Interdisciplinary Theory & Technology

A controllable multiple-channel chemical transport bus routing and transport of fluids, gasses, aerosols, slurries and the like within a larger system. The system and methods are applicable for use in Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) technology, and may be useful in the implementation of reconfigurable LoC devices. Routes through the bus are determined by control signals and/or sequences of control signals issued under algorithmic control. Several independent flows may occur simultaneously. Techniques for limiting cross-contamination are provided. Sensors may be placed at various locations along bus line segments and may be used in the control of measured flows or in clearing and/or cleaning operations. Adaptations of Clos, Banyan, and other related multi-stage architectures in the flow topology may also be accomplished.