Micro-droplet generation device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a micro-droplet generating device, which includes a generating chip. The generating chip comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, and the generating chip can generate liquid samples in the first compartment and the second compartment into micro-droplets; a collecting plate, the collecting plate includes collecting holes; a connecting base, the connecting base wraps the collecting plate, the connecting base includes a chip bracket, the generating chip is placed and limited in the chip bracket, and the collecting plate is detachably installed on the connecting base. Through the micro-droplet generating device disclosed by the present invention, the generating chip and the 96-well plate serving as the collecting plate are integrated together through the connecting base, so that the micro-droplets generated by the production chip can be directly collected by the 96-well plate serving as the collecting plate. The collecting plate is detachably installed on the connecting base, which also facilitates directly detaching it after collecting the micro-droplets for subsequent operations, without the need to transfer the micro-droplets through other means and tools. The process is simple and the micro-droplet samples are not easily contaminated during the process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the biological field, and in particular to a micro-droplet generating device. Background Art

[0002] Microdroplet technology is a micro-nanotechnology that uses the interaction between flow shear force and surface tension in a microscale channel to separate continuous fluid into discrete droplets of nanoliter volume or below.

[0003] There are two main types of microdroplets: gas-liquid phase droplets and liquid-liquid phase droplets. Liquid-liquid phase microdroplets have the advantages of small volume, no diffusion between droplet samples, avoidance of cross contamination between samples, stable reaction conditions, and rapid mixing under proper manipulation.

[0004] Liquid-liquid phase droplets are divided into "water-in-oil", "oil-in-water", "oil-in-water-in-oil" and "water-in-oil-in-water" according to the difference between the continuous phase and the dispersed phase.

[0005] The microdroplet generation system can generate "oil-in-water" or "water-in-oil" microdroplets with a diameter in the micrometer range (i.e. 10-1000μm), providing a highly sensitive, efficient and high-throughput research environment for many application scenarios in biology, chemistry and materials.

[0006] 96-well plates are commonly used experimental consumables in the biological field, but the micro-droplet generation device of the existing technology has poor compatibility with 96-well plates and cannot directly generate micro-droplet samples into 96-well plates. In actual use, after the micro-droplet generation device generates micro-droplets, it is often necessary to transfer the micro-droplets to the 96-well plate through other means and tools. The process is complicated and the micro-droplet samples are easily contaminated during the process. Therefore, it is difficult to use it as a highly universal experimental system in the fields of biology, chemistry and materials. Summary of the invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the poor compatibility of the microdroplet generating device in the prior art with a 96-well plate, and the inability to directly generate microdroplet samples into a 96-well plate. In actual use, after the microdroplet generating device generates microdroplets, it is often necessary to transfer the microdroplets to the 96-well plate through other means and tools. The process is complicated and the microdroplet samples are easily contaminated during the process. A microdroplet generating device is provided.

[0008] The present invention solves the above technical problems through the following technical solutions:

[0009] A micro-droplet generating device, comprising:

[0010] A generation chip, wherein the generation chip comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, and the generation chip can generate liquid samples in the first compartment and the second compartment into micro droplets;

[0011] A collection plate, wherein the collection plate is a 96-well plate, and the collection plate comprises collection wells;

[0012] A connecting base, the connecting base wraps the collecting plate, the connecting base includes a chip holder, the generating chip is placed and limited on the chip holder, and the collecting plate is detachably mounted on the connecting base.

[0013] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the generation chip and the 96-well plate as the collection plate are integrated together through the connection base, so that the microdroplets generated by the production chip can be directly collected by the 96-well plate as the collection plate. The collection plate is detachably mounted on the connection base, which is also convenient for direct removal after collecting the microdroplets for subsequent operations, without the need to transfer the microdroplets by other means and tools. The process is simple and it is not easy to contaminate the microdroplet samples during the process.

[0014] Preferably, the generation chip comprises a sample discharge tube, the micro-droplets are discharged through the sample discharge tube, and when the generation chip is placed and confined on the chip holder, the sample discharge tube extends into the collection hole.

[0015] In this solution, the above structural form is adopted, and through the limit of the chip bracket, when the generation chip is placed on it, its sample tube can be directly extended into the collection hole of the collection plate, so that the generation chip and the collection plate are aligned. At the same time, the sample tube extending into the collection hole can also reduce the height of the micro-droplet falling, reduce the kinetic energy of the micro-droplet falling, and avoid the impact of the droplet from destroying the micro-droplet structure.

[0016] Preferably, the generation chip comprises a plurality of chip modules, the chip modules include a plurality of chip units corresponding one-to-one to the collection holes, and the plurality of chip units are integrally formed to form the chip module.

[0017] In this solution, the above structure is adopted, and the generation chip is composed of multiple identical chip modules, each chip module contains multiple chip units, each chip unit can generate micro droplets independently, and the number of chip units corresponds to the number of collection holes of the collection plate. Each individual chip module is integrally formed, which facilitates batch processing of chip modules and reduces the production and maintenance costs of the generation chip.

[0018] Preferably, the chip module is formed of thermoplastic material, thermosetting material or glass.

[0019] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and materials such as thermoplastic materials, thermosetting materials, and glass are easy to process and have low costs, further reducing the cost of generating chips.

[0020] Preferably, the generation chip comprises:

[0021] A sample loading layer, the sample loading layer is arranged on the top of the generation chip, and the first compartment and the second compartment are arranged on the sample loading layer;

[0022] A sample-discharging layer, wherein the sample-discharging layer is disposed at the bottom of the generating chip, the sample-discharging tube is disposed on the sample-discharging layer, and the top surface of the sample-discharging layer and the bottom surface of the sample-adding layer are mutually attached and sealed;

[0023] A microfluidic layer, wherein the top surface of the sample row layer and the bottom surface of the sample loading layer are attached to each other and sealed to form the microfluidic layer, and the microfluidic layer includes a first flow channel connected to the first compartment and the sample row tube, and a second flow channel connected to the second compartment and the first flow channel, and the second flow channel intersects with the first flow channel in a generation area along a vertical direction of the first flow channel.

[0024] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the microfluidic layer is formed by bonding or gluing the sample addition layer and the sample removal layer. The three-layer structure of the chip is tightly stacked and fits together, is highly integrated, and has a small area and volume, which significantly reduces the cost of microdroplet generation.

[0025] Preferably, the top surface of the sample row layer and / or the bottom surface of the sample loading layer are recessed to form a first groove and a second groove, and the first groove and the second groove are bonded and sealed with the bottom surface of the sample loading layer and / or the top surface of the sample row layer to form the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

[0026] In the present solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the chip generates micro-droplets through the first flow channel and the second flow channel. The first flow channel and the second flow channel are formed by grooves arranged on the top surface of the sample discharge layer and / or the bottom surface of the sample loading layer. After the sample discharge layer and the sample loading layer are packaged by bonding or gluing, these grooves become flow channels for liquid samples to flow and converge, generating micro-droplets, making the chip highly integrated.

[0027] Preferably, the first flow channel includes, in sequence along the flow direction of the liquid sample: a first inlet connected to the first compartment, a buffer area, a generation area, and an outlet connected to the sample discharge tube;

[0028] The buffer area includes a first extended flow channel and a second extended flow channel extending along the side direction of the first flow channel, the first extended flow channel and the second extended flow channel are connected through a bent flow channel, the first extended flow channel is connected to the first inlet, and the second extended flow channel is connected to the generation area.

[0029] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the liquid sample enters the first flow channel from the first compartment through the first inlet, and intersects with the liquid sample of the second flow channel in the generation area to form micro-droplets, and then flows out from the sample discharge tube through the outlet. The buffer area is an extended section that bends to one side and then returns to the original flow channel direction. The buffer area extended to one side is set between the first inlet and the generation area, so that the liquid sample can be stabilized in the extended buffer area after entering the flow channel, so that its flow rate and uniformity are relatively stable before entering the production area to produce micro-droplets, which can improve the generation effect of micro-droplets.

[0030] Preferably, the first extended flow channel and the second extended flow channel are parallel to each other.

[0031] In this solution, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the first extended flow channel and the second extended flow channel are parallel to each other, so that the distance between the two can be constant and the maximum distance can be maintained, which can make it easier to package the sample adding layer and the sample discharging layer by bonding or gluing, and the packaging effect is better.

[0032] Preferably, the sample arrangement tube comprises:

[0033] An inner cavity, wherein the cavity wall of the inner cavity gradually converges from the inner cavity top to the inner cavity bottom;

[0034] A liquid discharge port, the liquid discharge port being opened on one side of the bottom of the inner cavity;

[0035] A guide surface is arranged at the bottom of the inner cavity, one end of the guide surface is against the cavity wall, and the other end of the guide surface is inclined downward and extends to the liquid discharge port.

[0036] In the present scheme, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and the sample discharge tube is connected to the outlet of the microfluidic layer. The microdroplets of the microfluidic layer flow out from the outlet and flow into the inner cavity of the sample discharge layer. They can flow along the cavity wall of the inner cavity to the bottom of the cavity to the guide surface, and then slowly flow from the guide surface to the discharge port for discharge, which can avoid the direct dripping of microdroplets and the possible damage of the microdroplet structure due to excessive impact.

[0037] Preferably, the sample discharge tube also includes a drainage portion, which is arranged on the cavity wall on the side of the inner cavity where the drainage port is opened, and the drainage portion protrudes along the cavity wall and extends toward the drainage port, and the projection of the end of the drainage portion in the vertical direction is located on the guide surface.

[0038] In the present scheme, the above-mentioned structural form is adopted, and a raised drainage portion is also provided above the cavity wall on the side where the discharge port of the sample discharge tube is opened. The micro-droplets on the side cavity wall can be guided to the guide surface through the protruding structure to prevent the micro-droplets from flowing out of the discharge port directly from the side cavity wall, thereby improving the diversion effect of the sample discharge tube.

[0039] The positive and progressive effect of the present invention is that: through the micro-droplet generation device disclosed in the present invention, the generation chip and the 96-well plate as a collection plate are integrated together through the connection base, so that the micro-droplets generated by the production chip can be directly collected by the 96-well plate as a collection plate. The collection plate is detachably mounted on the connection base, and it is also convenient to directly remove it after collecting the micro-droplets for subsequent operations, without the need to transfer the micro-droplets by other means and tools. The process is simple and it is not easy to contaminate the micro-droplet samples during the process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the micro-droplet generating device of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the micro-droplet generating device of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the partial structure of the connection base of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip module of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the top structure of the chip module of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the chip module and the connection base in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the microfluidic layer of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of the microfluidic layer of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0048] Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of the structure of the microfluidic layer of Example 1 of the present invention.

[0049] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sample arrangement tube according to Example 2 of the present invention.

[0050] Fig.11 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of the sample arrangement tube of Example 2 of the present invention.

[0051] Description of reference numerals:

[0052] Generate Chip 1

[0053] Sample layer 11

[0054] Sample layer 12

[0055] Sample tube 121

[0056] Exit 122

[0057] Lumen 123

[0058] Drain port 124

[0059] Guide surface 125

[0060] Drainage section 126

[0061] Chip module 13

[0062] Chip unit 14

[0063] First compartment 141

[0064] First entrance 143

[0065] Second entrance 144

[0066] Second compartment 142

[0067] Microfluidic layer 15

[0068] First flow channel 16

[0069] The first extended flow channel 161

[0070] The second extended flow channel 162

[0071] Bend channel 163

[0072] Second flow channel 17

[0073] Spawn Zone 18

[0074] Connecting base 2

[0075] Chip holder 21

[0076] Bump 211

[0077] Notch 212

[0078] Buckle 22

[0079] Collection Plate 3

[0080] Collection hole 31

[0081] Card slot 32 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] The present invention is further described below by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the examples.

[0083] Embodiment 1

[0084] like Figure 1-3As shown, the micro-droplet generating device of this embodiment includes a generating chip 1, a collecting plate 3 and a connecting base 2. The generating chip 1 includes a first compartment 141 and a second compartment 142, and the generating chip 1 can generate liquid samples in the first compartment 141 and the second compartment 142 into micro-droplets. The collecting plate 3 is a 96-well plate, and the collecting plate 3 includes a collecting hole 31. The connecting base 2 wraps the collecting plate 3, and the connecting base 2 includes a chip holder 21, and the generating chip 1 is placed and limited to the chip holder 21, and the collecting plate 3 is detachably mounted on the connecting base 2.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first compartment 141 and the second compartment 142 of the generation chip 1 are used to inject water phase liquid and oil phase liquid respectively. The two compartments are pressurized by a precision gas control device, so that the liquid passes through the generation chip 1 to generate "water-in-oil" or "oil-in-water" micro-droplets, which are then discharged to the collection hole 31 of the collection plate 3.

[0086] The collecting plate 3 of this embodiment is a 96-well plate, which is a commonly used experimental consumable in the biological field, and has 8*12 collecting wells 31. In other embodiments, the collecting plate 3 can also be composed of a plurality of 8-well tubes.

[0087] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the connection base 2 of this embodiment is a square frame type, and the connection base 2 can be sleeved on the collection plate 3 and wrapped around the collection plate 3, and can be detachably fixed by the buckle 22 on the connection base 2 and the card slot 32 on the collection plate 3. It makes the connection with the collection plate 3 more stable. The card slot 32 is set on both sides of the collection plate 3, and the buckle 22 is set at the corresponding position on both sides of the connection base 2. The buckle 22 is set on one end of a connection plate that can be bent to a certain extent, and the other end of the connection plate is fixed to the side of the connection base 2. The back of the connection plate where the buckle 22 is set is also provided with a handle portion, and the handle portion extends to the other end of the connection plate. The connection plate can be bent outward by squeezing the handle portion, so that the buckle 22 is lifted so as to be inserted into or removed from the card slot 32 of the collection plate 3.

[0088] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the chip holder 21 is composed of a plurality of groups of corresponding bumps 211 spaced apart on the top of two opposite side edges of the connecting base 2. When the chip is placed on the connecting base 2, the edge of the chip is clamped in the groove 212 between the two bumps 211 and aligned with the collecting plate 3 clamped on the connecting base 2.

[0089] In other embodiments, the connection base 2 may be connected to the collection plate 3 in other ways instead of being wrapped around the collection plate 3, such as being made into an upper frame structure and installed on the top surface of the collection plate 3, or being made into a base structure and directly placing the collection plate 3 into the connection base 2. The chip holder 21 is not limited to the protrusions 211 and notches 212 provided on the edge, and may also be implemented by adding a top surface with an installation groove on the top of the connection base 2, or adding a supporting structure inside the connection base 2 and on the top surface of the collection plate 3, etc., as long as the detachable installation of the collection plate 3 and the fixation and positioning of the generated chip 1 can be achieved.

[0090] The generation chip 1 and the 96-well plate as the collection plate 3 are integrated together through the connection base 2, so that the microdroplets generated by the production chip can be directly collected by the 96-well plate as the collection plate 3. The collection plate 3 is detachably mounted on the connection base 2, which is also convenient for directly removing the microdroplets for subsequent operations after collecting them, without the need to transfer the microdroplets by other means and tools, and the process is simple and the microdroplet samples are not easily contaminated during the process.

[0091] like Figure 2 As shown, the generation chip 1 includes a sample discharge tube 121 , through which the micro-droplets are discharged. When the generation chip 1 is placed and confined on the chip support 21 , the sample discharge tube 121 extends into the collection hole 31 .

[0092] In this embodiment, the sample discharge tube 121 is disposed on the bottom surface of the generation chip 1 and extends downward. When the generation chip 1 is clamped in the slot 212 , the sample discharge tube 121 of the generation chip 1 faces the collection port and extends into the collection hole 31 .

[0093] By limiting the position of the chip holder 21, when the generation chip 1 is placed on it, its sample tube 121 can be directly extended into the collection hole 31 of the collection plate 3, so that the generation chip 1 is aligned with the collection plate 3. At the same time, the sample tube 121 extending into the collection hole 31 can also reduce the height of the micro-droplet falling, reduce the kinetic energy of the micro-droplet falling, and avoid the impact of the droplet from destroying the micro-droplet structure.

[0094] In other embodiments, the sample discharge port may only be aligned with the collection hole 31 without extending into the collection hole 31 , but this structure can only ensure that the micro-droplets fall into the collection hole 31 but cannot reduce the kinetic energy of the micro-droplets falling.

[0095] like Figure 1-5 As shown, the generation chip 1 includes a plurality of chip modules, and the chip module includes a plurality of chip units 14 corresponding to the collection holes 31 one by one, and the plurality of chip units 14 are integrally formed to form the chip module.

[0096] In this embodiment, each chip unit 14 can generate microdroplets independently, including a group of first compartments 141, second compartments 142 and sample tubes 121, and a single chip module has 8 transversely arranged chip units 14. The generation chip 1 of this embodiment is composed of 12 chip modules, with a total of 8*12 chip units 14, corresponding to the 96-well plate used as the collection plate 3.

[0097] In other embodiments, the arrangement direction and quantity of the chip units 14 of the chip module 13 are not limited thereto and can be adjusted according to different usage scenarios and requirements, as long as they can correspond to the collection holes 31 of the collection plate 3.

[0098] The generation chip 1 is composed of a plurality of identical chip modules, each of which includes a plurality of chip units 14. Each chip unit 14 can generate microdroplets independently, and the number of chip units 14 corresponds to the number of collection holes 31 of the collection plate 3. Each individual chip module is integrally formed, which facilitates batch processing of the chip modules and reduces the production and maintenance costs of the generation chip 1.

[0099] In this embodiment, the chip module is formed of thermoplastic material, thermosetting material, or glass. Such materials are easy to process and have low cost, further reducing the cost of producing the chip 1 .

[0100] In other embodiments, other common thermoforming materials may also be used to make this product.

[0101] like Figure 2-8 As shown, the generation chip 1 includes a sample loading layer 11, a sample row layer 12 and a microfluidic layer 15. The sample loading layer 11 is arranged at the top of the generation chip 1, and the first compartment 141 and the second compartment 142 are arranged on the sample loading layer 11; the sample row layer 12 is arranged at the bottom of the generation chip 1, and the sample row tube 121 is arranged on the sample row layer 12, and the top surface of the sample row layer 12 and the bottom surface of the sample loading layer 11 are mutually attached and sealed; the top surface of the sample row layer 12 and the bottom surface of the sample loading layer 11 are mutually attached and sealed to form a microfluidic layer 15, and the microfluidic layer 15 includes a first flow channel 16 connected to the first compartment 141 and the sample row tube 121, and a second flow channel 17 connected to the second compartment 142 and the first flow channel 16, and the second flow channel 17 intersects with the first flow channel 16 in the generation area 18 along the vertical direction of the first flow channel 16.

[0102] In this embodiment, the first compartment 141 is connected to the first flow channel 16 through the first inlet 143, the second compartment 142 is connected to the second flow channel 17 through the second inlet 144, and the second flow channel 17 is connected to the first flow channel 16 from both sides in the generation area 18. The liquids in the two compartments enter the two flow channels under the action of air pressure and flow toward the outlet 122. When the liquid in the first compartment 141 flows through the generation area 18 in the first flow channel 16, corresponding micro-droplets are generated under the action of the flow shear force of the liquid in the second flow channel 17.

[0103] In this embodiment, the top surface of the sample arrangement layer 12 and the bottom surface of the sample addition layer 11 are attached to each other and packaged by bonding or the like. In other embodiments, other common packaging methods such as adhesive stickers may also be used.

[0104] When the first compartment 141 contains oil phase liquid and the second compartment 142 contains water phase liquid, “oil-in-water” micro-droplets can be generated;

[0105] When the first compartment 141 contains water phase liquid and the second compartment 142 contains oil phase liquid, “water-in-oil” micro-droplets can be generated.

[0106] The microfluidic layer 15 of this embodiment is formed by bonding or gluing the sample loading layer 11 and the sample discharging layer 12. In other embodiments, an independent microfluidic layer 15 may be provided and communicated with the first inlet 143, the second inlet 144 and the outlet 122 of the sample loading layer 11 and the sample discharging layer 12.

[0107] The microfluidic layer 15 is formed by bonding or gluing the sample addition layer 11 and the sample removal layer 12. The three-layer structure of the chip is tightly stacked and fits together, is highly integrated, and has a small area and volume, which significantly reduces the cost of microdroplet generation.

[0108] like Figure 7 As shown, the top surface of the sample-discharging layer 12 and / or the bottom surface of the sample-adding layer 11 are recessed to form a first groove and a second groove, and the first groove and the second groove form a first flow channel 16 and a second flow channel 17 by bonding or gluing with the bottom surface of the sample-adding layer 11 and / or the top surface of the sample-discharging layer 12.

[0109] In this embodiment, the first groove and the second groove are both formed on the bottom surface of the sample loading layer 11. The sample discharging layer 12 seals the grooves by bonding or gluing to form a flow channel.

[0110] In other embodiments, the groove may also be formed on the top surface of the row pattern layer 12, or formed on both surfaces.

[0111] The generation chip 1 generates micro-droplets through the first flow channel 16 and the second flow channel 17. The first flow channel 16 and the second flow channel 17 are formed by grooves arranged on the top surface of the sample-discharging layer 12 and / or the bottom surface of the sample-adding layer 11. After the sample-discharging layer 12 and the sample-adding layer 11 are packaged by bonding or gluing, these grooves become flow channels for liquid samples to flow and converge, generating micro-droplets, making the chip highly integrated.

[0112] like Figure 8 As shown, the first flow channel 16 includes, in sequence along the flow direction of the liquid sample: a first inlet 143 connected to the first compartment 141, a buffer area, a generation area 18, and an outlet 122 connected to the sample row tube 121. The buffer area includes a first extended flow channel 161 and a second extended flow channel 162 extending along the side direction of the first flow channel 16. The first extended flow channel 161 and the second extended flow channel 162 are connected through a bent flow channel 163. The first extended flow channel 161 is connected to the first inlet 143, and the second extended flow channel 162 is connected to the generation area 18.

[0113] In this embodiment, the second flow channel 17 extends from the second outlet 122 from both sides, and intersects with the first flow channel 16 from both sides of the vertical direction of the first flow channel 16 at the generation area 18, and then leads to the outlet 122. The first flow channel 16 passes through a buffer area extended by bending from the first inlet 143, and then extends to the generation area 18 to intersect with the second flow channel 17, and then leads to the outlet 122.

[0114] like Figure 8 As shown, the buffer area of ​​this embodiment is composed of a first extended flow channel 161 connected to the first inlet 143 and extending laterally, a bent flow channel 163 connected to the tail end of the first extended flow channel 161 and bent longitudinally, and a second extended flow channel 162 connected to the tail end of the bent flow channel 163 and extending laterally in the opposite direction of the first extended flow channel 161. The entire buffer area is a spiral structure.

[0115] In other embodiments, the buffer region may also be provided with more extended flow channels and bent flow channels 163, so that it has a multi-layer spiral structure to further extend the overall length of the buffer region and increase its flow stabilization effect. However, when the total length remains unchanged, using only one bent structure buffer region can maximize the distance between the two extended flow channels, which can reduce the difficulty of packaging the sample loading layer 11 and the sample discharging layer 12 by bonding or gluing.

[0116] The liquid sample enters the first flow channel 16 from the first inlet 143 of the first compartment 141, and intersects with the liquid sample of the second flow channel 17 in the generation area 18 to form micro-droplets, and then flows out of the sample discharge tube 121 from the outlet 122. The buffer area is an extended section that bends to one side and then returns to the original flow channel direction. The buffer area extended to one side is set between the first inlet 143 and the generation area 18, so that the liquid sample can be stabilized in the extended buffer area after entering the flow channel, so that the flow rate and uniformity are relatively stable before entering the production area to produce micro-droplets, which can improve the generation effect of micro-droplets.

[0117] like Figure 8 As shown, the first extended flow channel 161 and the second extended flow channel 162 are parallel to each other.

[0118] The first extended flow channel 161 and the second extended flow channel 162 are parallel to each other, so that the distance between them can be constant and the maximum distance can be maintained, which can make it easier to package the sample adding layer 11 and the sample discharging layer 12 by bonding or gluing, and the packaging effect is better.

[0119] like Fig. 9 As shown, the sample discharge tube 121 of this embodiment includes an inner cavity 123 and a liquid discharge port 124 . The cavity wall of the inner cavity 123 gradually converges from the top of the inner cavity 123 to the bottom of the inner cavity 123 . The liquid discharge port 124 is opened at the bottom of the inner cavity 123 .

[0120] The sample discharge tube 121 is hollow inside to form an inner cavity 123, the top of the inner cavity 123 is connected to the outlet 122 of the microfluidic layer 15, and the micro droplets formed by the microfluidic layer 15 flow downward from the outlet 122 along the wall of the inner cavity 123, and drip from the discharge port 124 at the bottom of the inner cavity 123 to the collection hole 31 of the collection plate 3.

[0121] Embodiment 2

[0122] The structure of the micro-droplet generating device of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same parts are not repeated here. The difference lies in the sample arrangement tube 121 of this embodiment.

[0123] like Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 11 , the sample discharge tube 121 includes an inner cavity 123, a liquid discharge port 124 and a flow guide surface 125. The cavity wall of the inner cavity 123 gradually converges from the top of the inner cavity 123 to the bottom of the inner cavity 123. The liquid discharge port 124 is opened at one side of the bottom of the inner cavity 123. The flow guide surface 125 is arranged at the bottom of the inner cavity 123, one end of the flow guide surface 125 abuts against the cavity wall, and the other end of the flow guide surface 125 tilts downward and extends to the liquid discharge port 124.

[0124] In this embodiment, the interior of the sample tube 121 is hollow to form an inner cavity 123, the top of the inner cavity 123 is connected to the outlet 122 of the microfluidic layer 15, and the micro-droplets formed by the microfluidic layer 15 flow downward from the outlet 122 along the cavity wall of the inner cavity 123. The drainage port 124 is provided at the bottom of the side of the sample tube 121, and the guide surface 125 is provided at the bottom of the inner cavity 123 and is inclined downward along the cavity wall of the inner cavity 123 toward the drainage port 124.

[0125] The micro-droplets can flow along the wall of the inner cavity 123 to the bottom of the cavity to the guide surface 125, and then slowly flow from the guide surface 125 to the drain port 124 for discharge, thereby preventing the micro-droplets from directly dripping and causing excessive impact that may damage the micro-droplet structure.

[0126] like Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 11 , the sample discharge tube 121 further includes a drainage portion 126 , which is disposed on the cavity wall on one side of the inner cavity 123 where the drainage port 124 is opened. The drainage portion 126 protrudes along the cavity wall and extends toward the drainage port 124 , and the projection of the end of the drainage portion 126 in the vertical direction is located on the guide surface 125 .

[0127] In this embodiment, the inclination angle of the drainage portion 126 is slightly larger than the inclination angle of the cavity wall, and its end is located on the guide surface 125 in the vertical direction, ensuring that the micro-droplets dripping from the drainage portion 126 can fall on the guide surface 125, preventing the micro-droplets from flowing out of the drainage port 124 directly from the side cavity wall, thereby improving the diversion effect of the sample discharge tube 121.

[0128] Although the specific embodiments of the present invention are described above, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that this is only for illustration and the protection scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but these changes and modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A micro-droplet generating device, It is characterized in that It includes: A generation chip, wherein the generation chip comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, and the generation chip can generate liquid samples in the first compartment and the second compartment into micro droplets; a collecting plate, the collecting plate comprising a collecting hole; The generation chip comprises a sample discharge tube, and the micro-droplets are discharged through the sample discharge tube; The sample arrangement tube comprises: An inner cavity, wherein the cavity wall of the inner cavity gradually converges from the inner cavity top to the inner cavity bottom; A liquid discharge port, the liquid discharge port being opened on one side of the bottom of the inner cavity; A flow guiding surface, the flow guiding surface is arranged at the bottom of the inner cavity, the flow guiding surface is inclined downward from the cavity wall and extends to the liquid discharge port; The sample discharge tube further comprises a drainage portion, which is arranged on the cavity wall on the side of the inner cavity where the drainage port is opened, the drainage portion protrudes along the cavity wall and extends to the drainage port, and the projection of the end of the drainage portion in the vertical direction is located on the guide surface; The micro-droplet generating device further comprises a connecting base, the connecting base wraps the collecting plate, the connecting base comprises a chip holder, the generating chip is placed and limited on the chip holder, and the collecting plate is detachably mounted on the connecting base; When the generating chip is placed and limited in the chip support, the sample arrangement tube extends into the collecting hole; The collection plate is a 96-well plate.

2. The micro-droplet generating device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The generation chip includes a plurality of chip modules, and the chip module includes a plurality of chip units corresponding to the collection holes one by one, and the plurality of chip units are integrally formed to form the chip module.

3. The micro-droplet generating device according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The chip module is formed of thermoplastic material, thermosetting material or glass material.

4. The micro-droplet generating device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The generation chip comprises: A sample loading layer, the sample loading layer is arranged on the top of the generation chip, and the first compartment and the second compartment are arranged on the sample loading layer; A sample-discharging layer, wherein the sample-discharging layer is disposed at the bottom of the generating chip, the sample-discharging tube is disposed on the sample-discharging layer, and the top surface of the sample-discharging layer and the bottom surface of the sample-adding layer are mutually attached and sealed; A microfluidic layer, wherein the top surface of the sample row layer and the bottom surface of the sample loading layer are attached to each other and sealed to form the microfluidic layer, and the microfluidic layer includes a first flow channel connected to the first compartment and the sample row tube, and a second flow channel connected to the second compartment and the first flow channel, and the second flow channel intersects with the first flow channel in a generation area along a vertical direction of the first flow channel.

5. The micro-droplet generating device according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The top surface of the sample row layer and / or the bottom surface of the sample loading layer are recessed to form a first groove and a second groove, and the first groove and the second groove are mutually attached and sealed with the bottom surface of the sample loading layer and / or the top surface of the sample row layer to form the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

6. The micro-droplet generating device according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The first flow channel includes, in sequence along the flow direction of the liquid sample: a first inlet connected to the first compartment, a buffer area, a generation area, and an outlet connected to the sample discharge tube; The buffer area includes a first extended flow channel and a second extended flow channel extending along the side direction of the first flow channel, the first extended flow channel and the second extended flow channel are connected through a bent flow channel, the first extended flow channel is connected to the first inlet, and the second extended flow channel is connected to the generation area.

7. The micro-droplet generating device according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The first extended flow channel and the second extended flow channel are parallel to each other.

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