Microfluidic biomimetic tube and preparation method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a micro-fluid bionic tube and a preparation method thereof. The micro-fluid bionic tube comprises a micro-fluid pump and a culture chip. The micro-fluid pump is used for transmitting liquid from the micro-fluid pump to the culture chip. The micro-fluid pump comprises oppositely arranged first and second protective layers. The first protective layer is provided with first and second protrusions. The second protective layer is provided with third and fourth protrusions. The first protrusion and the third protrusion form a first valve. The second protrusion and the fourth protrusion form a second valve. A micro-pump cavity is arranged between the first valve and the second valve. The second protective layer can be deformed under pressure. According to the technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the application, the micro-fluid pump and the culture chip are connected together. The micro-fluid pump delivers culture liquid to the culture chip, and provides a dynamic liquid environment for a culture body in the culture chip. The environment is similar to the dynamic environment of the human body, and is more beneficial to the maturity of the culture body. Preferably, the culture body can be a fertilized egg.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the field of microfluidics, and more particularly to microfluidic biomimetic tubes and their preparation methods. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, fertilized eggs are cultured using traditional static culture methods. Static culture cannot compare with the dynamic physiological environment of the human body. The static culture environment is quite different from the dynamic physiological environment of the human body, which is not conducive to cell maturation. Furthermore, multiple eggs cannot be cultured simultaneously in a static environment, resulting in low culture efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above-mentioned defects or deficiencies in the prior art, it is desirable to provide a microfluidic biomimetic tube and its preparation method.

[0004] In a first aspect, a microfluidic biomimetic tube is provided, including a microfluidic pump and a culture chip. The microfluidic pump is provided with a first liquid inlet and a first liquid outlet, and the culture chip is provided with a second liquid inlet and a second liquid outlet. The first liquid outlet is connected to the second liquid inlet for transferring liquid from the microfluidic pump to the culture chip.

[0005] The microfluidic pump includes a first protective layer and a second protective layer disposed opposite to each other. The first protective layer has a first protrusion and a second protrusion on the side near the second protective layer. The second protective layer has a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion on the side near the first protective layer. The second protrusion is located on the side of the first protrusion away from the first inlet, and the fourth protrusion is located on the side of the third protrusion away from the first inlet. The first protrusion and the third protrusion form a first valve, and the second protrusion and the fourth protrusion form a second valve. A micropump chamber is provided between the first valve and the second valve.

[0006] The second protective layer is deformable under pressure. The second protective layer is used to open the first valve and close the second valve when subjected to pressure in the first direction, and to close the first valve and open the second valve when subjected to pressure in the second direction.

[0007] Secondly, a method for preparing the above-mentioned microfluidic biomimetic tube is provided, which prepares a microfluidic pump and a culture chip. The microfluidic pump is provided with a first inlet and a first outlet, and the culture chip is provided with a second inlet and a second outlet, and the first outlet and the second inlet are connected together.

[0008] According to the technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application, a microfluidic pump is connected to a culture chip. The microfluidic pump delivers the culture medium to the culture chip, providing a dynamic liquid environment for the cultured organisms in the culture chip. This environment is similar to the dynamic environment of the human body, which is more conducive to the maturation of the cultured organisms. It is preferably used for the culture of fertilized eggs. At the same time, the microfluidic pump structure is equipped with a first valve and a second valve. The two valves work together to transfer the liquid. The structure is relatively simple. Combining this microfluidic pump structure with the culture chip results in high culture efficiency and a simple pipeline that is more suitable for the growth of the cultured organisms. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the microfluidic biomimetic tube structure in this embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the microfluidic pump structure in this embodiment;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer in the microfluidic pump in this embodiment;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the side of the first protective layer closest to the second protective layer in this embodiment;

[0014] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the microfluidic pump structure in this embodiment;

[0015] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a single-channel cross-section of the culture chip in this embodiment;

[0016] Figures 8 to 11 This is a schematic diagram of the microfluidic pump fabrication process in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0018] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0019] Please refer to Figure 1This embodiment provides a microfluidic biomimetic tube, including a microfluidic pump 1 and a culture chip 2. The microfluidic pump 1 is provided with a first liquid inlet 17 and a first liquid outlet 19. The culture chip 2 is provided with a second liquid inlet 21 and a second liquid outlet 22. The first liquid outlet 19 is connected to the second liquid inlet 21 for transferring liquid from the microfluidic pump 1 to the culture chip 2.

[0020] The microfluidic pump 1 includes a first protective layer 12 and a second protective layer 13 disposed opposite to each other. The first protective layer 12 has a first protrusion 122 and a second protrusion 124 on the side near the second protective layer 13. The second protective layer 13 has a third protrusion 132 and a fourth protrusion 134 on the side near the first protective layer 12. The second protrusion 124 is located on the side of the first protrusion 122 away from the first inlet 17, and the fourth protrusion 134 is located on the side of the third protrusion 132 away from the first inlet 17. The first protrusion 122 and the third protrusion 132 form a first valve 10, and the second protrusion 124 and the fourth protrusion 134 form a second valve 20. A micropump chamber 18 is provided between the first valve 10 and the second valve 20.

[0021] The second protective layer 13 is deformable under pressure. The second protective layer 13 is used to open the first valve 10 and close the second valve 20 when subjected to pressure in the first direction, and to close the first valve 10 and open the second valve 20 when subjected to pressure in the second direction.

[0022] The microfluidic biomimetic tube provided in this embodiment connects the microfluidic pump 1 and the culture chip 2. The microfluidic pump 1 delivers the culture medium to the culture chip 2, providing a dynamic liquid environment for the cultured organisms in the culture chip 2. This environment is similar to the dynamic environment of the human body, which is more conducive to the maturation of the cultured organisms. It is preferably used for the culture of fertilized eggs. At the same time, the microfluidic pump 1 structure is equipped with a first valve 10 and a second valve 20. The two valves work together to transfer the liquid. The structure is relatively simple. Combining the microfluidic pump 1 structure with the culture chip 2 results in high culture efficiency and a simple pipeline that is more suitable for the growth of cultured organisms.

[0023] Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the microfluidic biomimetic tube. The microfluidic pump 1 is provided with a first liquid inlet 17 and a first liquid outlet 19. The culture chip 2 is provided with a second liquid inlet 21 and a second liquid outlet 22. The first liquid outlet 19 and the second liquid inlet 21 are connected to realize the connection between the two, so that the microfluidic pump 1 can pump liquid into the culture chip 2.

[0024] Figure 2The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the microfluidic pump 1. A valve structure and a micropump chamber 18 for transferring liquid are formed between the first protective layer 12 and the second protective layer 13. A first protrusion 122 and a second protrusion 124 are provided on the first protective layer 12, and a third protrusion 132 and a fourth protrusion 134 are provided on the second protective layer 13. The first valve 10 is formed by the first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 124, and the second valve 20 is formed by the second protrusion 124 and the fourth protrusion 134. Liquid transfer is achieved by opening and closing the first valve 10 and the second valve 20. At the same time, a micropump chamber 18 is provided between the first valve 10 and the second valve 20 for temporary storage of the corresponding liquid.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the second protective layer 13 in this embodiment is a film layer disposed on top, that is, a film layer close to the electrode. This second protective layer 13 is generally made of silicon nitride material. This film layer is deformable under pressure, and its working principle is as follows: Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the second membrane layer is subjected to pressure in the first direction, the first direction is... Figure 5 In the direction indicated by the middle arrow, the second membrane layer deforms under downward pressure. The two protrusions on the first valve 10 move closer together, causing the first valve 10 to close, while the two protrusions on the second valve 20 move further apart, causing the second valve 20 to open. At this time, the liquid in the micro-pump chamber 18 is discharged under pressure from the second valve 20 and the first outlet 19. When the second membrane layer is subjected to pressure in the second direction, the second direction is... Figure 6 In the direction indicated by the middle arrow, the second membrane layer deforms under an upward force. The two protrusions on the first valve 10 move away from each other, causing the first valve 10 to open. The two protrusions on the second valve 20 move closer together, causing the second valve 20 to close. At this time, the pressure in the micropump chamber 18 decreases, and liquid enters the micropump chamber 18 from the first inlet 17. To achieve the above-mentioned liquid inflow and outflow function, the second protrusion 124 is located on the side of the first protrusion 122 away from the first inlet 17, and the fourth protrusion 134 is located on the side of the third protrusion 132 away from the first inlet 17, which can ensure the function of liquid flow of the microfluidic pump 1.

[0026] Optionally, the longitudinal section of the third protrusion 132 at least partially overlaps with that of the first protrusion 122, and the longitudinal section of the second protrusion 124 at least partially overlaps with that of the fourth protrusion 134.

[0027] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6The working principle diagram of the microfluidic pump 1 shows that when the second protective layer 13 deforms under stress, the corresponding first valve 10 and second valve 20 open and close, transferring external liquid to the micropump chamber 18 and then delivering it to the culture chip 2 through the first outlet 19. To ensure the normal opening and closing of the first valve 10 and second valve 20, when the second protective layer 13 deforms under stress, one of the protrusions on the second protective layer 13 needs to form a closed structure with the corresponding protrusion on the first protective layer 12. Therefore, the third protrusion 132 and the first protrusion 122, and the second protrusion 124 and the fourth protrusion 134 need to at least partially overlap, forming a structure as shown in the diagram. Figure 2 The structure shown has an appropriate spacing between the two protrusions forming a valve, and an appropriate distance between the corresponding protrusion structure and its opposite protective layer structure. This prevents the third protrusion 132 and the fourth protrusion 134 from undergoing excessive collision with the first protective layer 12 when the second protective layer 13 deforms, which could lead to breakage of the corresponding protrusion structure. Since the microfluidic pump 1 structure in this embodiment is a micron-level product, the radius of the first inlet 17 and the first outlet 19 is generally 3 microns. Therefore, it is preferable that the length of the third protrusion 132 on the second protective layer 13 is greater than 7.5 microns, and the gap between it and the first protrusion 122 is set to 1-1.5 microns. The length of the fourth protrusion 134 on the second protective layer 13 is greater than 6.15 microns, and the gap between it and the second protrusion 124 is set to 1-1.5 microns.

[0028] Furthermore, the first protective layer 12 is also provided with a first channel 121, a first cavity 123 and a second channel 125 on the side near the second protective layer 13. The first channel 121 is the channel of the first liquid inlet 17 and the second channel 125 is the channel of the second liquid inlet 21.

[0029] The first protrusion 122 is disposed between the first channel 121 and the first cavity 123, and the second protrusion 124 is disposed between the first cavity 123 and the second channel 125.

[0030] like Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the microfluidic pump 1 forms a first valve 10, a micropump chamber 18, and a second valve 20. This structure enables liquid flow. The first valve 10 and the second valve 20 are formed by protruding structures on the opposing surfaces of the first protective layer 12 and the second protective layer 13. The structures of the first inlet 17, the micropump chamber 18, and the second inlet 21 are achieved by setting corresponding channel structures on the first protective layer 12 and / or the second protective layer 13. For example, a first channel, a first cavity, and a second channel are set on the side of the first protective layer 12 near the second protective layer 13. The first channel and the structure on the second protective layer 13 form the first inlet 17, the first cavity and the structure on the second protective layer 13 form the micropump chamber 18, and the second channel and the structure on the second protective layer 13 form the second inlet 21. The shapes of the channels and cavities can be selected according to actual needs, such as the ease of process preparation.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, this embodiment preferably provides a schematic diagram of one side structure of the first protective layer 12, wherein the first channel and the second channel opened on the first protective layer 12 are elongated structures to form elongated channels. The shape of the channels is not limited, but preferably set as an arc-shaped groove for easy processing. The cross-section of the first cavity is preferably set as a rectangular structure or a circular structure, and the cylindrical cavity is easier to process.

[0032] Furthermore, the second protective layer 13 is also provided with a third channel 131, a second cavity 133 and a fourth channel 135 on the side close to the first protective layer 12. The third channel 131 is the channel of the first liquid inlet 17 and the fourth channel 135 is the channel of the second liquid inlet 21.

[0033] The first channel 131 and the third channel 121 form the first liquid inlet 17, the second channel 125 and the fourth channel 135 form the second liquid inlet 21, and the first cavity 123 and the second cavity 133 form the micro pump cavity 18;

[0034] The third protrusion 132 is disposed between the third channel 131 and the second cavity 133, and the fourth protrusion 134 is disposed between the second cavity 133 and the fourth channel 135.

[0035] In this embodiment, a valve and a micro-pump chamber 18 are formed by the protruding structures on the second protective layer 13 and the first protective layer 12, thereby realizing the function of pumping out liquid. The side of the second protective layer 13 closest to the first protective layer 12, except for the protruding positions, can be directly set as a planar structure. One side of the third protrusion 132 is the third channel, the space between the third protrusion 132 and the fourth protrusion 134 is the second cavity, and the other side of the fourth protrusion 134 is the fourth channel. Alternatively, the side of the second protective layer 13 closest to the first protective layer 12 can be set as... Figure 4 Similar to the structure of the first protective layer 12, an arc-shaped groove is set as the third and fourth channels, etc. If this method is adopted, it is also necessary to ensure that the channel structures on the first protective layer 12 and the second protective layer 13 are accurately aligned to form the corresponding liquid inlet and outlet ports.

[0036] Optionally, the second protective layer 13 is further provided with an electrode unit on the side away from the first protective layer 12, and the orthographic projection of the electrode unit on the second protective layer 13 at least covers the micropump cavity 18.

[0037] In this embodiment, an electrode unit is provided on the second protective layer 13. The electrode unit mainly provides power to the microfluidic pump 1 through the piezoelectric effect. The power source of the electrode unit due to the piezoelectric effect is the area covered by the electrode layer. Therefore, it is preferable to set the electrode unit to cover the micropump cavity 18 with a positive projection to provide corresponding power to the micropump cavity 18.

[0038] Optionally, the electrode unit includes a first electrode layer 16, a PVDF layer 15, and a second electrode layer 14 stacked together. The PVDF layer 15 is used to deform under voltage, thereby causing the second protective layer 13 to deform.

[0039] In this embodiment, a PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) layer and electrode layers disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the layer structure are preferred. The piezoelectric effect of PVDF is used to provide power to the micro-pump cavity 18. In the above embodiment, the orthographic projection of the electrode unit covers the structure of the micro-pump cavity 18. In principle, the area of ​​PVDF should not be less than the size of the body film layer of the micro-pump cavity 18. However, the power is provided by the area covering layer of the upper and lower electrodes of PVDF. As long as the upper and lower electrodes can cover the thin film area that provides power without affecting the function of other layers, it is sufficient. Specifically, the orthographic projection of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer covers the structure of the micro-pump cavity 18. At the same time, the orthographic projection of the PVDF layer structure on the second protective layer 13 also needs to cover the structure of the micro-pump cavity 18.

[0040] Optionally, a substrate 11 is also provided on the side of the first protective layer 12 away from the second protective layer 13.

[0041] This embodiment also provides a substrate 11 structure, on which a first protective layer 12 is disposed. Preferably, a glass substrate 11 is used to facilitate the processing of the material of the first protective layer 12. The first protective layer 12 can be made of silicon nitride or silicon oxide.

[0042] Optionally, the culture chip 2 includes a base plate 25 and a cover plate 24 disposed on the base plate 25.

[0043] A space for accommodating is provided between the base plate 25 and the cover plate 24. The space has multiple channels 23, and each channel 23 has a placement area.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the culture chip 2 provided in this embodiment is connected to the microfluidic pump 1, providing a liquid environment in the culture chip 2 that is closer to the human physiological environment. Meanwhile, the culture chip 2 in this embodiment includes a base plate and a cover plate, with multiple channels arranged in the cavity between the base plate and the cover plate to form an array-like culture area, allowing for the simultaneous culture of multiple culture subjects. Figure 1 The diagram shows a six-channel setup. The specific number of channels, i.e., the number of culture media that can be cultured at one time, can be selected according to the actual situation.

[0045] like Figure 7 As shown, a structural schematic diagram of a single channel is given. A through hole 26 for placing fertilized eggs or other culture media is formed on the cover plate 24. The size and shape of the through hole 26 can be selected according to actual needs. At the same time, the culture chip 2 can also change its function by changing the size and shape of the through hole.

[0046] Optionally, the culture chip 2 is made of PDMS.

[0047] Since existing culture chips 2 are generally made of silicon, this embodiment preferably uses PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) for preparation. This material can more conveniently be used to manufacture culture chips 2, and the corresponding cover plates and channels can be prepared by thermosetting.

[0048] Optionally, the first electrode layer 16 and the second electrode layer 14 are interdigitated electrodes.

[0049] In this embodiment, to ensure that the first and second electrodes cover the micropump cavity 18 as much as possible, the first and second electrodes are preferably configured as interdigitated electrodes. See [link to specific details]. Figure 3 As shown, the shape of the middle PVDF layer can be set to be the same as the shape of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0050] Optionally, the first inlet 17 and the first outlet 19 are elongated channels, and the cross-section of the micropump chamber 18 is circular or rectangular.

[0051] In this embodiment, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the first inlet 17 and the first outlet 19, as well as the shape of the corresponding micropump chamber 18, are selected according to actual needs. This invention integrates the microfluidic pump 1 technology and the fallopian tube microfluidic sheet technology into one, which is highly efficient and has a simple pipeline that is more suitable for the microenvironment of the human fallopian tube.

[0052] This embodiment also provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned microfluidic biomimetic tube, which prepares a microfluidic pump 1 and a culture chip 2. The microfluidic pump 1 is provided with a first liquid inlet 17 and a first liquid outlet 19, and the culture chip 2 is provided with a second liquid inlet 21 and a second liquid outlet 22, and the first liquid outlet 19 and the second liquid inlet 21 are connected.

[0053] This embodiment provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned microfluidic biomimetic tube, wherein the first liquid outlet 19 of the prepared microfluidic pump 1 is connected to the second liquid inlet 21 of the culture chip 2, so as to achieve the purpose of transferring liquid to the culture chip 2 through the microfluidic pump 1.

[0054] Furthermore, the fabrication of the microfluidic pump 1 includes the following steps:

[0055] A substrate 11 is provided, and a first protective layer 12 is deposited on the substrate 11.

[0056] A first channel, a first cavity, and a second channel are etched on the first protective layer 12. A first protrusion 122 is provided between the first channel and the first cavity, and a second protrusion 124 is provided between the first cavity and the second channel.

[0057] A copper layer 30 is plated on the etched first protective layer 12, the copper layer 30 covering the first protective layer 12.

[0058] Two blind holes are made in the copper layer 30.

[0059] A second protective layer 13 is deposited on the copper layer 30, the second protective layer 13 covering the copper layer 30 and the blind via configuration;

[0060] The copper layer 30 is etched away, and a first liquid inlet 17, a first valve 10, a micro pump chamber 18, a second valve 20 and a first liquid outlet 19 are formed between the first protective layer 12 and the second protective layer 13.

[0061] A second electrode layer is formed on the side of the second protective layer 13 away from the first protective layer 12, a PVDF layer is formed on the second electrode layer, and a first electrode layer is formed on the PVDF layer.

[0062] like Figures 8 to 11 ,as well as Figure 2 As shown, the microfluidic pump 1 in this embodiment is fabricated using a thin-film transistor array process, primarily employing mask design and fabrication.

[0063] First, such as Figure 8 As shown, a substrate 11 is provided, preferably a glass substrate 11, and a first protective layer 12 is subsequently deposited on the substrate 11.

[0064] Subsequently, as Figure 9 As shown, corresponding pump body structures and channel structures are etched on the first protective layer 12, specifically forming a first channel, a first cavity, and a second channel. Protrusions are provided between adjacent structures to form valve structures.

[0065] like Figure 10 As shown, copper is plated on the first protective layer 12, and a copper layer 3030 is set to cover the first protective layer 12. Then, two blind holes are opened on the copper layer 30. The position of the blind holes is used to form a protrusion structure on the second protective layer 13. One blind hole is close to the first protrusion 122 on the first protective layer 12, and the other is close to the second protrusion 124 on the first protective layer 12. Both blind holes are set on the side of the protrusion structure close to the second channel.

[0066] Subsequently, as Figure 11 As shown, a second protective layer 13 is formed on the copper layer 30. This second protective layer 13 covers the copper layer 30 and the blind vias, with corresponding raised structures at the blind vias. The side of the second protective layer 13 closest to the first protective layer 12 can be patterned or unpatterned. If patterned, the side of the copper layer 30 furthest from the first protective layer 12 needs to be patterned, so that the second protective layer 13 covering the copper layer 30 also has a corresponding pattern. At this point, the corresponding micropump cavity 18 structure is complete.

[0067] The copper material is then etched away, and a second electrode is formed on the side of the second protective layer 13 away from the first protective layer 12. The corresponding ITO material is then sputtered and patterned to form the second electrode.

[0068] Then a PVDF layer is formed on the second electrode, followed by the formation of the first electrode layer on the PVDF layer. This can also be achieved by sputtering, forming a layer as shown below. Figure 2 The final structure shown;

[0069] After the above structure is formed, the surface of the channel inside the microfluidic pump 1 needs to be modified for normal use.

[0070] It should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" used above to indicate orientation or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inside or outside relative to the outline of each component itself. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0071] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways, rotated 90 degrees, or in other orientations, and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0072] It should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer" used above to indicate orientation or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inside or outside relative to the outline of each component itself. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0073] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways, rotated 90 degrees, or in other orientations, and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0074] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in this application is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this application.

Claims

1. A microfluidic biomimetic tube, characterized in that, The device includes a microfluidic pump and a culture chip. The microfluidic pump has a first inlet and a first outlet, and the culture chip has a second inlet and a second outlet. The first outlet is connected to the second inlet and is used to transfer liquid from the microfluidic pump to the culture chip to provide a dynamic liquid environment for the culture in the culture chip. The culture chip includes a base plate and a cover plate disposed on the base plate. A space for receiving is provided between the base plate and the cover plate. The space has multiple channels, and each channel has a placement area. A through hole is formed on the cover plate. The microfluidic pump includes a first protective layer and a second protective layer disposed opposite to each other. The first protective layer has a first protrusion and a second protrusion on the side near the second protective layer. The second protective layer has a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion on the side near the first protective layer. The second protrusion is disposed on the side of the first protrusion away from the first liquid inlet, and the fourth protrusion is disposed on the side of the third protrusion away from the first liquid inlet. The first protrusion and the third protrusion form a first valve, and the second protrusion and the fourth protrusion form a second valve. A micropump chamber is provided between the first valve and the second valve. The longitudinal sections of the third protrusion and the first protrusion at least partially overlap, and the longitudinal sections of the second protrusion and the fourth protrusion at least partially overlap. The second protective layer is deformable under pressure. The second protective layer is used to open the first valve and close the second valve when subjected to pressure in the first direction, and to close the first valve and open the second valve when subjected to pressure in the second direction.

2. The microfluidic biomimetic tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first protective layer is further provided with a first channel, a first cavity and a second channel on the side near the second protective layer. The first channel is the channel for the first liquid inlet and the second channel is the channel for the second liquid inlet. The first protrusion is disposed between the first channel and the first cavity, and the second protective layer has a second cavity on the side close to the first protective layer, and the second protrusion is disposed between the second cavity and the second channel.

3. The microfluidic biomimetic tube according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second protective layer is further provided with a third channel, a second cavity and a fourth channel on the side near the first protective layer. The third channel is the channel for the first liquid inlet and the fourth channel is the channel for the second liquid inlet. The first channel and the third channel form the first liquid inlet, the second channel and the fourth channel form the second liquid inlet, and the first cavity and the second cavity form the micropump cavity; The third protrusion is disposed between the third channel and the second cavity, and the fourth protrusion is disposed between the second cavity and the fourth channel.

4. The microfluidic biomimetic tube according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, An electrode unit is also provided on the side of the second protective layer away from the first protective layer, and the orthogonal projection of the electrode unit on the second protective layer at least covers the micropump cavity.

5. The microfluidic biomimetic tube according to claim 4, characterized in that, The electrode unit includes a first electrode layer, a PVDF layer, and a second electrode layer stacked together. The PVDF layer is used to deform under voltage, thereby causing the second protective layer to deform.

6. The microfluidic biomimetic tube according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, A substrate is also provided on the side of the first protective layer away from the second protective layer.

7. The microfluidic biomimetic tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The culture chip includes a base plate and a cover plate disposed on the base plate. A space for accommodating is provided between the base plate and the cover plate, and the space has multiple channels, each of which has a placement area.

8. The microfluidic biomimetic tube according to claim 7, characterized in that, The culture chip material is PDMS.

9. The microfluidic biomimetic tube according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are interdigitated electrodes.

10. The microfluidic biomimetic tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first inlet and the first outlet are elongated channels, and the cross-section of the micropump chamber is circular or rectangular.

11. A method for fabricating a microfluidic biomimetic tube according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, A microfluidic pump and a culture chip are prepared. The microfluidic pump is provided with a first inlet and a first outlet, and the culture chip is provided with a second inlet and a second outlet. The first outlet and the second inlet are connected together.

12. The preparation method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fabrication of a microfluidic pump includes the following steps: A substrate is provided, and a first protective layer is deposited on the substrate. A first channel, a first cavity, and a second channel are etched on the first protective layer. A first protrusion is provided between the first channel and the first cavity, and a second protrusion is provided between the first cavity and the second channel. A copper layer is plated on the etched first protective layer, the copper layer covering the first protective layer. Two blind holes are drilled in the copper layer. A second protective layer is deposited on the copper layer, the second protective layer covering the copper layer and the blind via configuration; The copper layer is etched away, and a first liquid inlet, a first valve, a micro pump chamber, a second valve, and a first liquid outlet are formed between the first protective layer and the second protective layer. A second electrode layer is formed on the side of the second protective layer away from the first protective layer, a PVDF layer is formed on the second electrode layer, and a first electrode layer is formed on the PVDF layer.

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