Injection Sampling and Chip Bonding Module, System Device Comprising the Same, and Usage Method

Abstract

The present invention provides a sample injection and chip pressing module, a system device including the same, and a method of using the same. The sample injection and chip pressing module includes a pressing device and a sample injection device; the pressing device includes a sample injection pressing plate and a driving member that is transmission-connected to both ends of the sample injection pressing plate, and the driving member is used to drive the sample injection pressing plate to move in a vertical direction; the sample injection device includes at least one liquid storage tube and at least one piston rod used in conjunction with the liquid storage tube, the outlet end of the liquid storage tube is docked with a microfluidic chip, and the sample injection pressing plate squeezes the piston rod under the drive of the driving member and inserts the piston rod into the liquid storage tube, and squeezes the detection reagent stored in the liquid storage tube into the microfluidic chip. The present invention simplifies the sample injection operation process and improves the detection efficiency by arranging a pressing device to automatically inject the reagent in the sample injection device into the microfluidic chip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of immunoassay, and relates to a sample injection and chip pressing module, a system device including the same, and a usage method. Background Art

[0002] Immunoassay detection systems can be classified into various types according to different immunoassay methods, such as immunochromatography analyzers, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analyzers, chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzers, etc. Fluorescent immunoassay technology is a commonly used rapid detection technology in current biomedical tests. The main advantages of this technology are strong specificity, high sensitivity, fast speed, etc. Its basic principle is to use fluorescent substances as markers, combining the sensitive detectability of fluorescence with the highly specific reaction of antigen-antibody. Specific fluorescence can be directly observed with a fluorescence microscope or received by a photoelectric converter and converted into an electrical signal for further processing. Since fluorescent immunoassay can accurately, sensitively, and quickly locate and detect certain trace or ultra-trace substances, fluorescent immunoassay technology has been widely used in many aspects such as immunology, microbiology, pathology, oncology, and clinical tests.

[0003] With the application of microfluidic chip technology in fields such as medicine and life sciences, a micro total analysis system that integrates the microchannel structure and other functional elements of the chip on a substrate of several square centimeters and controls the fluid in the microchannels to achieve various functions such as sample injection, dilution, mixing, reaction, separation, and detection has significant advantages such as miniaturization, integration, fast analysis speed, and less reagent consumption. Currently, microfluidic chips have been applied to the field of immunoassay.

[0004] In recent years, in order to adapt to multi-sample and rapid detection and reduce manual operations, various fully automatic microfluidic detectors have been successively introduced. However, these automated instruments only reduce manual operations, liberate the labor force, and eliminate subjective errors in the experiments, but do not fundamentally meet the requirements of multi-sample, high-throughput, and rapid detection.

[0005] CN107102131B discloses a fully automatic microfluidic chip fluorescent immunoassay system, including a housing and a main frame. A chip card storage tray and a sample tube tray are fixed on the upper part of the main frame. A centrifugal reaction tray is arranged between the chip card storage tray and the sample tube tray, and a filling system and a cleaning system are arranged between the centrifugal reaction tray and the sample tube tray; an optical detection system is arranged on the main frame corresponding to the centrifugal reaction tray, and a control system and a motor are arranged inside the main frame. The motor drives the rotation of the chip card storage tray, the centrifugal reaction tray, the sample tube tray, and the filling system.

[0006] CN209624607U discloses a fluorescence immunoassay device, which includes a chip carrier, an integrally formed base, a carrier driving mechanism, a code scanning mechanism, a fluorescence collection and data processing mechanism, a strip detection microswitch, a positioning switch and a guide rod; the chip carrier includes a chip installation groove, a first block and a second block, a lead screw fitting hole is provided in the first block, and a guide rod installation hole is provided in the second block; the integrally formed base includes a bottom plate, a guide rod installation frame, a switch fixing plate and a mounting plate, the carrier driving mechanism includes a lead screw motor and a lead screw, the lead screw passes through the lead screw fitting hole and is connected to the lead screw motor at one end and installed on the switch fixing plate at the other end, the guide rod is installed in the guide rod installation frame and passes through the guide rod installation hole, the positioning switch is installed on the switch fixing plate, and the strip detection microswitch is installed on the chip carrier; the code scanning mechanism and the fluorescence collection and data processing mechanism are installed on the mounting plate and the guide rod installation frame.

[0007] CN207832803U discloses a fluorescence immunoassay analyzer, which includes an instrument housing, a motion control mechanism is provided on the instrument housing, an optical detection mechanism for detecting the fluorescence signal of a reagent strip is provided above the motion control mechanism, both the motion control mechanism and the optical detection mechanism are connected to a control system, and a man-machine interaction component connected to the control system is provided on the upper surface of the instrument housing. The excitation light channel and the received light channel realize the excitation, conduction, collection and photoelectric conversion of the fluorescence signal, improve the detection sensitivity of the analyzer, adopt a sealed detection chamber, and reduce the interference of background noise on the detected optical signal; the setting of the handle facilitates the user to carry and meets the usage requirements of multiple scenarios; the man-machine interaction component facilitates the user to operate the instrument and read the detection information, realizing the friendliness of man-machine interaction; the data transmission interface is used for convenient data transmission and storage.

[0008] At present, the digital microfluidic chip of the present invention is different from the traditional microfluidic chip, and it is necessary to use it with the detection reagent to have a certain specific detection function. The main components of the digital microfluidic chip include an electrode array and a transparent conductive cover, wherein the upper surface of the electrode array is provided with a hydrophobic layer and a dielectric layer, and a transparent conductive cover (such as ITO glass) is provided above the electrode array, and a gap for reagent filling is formed between the transparent conductive cover and the hydrophobic layer. The transparent conductive cover is provided with an injection port, and a certain amount of liquid reagent sample is usually sucked by a pipette gun, and then the injection port is aligned, and the reagent is completely injected into the gap between the transparent conductive cover and the electrode array without contacting the surface of the electrode array. However, the use of a pipette gun to inject reagents not only increases the cost of use, but also has a strong dependence on it. The traditional injection method cannot realize the pre-embedding of the detection reagent on the digital microfluidic chip, which greatly limits the use environment and injection conditions of the digital microfluidic chip. Moreover, the traditional method of adding samples using a pipette easily causes the reagent to flow to the invalid area of ​​the chip due to the lack of a reagent guide structure in the gap, resulting in waste of reagents or samples and poor product quality. Summary of the invention

[0009] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a sample injection and chip pressing module, a system device including the same, and a use method. The sample injection and chip pressing module provided by the present invention is used in conjunction with a digital microfluidic chip, and is mainly used for automatically injecting samples into the microfluidic chip. The injection operation of liquid samples can be completed more conveniently, at a low cost and without being restricted by environmental conditions. The detection reagents are independently sealed, and the reagents in the sample injection device are automatically injected into the microfluidic chip by setting a pressing device, which simplifies the sample injection operation process and improves the detection efficiency.

[0010] To achieve this object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a sample injection and chip pressing module, wherein the sample injection and chip pressing module comprises a pressing device and a sample injection device.

[0012] The pressing device includes a sample injection plate and a driving member that is transmission-connected to both ends of the sample injection plate, and the driving member is used to drive the sample injection plate to move in a vertical direction; the sample injection device includes at least one liquid storage tube and at least one piston rod used in conjunction with the liquid storage tube, the outlet end of the liquid storage tube is connected to the microfluidic chip, and the sample injection plate squeezes the piston rod under the drive of the driving member and inserts the piston rod into the liquid storage tube, thereby squeezing the detection reagent stored in the liquid storage tube into the microfluidic chip.

[0013] The sample injection and chip pressing module provided by the present invention is used in conjunction with a digital microfluidic chip, and is mainly used for automatically injecting samples into the microfluidic chip. It is highly integrated with a fluorescent immunoassay system device, and has a higher degree of compatibility with the digital microfluidic chip. It can independently complete the automatic injection operation of detection reagents into the digital microfluidic chip without manual intervention or the assistance of other equipment. The operation is more convenient, the cost is lower, and the injection operation of liquid samples is completed without being restricted by environmental conditions. The detection reagents are independently sealed, and the reagents in the sample injection device are automatically injected into the microfluidic chip by setting a pressing device, which simplifies the sample injection operation process and improves the detection efficiency.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the microfluidic chip includes an electrode array and a chip shell covered on the electrode array; at least one injection port is provided on the chip shell, a cavity is formed in the chip shell, and the detection reagent is injected into the cavity through the injection port.

[0015] Preferably, a transparent conductive cover is fitted on the inner top surface of the chip housing, and a through hole corresponding to the injection port is provided on the transparent conductive cover.

[0016] Preferably, a dielectric layer and a hydrophobic layer are sequentially stacked on the surface of the electrode array.

[0017] Preferably, a temperature control module is provided below the microfluidic chip, and the temperature control module is used to heat the microfluidic chip.

[0018] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the driving member is divided into an active member and a driven member, and the active member and the driven member are respectively connected to the two ends of the injection platen in a transmission manner.

[0019] Preferably, the pressing device further comprises a support, and the active member and the driven member are respectively arranged at two ends of the support.

[0020] Preferably, the active component includes a driving motor, a driving wheel and an active screw rod. The output shaft of the driving motor is transmission-connected to the driving wheel. The driving motor is used to drive the driving wheel to rotate. One end of the active screw rod is transmission-connected to the driving wheel, and the other end of the active screw rod is fixed to the injection plate.

[0021] Preferably, the driven member includes a driven wheel and a driven screw, one end of the driven screw is transmission-connected to the driven wheel, the other end of the driven screw is fixed to the injection platen, and the active screw and the driven screw are vertically arranged at both ends of the injection platen respectively.

[0022] Preferably, a synchronous belt is sleeved between the driving wheel and the driven wheel. The driving motor drives the driving wheel to rotate. During the rotation process of the driving wheel, the driven wheel and the driven lead screw are sequentially driven to rotate through the synchronous belt. The driving lead screw and the driven lead screw rotate synchronously to drive the sample injection pressing plate to move downward.

[0023] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the pressing device further includes a chip pressing plate arranged at intervals below the sample injection pressing plate. The outer edge of the chip pressing plate is connected to the sample injection pressing plate through an elastic member. During the downward movement of the sample injection pressing plate, the chip pressing plate is driven to move downward through the elastic member. Under the action of the elastic member, the chip pressing plate is in flexible contact with the microfluidic chip, and the microfluidic chip is fixedly attached to the surface of the temperature control module.

[0024] When performing a biochemical experiment using a microfluidic chip, temperature control of the microfluidic chip is required. To ensure good heat transfer efficiency, the bottom surface of the microfluidic chip and the heating plane of the temperature control module need to be closely attached. In the present invention, by setting the chip pressing plate, the chip pressing plate is synchronously driven to press the microfluidic chip downward during the downward movement of the sample injection pressing plate, ensuring the close attachment of the bottom surface of the chip to the heating plane of the temperature control module. When the sample injection pressing plate moves vertically downward, the sample injection pressing plate presses the piston plate, driving the piston rod to insert into the liquid storage tube, and pushing out the detection reagent in the liquid storage tube to achieve automatic injection of the reagent. At the same time, the sample injection pressing plate drives the chip pressing plate to descend, and the chip pressing plate contacts the transparent conductive cover above the microfluidic chip. As the sample injection pressing plate continues to move downward, the chip pressing member continuously exerts pressure on the microfluidic chip, thereby attaching the microfluidic chip to the temperature control module. A spring is assembled between the sample injection pressing plate and the chip pressing plate, so that the chip pressing plate presses the microfluidic chip through flexible contact, effectively avoiding hard contact pressure between the chip pressing plate and the microfluidic chip from damaging the surface of the microfluidic chip.

[0025] Preferably, a light-shielding member is arranged between the outer edge of the chip pressing plate and the sample injection pressing plate.

[0026] In the present invention, it is necessary to perform fluorescence detection on the reagents before and the products after the biochemical reaction on the microfluidic chip. The detection result is judged by the difference in fluorescence values before and after the reaction. When performing fluorescence detection, it is necessary to ensure that the detection environment is in a dark environment without the interference of stray light. Therefore, in the present invention, a light-shielding member is arranged between the outer edge of the chip pressing plate and the sample injection pressing plate to provide a dark environment for fluorescence detection. The light-shielding member is made of a flexible light-shielding material, which is required to deform when stressed and return to its original state after the pressure is withdrawn. Optionally, it includes black silicone rubber, fiber, polyester, etc.

[0027] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the sample injection device includes a sample inlet plate provided with a through hole. The liquid storage tube is vertically fixed on the lower surface of the sample inlet plate, and the opening of the liquid storage tube communicates with the through hole opened on the sample inlet plate.

[0028] Preferably, a liquid inlet pipe is butted at the bottom of the liquid storage pipe, and the diameter of the liquid storage pipe is smaller than that of the liquid inlet pipe.

[0029] Preferably, a sealing film is arranged at the bottom outlet of the liquid inlet pipe. After tearing off the sealing film at the bottom of the liquid inlet pipe, the liquid inlet pipe is inserted into the sampling port opened on the chip housing. The piston rod is inserted into the liquid storage pipe under the extrusion of the injection pressing plate, and the detection reagent in the liquid storage pipe flows into the cavity of the microfluidic chip through the liquid inlet pipe.

[0030] Preferably, an oil storage bottle with an open top is fixed at one end of the sample injection plate.

[0031] Preferably, an oil inlet pipe is butted at the bottom of the oil storage bottle, and the diameter of the oil inlet pipe is smaller than that of the oil storage bottle.

[0032] Preferably, sealing films are respectively arranged at the top opening of the oil storage bottle and the bottom outlet of the oil inlet pipe. After tearing off the sealing film at the bottom opening of the oil inlet pipe, the oil inlet pipe is inserted into the sampling port opened on the chip housing. Then, the sealing film at the top opening of the oil storage bottle is torn off, and the silicone oil in the oil storage bottle flows into the cavity of the microfluidic chip.

[0033] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the sample injection device further includes a piston plate. The piston rod is vertically arranged on the lower surface of the piston plate, and the injection pressing plate extrudes the piston plate under the drive of a driving member.

[0034] Preferably, a rubber plug is arranged at one end of the piston rod away from the piston plate.

[0035] Preferably, a baffle is arranged between the piston plate and the sample injection plate. The baffle is used to block the piston rod from inserting into the liquid storage pipe. Before the detection starts, the baffle is taken out.

[0036] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a usage method of the sample injection and chip pressing module described in the first aspect. The usage method includes:

[0037] The driving member drives the injection pressing plate to move downward. The injection pressing plate extrudes the piston rod and inserts the piston rod into the liquid storage pipe, and the detection reagent stored in the liquid storage pipe is extruded and sent into the microfluidic chip.

[0038] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the usage method specifically includes the following steps:

[0039] (Ⅰ) Before the detection starts, take out the baffle, tear off the sealing films at the bottom openings of the liquid inlet pipe and the oil inlet pipe, install the sample injection device on the microfluidic chip, and insert the liquid inlet pipe and the oil inlet pipe into different feeding ports on the microfluidic chip;

[0040] (II) Tear off the sealing film at the top opening of the oil storage bottle. The silicone oil stored in the oil storage bottle flows into the microfluidic chip through the oil inlet pipe. The piston rod is inserted into the liquid storage tube under the extrusion of the sample injection pressing plate, and the detection reagent in the liquid storage tube flows into the microfluidic chip through the liquid inlet pipe.

[0041] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a fluorescence immunoassay system device, and the fluorescence immunoassay system device includes the sample injection and chip pressing module described in the first aspect.

[0042] The fluorescence immunoassay system device further includes a fluorescence detection module and a driving module. The driving module is used to drive the fluorescence detection module to move in a horizontal plane.

[0043] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the fluorescence detection module includes an excitation light probe and a receiving light probe.

[0044] Preferably, the fluorescence detection module further includes a sealing shell, and both the excitation light probe and the receiving light probe are encapsulated in the sealing shell.

[0045] Preferably, the driving module includes two rows of parallel moving guide rails and a robotic arm disposed between the two rows of moving guide rails. The sealing shell is movably disposed on the robotic arm and moves along the length direction of the robotic arm, and the robotic arm moves along the length direction of the moving guide rail.

[0046] It should be noted that in the fluorescence immunoassay system device provided by the present invention, the other modules except the sample injection and chip pressing module are all disclosed in the prior art, including but not limited to the fluorescence detection module and the driving module. The main inventive point of the present invention lies in the sample injection and chip pressing module based on the digital microfluidic chip, that is, the automatic injection of the detection reagent is realized through the cooperation of the sample injection device and the pressing device. The parts of other component devices that are directly related to this method are also within the protection scope, and the rest are not within the protection scope of the present invention. The fluorescence detection module and the driving module disclosed in the prior art, as well as other necessary or unnecessary component devices in the conventional fluorescence immunoassay system device can be used in the present invention.

[0047] In the present invention, the fluorescence detection module includes an excitation light probe and a receiving light probe. Both the excitation light probe and the receiving light probe are encapsulated in the sealing shell. An opening for light to pass through is provided on the sealing shell, and the other parts of the sealing shell are completely sealed. A fluorescence detection point is provided on the digital microfluidic chip. Hollowed-out areas are provided in the areas corresponding to the fluorescence detection point on the sample injection pressing plate and the chip pressing plate. The light passes through the hollowed-out areas on the sample injection pressing plate and the chip pressing plate and irradiates the fluorescence detection point. After the light is reflected, it passes through the hollowed-out area again and is received by the receiving light probe. The size of the shell is larger than the hollowed-out area, and it can ensure that the bottom of the shell covers the entire hollowed-out area within the moving range.

[0048] The system mentioned refers to an equipment system, a device system or a production device.

[0049] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0050] The injection sample and chip pressing module provided by the present invention is used in cooperation with a digital microfluidic chip, mainly for automatically injecting samples into the microfluidic chip. It achieves a high degree of integration with the fluorescence immunoassay system device, has a higher compatibility with the digital microfluidic chip, can independently complete the automatic injection operation of the detection reagent into the digital microfluidic chip without manual participation and without the assistance of other equipment. The operation is more convenient, the cost is lower, and the liquid sample injection operation can be completed without being restricted by environmental conditions. The detection reagent is independently sealed, and the reagent in the injection device is automatically injected into the microfluidic chip by setting a pressing device, simplifying the injection operation process and improving the detection efficiency. Description of the Drawings

[0051] Figure 1 Schematic structural diagram of the pressing device provided for a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 Assembly drawing of the pressing device and the fluorescence detection module provided for a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3 Schematic structural diagram of the fluorescence immune system device provided for a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the injection process provided for a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 5 Schematic structural diagram of the injection device provided for a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Wherein, 1 - injection pressing plate; 2 - chip pressing plate; 3 - light-shielding member; 4 - elastic member; 5 - active lead screw; 6 - driving pulley; 7 - driving motor; 8 - driven lead screw; 9 - driven pulley; 10 - support; 11 - synchronous belt; 12 - received light probe; 13 - excitation light probe; 14 - sealing shell; 15 - microfluidic chip; 16 - robotic arm; 17 - moving guide rail; 18 - temperature control module; 19 - rubber stopper; 20 - electrode array; 21 - chip housing; 22 - transparent conductive cover; 23 - dielectric layer; 24 - hydrophobic layer; 25 - piston plate; 26 - sample inlet plate; 27 - piston rod; 28 - liquid storage tube; 29 - oil storage bottle; 30 - baffle; 31 - sealing film; 32 - liquid inlet pipe; 33 - oil inlet pipe. Detailed Embodiments

[0057] It should be understood that in the description of the present invention, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

[0058] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood through specific circumstances.

[0059] Those skilled in the art should understand that the present utility model necessarily includes the necessary pipelines, conventional valves, and general pump equipment for realizing the complete process. However, the above contents do not belong to the main inventive points of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can add and arrange them by themselves based on the process flow and equipment structure selection, and the present utility model has no special requirements and specific limitations on this.

[0060] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the drawings and through specific embodiments.

[0061] In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a sample injection and chip pressing module, and the sample injection and chip pressing module includes a pressing device and a sample injection device.

[0062] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the pressing device includes a sample injection pressing plate 1 and a driving member that is drivingly connected to both ends of the sample injection pressing plate 1. The driving member is used to drive the sample injection pressing plate 1 to move in the vertical direction. As Figure 5 shown, the sample injection device includes at least one liquid storage tube 28 and at least one piston rod 27 that is used in cooperation with the liquid storage tube 28. The outlet end of the liquid storage tube 28 is docked with the microfluidic chip 15. As Figure 4As shown, the sample injection pressing plate 1 squeezes the piston rod 27 under the drive of the driving member and inserts the piston rod 27 into the liquid storage tube 28, and extrudes the detection reagent stored in the liquid storage tube 28 and sends it into the microfluidic chip 15.

[0063] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the driving member is divided into a driving part and a driven part, and the driving part and the driven part are respectively connected to both ends of the sample injection pressing plate 1 in a transmission manner. The pressing device further includes a support 10, and the driving part and the driven part are respectively arranged at both ends of the support 10. Specifically, the driving part includes a driving motor 7, a driving wheel 6 and a driving lead screw 5. The output shaft of the driving motor 7 is connected to the driving wheel 6 in a transmission manner. The driving motor 7 is used to drive the driving wheel 6 to rotate. One end of the driving lead screw 5 is connected to the driving wheel 6 in a transmission manner, and the other end of the driving lead screw 5 is fixed to the sample injection pressing plate 1. The driven part includes a driven wheel 9 and a driven lead screw 8. One end of the driven lead screw 8 is connected to the driven wheel 9 in a transmission manner, and the other end of the driven lead screw 8 is fixed to the sample injection pressing plate 1. The driving lead screw 5 and the driven lead screw 8 are respectively vertically arranged at both ends of the sample injection pressing plate 1. A synchronous belt 11 is sleeved between the driving wheel 6 and the driven wheel 9. The driving motor 7 drives the driving wheel 6 to rotate. During the rotation of the driving wheel 6, the driven wheel 9 and the driven lead screw 8 are sequentially driven to rotate through the synchronous belt 11, and the driving lead screw 5 and the driven lead screw 8 rotate synchronously to drive the sample injection pressing plate 1 to move downward.

[0064] The lamination device further includes a chip pressing plate 2 disposed at an interval below the sample injection pressing plate 1. The outer edge of the chip pressing plate 2 is connected to the sample injection pressing plate 1 through an elastic member 4, and the elastic member 4 can be selected as a spring. During the downward movement of the sample injection pressing plate 1, the chip pressing plate 2 is driven to move downward through the elastic member 4. Under the action of the elastic member 4, the chip pressing plate 2 is in flexible contact with the microfluidic chip 15, and the microfluidic chip 15 is fixedly attached to the surface of the temperature control module 18. During the downward movement of the sample injection pressing plate 1, the chip pressing plate 2 is synchronously driven to press the microfluidic chip 15 downward to ensure the close fit between the bottom surface of the chip and the heating plane of the temperature control module 18. When the sample injection pressing plate 1 moves vertically downward, the sample injection pressing plate 1 presses the piston plate 25, driving the piston rod 27 to insert into the liquid storage tube 28, and pushing out the detection reagent in the liquid storage tube 28 to realize the automatic injection of the reagent. At the same time, the sample injection pressing plate 1 drives the chip pressing plate 2 to descend, and the chip pressing plate 2 contacts the transparent conductive cover 22 above the microfluidic chip 15. As the sample injection pressing plate 1 continues to move downward, the chip pressing member continuously applies pressure to the microfluidic chip 15, thereby attaching the microfluidic chip 15 to the temperature control module 18. A spring is assembled between the sample injection pressing plate 1 and the chip pressing plate 2, so that the chip pressing plate 2 applies pressure to the microfluidic chip 15 through flexible contact, effectively avoiding hard contact pressure between the chip pressing plate 2 and the microfluidic chip 15 and damaging the surface of the microfluidic chip 15. A light-shielding member 3 is provided between the outer edge of the chip pressing plate 2 and the sample injection pressing plate 1. The light-shielding member 3 provides a dark environment for fluorescence detection. The light-shielding member 3 is made of a flexible light-shielding material, which is required to deform when stressed and return to its original state after the pressure is withdrawn. Optionally, it includes black silicone rubber, fiber or polyester, etc.

[0065] As Figure 4 shown, the microfluidic chip 15 includes an electrode array 20 and a chip housing 21 covering the electrode array 20. A dielectric layer 23 and a hydrophobic layer 24 are sequentially laminated on the surface of the electrode array 20. At least one sample injection port is formed on the chip housing 21, and a cavity is formed inside the chip housing 21, and the detection reagent is injected into the cavity through the sample injection port. A transparent conductive cover 22 is attached to the inner top surface of the chip housing 21, and a through hole corresponding to the sample injection port is formed on the transparent conductive cover 22. A temperature control module 18 (as Figure 3 shown) is disposed below the microfluidic chip 15, and the temperature control module 18 is used to heat the microfluidic chip 15.

[0066] As Figure 5As shown, the sample injection device includes a sample inlet plate 26 with a through hole. A liquid storage tube 28 is vertically fixed to the lower surface of the sample inlet plate 26, and the opening of the liquid storage tube 28 communicates with the through hole formed in the sample inlet plate 26. A liquid inlet tube 32 is connected to the bottom of the liquid storage tube 28, and the diameter of the liquid storage tube 28 is smaller than that of the liquid inlet tube 32. A sealing film 31 is provided at the bottom outlet of the liquid inlet tube 32. After tearing off the sealing film 31 at the bottom of the liquid inlet tube 32, the liquid inlet tube 32 is inserted into the sample inlet formed in the chip housing 21. The piston rod 27 is inserted into the liquid storage tube 28 under the extrusion of the sample injection pressing plate 1, and the detection reagent in the liquid storage tube 28 flows into the cavity of the microfluidic chip 15 through the liquid inlet tube 32 (as Figure 4 shown). One end of the sample inlet plate 26 is fixed with an oil storage bottle 29 with an open top. An oil inlet tube 33 is connected to the bottom of the oil storage bottle 29, and the diameter of the oil inlet tube 33 is smaller than that of the oil storage bottle 29. Sealing films 31 are respectively provided at the top opening of the oil storage bottle 29 and the bottom outlet of the oil inlet tube 33. After tearing off the sealing film 31 at the bottom opening of the oil inlet tube 33, the oil inlet tube 33 is inserted into the sample inlet formed in the chip housing 21. Subsequently, the sealing film 31 at the top opening of the oil storage bottle 29 is torn off, and the silicone oil in the oil storage bottle 29 flows into the cavity of the microfluidic chip 15 (as Figure 4 shown).

[0067] The sample injection device further includes a piston plate 25. The piston rod 27 is vertically arranged on the lower surface of the piston plate 25. The sample injection pressing plate 1 drives and extrudes the piston plate 25 under the drive of a driving member. A rubber plug 19 is provided at one end of the piston rod 27 away from the piston plate 25. A baffle 30 is arranged between the piston plate 25 and the sample inlet plate 26 to block the piston rod 27 from inserting into the liquid storage tube 28. Before the detection starts, the baffle 30 is taken out.

[0068] In another specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method for using the sample injection and chip pressing module provided in the above specific embodiment. The method specifically includes the following steps:

[0069] (Ⅰ) Before the detection starts, take out the baffle 30, tear off the sealing films 31 at the bottom openings of the liquid inlet tube 32 and the oil inlet tube 33, install the sample injection device on the microfluidic chip 15, and insert the liquid inlet tube 32 and the oil inlet tube 33 into different feed ports on the microfluidic chip 15 respectively;

[0070] (Ⅱ) Tear off the sealing film 31 at the top opening of the oil storage bottle 29. The silicone oil stored in the oil storage bottle 29 flows into the microfluidic chip 15 through the oil inlet tube 33. The piston rod 27 is inserted into the liquid storage tube 28 under the extrusion of the sample injection pressing plate 1, and the detection reagent in the liquid storage tube 28 flows into the microfluidic chip 15 through the liquid inlet tube 32.

[0071] In another specific embodiment, the present invention provides a fluorescence immunoassay system device. The fluorescence immunoassay system device is as Figure 3As shown in the figure, it includes the sample injection and chip pressing module provided by the above specific implementation manner, and further includes a fluorescence detection module and a driving module. The driving module is used to drive the fluorescence detection module to move in the horizontal plane.

[0072] The fluorescence detection module includes an excitation light probe 13, a received light probe 12, and a sealed housing 14. Both the excitation light probe 13 and the received light probe 12 are encapsulated in the sealed housing 14. An opening for light to pass through is provided on the sealed housing 14, and the other parts of the sealed housing 14 are completely airtight. Fluorescence detection points are provided on the digital microfluidic chip 15, and hollowed-out areas are provided in the areas corresponding to the fluorescence detection points on the sample injection pressing plate 1 and the chip pressing plate 2. The light passes through the hollowed-out areas on the sample injection pressing plate 1 and the chip pressing plate 2 and irradiates the fluorescence detection points. After the light is reflected, it passes through the hollowed-out areas again and is received by the received light probe 12. The size of the housing is larger than the hollowed-out area, and it can ensure that the bottom of the housing covers the entire hollowed-out area within the moving range.

[0073] The driving module includes two rows of parallel moving guide rails 17, and a robotic arm 16 arranged between the two rows of moving guide rails 17. The sealed housing 14 is movably arranged on the robotic arm 16 and moves along the length direction of the robotic arm 16. The robotic arm 16 moves along the length direction of the moving guide rails 17.

[0074] The applicant declares that the above description is only the specific implementation manner of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art should understand that any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention fall within the protection scope and the disclosure scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sample injection and chip pressing module, characterized in that, The described sample injection and chip pressing module includes a pressing device and a sample injection device; The pressing device includes a sample injection pressing plate and a driving member drivingly connected to both ends of the sample injection pressing plate. The driving member is used to drive the sample injection pressing plate to move in the vertical direction. The sample injection device includes at least one liquid storage tube and at least one piston rod used in cooperation with the liquid storage tube. The outlet end of the liquid storage tube is docked with the microfluidic chip. The sample injection pressing plate squeezes the piston rod under the drive of the driving member and inserts the piston rod into the liquid storage tube to extrude the detection reagent stored in the liquid storage tube and send it into the microfluidic chip; The pressing device further includes a chip pressing plate spaced below the sample injection pressing plate. The outer edge of the chip pressing plate is connected to the sample injection pressing plate through an elastic member. During the downward movement of the sample injection pressing plate, the chip pressing plate is driven to move downward through the elastic member. The chip pressing plate is in flexible contact with the microfluidic chip under the action of the elastic member to fixedly attach the microfluidic chip to the surface of the temperature control module; The sample injection device includes a sample inlet plate provided with through holes. The liquid storage tubes are vertically fixed to the lower surface of the sample inlet plate, and the openings of the liquid storage tubes communicate with the through holes provided on the sample inlet plate.

2. The injection sample and chip pressing module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microfluidic chip includes an electrode array and a chip housing covering the electrode array. At least one sample inlet is provided on the chip housing, and a cavity is formed inside the chip housing. The detection reagent is injected into the cavity through the sample inlet.

3. The injection sample and chip pressing module according to claim 2, wherein, A transparent conductive cover is attached to the inner top surface of the chip housing, and through holes corresponding to the sample inlets are provided on the transparent conductive cover.

4. The injection sample and chip pressing module according to claim 2, wherein A dielectric layer and a hydrophobic layer are sequentially stacked on the surface of the electrode array.

5. The injection sample and chip pressing module according to claim 1, wherein A temperature control module is provided below the microfluidic chip, and the temperature control module is used to heat the microfluidic chip.

6. The injection sample and chip pressing module according to claim 1, wherein The driving member is divided into a driving part and a driven part, and the driving part and the driven part are respectively drivingly connected to both ends of the sample injection pressing plate.

7. The injection and chip pressing module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pressing device further includes a support, and the driving part and the driven part are respectively arranged at both ends of the support.

8. The injection sample and chip pressing module according to claim 6, characterized in that, The driving part includes a driving motor, a driving wheel, and a driving lead screw. The output shaft of the driving motor is drivingly connected to the driving wheel. The driving motor is used to drive the driving wheel to rotate. One end of the driving lead screw is drivingly connected to the driving wheel, and the other end of the driving lead screw is fixed to the sample injection pressing plate.

9. The injection sample and chip pressing module according to claim 8, characterized in that, The driven part includes a driven wheel and a driven lead screw. One end of the driven lead screw is drivingly connected to the driven wheel, and the other end of the driven lead screw is fixed to the sample injection pressing plate. The driving lead screw and the driven lead screw are respectively vertically arranged at both ends of the sample injection pressing plate.

10. The injection and chip pressing module according to claim 9, characterized in that, A synchronous belt is sleeved between the driving wheel and the driven wheel. The driving motor drives the driving wheel to rotate. During the rotation of the driving wheel, the driven wheel and the driven lead screw are sequentially driven to rotate through the synchronous belt. The driving lead screw and the driven lead screw rotate synchronously to drive the sample injection pressing plate to move downward.

11. The injection sample and chip pressing module according to claim 1, wherein, A light-shielding member is provided between the outer edge of the chip pressing plate and the sample injection pressing plate.

12. The injection and chip pressing module according to claim 1, wherein A liquid inlet tube is docked at the bottom of the liquid storage tube, and the diameter of the liquid storage tube is smaller than the diameter of the liquid inlet tube.

13. The injection sample and chip pressing module according to claim 12, wherein A sealing film is provided at the bottom outlet of the liquid inlet pipe. After tearing off the sealing film at the bottom of the liquid inlet pipe, the liquid inlet pipe is inserted into the sampling port opened on the chip housing. The piston rod is inserted into the liquid storage pipe under the extrusion of the sample injection pressing plate, and the detection reagent in the liquid storage pipe flows into the cavity of the microfluidic chip through the liquid inlet pipe.

14. The injection sample and chip pressing module according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the sample inlet plate is fixed with an oil storage bottle with an open top.

15. The injection sample and chip pressing module according to claim 14, characterized in that, An oil inlet pipe is connected to the bottom of the oil storage bottle, and the diameter of the oil inlet pipe is smaller than that of the oil storage bottle.

16. The injection sample and chip pressing module according to claim 14, wherein Sealing films are respectively provided at the open top of the oil storage bottle and the bottom outlet of the oil inlet pipe. Tear off the sealing film at the bottom opening of the oil inlet pipe, insert the oil inlet pipe into the sampling port opened on the chip housing, and then tear off the sealing film at the open top of the oil storage bottle. The silicone oil in the oil storage bottle flows into the cavity of the microfluidic chip.

17. The injection sample and chip pressing module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample injection device further includes a piston plate. The piston rod is vertically arranged on the lower surface of the piston plate, and the sample injection pressing plate is driven by a driving member to extrude the piston plate.

18. The injection sample and chip pressing module according to claim 17, wherein A rubber stopper is provided at one end of the piston rod away from the piston plate.

19. The injection and chip pressing module according to claim 17, wherein, A baffle is arranged between the piston plate and the sample inlet plate. The baffle is used to block the piston rod from inserting into the liquid storage pipe. Before the detection starts, the baffle is taken out.

20. A method of using the injection sample and chip pressing module according to any one of claims 1-19, characterized in that, The usage method includes: The driving member drives the sample injection pressing plate to move downward. The sample injection pressing plate extrudes the piston rod and inserts the piston rod into the liquid storage pipe, and the detection reagent stored in the liquid storage pipe is extruded and sent into the microfluidic chip.

21. The usage method according to claim 20, wherein The specific usage method includes the following steps: (Ⅰ) Before the detection starts, take out the baffle, tear off the sealing films at the bottom openings of the liquid inlet pipe and the oil inlet pipe, install the sample injection device on the microfluidic chip, and insert the liquid inlet pipe and the oil inlet pipe into different feeding ports on the microfluidic chip; (Ⅱ) Tear off the sealing film at the open top of the oil storage bottle. The silicone oil stored in the oil storage bottle flows into the microfluidic chip through the oil inlet pipe. The piston rod is inserted into the liquid storage pipe under the extrusion of the sample injection pressing plate, and the detection reagent in the liquid storage pipe flows into the microfluidic chip through the liquid inlet pipe.

22. A fluorescence immunoassay system device, characterized in that, The fluorescence immunoassay system device includes the sample injection and chip pressing module according to any one of claims 1-19; The fluorescence immunoassay system device further includes a fluorescence detection module and a driving module. The driving module is used to drive the fluorescence detection module to move in the horizontal plane.

23. The fluorescence immunoassay system device according to claim 22, characterized in that, The fluorescence detection module includes an excitation light probe and a received light probe.

24. The fluorescence immunoassay system device according to claim 23, wherein The fluorescence detection module further includes a sealed housing, and both the excitation light probe and the received light probe are encapsulated in the sealed housing.

25. The fluorescence immunoassay system device according to claim 24, wherein, The driving module includes two rows of parallel moving guide rails and a robotic arm arranged between the two rows of moving guide rails. The sealed housing is movably arranged on the robotic arm and moves along the length direction of the robotic arm, and the robotic arm moves along the length direction of the moving guide rail.

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