microfluidic chamber, arranged between the analysis microfluidic chamber and the outlet microfluidic valve, and a first valve intermediate microfluidic chamber arranged between the analysis microfluidic chamber and said protection microfluidic chamber, - Each microfluidic valve being pneumatically actuated and comprising a cavity and a deformable membrane inside the cavity, so as to confer two distinct states to the valve, an open state in which it allows a liquid to pass and a closed state in which it blocks the passage of the liquid, - Said method consisting of: - Isolating said microfluidic analysis chamber by keeping the inlet microfluidic valve and the outlet microfluidic valve in the closed state during an analysis of the liquid sample in said microfluidic analysis chamber, - Controlling said first intermediate microfluidic valve in the open state during the analysis of the liquid sample carried out in the microfluidic analysis chamber and using the microfluidic protection chamber to trap the bubbles generated by the pneumatic actuation of at least one microfluidic valve of the microfluidic device.

[0013] According to a particular feature, each microfluidic chamber is capable of taking two states, a first open state in which it is capable of filling with the liquid sample, allowing passage of the liquid sample from upstream to downstream, and a closed state in which it is empty of the liquid sample and blocks the passage of the liquid sample from upstream to downstream, said method being characterized in that it comprises a prior step of calibrating the liquid sample, comprising steps of: - Injection of the liquid sample through the microfluidic inlet into a microfluidic chamber known as the calibration chamber by opening the microfluidic inlet valve and closing a second intermediate microfluidic valve arranged between the microfluidic calibration chamber and the microfluidic analysis chamber.

[0014] According to another feature, the method comprises a step of moving the liquid sample from the microfluidic calibration chamber to the microfluidic analysis chamber by pumping the liquid sample, passing the second intermediate microfluidic valve, the microfluidic analysis chamber, the first intermediate microfluidic valve and the microfluidic protection chamber, each chamber and valve passing from the closed state to the open state.

[0015] According to another feature, the method comprises a step of emptying the microfluidic calibration chamber, implemented by first controlling the second intermediate microfluidic valve to the closed state, then controlling the microfluidic calibration chamber to empty it by switching the inlet microfluidic valve to the open state.

[0016] According to another feature, the method comprises a step of producing a chemical barrier during the analysis of the liquid sample in the microfluidic analysis chamber by placing a chemical barrier compound at the microfluidic inlet.

[0017] According to another feature, the chemical barrier compound is used to clean the microfluidic calibration chamber, the microfluidic analysis chamber and the microfluidic protection chamber.

[0018] The invention also relates to a microfluidic device used to implement the analysis method as defined above, the device comprising: - A microfluidic inlet and a microfluidic outlet and at least one microfluidic module connected between the microfluidic inlet (1) and the microfluidic outlet, - Said at least one microfluidic module comprising: • A microfluidic chamber, called an analysis chamber, receiving the said liquid sample to be analyzed, • A microfluidic inlet valve arranged between said microfluidic analysis chamber and the microfluidic inlet, • A microfluidic outlet valve arranged between said microfluidic analysis chamber and said microfluidic outlet, • A protective microfluidic chamber, arranged between the analysis microfluidic chamber and the outlet microfluidic valve, and a first intermediate microfluidic valve arranged between the analysis microfluidic chamber and said protective microfluidic chamber, - Each microfluidic valve being pneumatically actuated and comprising a cavity and a deformable membrane inside the cavity, so as to confer two distinct states to the valve, an open state in which it allows a liquid to pass and a closed state in which it blocks the passage of the liquid, - A pneumatic actuation system capable of exerting positive or negative pressure to control each microfluidic valve in its open state or its closed state, - A processing and control unit configured to control the pneumatic actuation system.

[0019] According to a particular feature, each microfluidic chamber comprises a deformable membrane movable between two positions by pneumatic control, so as to confer two distinct states to the microfluidic chamber, a first open state in which it is able to fill with the liquid sample, allowing a passage of

[0020]

[0021]

[0022]

[0023]

[0024]

[0025]

[0026] the liquid sample from upstream to downstream, and a closed state in which it is empty of the liquid sample and blocks the passage of the liquid sample from upstream to downstream. According to another particularity, the microfluidic analysis chamber is divided into several interconnected chambers, without an intermediate microfluidic valve. According to another feature, the device comprises several microfluidic modules in parallel connected between the microfluidic inlet and the microfluidic outlet. According to another feature, the microfluidic analysis chamber comprises at least one transparent wall. Brief description of the figures Other features and advantages will become apparent in the following detailed description, made in conjunction with the attached figures listed below: - [Fig.l] represents the architecture of the microfluidic device used to implement the analysis method in accordance with the invention; - Figures 2A and 2B show an example of the embodiment of a microfluidic valve used in the microfluidic device and illustrate its operating principle; - Figures 3A and 3B show an example of the embodiment of a double-cavity microfluidic chamber that can be used in the microfluidic device and illustrate its operating principle; - Figures 4A to 4H detail the steps of implementing the analysis method in accordance with the invention; - Figures 5A and 5B show two variant embodiments of the microfluidic device, in which the analysis method of the invention can be implemented; - [Fig.6] shows four modules of two microfluidic analysis and protection chambers placed in parallel, during an amplification reaction; - [Fig.7] illustrates a principle of improvement of the analysis method of the invention; Detailed description of at least one embodiment With reference to [Fig.l], a microfluidic device suitable for implementing the method of the invention is advantageously produced in a single microfluidic cartridge CM. A CM microfluidic cartridge is used in particular in the medical field to analyze a fluid, such as a liquid sample (blood for example) by connecting to an analysis machine. The cartridge can thus integrate an entire microfluidic network composed of microfluidic capsules such as valves, microfluidic chambers and channels.

[0027] A microfluidic cartridge CM is often made by assembling several layers together. Its layers are for example assembled together by thermal sealing. Each layer can be machined so as to create a part of the microfluidic network of the cartridge.

[0028] Such a CM cartridge has, for example, a thickness of between 2mm and 12mm.

[0029] The microfluidic cartridge CM is associated with a pneumatic actuation system 4, capable of applying a positive pressure P+ or a negative pressure P- on each microfluidic capsule capable of being controlled (microfluidic valves and microfluidic chambers in particular). The pneumatic actuation system 4 is controlled by a processing and control unit, configured to execute a sequence comprising the steps of the analysis method of the invention. Thus, when a microfluidic valve or a microfluidic chamber is controlled in an open or closed state, the pneumatic actuation system applies the desired pressure (positive or negative) on command from the processing and control unit. Microfluidic cartridge

[0030] [Fig.l]

[0031] In the context of the invention, the microfluidic network of the microfluidic cartridge CM comprises: - A microfluidic inlet 1 through which the liquid sample is injected into the microfluidic network; The microfluidic inlet 1 can be of any type to inject a volume of fluid sufficient to fill a first microfluidic calibration chamber Cl: It can for example be a direct injection of the "Luer" type or a connection to a microfluidic network present upstream on the same cartridge, on another cartridge or on any other microfluidic or millifluidic system. - A first microfluidic chamber Cl called calibration of the liquid sample; - A second microfluidic chamber C2 called liquid sample analysis; - A third microfluidic chamber C3 called protection, used for trapping bubbles; - A microfluidic outlet 2 through which the liquid sample can be evacuated from the microfluidic cartridge; Like the microfluidic inlet, the microfluidic outlet can be of any type and is not to be understood in a limiting manner.

[0032] These microfluidic chambers are connected in series, so that: - The microfluidic inlet is connected to the microfluidic calibration chamber Cl by a first microfluidic channel Ml; - The microfluidic calibration chamber Cl is connected to the microfluidic analysis chamber C2 by a second microfluidic channel M2; - The microfluidic analysis chamber C2 is connected to the microfluidic protection chamber C3 by a third microfluidic channel M3; - The microfluidic protection chamber C3 is connected to the microfluidic outlet by a fourth microfluidic channel M4;

[0033] By "connected in series" is meant that the liquid sample is able to pass from one chamber to the other via the microfluidic channel connecting the two chambers.

[0034] Furthermore, the microfluidic network also comprises: - A first microfluidic valve V1 positioned on the first microfluidic channel Ml, between the microfluidic inlet 1 and the microfluidic calibration chamber Cl; - A second microfluidic valve V2 positioned on the second microfluidic channel M2, between the microfluidic calibration chamber Cl and the microfluidic analysis chamber C2; - A third microfluidic valve V3 positioned on the third microfluidic channel M3, between the microfluidic analysis chamber C2 and the microfluidic protection chamber C3; - A fourth microfluidic valve V4 positioned on the fourth microfluidic channel M4, between the microfluidic protection chamber C3 and the microfluidic outlet 2;

[0035] Microfluidic capsule: Microfluidic valve and microfluidic chamber

[0036] [Fig.2A]

[0037] [Fig.2B]

[0038] [Fig.3A]

[0039] [Fig.3B]

[0040] Figures 2A and 2B give an example of embodiment of a microfluidic capsule of the microfluidic valve type, which can be used in the microfluidic cartridge CM.

[0041] Such a microfluidic valve V comprises a chamber 30 or fluidic cavity into which an inlet channel 31 opens and from which an outlet channel 32 emerges. A deformable membrane 33 is controlled between two positions to confer two distinct states to the valve, a first state in which the inlet channel 31 communicates with the outlet channel 32 via the chamber 30 allowing a transfer of fluid ([Fig.2A]), and a second state in which the membrane 33 blocks the communication between the two channels, preventing the flow of fluid and the filling of the chamber ([Fig.2B]). The control of the membrane 33 between its two states is carried out using the pneumatic actuation system 4, for example by exerting on it a positive pressure P+ (to close the valve, [Fig.2B]) or a negative pressure P- (to open the valve, [Fig.2A]) via a specific actuation channel 34 integrated in the microfluidic cartridge.

[0042] As indicated above, the microfluidic cartridge can be made by a multi-layer assembly in which the deformable membrane forms an intermediate layer taken between two layers. The membrane can be glued or fixed by pre-cut double-sided adhesive or by plasma treatment.

[0043] Currently the deformable membrane is often made from a hyper-elastic material based on silicone, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), or elastomer such as Ecoflex (registered trademark).

[0044] Furthermore, the chambers (C1, C2, C3) of the microfluidic network can be produced according to the same principle as that used for each microfluidic valve or in "double cavity" format ([Fig.3A] and [Fig.3B]). Each chamber C comprises a cavity 300 whose volume is modulated by the position of the deformable membrane 330 and the size of the chamber. The chamber C can thus take two states, an open state ([Fig.3A]) in which the cavity 300 of the chamber can fill with liquid and a closed state ([Fig.3B]) in which the cavity 300 of the chamber is empty and cannot fill with liquid, blocked by the membrane. To pass from the open state to the closed state, the membrane 330 is controlled by the pneumatic actuation system 4 between two positions, so as to open the cavity 300 or close the cavity 300.

[0045] Analysis protocol - First variant of implementation

[0046] Figures 4A to 4H

[0047] The architecture of the microfluidic network described above is particularly relevant for carrying out monitoring of nucleic acid amplification, by PCR or isothermal methods (LAMP, RPA for example). The monitoring of such amplification reactions in microfluidic chambers can be carried out by imaging (fluorescence for example), that is to say by optical analysis of the fluorescent signal through the microfluidic analysis chamber C2, the latter being able to have transparent walls to carry out optical monitoring of the reaction.

[0048] To carry out optical monitoring of the reaction in solution in the microfluidic analysis chamber C2, it is necessary that it is not clogged by the presence of bubbles.

[0049] As indicated above, the presence of bubbles is sometimes caused by maintaining a microfluidic valve V in a given state by exerting pressure via the pneumatic actuation system 4. The pressurized air applied to the membrane by the pneumatic actuation system 4 can in fact pass through said wall due to the porosity of the latter and find themselves trapped in the microfluidic chamber in the form of bubbles.

[0050] Bubbles may also appear during reactions taking place at high temperatures, or during the filling process.

[0051] A first example of a protocol for analyzing a liquid sample is described below in conjunction with the following table: elements § mtcrofltiidiques $ ........................f El: i calibraticn; reactive by: chamber Cl [Protewie steps ES: analysis E2 and ES: filling rooms €2 and C3 €4 a EG emptying room Cl E7: i opening î of the valves llilli oc lllilllllllili' 0 c sssssstfïSSïS .................................... G SBrfsïïSïïi 0 jq Û -----------------------4-. Bone; <3 0! 0 0 i 1 1 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<^ <<<<<<<<<< <L<<<<<<<<<<< <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< G s; lÉBssaSsSSlBss 1 ggïïïTlCsïS <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<-,<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<..<s ....................... Û sj 1 llsg'flssïs. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<^ ----------------------- l<<..<<<<<<<<ll<<llllla.<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< G ! 0 0 0 0 § Û 0 0 ....................... ..............................................

[0052] In this table, for a valve: - State 1 corresponds to the state in which the valve is in the open state and accepts the passage of liquid; - State 0 corresponds to the state in which the valve is in the closed state and blocks the passage of liquid;

[0053] And for a room: - State 1 corresponds to the state in which the chamber is in the open state and can fill with liquid; - State 0 corresponds to the state in which the chamber is in the closed state and cannot fill with liquid; Step El: Reagent calibration

[0054] [Fig.4A]

[0055] In this step E1, the valve V1 and the microfluidic calibration chamber C1 are in the open state, allowing the injection of the liquid sample into this chamber C1. All the other fluidic elements located downstream (from V2 to V4) are in the closed state.

[0056] This step continues until the microfluidic calibration chamber Cl is completely filled.

[0057] Steps E2 and E3: Filling of the microfluidic chamber C2 for analysis and the C3 microfluidic protection chamber.

[0058] [Fig.4B]

[0059] [Fig.4C]

[0060] In step E2, valves V2 and V3 are controlled in the open state, as well as the microfluidic analysis chamber C2 and the microfluidic protection chamber C3. Valve V4 remains in the closed state to avoid any loss of sample.

[0061] By controlling the valves V2, V3 and the chambers C2, C3 to the open state, the liquid sample is pumped out of the microfluidic calibration chamber C1 towards the microfluidic chambers C2, C3.

[0062] It should be noted that the volume V_C1 of the microfluidic calibration chamber Cl is advantageously greater than V_V2+V_C2+V_V3+V_C3 + Dead volumes of the channels connecting these different microfluidic elements. Thus, complete filling of the microfluidic elements located downstream of the microfluidic calibration chamber Cl is obtained.

[0063] With:

[0064] V_V2 corresponding to the volume of the second microfluidic valve V2;

[0065] V_V3 corresponding to the volume of the third microfluidic valve V3;

[0066] V_C2 corresponding to the volume of the microfluidic analysis chamber C2;

[0067] V_C3 corresponding to the volume of the microfluidic protection chamber C3;

[0068] In step E3, the valve VI and the microfluidic calibration chamber C1 are successively returned to the closed state to prevent any leakage of the sample via the microfluidic inlet 1.

[0069] Steps E4, E5 and E6: Emptying the microfluidic calibration chamber Cl

[0070] [Fig.4D]

[0071] [Fig.4E]

[0072] [Fig.4F]

[0073] In step E4, the valve V2 is controlled to the closed state to be emptied towards the microfluidic analysis chamber C2 and to isolate the microfluidic chambers C2, C3.

[0074] In step E5, the microfluidic calibration chamber C1 and the valve V1 are controlled to the open state, to pump the excess liquid still present between the microfluidic calibration chamber C1 and the valve V2. The valve V2 is kept in the closed state.

[0075] In step E6, the microfluidic calibration chamber C1 is controlled in the closed state to push the liquid towards the valve VL. The valve V1 is kept in the open state, which then allows the liquid to be emptied to the outside via the microfluidic inlet. Step E7: Opening valve V2

[0076] [Fig.4G]

[0077] In step E7, the valve V2 is controlled to the open state (application of a negative pressure). This avoids the injection of bubbles into the microfluidic analysis chamber C2, which may be caused by maintaining the valve V2 in the closed state by exerting a positive pressure. Sealing is then ensured by maintaining the microfluidic calibration chamber C1 in the closed state, as well as the valve VI maintained in the closed state.

[0078] Step E8: Analysis in the microfluidic analysis chamber C2

[0079] [Fig.4H]

[0080] The microfluidic analysis chamber C2 is used for the analysis of the sample according to one of the known methods described above, such as for example a monitoring of nucleic acid amplification, by PCR or isothermal methods (LAMP, RPA for example), via the evolution of the fluorescence in the solution over time. During the implementation of this method, the valve VI, the microfluidic calibration chamber C1 and the valve V4 are kept in the closed state, in order to isolate the two microfluidic chambers C2, C3. Analysis protocol - implementation variants

[0081] [Fig.5A]

[0082] [Fig.5B] Etapes du protocole El: calibration réactif par chambre Cl I E2 et E3: î E7: ES: S analyze i Eléments; ï remplissage chambres § C2 et C3 E4 à ES: vidange chambre Cl; des î vannes lliiliil 1 0 0 iillllll iililiillliil i 0 0 î iiiilli 1111^ TïïïIllïS 0 0 iiiii 0 ] 5 0 lliiliil iiilliiilillili 0 0 0 llliiilllll lliiliiiiiiiî lliiliil 0 iiiii llllllilllll llllliiiii 1 lllillillllll liiiiililllll lliiliil 0 llliiiï lllillillllll |||||i||||||| iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisl 0 lliiliil iii|iii||iiiiiiilili llllliiiii llllllilllll llllllilllll! llllliiiii iiiiiiiii 0 lliiliil 11111111111 iiillll iiiii iillllll illH^ll iiiiiiil 0 lillllil 11111111111 liiiM i ililiiiiiiillll iiiiiiiiiiliiiiii llllliiiii illiiiiii 0 i 0 0 0. 0 0 i 0 0 i ..............

[0083] In this embodiment variant, the microfluidic analysis chamber C2 is divided into N successive chambers (N greater than or equal to 1 and denoted C2_1, C2_2, C2_N) connected in series, without an intermediate valve, in order to limit the appearance of bubbles. The protocol remains identical to that described above.

[0084] [Fig.5A] shows the CM microfluidic cartridge having this configuration.

[0085] Furthermore, as shown in [Fig.5B], it is also possible to duplicate microfluidic modules in parallel between the microfluidic inlet 1 and the microfluidic outlet 2. Each microfluidic module thus comprises the series of microfluidic chambers C1, C2, C3 and microfluidic valves V1, V2, V3, V4 according to the configurations described above and which can be controlled in a grouped manner. This configuration makes it possible to carry out several analyses in parallel on the same cartridge.

[0086] The invention makes it possible to easily limit the presence of bubbles in the microfluidic analysis chamber C2, which avoids any interpretation errors during optical reading carried out through this chamber. [Fig.6] shows four series of two microfluidic chambers C2 and C3. This figure shows that the bubbles generated during the analysis protocols (by pneumatic actuation and the presence of high temperatures) naturally migrate towards the available protective microfluidic chamber C3 located furthest downstream in the microfluidic circuit. The bubbles are therefore well trapped in the row of protective microfluidic chambers C3, while the row of microfluidic analysis chambers C2 has very few bubbles, which makes it possible to visualize the evolution of the fluorescence during the reaction, without any parasitic signal. Analysis Protocol - Improved Implementation

[0087] [Fig.7]

[0088] Furthermore, it should be noted that, during the amplification reactions, it may be advisable to protect the reaction zone, in order to prevent the solution containing the amplicons from dispersing into the environment.

[0089] A chemical barrier can therefore be added at the reagent inlet, in order to avoid contamination. The chemical barrier B can be constituted for example by "RNAse away", or any other solution known to those skilled in the art for permanently eliminating nucleic acid amplicons. The compound acting as a chemical barrier is placed in the microfluidic inlet 1.

[0090] After the amplification reaction, the compound used to form the chemical barrier can be used to clean the chambers C1, C2, C3 of the microfluidic cartridge, thus allowing the microfluidic cartridge to be reused for a new analysis. This principle can be applied to the two embodiments described above.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for analyzing a liquid sample, implemented in a microfluidic device which comprises several microfluidic elements connected in series to each other by microfluidic channels, from upstream to downstream, between a microfluidic inlet (1) and a microfluidic outlet (2) opening onto the outside, said microfluidic elements comprising: - A microfluidic chamber (C2), called an analysis chamber, receiving said liquid sample to be analyzed, - A microfluidic inlet valve (VI) arranged between said microfluidic analysis chamber (C2) and the microfluidic inlet (1), - A microfluidic outlet valve (V4) arranged between said microfluidic analysis chamber (C2) and said microfluidic outlet (2), - A protective microfluidic chamber (C3), arranged between the analysis microfluidic chamber (C2) and the outlet microfluidic valve (V4), and a first intermediate microfluidic valve (V3) arranged between the analysis microfluidic chamber (C2) and said protective microfluidic chamber (C3), - Each microfluidic valve being pneumatically actuated and comprising a cavity and a deformable membrane inside the cavity, so as to confer two distinct states to the valve, an open state in which it allows a liquid to pass and a closed state in which it blocks the passage of the liquid, - Said method being characterized in that it consists of: - Isolate said microfluidic analysis chamber (C2) in maintaining the inlet microfluidic valve (VI) and the outlet microfluidic valve (V4) in the closed state during an analysis of the liquid sample in said microfluidic analysis chamber (C2), - Control said first intermediate microfluidic valve (V3) in the open state during the analysis of the liquid sample carried out in the microfluidic analysis chamber (C2) and use the microfluidic protection chamber (C3) for trapping bubbles generated by pneumatic actuation of at least one microfluidic valve of the microfluidic device.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that each microfluidic chamber (Cl, C2, C3) is capable of taking two states, a first open state in which it is capable of filling with the liquid sample, allowing passage of the liquid sample from upstream to downstream, and a closed state in which it is empty of the liquid sample and blocks the passage of the liquid sample from upstream to downstream, said method being characterized in that it comprises a prior step of calibrating the liquid sample, comprising steps of: - Injecting the liquid sample through the microfluidic inlet into a microfluidic chamber (Cl) called the calibration chamber by opening the inlet microfluidic valve (VI) and closing a second intermediate microfluidic valve (V2) arranged between the calibration microfluidic chamber (Cl) and the analysis microfluidic chamber (C2).

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a step of moving the liquid sample from the calibration microfluidic chamber (C1) to the analysis microfluidic chamber (C2) by pumping the liquid sample, passing the second intermediate microfluidic valve (V2), the analysis microfluidic chamber (C2), the first intermediate microfluidic valve (V3) and the protection microfluidic chamber (C3), each chamber and valve passing from the closed state to the open state.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a step of emptying the microfluidic calibration chamber (Cl), implemented by first controlling the second intermediate microfluidic valve (V2) to the closed state, then by controlling the microfluidic calibration chamber (Cl) to empty it by switching the inlet microfluidic valve (VI) to the open state.

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a step of producing a chemical barrier during the analysis of the liquid sample in the microfluidic chamber (C2)

6.

7. analysis by placing a chemical barrier compound (B) at the microfluidic inlet (1). Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the chemical barrier compound (B) is used to clean the microfluidic calibration chamber (C1), the microfluidic analysis chamber (C2) and the microfluidic protection chamber (C3). Microfluidic device used to implement the analysis method as defined in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: - A microfluidic inlet (1) and a microfluidic outlet (2) and at least one microfluidic module connected between the microfluidic inlet (1) and the microfluidic outlet (2), - Said at least one microfluidic module comprising: • A microfluidic chamber (C2), called an analysis chamber, receiving said liquid sample to be analyzed, • A microfluidic inlet valve (VI) arranged between said microfluidic analysis chamber (C2) and the microfluidic inlet (1), • A microfluidic outlet valve (V4) arranged between said microfluidic analysis chamber (C2) and said microfluidic outlet (2), • A protective microfluidic chamber (C3), arranged between the analysis microfluidic chamber (C2) and the outlet microfluidic valve (V4), and a first intermediate microfluidic valve (V3) arranged between the analysis microfluidic chamber (C2) and said protective microfluidic chamber (C3), - Each microfluidic valve being pneumatically actuated and comprising a cavity and a deformable membrane inside the cavity, so as to confer two distinct states to the valve, an open state in which it allows a liquid to pass and a closed state in which it blocks the passage of the liquid, - A pneumatic actuation system (4) capable of exerting positive or negative pressure to control each microfluidic valve in its open state or its closed state, - A processing and control unit configured to control the pneumatic actuation system (4).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that each microfluidic chamber (C1, C2, C3) comprises a deformable membrane movable between two positions by pneumatic control, so as to confer two distinct states to the microfluidic chamber, a first open state in which it is able to fill with the liquid sample, allowing passage of the liquid sample from upstream to downstream, and a closed state in which it is empty of the liquid sample and blocks the passage of the liquid sample from upstream to downstream.

9. Microfluidic device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the microfluidic analysis chamber (C2) is divided into several chambers connected to each other, without an intermediate microfluidic valve.

10. Microfluidic device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that it comprises several microfluidic modules in parallel connected between the microfluidic inlet (1) and the microfluidic outlet (2).

11. Device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the microfluidic analysis chamber (C2) comprises at least one transparent wall.

Images