A chip-to-world connector with a built-in reservoir for simple small-volume sample injection

We present a novel connector that allows for easy handling and injection of sample volumes between 1 and 20 μl. All tubing connections between external pumps and the microfluidic device are established before the sample is introduced into a sealable reservoir built into the connector. This approach allows for multiple injections of small sample volumes without the need to dismantle the chip-tubing assembly. We demonstrate that the connector reservoir seal can withstand pressures of up to 6 bar, that opening or closing the reservoir does not dislocate the sample by more than 35 nl, and that the connector can be used for injecting samples into both miscible and immiscible carrier fluids.