Portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device equipped with magnetic suction component

Abstract

This invention provides a portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device equipped with a magnetic suction component. The device includes a housing with a cavity capable of accommodating a microfluidic chip. The cavity has an inlet and outlet, and a door assembly is provided at each inlet and outlet. The door assembly includes a door panel, the bottom of which is pivotally connected to the housing. A magnetic suction component, including an electromagnet, is located between the bottom of the door panel and the housing. The electromagnet is configured such that when de-energized, the magnetic suction component loses its attraction capability, and when energized, it gains attraction capability. This invention can disconnect the power supply to the magnetic suction component during long-term operation of the portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device, and only briefly energize the electromagnet when it is necessary to remove the microfluidic chip to observe the test results or insert the microfluidic chip. This effectively overcomes the shortcomings of existing technologies that require continuous power supply during device operation, effectively reducing energy consumption and extending the lifespan of the electromagnet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of microfluidic chip nucleic acid isothermal amplification equipment design technology, specifically relating to a portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device equipped with a magnetic suction component. Background Art

[0002] Infectious diseases are highly sudden and outbreaks often spread explosively. At the scene of an outbreak, time is of the essence; every minute saved in diagnosis increases the chances of saving lives. Currently, many automated testing platforms have been developed both domestically and internationally, such as nucleic acid extractors, nucleic acid hybridization instruments, and chemiluminescence analyzers. However, these automated platforms can only complete one step in the molecular diagnostic process in a laboratory environment, and few are small, portable testing platforms that can be directly applied to on-site pathogen detection. While some foreign products, such as GeneXpert and FilmArray, achieve fully automated nucleic acid detection, their systems are complex and expensive, making them unsuitable for large-scale deployment. For highly infectious diseases, there is a strong need for a simple, effective, and easy-to-operate nucleic acid detection system. However, the locking mechanisms of existing instruments are mostly mechanical, with some using permanent magnet locks or electromagnets. Mechanical door locks occupy a large volume of space, require high precision, are costly, and require maintenance and lubrication. Permanent magnet door locks cannot be opened with buttons and can only be opened by external force. Electromagnetic door locks are constantly powered, resulting in high energy consumption and long power-on time, which affects the lifespan of the electromagnet. In addition, electromagnetic door locks use electromagnetic force to attract a slider to drive the bolt, which also occupies a large volume of space, requires high precision, requires a large current, and requires the current to be maintained for a long time, resulting in high energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device with a magnetic suction component, which can disconnect the power supply to the magnetic suction component during the long-term operation of the portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device, and only briefly energize the electromagnet when it is necessary to remove the microfluidic chip to observe the detection results or to put the microfluidic chip in, effectively overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art that the device needs to be continuously powered during operation, effectively reducing energy consumption, and extending the service life of the electromagnet.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device, comprising a device housing with a cavity capable of accommodating a microfluidic chip. The cavity has an inlet and an outlet, and a door assembly is provided at the inlet and outlet. The door assembly includes a door panel, the bottom of which is pivotally connected to the device housing. A magnetic attraction assembly is provided between the bottom of the door panel and the device housing. The magnetic attraction assembly includes an electromagnet, which is configured such that when it is de-energized, the magnetic attraction assembly loses its attraction capability, and when it is energized, the magnetic attraction assembly has an attraction capability.

[0005] In some embodiments, the magnetic attraction assembly further includes an iron block, one of which, along with the electromagnet, is disposed on the door panel, and the other is disposed on the device housing.

[0006] In some embodiments, a spring is also provided between the bottom of the door panel and the housing of the device.

[0007] In some embodiments, the cavity is provided with a motion component, which includes two independently controllable lifting drive components. The two lifting drive components can drive the first piston push rod and the second piston push rod of the microfluidic chip to move up and down linearly, respectively.

[0008] In some embodiments, the lifting drive assembly includes a drive motor, and a moving block is threadedly connected to the rotary screw of the drive motor. The moving block is capable of moving linearly up and down when the rotary screw rotates, and the moving block has a connecting cylinder connected to the first piston push rod or the second piston push rod.

[0009] In some embodiments, the motion component further includes a fixed frame, and the two lifting drive components are fixedly connected to the fixed frame by their respective drive motors; and / or, a displacement sensor is provided at each of the motion blocks adjacent to the two lifting drive components.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cavity is further provided with a heating component for providing constant temperature heating to the microfluidic chip. The heating component includes a support frame connected to the inner side of the door panel and together with the door panel, forms a fixed space for the microfluidic chip.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bottom of the support frame is provided with a heating element; and / or, the heating element further includes a temperature sensor.

[0012] In some embodiments, an interactive component is provided on the outside of the door assembly. The interactive component includes a mounting housing, on which a detection button, a function button, multiple indicator lights, and / or a speaker is provided inside the mounting housing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the receiving cavity is further provided with a motherboard assembly, which is controlled and connected to the motion assembly, heating assembly, and interaction assembly; and / or, it also includes a power supply assembly for supplying power to the portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device.

[0014] This invention provides a portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device that, unlike the opening and closing principle of energized electromagnets in existing technologies, uses an de-energized electromagnet as the maintaining-close element. This allows the power supply to the magnetic suction component to be disconnected during prolonged operation of the portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device. The electromagnet is only energized briefly when the microfluidic chip needs to be removed to observe the test results or inserted (i.e., when the door component needs to be opened). This effectively overcomes the shortcomings of existing technologies that require continuous power supply during device operation, effectively reducing energy consumption and extending the electromagnet's lifespan. Furthermore, compared to existing magnetic suction components that close when energized and open when de-energized, the magnetic suction component in this invention does not require high-precision fitting and has a compact structure. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device, showing the door assembly in the open state;

[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the motion components in the diagram;

[0018] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the door assembly in the open state;

[0019] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the door assembly in the closed state;

[0020] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the assembled microfluidic chip and heating components.

[0021] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a microfluidic chip in China;

[0022] Figure 8 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of interactive components in the game.

[0023] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0024] 1. Interactive components; 11. Mounting housing; 12. Detection button; 13. Function button; 14. Indicator light; 15. Speaker; 2. Door assembly; 21. Door panel; 22. Electromagnet; 23. Iron block; 24. Spring; 3. Heating assembly; 31. Support frame; 32. Heating element; 33. Temperature sensor; 4. Front shell; 5. Main board assembly; 6. Motion assembly; 61. Drive motor; 62. Motion block; 621. Connecting cylinder; 63. 64. Rotary lead screw; 65. Fixed frame; 7. Displacement sensor; 8. Rear shell; 9. Power supply assembly; 100. Microfluidic chip; 101. First piston push rod; 102. Second piston push rod; 103. Chip front shell; 104. Rubber stopper; 105. First sealing plug; 106. Second sealing plug; 107. Chip rear shell; 108. Reagent storage layer; 109. Color development area; 110. Elastic tape layer; 111. Fluid conduit layer. Detailed Implementation

[0025] See also Figures 1 to 8 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, a portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device with a magnetic suction component is provided, including a device shell. The device shell has a cavity capable of accommodating a microfluidic chip 100. The cavity has an inlet and an outlet. A door component 2 is provided at the inlet and outlet. The door component 2 is used to open or close the inlet and outlet. A heating component 3 and a motion component 6 are provided inside the cavity. The heating component 3 is used to provide isothermal heating to the microfluidic chip 100. The motion component 6 includes two independently controllable lifting drive components. The two lifting drive components can drive the first piston push rod 101 and the second piston push rod 102 of the microfluidic chip 100 to move vertically in a linear motion, respectively. In this technical solution, the microfluidic chip 100 is placed within the receiving cavity. Driven by the motion component 6, it enables the transfer and mixing of samples and reagent mixtures within different cavities of the microfluidic chip 100. The heating component 3 provides constant-temperature heating of the microfluidic chip 100, thus achieving fully automated operation of biological samples. This eliminates the need for frequent manual operation and effectively prevents inaccurate results due to operational errors. Furthermore, the motion component 6 drives the piston push rod, ensuring precise control of its stroke and consistent operating force, resulting in relatively balanced fluid pressure within the microfluidic chip 100 and reducing the likelihood of air bubble formation. In a specific embodiment, its dimensions are 140mm*110mm*200mm, making it small and portable.

[0026] The outer shell of the device is specifically formed by the interlocking of the front shell 4 and the rear shell 7, which facilitates the assembly of the moving component 6 in the receiving cavity, while forming a relatively sealed space and protecting the components in the receiving cavity.

[0027] As a specific implementation, the lifting drive assembly includes a drive motor 61 (also called a lead screw motor). A moving block 62 is threadedly connected to the rotary lead screw 63 of the drive motor 61. The moving block 62 can move linearly up and down when the rotary lead screw 63 rotates. The moving block 62 has a connecting cylinder 621 connected to the first piston push rod 101 or the second piston push rod 102. By supplying power to the drive motor 61, the automatic pushing and pulling of the first piston push rod 101 and the second piston push rod 102 can be realized with precise control.

[0028] The motion component 6 also includes a fixed frame 64, which is assembled in the receiving cavity. The two lifting drive components are fixedly connected to the fixed frame 64 by their respective drive motors 61 to ensure the reliability of their positions. A displacement sensor 65 is provided at each of the motion blocks 62 adjacent to the two lifting drive components to detect and provide feedback on the specific stroke of the motion block 62, i.e., the corresponding first piston push rod 101 and second piston push rod 102, to further ensure the quantitative transfer of the sample and reagent mixture.

[0029] The heating assembly 3 includes a support frame 31, and the door assembly 2 includes a door panel 21. The support frame 31 is connected to the inner side of the door panel 21 and together with the door panel 21 forms a fixed space for the microfluidic chip 100. The inner side of the door panel 21 serves as a positioning surface for the microfluidic chip 100, making the internal structure of the device compact and reasonable, enabling a smaller device size and further improving portability. A heating element 32 is provided at the bottom of the support frame 31. The heating element 32 can be, for example, a resistance wire, an electric heating film, or other heating components. The heating assembly 3 also includes a temperature sensor 33, which can detect the real-time heating temperature of the heating element 32 to ensure constant heating of the heating assembly 3.

[0030] An interactive component 1 is provided on the outer side of the door assembly 2, allowing users to control the operation and exchange information of the portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device. Specifically, the interactive component 1 includes a mounting housing 11, on which a detection button 12, function buttons 13, multiple indicator lights 14, and / or a speaker 15 is provided inside the mounting housing 11. Specifically, the multiple indicator lights 14 (six in one specific embodiment) can be configured to flash, remain on, or be off states, thus achieving different indication effects through combinations of indicator light states, while also enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the device. The function buttons 13 can be configured according to actual needs, such as opening or closing the door when pressed. The detection buttons 12 can control the biological sample detection process, such as starting the detection process. The speaker 15 is for human-computer interaction, playing different voice prompts in different states to provide operators with guidance.

[0031] In some embodiments, the receiving cavity is further provided with a main board assembly 5, which is controlled and connected to the motion assembly 6, the heating assembly 3, and the interaction assembly 1, so as to control the constant temperature heating process of the heating assembly 3, the driving process of the up and down movement of the motion assembly 6, etc., thereby integrating the control components of the device into one unit, for example, simplifying the structure of the device.

[0032] The portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device also includes a power supply component 8 for powering the portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device. Specifically, it uses an existing adapter power supply to provide power to the instrument and realize voltage conversion.

[0033] In some embodiments, the bottom of the door panel 21 is pivotally connected to the outer casing of the device. A magnetic attraction assembly is provided between the bottom of the door panel 21 and the outer casing of the device. The magnetic attraction assembly includes an electromagnet 22. The electromagnet 22 is configured such that when it is de-energized, the magnetic attraction assembly loses its attraction capability, and when it is energized, the magnetic attraction assembly has the attraction capability, thus realizing the controllable opening and closing of the door assembly. In this technical solution, the opening and closing principle of the energized electromagnet in the prior art is opposite to that of the prior art. The de-energized electromagnet is used as the closing element, which can disconnect the power supply to the magnetic attraction assembly during the long-term operation of the portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device. The electromagnet 22 is energized only for a short time when it is necessary to remove the microfluidic chip 100 to observe the detection results or to put the microfluidic chip 100 in (i.e., when the door assembly 2 needs to be opened). This effectively overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art, which requires continuous power supply during device operation, effectively reduces energy consumption, and can extend the service life of the electromagnet 22. Furthermore, compared to existing magnetic attraction components that close when energized and open when de-energized, the magnetic attraction component in this invention does not require high-precision fitting and has a compact structure. Specifically, the magnetic attraction component also includes an iron block 23, one of which, along with the electromagnet 22, is disposed on the door panel 21, and the other is disposed on the device housing.

[0034] Ideally, a spring 24, such as a torsion spring, is provided between the bottom of the door panel 21 and the outer casing of the device. This spring can simultaneously apply force between the bottom of the door panel 21 and the outer casing of the device. When the magnetic suction assembly does not have the ability to attract, the spring 24 can spring the door panel 21 open under the action of its elastic force, without the need for the operator to apply force to the door panel 21 to open it.

[0035] See Figure 7 As shown, in the microfluidic chip of the present invention, the front shell 103 and the rear shell 107 of the chip collectively protect and support the internal chip. The first piston push rod 101 and the second piston push rod 102 have rubber stoppers at their bottoms, which can push reagents to flow within the reagent storage layer 108. The rubber stopper 104 seals the chip after sample addition. The first sealing plug 105 and the second sealing plug 106 seal the area of ​​the reagent storage layer 108. The reagent storage layer 108 has reagent storage chambers for reagent storage, two of which provide space for push rod movement. An elastic adhesive tape layer 110, made of double-sided adhesive, is provided between the bottom of the reagent storage layer 108 and the fluid conduit layer 111 to bond the fluid conduit layer 111 and the reagent storage layer 108, thus encapsulating the chip. The reagent flow direction is controlled by a local one-way valve to cooperate with the fluid conduit layer 111 for directional micro-manipulation of reagents. The fluid conduit layer 111 has fluid conduits for micro-manipulation of reagents and a reaction chamber for nucleic acid amplification. The color development area 109 has a color development strip that can present the final test results.

[0036] The operation of the microfluidic chip 100 is as follows: A sample is added to the sample well, and the rubber stopper 104 is inserted, allowing the sample to enter the corresponding chamber. First, the first piston rod 101 is pulled upwards, allowing the sample liquid to flow from the aforementioned chamber through the one-way valve of the elastic tape layer 110 into the chamber of the fluid conduit layer 111. The reagent is heated and undergoes a chemical reaction in the chamber. Next, the first piston rod 101 is pushed downwards, allowing the liquid to flow through the one-way valve of the elastic tape layer 110 into another storage chamber of the reagent storage layer. Then, the second piston rod 102 is pushed upwards, allowing the liquid to flow from the aforementioned storage chamber through the one-way valve of the elastic tape layer 110 into another chamber of the fluid conduit layer 111, where the reagent is heated and undergoes a chemical reaction. Finally, the second piston rod 102 is pushed downwards, allowing the liquid to flow through the one-way valve of the elastic tape layer 110 into the waste liquid area (recovery chamber) and the color development area 109. The test strip in the color development area 109 begins to develop color upon contact with the reagent. Read the color development status of the test strip to determine the result.

[0037] The operation process of the portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device of the present invention is further described below:

[0038] The biodetection chip (i.e., the aforementioned microfluidic chip 100) containing the sample and lysis buffer is placed into the device. The start button (i.e., the detection button 12) is pressed, and the heating component 3 preheats the biodetection chip. Once the set temperature is reached, the drive motor 61 corresponding to the first piston pusher 101 operates, and the corresponding moving block 62 moves upward, driving the first piston pusher 101 of the biodetection chip upward. Liquid enters the reaction chamber and mixes with the dry powder. The moving block 62 stops after reaching the set position. After a period of time, the drive motor 61 operates again, and the corresponding moving block 62 moves downward, driving the first piston pusher 101 of the biodetection chip downward until it reaches the set position and stops. Liquid enters another reaction chamber and mixes with the liquid in the chamber. Then, the drive motor 61 corresponding to the second piston pusher 102 operates, and the corresponding moving block 62 moves upward, driving the second piston pusher 102 of the biodetection chip upward until it reaches the set position and stops, allowing liquid to enter a new reaction chamber where the liquid and reagents are mixed. After a period of time, the drive motor 61 starts running, and the moving block 62 moves downward, driving the second piston pusher 102 of the biodetection chip downward. Liquid enters the colorimetric reaction chamber, and the test strip begins to develop color. After a period of time, the colorimetric process of the test strip is completed, and the two drive motors 61 start running respectively, driving the two moving blocks 62 to return the first piston pusher 101 and the second piston pusher 102 of the chip to their initial positions. Press the switch (i.e., function button 13) to open the door panel 21, take out the biochip, observe the test strip, and read the results.

[0039] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the aforementioned advantageous methods can be freely combined and superimposed without conflict.

[0040] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device equipped with a magnetic suction component, characterized in that, The device includes a housing with a cavity for accommodating a microfluidic chip (100). The cavity has an inlet and an outlet, and a door assembly (2) is provided at the inlet and outlet. The door assembly (2) includes a door panel (21). The bottom of the door panel (21) is pivotally connected to the housing. A magnetic attraction assembly is provided between the top of the door panel (21) and the housing. The magnetic attraction assembly includes an electromagnet (22). The electromagnet (22) is configured such that when it is de-energized, the magnetic attraction assembly has an attraction capability, and when it is energized, the magnetic attraction assembly loses its attraction capability. A spring (24) is also provided between the bottom of the door panel (21) and the housing. A motion assembly (6) is provided inside the cavity. The motion assembly (6) includes two independently controllable lifting drive assemblies. The two lifting drive assemblies can drive the first piston rod (101) and the second piston rod (102) of the microfluidic chip (100) to move linearly up and down, respectively. The drive assembly includes a drive motor (61), on which a moving block (62) is threadedly connected to a rotary lead screw (63). The moving block (62) can move linearly up and down when the rotary lead screw (63) rotates. The moving block (62) has a connecting cylinder (621) connected to the first piston push rod (101) or the second piston push rod (102). A heating assembly (3) is also provided in the receiving cavity. The heating assembly (3) is used to heat the microfluidic chip (100). The heating component (3) provides constant temperature heating. The heating component (3) includes a support frame (31). The support frame (31) is connected to the inner side of the door panel (21) and together with the door panel (21) forms a fixed space for the microfluidic chip (100). When the microfluidic chip (100) is placed into the fixed space and the door panel (21) is closed, the first piston push rod (101) and the second piston push rod (102) of the microfluidic chip (100) are connected to the connecting cylinder (621).

2. The portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic attraction assembly also includes an iron block (23), one of which, along with the electromagnet (22), is located on the door panel (21), and the other is located on the outer casing of the device.

3. The portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The motion component (6) further includes a fixed frame (64), and the two lifting drive components are fixedly connected to the fixed frame (64) by the drive motors (61) respectively; and / or, a displacement sensor (65) is provided at each of the motion blocks (62) of the two lifting drive components respectively.

4. The portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the support frame (31) is provided with a heating element (32); and / or, the heating assembly (3) further includes a temperature sensor (33).

5. The portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An interactive component (1) is provided on the outside of the door assembly (2). The interactive component (1) includes a mounting housing (11). The mounting housing (11) is provided with a detection button (12), a function button (13), multiple indicator lights (14), and / or a speaker (15) is provided inside the mounting housing (11).

6. The portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cavity is also provided with a motherboard assembly (5), which is controlled to be connected to the motion assembly (6), heating assembly (3), and interaction assembly (1); and / or, it also includes a power supply assembly (8) for supplying power to the portable nucleic acid isothermal amplification device.

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