A fluid connector which provides a low fluid dead volume face seal capable
of withstanding high pressures for coupling a fluid conduit to a
microfluidic device. The fluid connector includes a housing, a clamping
member, a first load support surface and a sealing member. The sealing
member preferably includes first and second fluidically connected bores of
different diameters so the fluid conduit may be retained within the larger
diameter bore. The sealing member is positioned so that the smaller
diameter bore interfaces with a port of the microfluidic device. In
operation, the clamping member supplies an axial force to the first load
support surface which is operatively coupled to the fluid conduit. When an
axial force is transferred to the fluid conduit, the face of the fluid
conduit at one end seals against the pliant portion of the sealing member
while simultaneously urging the sealing member against the surface area
surrounding the port of the microfluidic device to create a fluid-tight
face seal.