A loading device for microfluidic chip and nucleic acid detection equipment

Abstract

The present invention provides a loading device and nucleic acid detection equipment for a microfluidic chip, the loading device comprises: at least one chip support plate and a hollow positioning frame, each chip support plate is detachably loaded with a microfluidic chip, at least one side wall or two opposite side walls of the positioning frame are provided with at least one support plate notch, each chip support plate is inserted through one of the support plate notches and is limited to a fixed position in the hollow area of ​​the positioning frame, and an openable side cover is provided on the outer side of the side wall of the positioning frame provided with the support plate notch, and at least one group of elastic components is provided through the side wall of the side cover, which is used to apply pressure to the end face of each chip support plate when the side cover is closed to compress the microfluidic chip. The device has high integration, can reduce the occurrence of human operation errors, and also reduces the workload of operators.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of biomedical detection, and in particular to a loading device for a microfluidic chip and a nucleic acid detection device. Background Art

[0002] In vitro nucleic acid testing generally includes two stages: nucleic acid extraction of samples and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Currently, many studies have integrated the two stages into one device to achieve an integrated, convenient diagnosis with samples in and results out. In an integrated detection device, when using a microfluidic chip for detection, operations such as sample addition, sealing, and clamping on the machine need to be completed. In addition, the devices currently using microfluidic chips for detection are mostly single microfluidic chips. When using multiple microfluidic chips for simultaneous detection, the operator needs to manually place the chips one by one into the detection device. The operation is more complicated and may confuse the chips, resulting in erroneous test results. After the chip is loaded into the machine, a specific clamping structure needs to be designed on the nucleic acid PCR detection device to press the microfluidic chip and the heating system together to improve the heating efficiency.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a machine that can load multiple microfluidic chips into the machine, fix all the chips and press them against the heating system. The operator does not need to manually operate the chips one by one, and can achieve high-throughput sample input and result output of fully automatic nucleic acid testing. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present invention provide a loading device for a microfluidic chip and a nucleic acid detection device to solve at least one of the problems existing in the related art. To achieve this purpose, the present invention is implemented by the following technical solutions.

[0005] One aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a loading device for a microfluidic chip, comprising: at least one chip tray and a hollow positioning frame, each of the chip trays being detachably loaded with a microfluidic chip, at least one side wall or two opposite side walls of the positioning frame being provided with at least one tray slot, each of the chip trays being inserted through one of the tray slots and being confined to a fixed position in the hollow area of ​​the positioning frame, an openable and closable side cover being provided on the outer side of the side wall of the positioning frame having the tray slot, at least one group of elastic components being provided through the side wall of the side cover for applying pressure to the end face of each chip tray when the side cover is closed to compact the microfluidic chip.

[0006] Furthermore, the elastic component includes a column and an elastic body, and the elastic body is embedded in or pressed against the column to provide elastic force.

[0007] Furthermore, the column has a smooth arc-shaped column head, and when the side cover is closed, the column head presses against the end surface of the chip support plate to apply pressure.

[0008] Furthermore, the height of the support plate notch is greater than the height of the chip support plate.

[0009] Furthermore, a plurality of positioning magnets are embedded on the frame body of the positioning frame.

[0010] Furthermore, the chip tray comprises a tray body and a tray end for loading the microfluidic chip, the tray end having the end face, the tray end being provided with a directional limiting groove along the insertion direction of the chip tray, the inner wall of the tray groove being provided with corresponding directional limiting ribs, the directional limiting groove and the corresponding directional limiting ribs being adapted to limit the insertion direction of the chip tray.

[0011] Furthermore, the chip support plate includes an observation window and a chip slot. The observation window is opened on the first surface of the chip support plate in an area corresponding to the reaction chamber of the microfluidic chip. The chip slot is opened on the second surface of the chip support plate for loading and accommodating the microfluidic chip.

[0012] Furthermore, at least one guide hole is provided on the first surface of the chip support plate, and the guide hole is aligned one by one with the injection hole of the microfluidic chip; the chip support plate also includes at least one sealant groove, and the at least one sealant groove is provided between the at least one guide hole and the corresponding injection hole, and is respectively connected to the corresponding guide hole and the injection hole, for accommodating the sealant added from the guide hole to seal the injection hole.

[0013] Furthermore, the side cover forms a rotationally locking structure with the positioning frame via a rotating shaft.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention provides a nucleic acid detection device, which includes the loading device for the microfluidic chip provided in the first aspect above.

[0015] The embodiments of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0016] (1) The present invention provides a loading device for a microfluidic chip, which can be pre-loaded with a microfluidic chip. During detection, it is only necessary to load the loading device with the microfluidic chip into a fully automatic nucleic acid detection device to achieve convenient diagnosis with sample input and result output. The device has high integration, can reduce the occurrence of human operation errors, and also reduce the workload of operators.

[0017] (2) An elastic component capable of providing micro-elastic force is arranged at the position of the pre-pressed microfluidic chip in the loading device. This can not only apply a small pressing force to the microfluidic chip to align the chip position after the loading device is installed in the detection device, but also enable the microfluidic chip to maintain a certain degree of freedom, thereby ensuring the fit between the microfluidic chip and the heating stage in the detection device and ensuring the sensitivity of the heating temperature.

[0018] (3) The column of the elastic component has a smooth arc-shaped column head, and the height of the tray slot is greater than the height of the chip tray. When the side cover is closed, the column head presses against the end surface of the chip tray to apply appropriate pressure, so that the chip tray and the positioning frame can be well fitted, and the chip tray can move freely up and down.

[0019] (4) By setting a guide hole for the pipette tip of the automatic pipetting device on the chip holder, the stability of the sample injection and the absence of liquid leakage during sample addition are ensured; by setting a hidden sealant groove in the chip holder to store the sealant, the sealing performance of the sealant after the sample is added to the microfluidic chip is ensured to be stable, thereby achieving a sealing effect.

[0020] (5) A directional limit groove and a directional limit rib are respectively provided on the chip holder and the positioning frame, and the two are adapted to be connected with each other so that the chip holder can be loaded into the positioning frame from only one direction, thereby avoiding the occurrence of microfluidic chip loading errors.

[0021] (6) The loading device for PCR microfluidic chips is expandable, and the tray slots can be increased according to the number of microfluidic chips. The side cover of the positioning frame is opened and closed by a screw-capping method. It is flexible in application and has a high detection throughput. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of the present invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute improper limitations on the present invention.

[0023] Figure 1 An exploded schematic diagram of a loading device for a microfluidic chip according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is a top cross-sectional view of a loading device for a microfluidic chip according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the expansion of the number of microfluidic chips in the loading device for a microfluidic chip according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 A detailed diagram of loading and fixing a microfluidic chip of a loading device for a microfluidic chip according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 A side view of a positioning frame of a loading device for a microfluidic chip according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a side cover of a loading device for a microfluidic chip according to an embodiment of the present invention being opened before a chip tray is loaded;

[0029] FIG. 7 ( a ) is an assembly diagram of a microfluidic chip and a chip support plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 7( b ) is an exploded view of the microfluidic chip and the chip support plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Reference numerals:

[0032] 1-screw; 2-pressing sheet; 3-elastic body; 4-column; 5-side cover; 6-chip support plate; 7-positioning frame; 8-rotating shaft; 9-magnet; 10-buckle plate; 11-microfluidic chip; 12-directional limiting rib; 13-guide hole; 14-sealing glue groove; 15-injection hole; 16-reaction chamber; 17-column head; 20-magnet slot; 22-directional limiting slot; 23-end face; 24-chip slot; 25-observation window; 28-support plate notch; 29-support plate body; 30-support plate end; 31-locking spring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] To make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in the embodiments of the present invention, many technical details are proposed in order to enable the reader to better understand the present application. However, even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments, the technical scheme claimed in the present application can be implemented. The division of the following embodiments is for the convenience of description, and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of the present invention. The various embodiments can be combined and referenced with each other without contradiction.

[0034] One aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a loading device for a microfluidic chip. Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an explosion of a loading device for a microfluidic chip according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a top view of a loading device for a microfluidic chip according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the loading device for the PCR microfluidic chip includes: one or more chip trays 6 and a hollow positioning frame 7. Each chip tray 6 is detachably loaded with a microfluidic chip 11, at least one side wall or two opposite side walls of the positioning frame 7 is provided with at least one tray slot 28, and a single chip tray 6 is inserted through a tray slot 28 and is confined to a fixed position in the hollow area of ​​the positioning frame 7. In this embodiment, the example in which two opposite side walls of the positioning frame 7 are respectively provided with two tray slots 28 is used for explanation, and the number of tray slots 28 can be expanded according to demand to improve the throughput of a single detection, and the flexibility is high. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the expansion of the number of microfluidic chips of the loading device for a microfluidic chip according to an embodiment of the present invention, and shows schematic diagrams of single-chip, 2-chip and 8-chip arrangements.

[0035] The side wall of the positioning frame 7 with a support plate notch 28 is provided with an openable side cover 5, and at least one group of elastic components is provided on the side wall of the side cover 5, which is used to apply pressure to the end face 23 of each chip support plate 6 when the side cover 5 is closed to compress the microfluidic chip 11. In the present embodiment, each support plate notch 28 is provided with a group of elastic components, a total of 4 groups of elastic components. In the present embodiment, the elastic component includes a column 4 and an elastomer 3, and the elastomer 3 is nested or against the column 4 to provide elastic force. Specifically, the elastomer 3 can be a spring, a shrapnel or an elastic marble, and the spring is used as an example in the present embodiment. The spring is nested on the outer surface of the column 4, and the pressing plate 2 is locked by a screw 1, and is installed on the side cover 5, with linear elasticity. The elastic component composed of the column 4, the spring, the screw 1, and the pressing plate 2 can also be integrated, and the column 4 is connected to the side cover 5 by an elastic rib. Figure 4 This is a detailed diagram of the microfluidic chip loading and fixing of the loading device for the PCR microfluidic chip according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, preferably, the column 4 has a smooth arc-shaped column head 17. When the side cover 5 is closed, the column head 17 presses against the end face 23 of the chip tray 6 to apply a small pressure, so that the chip tray 6 can be well fitted with the positioning frame 7 and the chip tray 6 can have freedom of movement. Figure 5 FIG. 7 is a side view of a positioning frame 7 of a loading device for a PCR microfluidic chip according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5As shown, the length of the support plate notch 28 is consistent with the width of the chip support plate 6, and the height of the support plate notch 28 is greater than the height of the chip support plate 6 (the height of the chip support plate 6 loaded with the microfluidic chip 11 is the sum of the height of the chip support plate 6 and the height of the microfluidic chip 11 above the chip support plate 6), that is, after the chip support plate 6 is inserted into the support plate notch 28, it is subjected to a certain pressure applied by the column head 17 in the horizontal direction, and has free space in height, thereby ensuring the freedom of the chip support plate 6 to move up and down. The embodiment of the present invention arranges an elastic component capable of providing micro-elastic force at the position of the pre-pressed microfluidic chip in the chip loading device, which can not only apply a small pressing force to the microfluidic chip, realize the alignment of the chip position after the loading device is installed in the detection device, but also enable the microfluidic chip to maintain a certain degree of freedom, thereby ensuring the fit between the microfluidic chip and the heating stage in the detection device and ensuring the sensitivity of the heating temperature.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the side cover 5 being opened before the chip holder 6 is loaded on the loading device for microfluidic chips according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the side cover 5 forms a rotating locking structure with the positioning frame 7 through the rotating shaft 8, and the rotation opening and closing is realized by locking or releasing the slot. For example, a locking spring 31 is installed in the spring slot of the side cover 5, and the buckle plate 10 is assembled to the side cover 5 through the rotating shaft 8, so that the side cover 5 has rotation elasticity. Specifically, the buckle plate 10, the rotating shaft 8, and the locking spring 31 can be integrated into the side cover 5 by mold injection. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of magnet slots 20 are embedded in the frame of the positioning frame 7, and magnets 9 for positioning are arranged in the magnet slots 20. When the loading device is placed on the nucleic acid PCR detection device, it can be fixed to a designated position through the magnets 9.

[0037] FIG7 (a) is an assembly diagram of the microfluidic chip 11 and the chip support plate 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG7 (b) is an exploded diagram of the microfluidic chip 11 and the chip support plate 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown in Figures 7 (a) and 7 (b), the chip tray 6 includes a tray body 29 and a tray end 30 for loading the microfluidic chip 11. The tray end 30 has an end face 23. The tray end 30 is provided with a directional limiting groove 22 along the insertion direction of the chip tray 6. The inner wall of the tray groove 28 is provided with a corresponding directional limiting rib 12. The directional limiting groove 22 and the corresponding directional limiting rib 12 are adapted to limit the insertion direction of the chip tray 6, so that the chip tray 6 can only be loaded into the positioning frame 7 from a single direction, thereby avoiding the occurrence of loading errors of the microfluidic chip 11.

[0038] Further Figure 5As shown in Figures 7 (a) and 7 (b), the chip support plate 6 also includes an observation window 25 and a chip slot 24, wherein Figure 7 (a) shows that the first surface of the chip support plate 6 is placed upward, and Figure 7 (b) shows that the second surface of the chip support plate 6 is placed upward. The observation window 25 is provided on the first surface of the chip support plate 6 in an area corresponding to the reaction chamber 16 of the microfluidic chip 11, and the chip slot 24 is provided on the second surface of the chip support plate 6 for loading and accommodating the microfluidic chip 11. At least one guide hole 13 is provided on the first surface of the chip support plate 6, and the guide hole 13 is aligned one by one with the injection hole 15 of the microfluidic chip 11; the chip support plate 6 also includes at least one sealant groove 14, and at least one sealant groove 14 is provided between at least one guide hole 13 and the corresponding injection hole 15, and is respectively connected to the corresponding guide hole 13 and the injection hole 15, and is used to accommodate the sealant added from the guide hole 13 to seal the injection hole 15. Preferably, as Figure 5 As shown, at least one sealant groove 14 is a connected groove at one end of at least one reaction chamber 16, rather than a separate sealant groove 14 corresponding to each guide hole 13. This can increase the coverage area of ​​the sealant, increase the contact area between the sealant and the main surface of the PCR microfluidic chip, make the seal of the sealant more secure, and avoid leakage. By setting a guide hole 13 for the pipette head of the automatic pipetting device on the chip support plate 6, the stability of the injection and the non-leakage of the sample addition are guaranteed; by setting a hidden sealant groove 14 in the chip support plate 6 to store the sealant, the sealing performance of the sealant after the microfluidic chip is added is guaranteed to be stable, and the sealing effect is achieved.

[0039] The loading device for a microfluidic chip provided in an embodiment of the present invention can be used for automatic or manual sampling, and can also be used for placing the sample on a nucleic acid detection device for detection after the sample is injected.

[0040] When the loading device is used for automatic sampling, the method of use is as follows:

[0041] A chip slot 24 having the same shape as the microfluidic chip 11 is reserved on the chip support plate 6. The microfluidic chip 11 is bonded to the chip slot 24 of the chip support plate 6 using UV glue. A guide hole 13 for guiding sample injection and an observation window 25 for detection are reserved on the chip support plate 6. The loading device for the PCR microfluidic chip loads the chip onto the detection device. The microfluidic chip 11 is actively limited in position and direction, and the injection hole 15 and the observation window 25 are also positioned. By moving the liquid inlet gun head to above the injection hole 15, since the injection hole 15 is relatively small, a guide hole 13 is set in front of the corresponding injection hole 15 to correct the error of the gun head. After the sample fills the reaction chamber 16, the sealant is injected into the sealant groove 14 through the guide hole 13 to achieve both sample injection and sealing. In addition, gaps are reserved above and below the microfluidic chip 11 to leave a degree of freedom. The microfluidic chip 11 can be in good contact with the heating table to ensure temperature sensitivity.

[0042] When the loading device is used after the chip is sampled, the method of use is as follows: first, the microfluidic chip 11 is separately added with the sample and sealed, and then loaded into the loading device for the microfluidic chip provided in the embodiment of the present invention, and the loading device is placed at the designated position of the detection equipment for detection.

[0043] Another aspect of the present invention provides a nucleic acid detection device, which includes the loading device for the microfluidic chip provided in the first aspect above.

[0044] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A loading device for a microfluidic chip, It is characterized in that include: At least one chip support plate (6) and a hollow positioning frame (7), each chip support plate (6) being detachably loaded with a microfluidic chip (11), at least one side wall or two opposite side walls of the positioning frame (7) being provided with at least one support plate slot (28), the height of the support plate slot (28) being greater than the height of the chip support plate (6), each chip support plate (6) being inserted through one of the support plate slots (28) and being confined to a fixed position in the hollow region of the positioning frame (7), an openable side cover (5) being provided on the outer side of the side wall of the positioning frame (7) provided with the support plate slot (28), at least one group of elastic components being provided through the side wall of the side cover (5) for applying pressure to the end surface (23) of each chip support plate (6) when the side cover (5) is closed, so as to compress the microfluidic chip (11).

2. The loading device for a microfluidic chip according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The elastic component comprises a column (4) and an elastic body (3), wherein the elastic body (3) is nested in or pressed against the column (4) to provide elastic force.

3. The loading device for a microfluidic chip according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The column (4) has a smooth arc-shaped column head (17); when the side cover (5) is closed, the column head (17) presses against the end surface (23) of the chip support plate (6) to apply pressure.

4. The loading device for a microfluidic chip according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A plurality of positioning magnets are embedded on the frame body of the positioning frame (7).

5. The loading device for a microfluidic chip according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The chip support plate (6) comprises a support plate body (29) for loading the microfluidic chip (11) and a support plate end (30), wherein the support plate end (30) has the end surface (23), and the support plate end (30) is provided with a directional limiting groove (22) along the insertion direction of the chip support plate (6), and the inner wall of the support plate notch (28) is provided with a corresponding directional limiting rib (12), and the directional limiting groove (22) and the corresponding directional limiting rib (12) are adapted to limit the insertion direction of the chip support plate (6).

6. The loading device for a microfluidic chip according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The chip support plate (6) comprises an observation window (25) and a chip slot (24); the observation window (25) is provided on a first surface of the chip support plate (6) in an area corresponding to a reaction chamber of the microfluidic chip (11); and the chip slot (24) is provided on a second surface of the chip support plate (6) for loading and accommodating the microfluidic chip (11).

7. The loading device for a microfluidic chip according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The first surface of the chip support plate (6) is provided with at least one guide hole (13), and the guide hole (13) is aligned one by one with the injection hole (15) of the microfluidic chip (11); the chip support plate (6) further comprises at least one sealant groove (14), and the at least one sealant groove (14) is provided between the at least one guide hole (13) and the corresponding injection hole (15), and is respectively connected with the corresponding guide hole (13) and the injection hole (15), and is used for accommodating the sealant added from the guide hole (13) to seal the injection hole (15).

8. The loading device for a microfluidic chip according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The side cover (5) forms a rotationally locking structure with the positioning frame (7) via a rotating shaft (8).

9. A nucleic acid detection device, It is characterized in that It comprises a loading device for a microfluidic chip according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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