Sample adding structure and microfluidic detector applying same

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of micro-fluidic chip detection, in particular to a sample adding structure and a micro-fluidic detector applying the sample adding structure, the sample adding structure comprises a sample adding module and a communication module, the communication module is used for communicating the sample adding module and a micro-fluidic chip; the device is characterized in that at least two mutually independent sample adding channels for introducing reaction liquid are arranged in the sample adding module, and each sample adding channel is provided with an inflow port for the reaction liquid to flow in and an outflow port for the reaction liquid to flow out and communicated with the communication module; the sample adding module further comprises switch assemblies which are arranged at the outflow ports and can close the outflow ports, and the switch assemblies are in one-to-one correspondence with the outflow ports; the sample adding structure can provide sample adding convenience for a user and ensure no liquid leakage during sample adding; according to the microfluidic detector, a user can conveniently assemble the sample adding structure in the shell by adopting the matching relation of the sliding groove and the sliding block, the user can conveniently pull out the sample adding module for sample adding, and the microfluidic detector has the advantage of convenience and rapidness in sample adding.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of microfluidic chip detection, in particular to a sample adding structure and a microfluidic detector using the sample adding structure. Background Art

[0002] Microfluidic detectors have the advantages of small size, low cost and small injection volume in the detection field. In recent years, they have been widely used in biochemical detection. However, the traditional microfluidic chip injection method is to use an external pipe from the injection port in conjunction with a syringe pump for injection. After injection, the syringe pump needs to be manually controlled to allow the reaction liquid to enter the next chamber for reaction. This injection method reduces the efficiency of detection.

[0003] In response to the above problems, a Chinese utility model patent with patent number ZL201621105308.3 (publication number CN206096166U) "Negative pressure automatic sampling device for microfluidic chip" discloses a ventilation device with a solenoid valve. After the sample is injected into the sample pool of the microfluidic chip, the controller controls the on and off of the solenoid valve to generate negative pressure suction in the chip. The entire injection process is completed with one click, which improves the degree of automation of the microfluidic detector. However, this technical solution still requires manual injection of the sample into the sample pool for sample addition when replenishing the reagent. Since the aperture of the injection port is small and there is only one injection port, the sample must be added to the corresponding inlet ports according to the order of the reactions, which is relatively cumbersome in operation. Summary of the invention

[0004] The first technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to provide a sample adding structure capable of adding the required reaction solution with only one operation in view of the above-mentioned existing technical status.

[0005] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a microfluidic detector using the above-mentioned sample adding structure in view of the above-mentioned existing technical status.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the utility model to solve the first technical problem is: the sample adding structure includes a sample adding module, and

[0007] A connecting module, used for connecting the sample adding module and the microfluidic chip;

[0008] Features:

[0009] The sample loading module is provided with at least two independent sample loading channels for introducing the reaction liquid, each of which is provided with an inlet for the reaction liquid to flow in and an outlet for the reaction liquid to flow out and connected to the communication module;

[0010] The sample loading module further comprises a switch component disposed at the flow outlet and capable of closing the flow outlet, wherein the switch component corresponds to the flow outlet one by one;

[0011] The connecting side of the connecting module and the sample loading module protrudes outward to form at least two connecting pins, and each of the connecting pins is provided with a connecting port connected to the fluid of the corresponding sample loading channel; after each sample loading channel is loaded with samples and connected to the connecting module, the connecting pin can be inserted into the outflow port and force the switch assembly to open, so that the reaction liquid flows into the connecting module through the connecting port.

[0012] The switch assembly can be arranged in the sample loading channel or protruded on the outer wall of the sample loading module. In order to make the overall volume of the sample loading structure smaller, preferably, the inner wall of the peripheral edge of the opening of the sample loading channel is inwardly recessed to form a first connection seat, and the first connection seat is formed with a control channel connected to the flow outlet through the inside and outside, and the surface of the first connection seat is penetrated with a sampling hole connected to the control channel and the sample loading channel, and the switch assembly is arranged at the flow outlet through the first connection seat. The switch assembly is arranged in the sample loading channel to reduce the overall volume of the sample loading module after the connection module is connected, and reduce the occupied space of the sample loading structure.

[0013] In order to facilitate the user to connect and disconnect the sample adding module and the connection module, preferably, the switch assembly includes:

[0014] A second connecting seat connected to the first connecting seat, the second connecting seat is inwardly recessed to form a mounting groove, the notch of the mounting groove is opposite to the control channel, and the bottom of the mounting groove protrudes outward to form a fixing column;

[0015] An elastic member having elasticity, one end of which is arranged at the bottom of the installation slot and sleeved on the periphery of the fixing column;

[0016] The piston is connected to the other end of the elastic member. The control channel has a movable space for the piston to reciprocate. The inner wall of the control channel and the junction of the outflow port protrude inward along the circumferential direction to form a blocking ring. The blocking ring and the piston have an interference fit. When the connecting pin is inserted into the outflow port and pushes the piston to move inward and the elastic member is compressed, the outflow port is opened, and the reaction liquid enters the connecting module from the sample addition channel. When the connecting pin is pulled out of the outflow port, the piston and the elastic member are reset to support the blocking ring, the outflow port is closed, and the reaction liquid between the sample addition channel and the connecting module is cut off. The arrangement of the piston and the elastic member in the switch assembly and the cooperation with the blocking ring enable the reaction liquid to circulate after the connecting pin is inserted into the inflow port, and the piston is quickly blocked after the connecting pin is pulled out of the inflow port to isolate the sample addition module, which is easy to operate.

[0017] In order to ensure stable movement of the piston in the control channel, preferably, the connecting side of the piston and the elastic member is partially recessed inward to form a guide groove, and the fixed column is adapted to the guide groove. The matching relationship between the fixed column and the guide groove ensures that the movement direction of the piston is always parallel to the central axis of the fixed column.

[0018] In order to prevent the sample loading structure from leaking when in use, preferably, the outer periphery of the connecting pin is provided with an elastic sealing ring which is interference fit with the channel wall of the control channel. The provision of the sealing ring ensures that the reaction liquid in the sample loading channel does not leak out from the gap between the connecting pin and the flow outlet when the connecting pin is inserted into the flow outlet trigger switch assembly.

[0019] In order to facilitate the user to automatically control the injection process of the sample addition structure, preferably, the communication module has a communication channel corresponding to the outflow port one by one, the communication channel has an inlet connected to the connection pin and an outlet connected to the microfluidic chip, and the communication channel is provided with an on-off valve for controlling the on-off state of the communication channel, and the on-off valve is connected to the control module for control, and the communication module also includes an injection pump connected to the communication channel and the microfluidic chip for pumping the reaction liquid into the microfluidic chip. The user can first connect the sample addition module and the communication module, turn on the injection pump, and then open each on-off valve in turn through the control module to pump the reaction liquid in different sample addition channels into the microfluidic chip in turn to achieve automatic injection.

[0020] Furthermore, the connection between the first connection socket and the second connection socket is a snap connection, and this technical solution facilitates the installation of the switch assembly in the sample loading module.

[0021] The technical solution adopted by the utility model to solve the second technical problem is: the microfluidic detector includes a shell, which is characterized in that: the above-mentioned sample loading structure is arranged in the shell, and the two sides of the sample loading module are partially protruded outward to form a slider, and the shell is provided with a guide plate opposite to the two sides of the sample loading module and used to connect the sample loading module, and the side of the guide plate close to the sample loading module is provided with a slide groove, and the slide groove is adapted to the slider.

[0022] In order to ensure a firm connection between the sample loading structure and the housing, preferably, the rear end of the guide plate is provided with a magnetic member directly opposite to the end of the slide slot, and correspondingly, the rear end of the slider is provided with a magnetic member that can generate magnetic attraction with the magnetic member. After the user slides the sample loading module along the slide slot into the housing, the magnetic member is magnetically connected to the magnetic member, and the sample loading structure will not move relative to the housing when in use.

[0023] In order to facilitate the user to move the sample loading module into the housing, preferably, a sample loading window for the sample loading module to be pulled out is provided on the side of the housing, and a handle is provided on the side of the sample loading module exposed to the sample loading window. When in use, the user can complete the installation of the sample loading module in the housing by pushing and pulling the handle in the area of ​​the sample loading window.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the utility model are: the sample loading structure can provide users with the convenience of sample loading and ensure that there is no leakage during sample loading; by arranging a switch assembly in the outflow port, the user can insert the connecting pin of the connecting module into the outflow port and trigger the switch assembly to connect the sample loading channel with the fluid of the connecting module. When the reaction liquid in the sample loading channel is exhausted, the user can remove the connecting pin from the outflow port so that the switch assembly isolates the sample loading channel from the connecting module, and then add new reaction liquid to the sample loading channel through the inflow port, which has the advantages of convenient sample loading and quick installation; the microfluidic detector adopts the matching relationship between the slide groove and the slider to facilitate the user to assemble the sample loading structure in the shell, and conveniently pull out the sample loading module for sample loading, which has the advantages of convenient and quick sample loading. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sample adding structure of Example 1 of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 It is a structural exploded diagram of the sample adding module and the connecting module of Example 1 of the utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the sample adding module and the connecting module of Example 1 of the utility model (the dotted arrow in the figure indicates the flow direction of the reaction liquid);

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of the switch assembly at the circle (the dotted arrow in the figure indicates the flow direction of the reaction liquid);

[0029] Figure 5 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sample adding module in the flow state of Example 1 of the utility model (the dotted arrow in the figure is the flow direction of the reaction liquid);

[0030] Figure 6 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sample adding module in the cut-off state of Example 1 of the utility model;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a microfluidic detector according to Example 2 of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of a state where the sample adding module of Example 2 of the utility model is pulled out from the housing;

[0033] Fig. 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the microfluidic detector of Example 2 of the present utility model;

[0034] Fig.10 for Fig. 9 A partial enlarged view of the circle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present invention will be described in further detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, it is a preferred embodiment of the utility model. The sample loading structure is mainly used for the injection of the reaction liquid during the detection process of the microfluidic detector. Since the injection hole of the traditional microfluidic chip has a small aperture, the manual injection operation is more complicated, so the above-mentioned sample loading structure needs to provide the user with the convenience of injection operation. Therefore, it will be beneficial to provide a sample loading structure that is convenient and fast. At the same time, the microfluidic detector using the above-mentioned sample loading structure needs to enable the user to conveniently perform the injection and extraction operations on the sample loading module 1. The following will expand the structural description of the sample loading structure and the microfluidic detector using the sample loading structure:

[0038] See also Figures 1 to 3 The sample loading structure includes a sample loading module 1 and a connecting module 2 for connecting the sample loading module 1 and the microfluidic chip 3. The sample loading module 1 is provided with at least two independent sample loading channels 11 for introducing the reaction liquid. Each sample loading channel 11 is provided with an inlet 111 for the reaction liquid to flow in and an outlet 112 for the reaction liquid to flow out and connected to the connecting module 2. The sample loading module 1 also includes a switch component 4 arranged at the outlet 112 and capable of closing the outlet 112. The switch component 4 corresponds to the outlet 112 one by one. The connecting side of the connecting module 2 and the sample loading module 1 protrudes outward to form at least two connecting pins 21. Each connecting pin 21 is provided with a connecting port for fluid communication with the corresponding sample loading channel 11. After each sample loading channel 11 is loaded and connected to the connecting module 2, the connecting pin 21 can be inserted into the outlet 112 and force the switch component 4 to open, so that the reaction liquid flows into the connecting module 2 through the connecting port. The inlet 111 opens upward.

[0039] See also Figures 4 to 6 The switch assembly 4 can be arranged in the sample loading channel 11 or protruded on the outer wall of the sample loading module 1. In order to reduce the overall volume of the sample loading structure, the inner wall of the periphery of the opening of the sample loading channel 11 is recessed inward to form a first connection seat 12. The first connection seat 12 is formed with a control channel 121 connected to the flow outlet 112. The surface of the first connection seat 12 is penetrated with a sample injection hole 122 connected to the control channel 121 and the sample loading channel 11. The switch assembly 4 is arranged at the flow outlet 112 through the first connection seat 12. The switch assembly 4 is arranged in the sample loading channel 11 to reduce the overall volume of the sample loading module 1 after the connection module 2 is connected, and reduce the occupied space of the sample loading structure.

[0040] The switch assembly 4 includes a second connection seat 41, an elastic member 42 and a piston 43, wherein the second connection seat 41 is connected to the first connection seat 12, the second connection seat 41 is recessed inward to form a mounting groove 411, the notch of the mounting groove 411 is opposite to the control channel 121, and the bottom of the mounting groove 411 protrudes outward to form a fixing column 412; the elastic member 42 is elastic, one end of the elastic member 42 is arranged at the bottom of the mounting groove 411 and sleeved on the periphery of the fixing column 412; the piston 43 is connected to the other end of the elastic member 42, and the control channel 121 has a movable space for the piston to reciprocate The inner wall of the control channel 121 and the junction of the outflow port 112 protrude inwardly along the circumferential direction to form a blocking ring 123, and the blocking ring 123 and the piston 43 are interference fit; when the connecting pin 21 is inserted into the outflow port 112 and pushes the piston 43 to move inward, and the elastic member 42 is compressed, the outflow port 112 is opened, and the reaction liquid enters the connecting module 2 from the sample loading channel 11; when the connecting pin 21 is withdrawn from the outflow port 112, the piston 43 and the elastic member 42 are reset to support the blocking ring 123, the outflow port 112 is closed, and the reaction liquid between the sample loading channel 11 and the connecting module 2 is cut off. The arrangement of the piston 43 and the elastic member 42 in the switch assembly 4 and the cooperation with the blocking ring 123 enable the reaction liquid to flow after the connecting pin 21 is inserted into the inflow port 112, and the piston 43 is quickly blocked after the connecting pin 21 is withdrawn from the inflow port 112, and the sample loading module 1 is separated, which is simple to operate and convenient for users to connect and separate the sample loading module 1 and the connecting module 2.

[0041] The connecting side of the piston 43 and the elastic member 42 is partially recessed inward to form a guide groove 431, and the fixing column 412 is adapted to the guide groove 431. The matching relationship between the fixing column 412 and the guide groove 431 makes the movement direction of the piston 43 always parallel to the central axis of the fixing column 412, so that the piston 43 can move stably in the control channel 121.

[0042] The outer periphery of the connecting pin 21 is provided with an elastic sealing ring 22 which is interference fit with the channel wall of the control channel 121. The setting of the sealing ring 22 ensures that the reaction liquid in the sample loading channel 11 does not leak out from the gap between the connecting pin 21 and the flow outlet 112 when the connecting pin 21 is inserted into the flow outlet 112 to trigger the switch assembly 4, so that the sample loading structure does not leak when in use.

[0043] The connection module 2 has a connection channel corresponding to the outflow port 112, and the connection channel has an inlet connected to the connection pin 21 and an outlet connected to the microfluidic chip 3. The connection channel is provided with an on-off valve for controlling the on-off state of the connection channel, and the on-off valve is connected to the control module. The connection module 2 also includes an injection pump 23 connected to the connection channel and the microfluidic chip 3 for pumping the reaction liquid into the microfluidic chip 3. The user can first connect the sample loading module 1 and the connection module 2, turn on the injection pump, and then open each on-off valve in turn through the control module to pump the reaction liquid in different sample loading channels 11 into the microfluidic chip 3 in turn to realize automatic injection, which is convenient for the user to automatically control the injection process of the sample loading structure. The connection mode of the first connection seat 12 and the second connection seat 41 is a snap connection. This technical solution facilitates the installation of the switch component 4 in the sample loading module 1.

[0044] In summary, the sample loading structure and the microfluidic detector can complete the sample loading action: the user adds different reaction liquids into the corresponding sample loading channel 11 through the inlet 111, and then inserts the connecting pin 21 into the outlet 112, and triggers the switch component 4, the sample loading module 1 is connected to the connecting module 2, the piston 43 in the switch component 4 moves inward, the inlet 112 is opened, the sample loading pump 23 is turned on, and the reaction liquid enters the microfluidic core from the injection hole 122 through the control channel 121, the outlet 112, the connecting pin 21, and the connecting channel, and the sample loading is completed.

[0045] Example 2 Microfluidic Detector

[0046] The microfluidic detector using the sample loading structure in Example 1 needs to enable the user to conveniently perform sample loading and extraction operations on the sample loading module 1. Figures 7 to 10 The microfluidic detector includes a housing 5, in which the above-mentioned sample loading structure is arranged, and sliders 13 are formed on both sides of the sample loading module 1. A guide plate 6 is arranged in the housing, which is opposite to both sides of the sample loading module 1 and is used to connect the sample loading module 1. A slide groove 61 is arranged on the side of the guide plate 6 close to the sample loading module 1, and the slide groove 61 is adapted to the slider 13. A liquid outlet pump connected to the liquid outlet of the microfluidic chip 3 is also arranged in the housing 5 of the microfluidic detector. The liquid outlet pump is used to extract the waste liquid in the microfluidic chip, and a waste liquid tank for storing waste liquid is connected to the downstream of the liquid outlet pump.

[0047] The rear end of the guide plate 6 is provided with a magnetic member 7 that is directly opposite to the end of the slide slot 61, and the rear end of the slider 13 is provided with a magnetic member 14 that can generate magnetic attraction with the magnetic member 7. After the user slides the sample loading module 1 along the slide slot 61 into the housing 5, the magnetic member 7 is magnetically connected to the magnetic member 14, and the sample loading structure will not move relative to the housing 5 during use, so that the connection between the sample loading structure and the housing 5 is firm.

[0048] A sample loading window 8 for pulling out the sample loading module 1 is provided on the side of the housing 5, and a handle 15 is provided on the side of the sample loading module 1 exposed to the sample loading window 8. When in use, the user can complete the installation of the sample loading module 1 in the housing 5 by pushing and pulling the handle 15 in the area of ​​the sample loading window 8, which facilitates the user to move the sample loading module 1 into the housing 5 without opening the housing 5.

[0049] In summary, the microfluidic detector can complete the extraction action: after the reaction liquid in the sample loading channel 11 is consumed, the sample pump 23 is turned off, the connecting pin 21 is pulled out of the flow hole 112, the connection between the sample loading module 1 and the connecting module 2 is released, and the piston 43 is pressed against the sealing ring 123 due to the restoring force of the elastic member 42, the inlet 112 is closed, and then the connecting module 2 and the sample loading module 1 are further separated to complete the extraction action.

Claims

1. A sample loading structure, comprising a sample loading module (1), and A connecting module (2), used for connecting the sample adding module (1) and the microfluidic chip (3); Features: The sample loading module (1) is provided with at least two mutually independent sample loading channels (11) for introducing reaction liquid, and each sample loading channel (11) is provided with an inlet (111) for the reaction liquid to flow in and an outlet (112) for the reaction liquid to flow out and connected to the connecting module (2); The sample loading module (1) further comprises a switch component (4) arranged at the flow outlet (112) and capable of closing the flow outlet (112), wherein the switch component (4) corresponds to the flow outlet (112) in a one-to-one manner; The connecting side of the connecting module (2) and the sample loading module (1) protrudes outward to form at least two connecting pins (21), and each of the connecting pins (21) is provided with a connecting port connected to the fluid of the corresponding sample loading channel (11); after each sample loading channel (11) is loaded with a sample and connected to the connecting module (2), the connecting pin (21) can be inserted into the outflow port (112) and force the switch assembly (4) to open, so that the reaction liquid flows into the connecting module (2) through the connecting port.

2. The sample adding structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the periphery of the opening of the sample loading channel (11) is inwardly recessed to form a first connection seat (12); the first connection seat (12) is penetrated inside and outside to form a control channel (121) connected with the flow outlet (112); the surface of the first connection seat (12) is penetrated by a sample injection hole (122) connected with the control channel (121) and the sample loading channel (11); the switch assembly (4) is arranged at the flow outlet (112) through the first connection seat (12).

3. The sample adding structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The switch assembly (4) comprises: a second connecting seat (41) connected to the first connecting seat (12); the second connecting seat (41) is inwardly recessed to form a mounting groove (411); the notch of the mounting groove (411) is opposite to the control channel (121); the bottom of the mounting groove (411) protrudes outward to form a fixing column (412); An elastic member (42) having elasticity, one end of which is disposed at the bottom of the mounting groove (411) and sleeved on the periphery of the fixing column (412); The piston (43) is connected to the other end of the elastic member (42). The control channel (121) has a movable space for the piston to reciprocate. The inner wall of the control channel (121) protrudes inwardly along the circumferential direction at the junction with the outflow port (112) to form a blocking ring (123). The blocking ring (123) and the piston (43) are interference fit. When the connecting pin (21) is inserted into the outflow port (112) and pushes the piston (43) to move inward and the elastic member (42) is compressed, the outflow port (112) is opened and the reaction liquid enters the connecting module (2) from the sample addition channel (11). When the connecting pin (21) and the outflow port (112) are withdrawn, the piston (43) and the elastic member (42) are reset to support the blocking ring (123), the outflow port (112) is closed, and the reaction liquid between the sample addition channel (11) and the connecting module (2) is cut off.

4. The sample adding structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The connecting side of the piston (43) and the elastic member (42) is partially recessed inward to form a guide groove (431), and the fixing column (412) is adapted to fit the guide groove (431).

5. The sample adding structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer periphery of the connecting foot (21) is provided with an elastic sealing ring (22) which is interference-fitted with the channel wall of the control channel (121).

6. The sample adding structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The connecting module (2) has a connecting channel corresponding to the outlet (112) in a one-to-one manner, and the connecting channel has an inlet connected to the connecting pin (21) and an outlet connected to the microfluidic chip (3). The connecting channel is provided with an on-off valve for controlling the on-off state of the connecting channel, and the on-off valve is connected to the control module for control. The connecting module (2) also includes an injection pump (23) connected to the connecting channel and the microfluidic chip (3) and used for pumping the reaction liquid into the microfluidic chip (3).

7. The sample adding structure according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: The first connecting seat (12) and the second connecting seat (41) are connected in a snap-fit ​​connection manner.

8. A microfluidic detector, comprising a housing (5), characterized in that: The shell (5) is provided with a sample loading structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and two sides of the sample loading module (1) are partially protruded outward to form sliders (13). The shell is provided with guide plates (6) opposite to the two sides of the sample loading module (1) and used to connect the sample loading module (1). The side of the guide plate (6) close to the sample loading module (1) is provided with a slide groove (61), and the slide groove (61) is adapted to the slider (13).

9. The microfluidic detector according to claim 8, characterized in that: The rear end of the guide plate (6) is provided with a magnetic member (7) directly opposite to the end of the slide groove (61), and correspondingly, the rear end of the slider (13) is provided with a magnetic attraction member (14) capable of generating a magnetic attraction force with the magnetic member (7).

10. The microfluidic detector according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: A sample loading window (8) for withdrawing the sample loading module (1) is provided on the side of the housing (5), and a handle (15) is provided on the side of the sample loading module (1) exposed to the sample loading window (8).

Images