An efficient droplet generation device

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the field of droplet microfluidics technology, and more specifically, it relates to an efficient droplet generation device. It includes a dispersed phase inlet layer and a droplet generation layer; it also includes two or more continuous phase grading layers connected in a tree-like structure by one input end and N output ends, and two or more dispersed phase grading layers connected in a tree-like structure by one input end and N output ends; wherein N is a natural number, and is greater than or equal to 3; the output end of each dispersed phase grading layer is connected to a dispersed phase inlet layer, and each dispersed phase inlet layer is connected to a droplet generation layer; the output ends of the continuous phase grading layers are connected one by one to the droplet generation layers. The present invention provides an efficient droplet generation device, in which the conditions at each place of the liquid channel are exactly the same, and the generated droplets have good uniformity and consistency. At the same time, through the hierarchical setting, the production efficiency is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of droplet microfluidics technology, and more specifically, relates to an efficient droplet generating device. Background Art

[0002] Droplet microfluidics is an important branch of the field of microfluidics. It is a fluid dispersed in another immiscible fluid in the form of droplets, with droplets as the basic operation and reaction unit. Droplet microfluidics has unique advantages and can be widely used in biology, chemistry, materials science, engineering and other fields, with great application prospects. For example, the currently commercialized droplet PCR can greatly shorten the time, microdroplets as microreactors can efficiently detect and screen trace chemical substances, and droplet microfluidics can achieve highly uniform material preparation.

[0003] The realization of efficient and uniform preparation of microdroplets is the prerequisite for realizing the application of microdroplets. At present, microfluidics technology can achieve uniform preparation of droplets, but it is generally inefficient and the output is difficult to meet the requirements of industrial production and use, which seriously restricts its wide application, especially in the engineering field. Therefore, it is very necessary to improve the efficiency of uniform droplet generation.

[0004] Microfluidic droplet generation technology uses the interaction between flow shear force and surface tension to divide a continuous fluid into discrete droplets of nanoliters or below. The droplets are formed at the intersection of two fluids. At present, the efficiency of droplet generation is often improved by concentrating multiple structures to increase the yield of droplets. In planar structures, due to space limitations, the integration is still relatively low, and the generation efficiency needs to be further improved. There are also three-dimensional integrated structures to improve the efficiency of droplet generation, but there are generally problems such as poor consistency of the terminal structure and relatively low integration. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects in the prior art, the present invention provides an efficient droplet generation device, which performs a hierarchical design on both the dispersed phase and the continuous phase, thereby effectively improving the production efficiency.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: an efficient droplet generation device, including a dispersed phase inlet layer and a droplet generation layer; wherein, it also includes two or more continuous phase grading layers connected in a tree-like structure by an input end and N output ends with equal positions, and two or more dispersed phase grading layers connected in a tree-like structure by an input end and N output ends with equal positions; wherein N is a natural number, and is greater than or equal to 3; the output end of each dispersed phase grading layer is connected to a dispersed phase inlet layer, and each dispersed phase inlet layer is connected to a droplet generation layer; the output ends of the continuous phase grading layers are connected one by one to the droplet generation layer. In the production process, the specific number of gradings n of the dispersed phase and the continuous phase can be selected according to demand, and the specific number of dispersed phases and continuous phases at each level can also be selected according to production needs. The number of gradings and the number of each level determine the final production efficiency; through the device provided by the present invention, during production, only one dispersed phase input port and one continuous phase input port are needed, and N can be produced simultaneously. n droplets, increasing the generation efficiency to N n times, effectively improving the production efficiency. In addition, since there is only one input port for the continuous phase and the dispersed phase, only one pump is needed at each of the two input ports during production. In this way, the various conditions of each terminal channel are exactly the same, so the size of the droplets generated in each droplet generation channel is consistent. In summary, the droplet generation device provided by the present invention can ensure the uniformity of the droplets while ensuring a high generation efficiency.

[0007] Furthermore, a continuous phase channel is provided on the upper surface of the droplet generation layer, a guide port is provided at the center, the continuous phase channel is radially distributed from the center of the guide port to the surrounding areas, and a droplet generation channel is provided at the end of each continuous phase channel that passes through from top to bottom; the top of the droplet generation channel is connected to the dispersed phase inlet layer, and the bottom is used to connect to the droplet collection pipeline; a continuous phase inflow pipeline connected to the guide port is also provided inside the droplet generation layer; the continuous phase inflow pipeline is connected to the output end of the continuous phase grading layer in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0008] Furthermore, a dispersed phase inlet pipe is provided on the top of the dispersed phase inlet layer, and a plurality of dispersed phase channels are provided on the bottom plate at the bottom of the dispersed phase inlet layer, the dispersed phase channels are connected to the droplet generation channels one by one, and the dispersed phase inlet pipe is connected to the output end of the dispersed phase grading layer one by one. The dispersed phase solution flows into the dispersed phase inlet layer from the dispersed phase inlet pipe, and then flows out through the dispersed phase channel; there are a plurality of dispersed phase channels, which are connected to the droplet generation channels one by one; the dispersed phase solution is diverted, and multiple drops of dispersed phase are generated simultaneously.

[0009] Furthermore, each dispersed phase channel is connected to a flow guide tube, and the flow guide tube extends into the droplet generation channel. Connecting a flow guide tube to the dispersed phase channel facilitates the formation of droplets of the dispersed phase on the one hand; on the other hand, the continuous phase solution flows from the outside of the flow guide tube to the flow guide tube, and then converges with the dispersed phase to wrap the dispersed phase, and the dispersed phase generates droplets under the shearing action of the flowing continuous phase.

[0010] Furthermore, the flow guide tube is in a cone structure, and one side of the bottom surface of the cone is connected to the bottom of the dispersed phase channel, and one side of the tip extends into the droplet generation channel.

[0011] Furthermore, the dispersed phase grading layer and the continuous phase grading layer have the same structure, both including a grading layer inlet 341 and a plurality of grading layer outlets 342. Each grading layer outlet is connected to the grading layer inlet 341 of the next level, and through this tree-like connection mode, the number of final output ports is gradually increased, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0012] As another embodiment of the present invention, further, a continuous phase inlet pipe is provided at the top of the droplet generation layer, and a plurality of droplet generation channels are provided at the bottom of the droplet generation layer; a dispersed phase inlet pipe is provided at the top of the dispersed phase inlet layer, and a plurality of dispersed phase channels are provided on the bottom plate at the bottom of the dispersed phase inlet layer, and the dispersed phase channels extend into the droplet generation layer one by one through the dispersed phase pipe and penetrate the droplet generation channels one by one; and a gap is provided between the droplet generation channel and the dispersed phase pipe for the continuous phase to flow.

[0013] Furthermore, a guide tube is connected to the end of each dispersed phase pipeline, and the guide tube is located in the droplet generation channel; the guide tube is a cone structure, and one side of the bottom surface of the cone is connected to the bottom of the dispersed phase channel, and the tip side extends into the droplet generation channel.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects are: the present invention provides an efficient droplet generation device, each branch of which generates droplets, and the droplets generated have good uniformity and consistency. At the same time, the production efficiency is effectively improved through a hierarchical setting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the connection relationship between the dispersed phase inlet layer and the droplet generation layer in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dispersed phase inlet layer in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the droplet generation layer structure of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the continuous phase grading layer or the dispersed phase grading layer in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Example 2 of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the dispersed phase pipeline and the droplet generation layer in Example 2 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. To better illustrate the present embodiment, some parts in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged or reduced, and do not represent the size of the actual product. For those skilled in the art, it is understandable that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings. The positional relationships described in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0023] Example 1

[0024] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, an efficient droplet generation device includes a dispersed phase inlet layer 1 and a droplet generation layer 2; wherein, it also includes a two-level or multi-level continuous phase grading layer 4 connected in a tree-like structure by an input end and N output ends, and a two-level or multi-level dispersed phase grading layer 3 connected in a tree-like structure by an input end and N output ends; wherein N is a natural number, and is greater than or equal to 3; each output end of the dispersed phase grading layer 3 is connected to a dispersed phase inlet layer 1, and each dispersed phase inlet layer 1 is connected to a droplet generation layer 2; the output ends of the continuous phase grading layer 4 are connected one by one to the droplet generation layer 2. Each layer is connected through an interlayer pipe 5. In the production process, the specific number of gradings n of the dispersed phase and the continuous phase can be selected according to demand, and the specific number of dispersed phases and continuous phases at each level can also be selected according to production needs. The number of gradings and the number of each level determine the final production efficiency; through the device provided by the present invention, during production, only one dispersed phase input port and one continuous phase input port are needed, and N can be produced simultaneously. n The production efficiency is effectively improved. In addition, since there is only one input port for the continuous phase and the dispersed phase, only one liquid supply pump is needed at each of the two input ports during production. In this way, the conditions of each channel are completely consistent, and the generated droplets have good uniformity. In summary, the droplet generation device provided by the present invention can ensure high generation efficiency while ensuring droplet uniformity.

[0025] like Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, a continuous phase channel 21 is provided on the upper surface of the droplet generation layer 2, and a guide port 22 is provided at the center. The continuous phase channels 21 are radially distributed from the center of the guide port 22 to the surrounding areas, and a droplet generation channel 23 is provided at the end of each continuous phase channel 21. The top of the droplet generation channel 23 is connected to the dispersed phase inlet layer 1, and the bottom is used to connect the droplet collection pipeline; a continuous phase inflow pipeline 24 connected to the guide port 22 is also provided inside the droplet generation layer 2; the continuous phase inflow pipeline 24 is connected to the output end of the continuous phase grading layer 4 one by one.

[0026] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a dispersed phase inlet pipe 11 is provided at the top of the dispersed phase inlet layer 1, and a plurality of dispersed phase channels 12 are provided on the bottom plate at the bottom of the dispersed phase inlet layer 1. The dispersed phase channels 12 are connected to the droplet generation channels 23 one by one, and the dispersed phase inlet pipe 11 is connected to the output end of the dispersed phase classification layer 3 one by one. The dispersed phase solution flows into the dispersed phase inlet layer 1 from the dispersed phase inlet pipe 11, and then flows out through the dispersed phase channels 12; there are a plurality of dispersed phase channels 12, which are connected to the droplet generation channels 23 one by one, so as to realize the diversion of the dispersed phase solution and realize the simultaneous generation of multiple dispersed phases.

[0027] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each dispersed phase channel 12 is connected to a flow guide tube 13, which extends into the droplet generation channel 23. Connecting a flow guide tube 13 to the dispersed phase channel 12 facilitates the formation of droplets of the dispersed phase on the one hand; on the other hand, the continuous phase solution flows from the outside of the flow guide tube 13 to the flow guide tube 13, and then converges with the dispersed phase to wrap the dispersed phase, and the dispersed phase generates droplets under the shearing action of the flowing continuous phase.

[0028] The flow guide tube 13 is in a cone structure, and one side of the bottom surface of the cone is connected to the bottom of the dispersed phase channel 12 , and one side of the tip extends into the droplet generation channel 23 .

[0029] Working principle:

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the number of stages of the dispersed phase graded layer 3 and the number of layers of the continuous phase graded layer 4 is 2 for illustration;

[0031] 1. The dispersed phase flows from the grading layer inlet 341 of the primary dispersed phase grading layer 31, through the grading layer outlet 342 of the primary dispersed phase grading layer 31, into the grading layer inlet 341 of the secondary dispersed phase grading layer 32, thereby flowing into the secondary dispersed phase grading layer 32, and then through the grading layer outlet 342 of the secondary dispersed phase grading layer 32 into the dispersed phase inlet pipe 11 of the dispersed phase inlet layer 1, and then through the dispersed phase channel 12 into the droplet generation channel 23;

[0032] 2. At the same time, the continuous phase fluid flows in from the grading layer inlet 341 of the primary continuous phase grading layer 41, and is introduced into the grading layer inlet 341 of the secondary continuous phase grading layer 42 through the grading layer outlet 342 of the primary continuous phase grading layer 41, thereby flowing into the secondary continuous phase grading layer 42; the continuous phase fluid flows into the continuous phase inflow pipe 24 of the droplet generation layer 2 through the grading layer outlet 342 of the secondary continuous phase grading layer 42, flows into each continuous phase channel 21 through the guide port 22, and flows into the droplet generation channel 23 through the continuous phase channel 21;

[0033] 3. The dispersed phase forms droplets at the tip of the flow guide tube 13, and the continuous phase flows from the outside of the flow guide tube 13 to the tip to wrap the dispersed phase. The dispersed phase generates droplets under the shearing action of the flowing continuous phase.

[0034] In the present invention, the dispersed phase fluid and the continuous phase fluid flow in from one inlet respectively and finally flow out from multiple outlets. Each outlet is connected to the droplet generation layer 2 and the dispersed phase inlet layer 1 one by one, which not only ensures that the conditions of each channel are completely consistent and the uniformity of the generated droplets is guaranteed, but also effectively improves the generation efficiency.

[0035] Example 2

[0036] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, an efficient droplet generation device includes a dispersed phase inlet layer 1 and a droplet generation layer 2; wherein, it also includes a two-level or multi-level continuous phase grading layer 4 connected by one input end and N output ends in a tree structure, and a two-level or multi-level dispersed phase grading layer 3 connected by one input end and N output ends in a tree structure; wherein N is a natural number and is greater than or equal to 3; the output end of each dispersed phase grading layer 3 is connected to a dispersed phase inlet layer 1, and each dispersed phase inlet layer 1 is connected to a droplet generation layer 2; the output ends of the continuous phase grading layers 4 are connected to the droplet generation layers 2 one by one. Each layer is connected through an interlayer pipeline 5. In the production process, the specific number of dispersed phase and continuous phase grading can be selected according to demand, and the specific number of dispersed phase and continuous phase in each level can also be selected according to production demand. The number of grading and the number of each level determine the final production efficiency. Through the device provided by the present invention, during production, only one dispersed phase input port and one continuous phase input port are needed, and multiple droplets can be produced at the same time, which effectively improves the production efficiency. In addition, since there is only one input port for the continuous phase and the dispersed phase, only one liquid supply pump needs to be used at each of the two input ports during production. In this way, the conditions of each channel are exactly the same, and the generated droplets have good uniformity. In summary, the droplet generation device provided by the present invention can ensure a high generation efficiency while ensuring the uniformity of the droplets.

[0037] Among them, a continuous phase inlet pipe 25 is provided at the top of the droplet generation layer 2, and a plurality of droplet generation channels 23 are provided at the bottom of the droplet generation layer 2; a dispersed phase inlet pipe 11 is provided at the top of the dispersed phase inlet layer 1, and a plurality of dispersed phase channels 12 are provided on the bottom plate of the bottom of the dispersed phase inlet layer 1, and the dispersed phase channels 12 extend into the droplet generation layer 2 one by one through the dispersed phase pipes 14, and are penetrated one by one in the droplet generation channels 23; and a gap for the continuous phase to flow is provided between the droplet generation channel 23 and the dispersed phase pipe 14.

[0038] Among them, a guide tube 13 is connected to the end of each dispersed phase pipeline, and the guide tube 13 is located in the droplet generation channel 23; the guide tube 13 is a cone structure, and one side of the bottom surface of the cone is connected to the bottom of the dispersed phase channel 12, and the tip side extends into the droplet generation channel 23.

[0039] Compared with Example 1, Example 2 has a simpler structure. The dispersed phase grading layer 3 and the continuous phase grading layer 4 are arranged on the same side, which saves space and facilitates operation. In addition, it is also convenient to collect finished product droplets.

[0040] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the referred device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0041] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0042] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0043] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, a first feature being "above", "above" or "above" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below", "below" or "below" a second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0044] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0045] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and vary the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0046] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An efficient droplet generation device, comprising a dispersed phase inlet layer (1) and a droplet generation layer (2); characterized in that: It also includes a multi-level continuous phase grading layer (4) having one input end and N output ends connected in a tree-like structure, and a multi-level dispersed phase grading layer (3) having one input end and N output ends connected in a tree-like structure; wherein N is a natural number and is greater than or equal to 3; The output end of each dispersed phase classification layer (3) is connected to a dispersed phase inlet layer (1), and each dispersed phase inlet layer (1) is connected to a droplet generation layer (2); the output ends of the continuous phase classification layer (4) are connected to the droplet generation layers (2) one by one; and the input ends of the continuous phase classification layer (4) and the dispersed phase classification layer (3) are respectively connected to liquid supply pumps; The upper surface of the droplet generation layer (2) is provided with a continuous phase channel (21), and a flow guide port (22) is provided at the center. The continuous phase channel (21) is radially distributed from the center of the flow guide port (22) to the surroundings. At the end of each continuous phase channel (21), there is a droplet generation channel (23) that is connected from top to bottom. The top of the droplet generation channel (23) is connected to the dispersed phase inlet layer (1), and the bottom is used to connect to the droplet collection pipeline. The inside of the droplet generation layer (2) is also provided with a channel that is connected to the flow guide port. (22) connected to the continuous phase inlet pipe (24); the continuous phase inlet pipe (24) is connected to the output end of the continuous phase grading layer (4) in a one-to-one correspondence; the top of the dispersed phase inlet layer (1) is provided with a dispersed phase inlet pipe (11), and a plurality of dispersed phase channels (12) are provided on the bottom plate of the dispersed phase inlet layer (1), the dispersed phase channels (12) are connected to the droplet generation channels (23) in a one-to-one correspondence, and the dispersed phase inlet pipe (11) is connected to the output end of the dispersed phase grading layer (3) in a one-to-one correspondence.

2. The efficient droplet generation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each dispersed phase channel (12) is connected to a flow guide tube (13), and the flow guide tube (13) extends into the droplet generation channel (23).

3. The efficient droplet generation device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The flow guide tube (13) is in a cone structure, with one side of the bottom surface of the cone connected to the bottom of the dispersed phase channel (12), and one side of the tip extending into the droplet generation channel (23).

4. The efficient droplet generation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The dispersed phase grading layer (3) and the continuous phase grading layer (4) have the same structure, both comprising a grading layer inlet and a plurality of grading layer outlets.

5. An efficient droplet generation device, comprising a dispersed phase inlet layer (1) and a droplet generation layer (2); characterized in that: It also includes a multi-level continuous phase grading layer (4) having one input end and N output ends connected in a tree-like structure, and a multi-level dispersed phase grading layer (3) having one input end and N output ends connected in a tree-like structure; wherein N is a natural number and is greater than or equal to 3; The output end of each dispersed phase classification layer (3) is connected to a dispersed phase inlet layer (1), and each dispersed phase inlet layer (1) is connected to a droplet generation layer (2); the output ends of the continuous phase classification layer (4) are connected to the droplet generation layers (2) one by one; the input ends of the continuous phase classification layer (4) and the dispersed phase classification layer (3) are respectively connected to a liquid supply pump; wherein a continuous phase inlet pipeline (25) is provided at the top of the droplet generation layer (2), and a liquid supply pump (25) is provided at the bottom of the droplet generation layer (2). A plurality of droplet generation channels (23); a dispersed phase inlet pipe (11) is provided on the top of the dispersed phase inlet layer (1), and a plurality of dispersed phase channels (12) are provided on the bottom plate of the dispersed phase inlet layer (1); the dispersed phase channels (12) extend one by one into the droplet generation layer (2) through the dispersed phase pipes (14) and penetrate one by one into the droplet generation channels (23); and a gap is provided between the droplet generation channels (23) and the dispersed phase pipes (14) for the continuous phase to flow.

6. The efficient droplet generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: A flow guide tube (13) is connected to the end of each dispersed phase pipeline (14), and the flow guide tube (13) is located in the droplet generation channel (23); the flow guide tube (13) is in a cone structure, and one side of the bottom surface of the cone is connected to the bottom of the dispersed phase channel (12), and one side of the tip extends into the droplet generation channel (23).

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