Interface device and its components, culture chamber interface device and array interface device

Abstract

The present invention provides a microfluidic chip interface device, which includes a pin insertion device and a pin interface device. The pin insertion device includes a seal, a fastening device and a pin. The pin passes through the seal and the through hole of the fastening device and is fixed inside the first chip, and its needle tail is connected to the first chip channel extending to the outside of the first chip. The pin interface device includes a lower part of a pin tube, a sealing member and an upper part of the pin tube. One side of the upper part of the pin tube is close to the sealing member, and the other side is connected to the second chip channel extending to the outside of the second chip; one side of the lower part of the pin tube is close to the sealing member, and the other side is connected to the open groove at the bottom of the second chip; when the fastening device enters the open groove, the pin pierces the sealing member and enters the upper part of the pin tube. The present invention adopts a needle puncture sealing solution to solve the problems of complex interfaces and sealing, and ensures clean, closed, fast and repeatable loading between chips.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of biological reaction or detection chip preparation, and specifically relates to a microfluidic chip interface device and its corresponding interface device component, a culture chamber interface device and an array interface device. Background Art

[0002] Microfluidic Chip

[0003] Microfluidic chips can realize the entire biological or chemical reaction process on a very small chip and show the final result. This process requires the effective cooperation between the chip and the external fluid and control part, and the fluid interface of the chip is a key technology. Good sealing performance, convenient installation and disassembly methods, and reusable connector technology will bring better application expansion to microfluidic chips. Currently, common connector methods include the following:

[0004] Clip type: The fluid pipelines between chips mainly adopt a compression connection method, that is, the loading between chips is achieved by tightly pressing the clamps and the chips. For example, the chip interface structure disclosed in Figure 1 of Chinese Patent CN211303111U adopts a chip clamping mechanism for fixing. By fixing the connector on the lifting plate and controlling the connector up and down with a knob, a degree of freedom for left and right movement is added, which is convenient for adjusting the position of the connector in one dimension. However, the aforementioned clip-type interface has the problems of complex equipment structure and inconvenient disassembly. In particular, some existing technologies often use special colloids to bond the lead-out pipelines. Therefore, there may also be problems such as the connector being fixed and unable to be replaced or moved, unable to be disassembled, and limited service life.

[0005] Screw locking type: The fluid pipelines between chips are mainly connected by screws and nuts to complete the loading and unloading between chips. For example, the chip interface structure disclosed in Figure 1 of Chinese Patent CN104226386A uses fixing screws, chip and interface seals, sealing interface tightening nuts, sealing interface tightening screws, chip channel tightening screws and other devices to complete the connection between microfluidic chips. However, the aforementioned screw locking type interface has the problems of trivial parts and cumbersome disassembly; secondly, the screws and nuts may also contact the reaction sample liquid at the interface part, causing pollution problems such as liquid leakage and overflow; thirdly, after the screw holes are fixed, the chip must use a specific pressure plate with corresponding screw holes. Unless a pressure plate with a corresponding complex structure is made, it is difficult to apply to chips with complex structures and has a narrow scope of application.

[0006] Bracket type: The bracket structure is used to fix and connect different chips, and then the pipeline interface is closed by applying pressure to achieve a sealed connection between the chip and the flow path. This structure also requires a more complex external fixing device such as a bracket, so it also has limitations in applicability.

[0007] Based on the above background, the existing microfluidic chip interface technology has at least the following technical problems:

[0008] 1. The external device of the fluid interface of the chip is complex, and the mechanical structure is cumbersome and difficult;

[0009] 2. When the chip and fluid interface are separated, there is a risk of contamination such as liquid leakage and overflow;

[0010] 3. The sealing of the chip fluid interface cannot be guaranteed during insertion and removal; or

[0011] 4. In the process of connecting the chip connector to the chip, particulate contaminants may be introduced, such as dust or debris from the connector falling in, which may cause the particles to easily block the internal channels of the chip.

[0012] The present invention provides a micro-acupuncture-connected chip interface device, which does not require a complex external fixing structure. In addition, the present invention also provides an interface device component, a culture chamber interface device, and an array interface device corresponding to the interface device, which can meet the needs of biochemical reactions in different environments. Summary of the invention

[0013] Specifically, the present invention relates to a microfluidic chip interface device, which includes a pin insertion device and a pin interface device, wherein the interface device includes a pin insertion device and a pin interface device, wherein the pin insertion device is located inside a first chip, wherein the pin insertion device is provided with a seal, a fastening device and a pin in sequence from bottom to top in a vertical direction, wherein a through hole is provided inside the fastening device, wherein the needle tip of the pin can pass through the seal and the through hole inside the fastening device from bottom to top, wherein the needle tail of the pin is fixed inside the first chip and communicated with a first chip channel inside the first chip, wherein the first chip channel extends to the outside of the first chip; wherein the pin interface device is located inside a second chip, wherein the pin interface device is provided with a seal, a fastening device and a pin in sequence from bottom to top in a vertical direction, wherein a through hole is provided inside the fastening device, wherein the needle tip of the pin can pass through the seal and the through hole inside the fastening device from bottom to top, wherein the needle tail of the pin is fixed inside the first chip and communicated with a first chip channel inside the first chip, wherein the first chip channel extends to the outside of the first chip; wherein the pin interface device is located inside the second chip, wherein the pin interface device is provided with a seal, a fastening device and a pin in sequence from bottom to top in a vertical direction, wherein the needle tip of the pin can pass through the seal and the through hole inside the fastening device from bottom to top, wherein the needle tip of the pin The lower part of the pin tube, the sealing part and the upper part of the pin tube are arranged in sequence from bottom to top, the upper part of the pin tube is close to the sealing part and is connected to the second chip channel inside the second chip on the side away from the sealing part, and the second chip channel extends to the outside of the second chip; the lower part of the pin tube is close to the sealing part and is connected to the open groove at the bottom of the second chip on the side away from the sealing part, so as to be fixed at the bottom of the second chip; when the first chip and the second chip are loaded and combined, the fastening device of the first chip enters the open groove of the second chip, and the pin enters the open groove of the second chip and the lower part of the pin tube first and then, and pierces the sealing part to enter the upper part of the pin tube.

[0014] Preferably, a filter element is inserted into the upper part of the insertion needle tube on the side away from the sealing member, and the filter element can connect the upper part of the insertion needle tube and the second chip channel. It should be noted that the absence of a filter element does not affect the fluid passage and liquid transportation between the chips in the present invention, but in order to better filter the sample liquid and ensure that the pipeline is not blocked, a filter element can be added to filter the sample liquid.

[0015] Preferably, the material of the filter element can be selected from one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, glass fiber or quartz sand. It should be noted that the selection of the filter element material needs to be judged according to the biochemical reaction or culture conditions. For example, for acidic reactions or culture conditions, acid-resistant filter element materials should be selected to avoid being affected by impurities and reducing the service life of the interface.

[0016] Preferably, the size of the fastening device is smaller than or equal to the size of the open groove, so as to place the fastening device in the open groove to better bond the chip. Further preferably, the size of the fastening device can be equal to the size of the open groove to strengthen the bonding.

[0017] Preferably, the fastening device includes a fastening device screwing device disposed outside the first chip and a fastening device screwing interface disposed inside the first chip, the fastening device screwing device and the fastening device screwing interface are both provided with threads for screwing together, and the fastening device screwing device and the fastening device screwing interface can be screwed together to achieve loading and unloading. The purpose is to make the fastening device screwing device and the fastening device screwing interface on the first chip be a split design, which can facilitate loading and unloading, and further facilitate the replacement of old pins. It should be noted that directly using the fastening device as an integrated design still falls within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0018] Preferably, the material of the sealing member can be selected from one or more of polyisoprene rubber, butyl rubber, halogenated rubber, silicone rubber, EPDM rubber, brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, or modified chlorosulfonated polyethylene. It should be noted that the selection of sealing member materials needs to be determined according to the biochemical reaction or culture conditions. For example, for acidic reactions or culture conditions, acid-resistant sealing member materials should be selected to avoid being affected by impurities and reducing the service life of the interface.

[0019] In addition, the present invention also relates to an interface device assembly corresponding to the interface device, wherein the interface device assembly includes a plurality of the interface devices arranged in parallel, wherein the upper portions of the pin tubes of the plurality of pin interface devices are connected to each other in a sealed manner through a plurality of second chip channels. The purpose is to complete the interaction of sample liquids through the plurality of second chip channels that are connected to each other in a sealed manner, including but not limited to (1) achieving sample injection, waste liquid collection and reciprocating aspiration in a culture or reaction environment, or (2) achieving sample injection of multiple samples and reagents, and collection of target objects and waste liquids.

[0020] Optionally, the multiple second chip channels of the interface device assembly can be connected in series or in parallel. The specific choice can be determined according to the reaction needs. For example, for the purpose of sample injection, waste liquid collection and reciprocating aspiration in a culture or reaction environment, a series connection can be used, while for the purpose of sample injection of multiple samples and reagents, target and waste liquid collection, a parallel connection can be used.

[0021] The present invention also relates to a culture chamber interface device. Specifically, one or more culture chambers can be arranged between a plurality of second chip channels of any of the aforementioned interface device components, which can conveniently complete the supply and replacement of culture in the culture chamber.

[0022] The present invention also relates to an array interface device. Specifically, the array interface device includes any of the above-mentioned interface device components, the interface device components are placed in parallel and multiple first chip channels are interconnected. The arrayed use of multiple interface device components as above can help achieve simultaneous operation of multiple chips.

[0023] Optionally, the plurality of first chip channels in the array interface device may be connected in series or in parallel in a sealed manner, and the specific selection may depend on the reaction requirements.

[0024] The interface device of the present invention has a variety of technical effects, including but not limited to simple structure, convenient injection and repeated use, which can realize the rapid connection between the waste liquid flow path and the chip and the rapid connection between multiple chips; good sealing and can avoid liquid leakage, and can reduce the accidental blockage of the internal channel of the chip by particles during the plug-in process, etc. In addition, the interface device assembly, culture chamber interface device and array interface device of the present invention can also meet the needs of biochemical reactions in different environments and have wide applicability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1A It is a plan view of the interface device 100 of the present invention in a separated state; Figure 1B It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the interface device 100 of the present invention in a separated state; Figure 1C It is a plan view of the interface device 100 of the present invention in a closed state; Figure 1DSchematic diagram of the overall structure of the interface device 100 of the present invention in a closed state ( Figure 1D ).

[0026] In the figure - interface device 100, needle insertion device 110, needle interface device 120, first chip 130, sealing member 111, fastening device 112, needle 113 (needle tip 113A, needle tail 113B), first chip 130, first chip channel 131, pin interface device 120, second chip 140, lower portion of needle tube 121, sealing member 122, upper portion of needle tube 123, second chip channel 141, open groove 142.

[0027] Figure 2A It is a schematic plan view of the preferred interface device 200 of the present invention in a separated state; Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a preferred interface device 200 of the present invention in a closed state.

[0028] In the figure, an interface device 200, a fastening device 212 (a fastening device screwing device 212A and a fastening device screwing interface 212B), a lower portion of the insertion needle tube 221, an upper portion of the insertion needle tube 223, and a filter element 224.

[0029] Figure 3 The figure is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the interface device assembly 300 of the present invention having two interface devices in a closed state, wherein the second chip channels are connected in series.

[0030] In the figure, a chip interface device assembly 300 , an interface device 310 , an interface device 320 , a second chip channel 331 , and a second chip channel 332 .

[0031] Figure 4 The figure is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the interface device assembly 400 of the present invention having three interface devices in a closed state, wherein the second chip channels are connected in parallel.

[0032] In the figure - interface device component 400, interface device 410, interface device 420, interface device 430, second chip channel 441 connected to interface device 410, second chip channel 442 connected to interface device 420, second chip channel 443 connected to interface device 430, and main chip channel 444.

[0033] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the culture chamber interface device 500 of the present invention in a closed state.

[0034] In the figure, a culture chamber interface device 500, an interface device 510, an interface device 520, a second chip channel 531 connected to the interface device 510, a second chip channel 532 connected to the interface device 520, and a culture chamber 540. Figure 6It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the array interface device 600 of the present invention in a closed state.

[0035] In the figure - array interface device 600, interface device component 610, interface device component 620, interface device component 630, interface device component 640, interface device component 650, first chip channel 661, first chip channel 662, and first chip channel 663. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The specific implementation of the present invention is explained below. It should be understood that the following examples are only used to illustrate the specific implementation and use of the present invention, so as to facilitate the public to better understand the relevant technical content, rather than to impose any limitation on the technical content. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to the present invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined by the claims attached to this application.

[0037] Embodiment 1: Interface device 100

[0038] As shown in FIG1 , the present invention provides an interface device 100, which includes a pin insertion device 110 and a pin interface device 120. The pin insertion device 110 is located inside a first chip 130. The pin insertion device 110 is provided with a sealing member 111, a fastening device 112 and a pin 113 in sequence from bottom to top in a vertical direction. The fastening device 112 has a through hole inside. The needle tip 113A of the pin 113 can pass through the through hole inside the sealing member 111 and the fastening device 112 from bottom to top. The needle tail 113B of the pin is fixed inside the first chip 130 and communicated with a first chip channel 131 inside the first chip 130. The first chip channel 131 extends to the outside of the first chip 130. The pin interface device 120 is located inside a second chip 140. The pin interface device 120 is provided with a pin tube lower end 113A in sequence from bottom to top in a vertical direction. The upper part 123 of the pin tube is close to the sealing part 122 and is connected to the second chip channel 141 inside the second chip 140 on the side away from the sealing part 122, and the second chip channel 141 extends to the outside of the second chip 140; the lower part 121 of the pin tube is close to the sealing part 122 and is connected to the open groove 142 at the bottom of the second chip 140 on the side away from the sealing part 122, so as to be fixed at the bottom of the second chip 140; when the first chip 130 and the second chip 140 are loaded and combined, the fastening device 112 in the first chip 130 enters the open groove 142 of the second chip 140, and the pin 113 enters the open groove 142 of the second chip 140 and the lower part 121 of the pin tube first and then, and pierces the sealing part 122 to enter the upper part 123 of the pin tube.

[0039] Embodiment 2: Preferred interface device 200

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the present invention provides a preferred interface device 200, whose structural features are the same as those of Example 1, except that it further includes a filter element 224 on the basis of Example 1; and its fastening device 212 is a split design, consisting of a fastening device screwing device 212A with threads for mutual screwing and a fastening device screwing interface 212B.

[0041] Specifically, the filter element 224 is placed in the upper part of the pin tube away from the sealing member, and is connected to the second chip channel inside the second chip. The fastening device 212 includes a fastening device screwing device 212A placed outside the first chip and a fastening device screwing interface 212B placed inside the first chip. The fastening device screwing device 212A and the fastening device screwing interface 212B are both provided with screwing threads, and the fastening device screwing device 212A and the fastening device screwing interface 212B can be screwed together to achieve loading and unloading.

[0042] Embodiment 3: Interface device assembly 300

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the present invention provides a preferred interface device assembly 300 containing two interface devices. The structural features of the interface device are the same as those of the aforementioned embodiments 1-2, except that the interface device assembly 300 includes an interface device 310 and an interface device 320 placed in parallel in a vertical direction, wherein the second chip channel 331 connected to the interface device 310 and the second chip channel 332 connected to the interface device 320 are directly connected in series, which can achieve the purpose of sample injection, waste liquid collection and reciprocating aspiration in a culture or reaction environment.

[0044] Embodiment 4: Interface device assembly 400

[0045] like Figure 4 As shown, the present invention provides a preferred interface device assembly 400 containing three interface devices. The structural features of the interface device are the same as those of the aforementioned embodiments 1-2, except that the interface device assembly 400 includes an interface device 410, an interface device 420, and an interface device 430 placed in parallel in a vertical direction, wherein a second chip channel 441 connected to the interface device 410, a second chip channel 442 connected to the interface device 420, and a second chip channel 443 connected to the interface device 430 are connected in parallel, so as to achieve the purpose of sampling, collecting target objects and waste liquid for multiple samples and reagents.

[0046] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can also adopt simple deformation to further realize the design of interface device components of more interface devices.

[0047] Example 5: Cultivation Chamber Interface Device 500

[0048] like Figure 5As shown, the present invention provides a culture chamber interface device 500. Specifically, the structural features of the interface device inside the culture chamber interface device 500 are the same as those of Example 1-2, except that the culture chamber interface device 500 includes an interface device 510 and an interface device 520 placed in parallel in a vertical direction, wherein a second chip channel 531 connected to the interface device 510 and a second chip channel 532 connected to the interface device 520 are connected in series. The culture chamber interface device 500 can be directly plugged into the corresponding culture chamber 540 for nutrient supply, and a new interface device component can be replaced after use, and then plugged in and used again.

[0049] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can also use simple modifications to further implement the design of an interface device component including more culture chambers, or to implement a design in which the second chip channels are connected in series.

[0050] Embodiment 6: Array interface device 600

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, the present invention provides an array interface device 600. Specifically, the structural features of the interface component device inside the array interface device 600 are the same as those of the aforementioned embodiments 1-2, except that the array interface device 600 includes an interface device component 610, an interface device component 620, an interface device component 630, an interface device component 640, and an interface device component 650 placed in parallel in a vertical direction, and the aforementioned three first chip channels connected to the interface device component 610, the interface device component 620, the interface device component 630, the interface device component 640, and the interface device component 650 are further connected, thereby realizing the situation where multiple reaction environments are required.

[0052] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can also adopt simple modifications to further realize the design of an array interface device including more interface component devices; or connect the first chip channels connecting the various interface device components in Example 6 in other series or parallel ways to adapt to more reaction environment requirements.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip interface device, characterized in that: The interface device comprises a needle insertion device and a needle interface device, The insertion needle insertion device is located inside the first chip, and the insertion needle insertion device is provided with a sealing member, a fastening device and an insertion needle in sequence from bottom to top in the vertical direction. The fastening device has a through hole inside, and the needle tip of the insertion needle can pass through the sealing member and the through hole inside the fastening device from bottom to top. The needle tail of the insertion needle is fixed inside the first chip and communicated with the first chip channel inside the first chip, and the first chip channel extends to the outside of the first chip; The pin interface device is located inside the second chip, and the pin interface device is provided with a lower portion of a pin tube, a sealing member, and an upper portion of a pin tube in sequence from bottom to top in the vertical direction. The upper portion of the pin tube is close to the sealing member, and is connected to the second chip channel inside the second chip on the side away from the sealing member, and the second chip channel extends to the outside of the second chip; the lower portion of the pin tube is close to the sealing member, and is connected to the open groove at the bottom of the second chip on the side away from the sealing member, so as to be fixed to the bottom of the second chip; when the first chip and the second chip are loaded and combined, the fastening device of the first chip enters the open groove of the second chip, and the pin first enters the open groove of the second chip and the lower portion of the pin tube and then pierces the sealing member to enter the upper portion of the pin tube; A filter element is inserted into the upper part of the insertion pin tube on the side away from the sealing member, and the filter element can connect the upper part of the insertion pin tube and the second chip channel; The size of the fastening device is smaller than or equal to the size of the open recess.

2. The microfluidic chip interface device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material of the filter element can be selected from one or more of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, glass fiber or quartz sand.

3. The microfluidic chip interface device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fastening device includes a fastening device screwing device placed outside the first chip and a fastening device screwing interface placed inside the first chip. The fastening device screwing device and the fastening device screwing interface are both provided with threads for screwing together, and the fastening device screwing device and the fastening device screwing interface can be screwed together.

4. The microfluidic chip interface device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material of the sealing member can be selected from one or more of polyisoprene rubber, butyl rubber, halogenated rubber, silicone rubber, EPDM rubber, brominated isobutylene-p-methylstyrene copolymer, or modified chlorosulfonated polyethylene.

5. An interface device assembly, characterized in that: The interface device assembly comprises a plurality of microfluidic chip interface devices arranged in parallel as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper parts of the pin tubes of the plurality of pin interface devices are hermetically connected to each other through a plurality of second chip channels.

6. The interface device assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that The plurality of second chip channels are connected in series or in parallel in a sealed manner.

7. A culture chamber interface device, characterized in that: The culture chamber interface device comprises the interface device assembly as described in any one of claims 5-6, and further comprises one or more culture chambers between the plurality of second chip channels.

8. An array interface device, characterized in that: The array interface device comprises the interface device assembly as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the interface device assembly is placed in parallel and a plurality of first chip channels are interconnected.

9. An array interface device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that: The plurality of first chip channels are hermetically connected in series or in parallel.

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