A multi-channel micro-droplet detection method, device and detection chip switching system

Abstract

The application provides a multi-channel micro-droplet detection method, a device and a detection chip switching system. The detection method comprises the following steps: obtaining a set of samples to be detected; sucking each sample to be detected into a liquid path detection system one by one; whenever a sample to be detected is detected to be sucked into a first liquid path detection unit, a first sample needle is controlled to suck a next sample to be detected and input the next sample to be detected into a second liquid path detection unit, so that the next sample to be detected enters a detection waiting stage; when a liquid path detection unit is detected to be in a detection stage, a detection chip in the liquid path detection unit is switched to a detection station; and each liquid path detection unit uses the detection station to perform fluorescence detection on the sucked sample to be detected. The application adjusts the detection process timing of multiple samples to be detected, realizes multiple detection processes in the same time period, shortens the digital PCR detection time, and improves the detection efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of droplet detection technology, and in particular to a multi-channel droplet detection method, apparatus, and detection chip switching system. Background Technology

[0002] Digital PCR (DPCR) is a third-generation PCR technology with advantages such as absolute quantification and high sensitivity. Droplet-based DPCR involves dispersing a highly diluted nucleic acid solution into droplets on a chip, with each droplet containing no more than one nucleic acid template. After PCR cycles, the reactor emits a fluorescent signal for the droplets containing the nucleic acid template. Droplet-based DPCR is the mainstream third-generation digital PCR technology, primarily divided into flow cytometry and planar imaging detection methods. Conventional flow cytometry involves three steps: sample aspiration, detection, and cleaning. In the sample aspiration stage, the droplet is drawn into the liquid path of the detection system through a syringe. In the detection stage, two syringes are used to push the detection oil and sample droplets into the detection chip for optical signal detection. The cleaning stage involves using syringes to clean the inner and outer walls of the syringe and the entire liquid path.

[0003] Existing digital PCR analyzers can be categorized into two application types based on droplet size: 20,000 microdroplets and 100,000 microdroplets. 20,000 microdroplets offer fast detection speed but lower sensitivity and accuracy; 100,000 microdroplets offer slower detection speed but higher sensitivity and accuracy. In flow cytometry, each stage requires the completion of the previous stage before starting; that is, detection waits for sample aspiration, washing waits for detection, and sample aspiration waits for washing. When the droplet volume is large, the detection time is longer than with planar imaging because each droplet needs to be individually irradiated for detection. Compared to planar imaging, flow cytometry offers advantages such as high signal-to-noise ratio and high throughput. However, the size of the detection channel in flow cytometry is closely related to the size of the droplets being detected. Generally, the size of the detection channel is fixed, allowing only the detection of droplets of a specific size, which is insufficient to meet the diverse application needs of different customers. Improving the efficiency and applicability of droplet detection in flow cytometry is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a multi-channel droplet detection method, device and detection chip switching system, which realizes multiple detection processes within the same time period by controlling the detection process sequence of multiple samples to be tested, thereby shortening the detection time of digital PCR and improving detection efficiency.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a multi-channel droplet detection method, comprising the following steps: acquiring a sample set to be detected; wherein the sample set to be detected contains at least two samples to be detected;

[0006] Each of the samples to be tested is drawn into the liquid path detection system one by one; wherein, the liquid path detection system includes at least two liquid path detection units, and each of the liquid path detection units shares the first injection point to draw samples from the samples to be tested;

[0007] Whenever a sample to be tested is detected being drawn into the first liquid path detection unit, the first injection needle is controlled to draw in the next sample to be tested and input the next sample to be tested into the second liquid path detection unit to wait for the detection stage; wherein, the second liquid path detection unit is a liquid path detection unit where there is no sample to be tested;

[0008] When a liquid path detection unit is detected to be in the detection phase, the detection chip within that unit is switched to the detection station until the detection is complete; wherein, each liquid path detection unit shares the detection station to perform fluorescence detection on the aspirated sample to be tested.

[0009] In the above scheme, PCR detection is performed using a liquid path detection system comprising multiple liquid path detection units. Once one liquid path detection unit completes sample aspiration, the first injection needle continues to aspirate the next sample. Therefore, while one liquid path detection unit is receiving samples and in the detection phase, the remaining liquid path detection units can perform other detection processes such as sample aspiration or tubing cleaning. Multiple detection processes can be performed simultaneously within a single liquid path detection system, shortening the digital PCR detection time. Furthermore, each liquid path detection unit shares the same detection station, increasing the system's droplet detection efficiency without increasing optical costs.

[0010] Furthermore, the liquid path detection system includes at least two liquid path detection units, and each of the liquid path detection units shares a first injection point to aspirate the sample to be tested, specifically as follows:

[0011] Each of the liquid path detection units contains several solenoid valves and a detection chip; all liquid path detection units contain a detection flow channel of at least one size;

[0012] The sample to be tested, drawn up by the first injection needle, is transferred to the liquid circuit detection unit based on the steering solenoid valve.

[0013] In the above scheme, the combination of a solenoid valve and multiple liquid path detection units enables the transfer of the sample to be tested to different liquid path detection units, allowing the liquid path detection system to receive multiple samples simultaneously and shortening the detection time. Different sizes of detection channels are set within different liquid path detection units to accommodate the detection requirements of different droplet sizes, thereby improving the applicability and widespread adoption of flow cytometry.

[0014] Furthermore, the multi-channel droplet detection method also includes:

[0015] When the current liquid path detection unit is detected to have completed its detection task and the next liquid path detection unit contains microdroplets to be detected, the detection chip in the next detection unit is controlled to switch to the detection station until the detection is completed; wherein, when the liquid path detection unit is in the cleaning stage, it is determined that the liquid path detection unit has completed its detection task.

[0016] Secondly, this application also provides a detection chip switching system applicable to the multi-channel droplet detection method described above, comprising: a detection station, a drive module, and a displacement module;

[0017] The displacement module includes a first moving component, a second moving component, and a guide rail. The first and second moving components are mounted on the guide rail. At least one detection chip is mounted on the first moving component in the horizontal direction. The moving module is located between the detection station and the drive module.

[0018] The drive module is fixedly connected to the second moving component, and the second moving component is elastically connected to the first moving component through a spring assembly.

[0019] The distance between the target chip to be tested and the testing station is obtained, and the driving module is controlled to move a preset number of steps along the direction of the second moving part based on the distance, so that the first moving part moves along the direction of the testing station based on the second moving part and reaches the preset range of the testing station;

[0020] When the first moving component reaches the preset range of the detection station, the first component moves horizontally based on the limiting components set on the left and right sides of the first moving component until the target chip to be detected is aligned with the detection station.

[0021] In the above solution, unlike the prior art which directly moves the detection chip to the detection station by repeatedly adjusting the motor steps, the detection chip switching device provided in this embodiment of the invention also includes a displacement module comprising a first moving component, a second moving component, and a guide rail. When the distance between the target chip to be detected and the detection station is obtained, the number of moving steps of the drive module is set according to the distance between the target chip to be detected and the detection station. Since the second moving component and the drive module are fixedly connected, and the second moving component and the first moving component on which the detection chip is located are elastically connected, the second moving component will move accordingly when the drive module moves. When the second moving component moves to the preset range of the detection station, since the first moving component is mounted on the guide rail, the first component can be moved horizontally until the target chip to be detected is aligned with the detection station by the limiting components set on the left and right sides of the first moving component, without the need to repeatedly adjust the number of moving steps of the drive module. The operation is simple and easy to implement, and the device wear of the drive module is reduced.

[0022] Furthermore, the step of moving the first component horizontally based on the limiting components disposed on the left and right sides of the first moving component until the target chip to be tested is aligned with the testing station specifically involves:

[0023] A forward limiting component is installed on the left side of the first moving component along the guide rail, and a backward limiting component is installed on the right side of the first moving component; wherein the movable distance of the forward limiting component and the backward limiting component is less than the movable distance of the driving component.

[0024] Based on the lateral distance between the target chip to be tested and the testing station, the corresponding limiting component is moved to move the lateral distance so that the target chip to be tested is aligned with the laser output end of the testing station.

[0025] Furthermore, the first moving component and the second moving component are mounted on the guide rail, specifically:

[0026] The bottom of the first moving component and the second moving component are respectively equipped with sliders, which move in the horizontal direction of the guide rail.

[0027] Furthermore, the drive module is fixedly connected to the second moving component, and the second moving component is elastically connected to the first moving component via a spring assembly, specifically including:

[0028] The drive module includes a drive motor, which is fixedly connected to the second moving component via a lead screw and nut.

[0029] The second moving part is elastically connected to the first moving part via a spring assembly; wherein the spring assembly includes at least one tension spring and one compression spring.

[0030] Thirdly, this application also provides a multi-channel droplet detection device, including a sample acquisition module, a sample aspiration module, a first detection module, and a second detection module;

[0031] The sample acquisition module is used to acquire a sample set to be detected; wherein, the sample set to be detected contains at least two samples to be detected;

[0032] The sample aspiration module is used to aspirate each of the samples to be tested into the liquid path detection system one by one; wherein, the liquid path detection system includes at least two liquid path detection units, and each of the liquid path detection units shares the first injection point to aspirate the samples to be tested;

[0033] The first detection module is used to control the first injection needle to draw up the next sample to be tested and input the next sample to be tested into the second liquid path detection unit to wait for the detection stage whenever a sample to be tested is detected and drawn into the first liquid path detection unit; wherein, the second liquid path detection unit is a liquid path detection unit where there is no sample to be tested;

[0034] The second detection module is used to switch the detection chip in a liquid path detection unit to the detection station until the detection is completed when a liquid path detection unit is detected to be in the detection stage; wherein, each liquid path detection unit uses the detection station to perform fluorescence detection on the sample to be tested.

[0035] In the above scheme, PCR detection is performed using a liquid path detection system comprising multiple liquid path detection units. Once one liquid path detection unit completes sample aspiration, the first injection needle continues to aspirate the next sample. Therefore, while one liquid path detection unit is receiving samples and in the detection phase, the remaining liquid path detection units can perform other detection processes such as sample aspiration or tubing cleaning. Multiple detection processes can be performed simultaneously within a single liquid path detection system, shortening the digital PCR detection time. Furthermore, each liquid path detection unit shares the same detection station, increasing the system's droplet detection efficiency without increasing optical costs.

[0036] Furthermore, the liquid path detection system includes at least two liquid path detection units, and each of the liquid path detection units shares a first injection point to aspirate the sample to be tested, specifically as follows:

[0037] Each of the liquid circuit detection units contains several solenoid valves and a detection chip;

[0038] The sample to be tested, drawn up by the first injection needle, is transferred to the liquid circuit detection unit based on the steering solenoid valve.

[0039] Furthermore, the multi-channel droplet detection device also includes:

[0040] When the current liquid path detection unit is detected to have completed its detection task and the next liquid path detection unit contains microdroplets to be detected, the detection chip in the next detection unit is controlled to switch to the detection station until the detection is completed; wherein, when the liquid path detection unit is in the cleaning stage, it is determined that the liquid path detection unit has completed its detection task. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a multi-channel droplet detection method provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a timing diagram of multichannel droplet detection provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a timing diagram of multichannel droplet detection provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a chip switching system provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-channel droplet detection device provided in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0047] The terms "first" and "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0048] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a multi-channel droplet detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-channel droplet detection method, including steps 101 to 104, each step of which is detailed below:

[0051] Step 101: Obtain the sample set to be tested; wherein the sample set to be tested contains at least two samples to be tested.

[0052] Step 102: Each of the samples to be tested is drawn into the liquid path detection system one by one; wherein the liquid path detection system contains at least two liquid path detection units, and each of the liquid path detection units shares the first injection point to draw the sample to be tested.

[0053] In one embodiment, the liquid path detection system includes at least two liquid path detection units. Each liquid path detection unit shares a first injection needle to aspirate the sample to be tested. Specifically, each liquid path detection unit includes several solenoid valves and a detection chip. All liquid path detection units include a detection flow channel of at least one size. The sample to be tested aspirated by the first injection needle is transferred to the liquid path detection unit based on the directional solenoid valves. See also... Figure 2 , Figure 2This is a timing diagram for multi-channel droplet detection provided in one embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment of the present invention provides a dual-channel liquid path detection system, which includes two liquid path detection units. The first liquid path detection unit includes a first solenoid valve 1, a second solenoid valve 2, a third solenoid valve 4, a fourth solenoid valve 6, a first detection chip A, a first syringe 17, and a second syringe 18. The second liquid path detection unit includes a fifth solenoid valve 3, a sixth solenoid valve 13, a seventh solenoid valve 8, an eighth solenoid valve 10, a second detection chip B, a third syringe 14, and a fourth syringe 16. A diversion solenoid valve 11 is provided above the first injection needle 12, which transfers the sample drawn by the first injection needle to different liquid path detection systems. The two syringes in each liquid path detection unit, which push the detection oil and sample droplets into the detection chip for optical signal detection, are conventional techniques in the art and will not be elaborated upon here. It should be noted that the liquid path detection system provided in this embodiment of the invention is for illustrative purposes only. The number and position of the solenoid valves in each liquid path detection unit can be set according to specific detection requirements and are not intended to limit the liquid path detection system in this application. When more than two sets of liquid path detection units are deployed in the liquid path system, the directional solenoid valve 11 can also be replaced by a device with the same function as an eight-way / ten-way rotary switching valve. Under the premise of fixed sample loading volume, smaller sample droplet sizes can achieve higher accuracy, but because the number of droplets increases, the detection time is longer; larger sample droplet sizes, although the accuracy decreases, result in fewer droplets and a shorter detection time. The size of the detection channel is closely related to the size of the droplets. The liquid path detection system provided in this embodiment of the invention can set different sizes of detection channels in different liquid path detection units, thereby accommodating the detection requirements of different droplet sizes and improving the applicability and popularity of flow cytometry detection.

[0054] Step 103: Whenever a sample to be tested is detected being drawn into the first liquid path detection unit, the first injection needle is controlled to draw in the next sample to be tested and input the next sample to be tested into the second liquid path detection unit to wait for the detection stage; wherein, the second liquid path detection unit is a liquid path detection unit where there is no sample to be tested.

[0055] When the collected sample set contains multiple droplets to be detected, if an existing PCR detection system is used, the detection process of aspiration, detection, and washing must be performed sequentially for each sample. Only after the detection process for one sample is completed can the next sample be aspirated into the liquid path detection system, and then the detection and washing process be performed. Based on the multi-channel droplet detection method provided by this invention, after the first injection needle aspirates the sample 1 to be detected, it is sent to a liquid path detection unit via a diversion solenoid valve. The liquid path detection unit receiving the sample 1 enters the detection stage. At this time, there is no sample to be tested in the pipeline of the liquid path detection unit in the liquid path detection system. The first injection needle is controlled to continue to draw the sample to be tested 2 into the liquid path detection system. The re-drawn sample to be tested 2 is transferred to the liquid path detection unit where there is no sample to be tested in the pipeline through the diversion valve. This allows the sample to be tested 2 to enter the liquid path detection system in advance and wait for the detection stage. This allows multiple detection processes to be performed simultaneously in the liquid path detection system within a certain time period. While the detection process of sample to be tested 1 is being performed, the sampling and pipeline cleaning processes of other samples to be tested can be performed simultaneously, reducing the detection time.

[0056] Step 104: When a liquid path detection unit is detected to be in the detection stage, the detection chip in the liquid path detection unit is switched to the detection station until the detection is completed; wherein, each liquid path detection unit uses the detection station to perform fluorescence detection on the sample to be tested.

[0057] See Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a timing diagram for multi-channel droplet detection provided in one embodiment of the present invention. Taking a dual-detection chip, i.e., a dual-channel liquid path detection system for multi-sample detection, as an example, after the first liquid path detection unit aspirates the sample 1 to be tested, it enters the detection stage. The injection needle is controlled to continue aspirating the sample 2 to be tested and sending it to the second liquid path detection unit. When the first liquid path detection unit is in the detection stage, the second liquid path detection unit cleans the pipeline and aspirates the sample 2 to be tested. After the first liquid path detection unit completes its detection, it enters the pipeline cleaning stage, at which point the detection station is idle. If the second liquid path detection unit has already aspirated the sample, it is switched to the detection station to enter the detection stage. When the first liquid path detection unit has completed the pipeline cleaning, the first injection needle is controlled to draw up the next sample to be tested and transfer it to the first liquid path detection unit. When the first liquid path detection unit is in the detection stage and the second liquid path detection unit has completed the pipeline cleaning stage, and there is no sample to be tested in the pipeline, the first injection needle is controlled to draw up the sample to be tested and transfer it to the second liquid path detection unit. The above steps are repeated until all samples to be tested are tested.

[0058] In one embodiment, the multi-channel droplet detection method further includes: when the current liquid path detection unit has completed its detection task and a droplet to be detected exists in the next liquid path detection unit, controlling the detection chip in the next detection unit to switch to the detection station until the detection is completed; wherein, when the liquid path detection unit is in the cleaning stage, it is determined that the liquid path detection unit has completed its detection task. When there are multiple liquid path detection units in the liquid path detection system, the samples to be detected are generally drawn in sequentially according to the connection order of the liquid path detection units, that is, when the current liquid path detection unit enters the detection stage, the next sample to be detected is drawn into the next liquid path detection unit through the injection needle. If the current liquid path detection unit has completed its detection task and a sample to be detected exists in the next liquid path detection unit, it indicates that the next liquid path detection unit is about to enter the detection stage, and the detection chip in the next detection unit is controlled to switch to the detection station until the detection is completed. At the same time, the next sample to be detected can also be drawn into the current liquid path detection unit through the injection needle.

[0059] In this embodiment of the invention, a multi-channel droplet detection device is also provided, including a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the above-described multi-channel droplet detection method.

[0060] In this embodiment of the invention, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which includes a stored computer program, wherein the computer program controls the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located to execute the above-described multi-channel droplet detection method when it is running.

[0061] For example, the computer program may be divided into one or more modules, which are stored in the memory and executed by the processor to complete the present invention. The one or more modules may be a series of computer program instruction segments capable of performing specific functions, which describe the execution process of the computer program in a multi-channel droplet detection device.

[0062] The multi-channel droplet detection device can be a computing device such as a desktop computer, laptop, handheld computer, or cloud server. The multi-channel droplet detection device may include, but is not limited to, a processor, memory, and display. Those skilled in the art will understand that the above components are merely examples of a multi-channel droplet detection device and do not constitute a limitation on the device. It may include more or fewer components than those described, or a combination of certain components, or different components. For example, the multi-channel droplet detection device may also include input / output devices, network access devices, buses, etc.

[0063] The processor can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. This processor is the control center of the multi-channel droplet detection device, connecting all parts of the device via various interfaces and lines.

[0064] The memory can be used to store the computer program and / or modules. The processor implements various functions of the multi-channel droplet detection device by running or executing the computer program and / or modules stored in the memory and by calling the data stored in the memory. The memory may mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system, at least one application program required for a function (such as sound playback function, text conversion function, etc.), etc.; the data storage area may store data created according to the use of the mobile phone (such as audio data, text message data, etc.). In addition, the memory may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as hard disk, memory, plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital (SD) card, flash card, at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device.

[0065] If the modules integrated in the multi-channel droplet detection device are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, all or part of the processes in the above embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed by a processor, it can implement the steps of the various method embodiments described above. The computer program includes computer program code, which can be in the form of source code, object code, executable files, or certain intermediate forms. The computer-readable medium can include: any entity or device capable of carrying the computer program code, recording media, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, magnetic disks, optical disks, computer memory, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution media, etc. It should be noted that the content included in the computer-readable medium can be appropriately added or removed according to the requirements of legislation and patent practice in the jurisdiction. For example, in some jurisdictions, according to legislation and patent practice, computer-readable media do not include electrical carrier signals and telecommunication signals. This can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art without any creative effort.

[0066] This invention provides a multi-channel droplet detection method for PCR detection using a liquid path detection system comprising multiple liquid path detection units. After one liquid path detection unit completes sample aspiration, the first injection needle continues to aspirate the next sample. Therefore, while one liquid path detection unit is receiving a sample and in the detection phase, the other liquid path detection units can perform other detection processes such as sample aspiration or tubing cleaning. Multiple detection processes can be performed simultaneously within a single liquid path detection system, shortening the digital PCR detection time. Furthermore, each liquid path detection unit shares the same detection station, increasing the system's droplet detection efficiency without increasing optical costs.

[0067] Example 2

[0068] In existing technologies, the displacement requirements of the detection station are generally achieved by setting a given number of motor steps. During position adjustment, the device moves to the vicinity of the designated position with larger motor step increments, and then controls the workpiece position with smaller motor step increments. However, the detection chip needs to be aligned with the laser output end of the detection station. Due to the small size of both, repeated fine-tuning is required to achieve the appropriate position. This adjustment process necessitates repeated adjustments of the motor step count, placing high precision requirements on the motor lead screw and the motor itself. Furthermore, the lead screw component may experience reduced positioning accuracy due to wear after prolonged use. Therefore, this invention provides a detection chip switching device to improve the accuracy of microdroplet detection. (See also...) Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a chip switching system provided in one embodiment of the present invention. The present invention provides a chip switching system for detection, applicable to the multi-channel droplet detection method described in Embodiment 1, comprising: a detection station 310, a driving module 304, and a displacement module;

[0069] The displacement module includes a first moving component 308, a second moving component 306, and a guide rail 305. The first moving component 308 and the second moving component 306 are mounted on the guide rail 305. At least one detection chip is mounted on the first moving component 308 in the horizontal direction. The moving module is located between the detection station 310 and the drive module 304.

[0070] The drive module 304 is fixedly connected to the second moving part 306, and the second moving part 306 is elastically connected to the first moving part 308 through the spring assembly 307.

[0071] The distance between the target chip to be tested and the testing station 310 is obtained. Based on the distance, the driving module 304 is controlled to move a preset number of steps along the direction of the second moving part 306, so that the first moving part 308 moves along the direction of the testing station 310 based on the spring assembly 307 until the target chip to be tested is aligned with the testing station 310.

[0072] In one embodiment, the first moving component and the second moving component are mounted on a guide rail, specifically:

[0073] The bottom of the first moving component and the second moving component are respectively equipped with sliders, which move horizontally along the guide rail. The guide rail and slider configuration allows the second moving component, when moving synchronously under the influence of the drive module, to move the first moving component towards the inspection station based on the guide rail direction, thus preventing loss of control over the movement direction.

[0074] In one embodiment, the drive module is fixedly connected to the second moving component, and the second moving component is elastically connected to the first moving component via a spring assembly. Specifically, the drive module includes a drive motor, which is fixedly connected to the second moving component via a lead screw and nut; the second moving component and the first moving component are elastically connected via a spring assembly; wherein the spring assembly includes at least one tension spring and one compression spring. The drive module includes a motor, and the number of steps the motor takes is designed to initiate movement. Because the first and second moving components are connected via a spring assembly containing tension and compression springs, the first and second moving modules can move in both left and right directions through tension or compression, improving the flexibility of the target detection chip's movement. Preferably, to ensure the stability of the elastic connection, a pair of tension springs and a pair of compression springs are generally provided within the elastic assembly.

[0075] In one embodiment, the horizontal movement of the first moving component 308 based on the limiting components disposed on the left and right sides of the first moving component until the target chip to be tested is aligned with the testing station specifically involves: installing a forward limiting component 309 on the left side of the first moving component 308 along the guide rail 305 and a backward limiting component 303 on the right side of the first moving component; wherein the movable distance of the forward limiting component 309 and the backward limiting component 303 is less than the movable distance of the driving component; the corresponding limiting component is moved laterally based on the lateral distance between the target chip to be tested and the testing station, so that the target chip to be tested is aligned with the laser output end of the testing station. The bottom of the forward limiting component 309 and the backward limiting component 303 are fixedly mounted on the base plate of the displacement module, independent of the driving module and the displacement module, and the limiting component itself can move a certain distance in the horizontal direction by rotating its threads. It should be noted that the preset range within the preset range of the first moving component reaching the testing station must not exceed the movable distance range of the limiting component.

[0076] The drive module 304 performs initial displacement adjustment to move the target detection chip on the first moving component to the left and right sides of the detection station. Then, according to the lateral distance between the target chip to be detected and the detection station, the corresponding limiting component is activated to move the lateral distance, thereby aligning the target chip to be detected with the laser output end of the detection station. Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of a chip switching system provided in one embodiment of the present invention. Taking the second detection chip 302 as the target detection chip for example, the number of movement steps of the motor in the drive module is initially adjusted according to the distance between the target detection chip and the detection station. At this time, the drive module moves towards the second moving component 306 according to the set number of movement steps. Since the second moving component and the drive module 304 are fixedly connected, the second moving component moves synchronously based on the movement relationship of the drive module. Since the first moving component 308, on which the detection chip is installed, is elastically connected to the second moving component 306, when the first moving component moves, based on the sliders installed at the bottom of the two moving components, the first moving component moves synchronously along the direction of the detection station on the guide rail. If the number of steps taken is large, causing the target chip 302 to be detected to be on the left side of the detection station 310, then the compression spring in the elastic component is in a compressed state, and the first moving part 308 moves closer to the forward limiting part. At this time, according to the lateral distance between the target chip 302 and the detection station 310, the forward limiting part 309 is adjusted so that the first moving part moves to the right as a whole until the target chip 302 is aligned with the laser output end of the detection station 310.

[0077] This invention provides a chip switching device, which differs from existing technologies that directly move the chip to the detection station by repeatedly adjusting the motor steps. This invention also includes a displacement module comprising a first moving component, a second moving component, and a guide rail. When the distance between the target chip and the detection station is obtained, the number of steps for the drive module is set according to this distance. Since the second moving component is fixedly connected to the drive module, and the first moving component with the chip is elastically connected, the second moving component moves accordingly when the drive module moves. When the second moving component moves to a preset range within the detection station, the first moving component, mounted on the guide rail, can be moved horizontally until the target chip aligns with the detection station using limiting components on its left and right sides. This eliminates the need for repeatedly adjusting the number of steps for the drive module, simplifying operation and reducing device wear on the drive module.

[0078] Example 3

[0079] See Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-channel droplet detection device provided in one embodiment of the present invention. This application also provides a multi-channel droplet detection device, including a sample acquisition module 401, a sample aspiration module 402, a first detection module 403, and a second detection module 404.

[0080] The sample acquisition module 401 is used to acquire a sample set to be detected; wherein, the sample set to be detected contains at least two samples to be detected;

[0081] The sample aspiration module 402 is used to aspirate each of the samples to be tested into the liquid path detection system one by one; wherein, the liquid path detection system includes at least two liquid path detection units, and each of the liquid path detection units shares the first injection point to aspirate the samples to be tested;

[0082] The first detection module 403 is used to control the first injection needle to draw up the next sample to be tested and input the next sample to be tested into the second liquid path detection unit to wait for the detection stage whenever a sample to be tested is detected and drawn into the first liquid path detection unit; wherein, the second liquid path detection unit is a liquid path detection unit where there is no sample to be tested;

[0083] The second detection module 404 is used to switch the detection chip in a liquid path detection unit to the detection station until the detection is completed when a liquid path detection unit is detected to be in the detection stage; wherein, each liquid path detection unit uses the detection station to perform fluorescence detection on the sample to be tested.

[0084] In one embodiment, the liquid path detection system includes at least two liquid path detection units, and each liquid path detection unit shares a first injection needle to aspirate the sample to be tested. Specifically, each liquid path detection unit includes several solenoid valves and a detection chip; the sample to be tested aspirated by the first injection needle is transferred to the liquid path detection unit based on the directional solenoid valve.

[0085] In one embodiment, the multi-channel droplet detection device further includes: when the current liquid path detection unit has completed its detection task and there are droplets to be detected in the next liquid path detection unit, controlling the detection chip in the next detection unit to switch to the detection station until the detection is completed; wherein, when the liquid path detection unit is in the cleaning stage, it is determined that the liquid path detection unit has completed its detection task.

[0086] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the device described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the aforementioned method embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0087] This invention provides a multi-channel droplet detection device for PCR detection using a liquid path detection system comprising multiple liquid path detection units. After one liquid path detection unit completes sample aspiration, the first injection needle continues to aspirate the next sample. Therefore, while one liquid path detection unit is receiving a sample and in the detection phase, the other liquid path detection units can perform other detection processes such as sample aspiration or tubing cleaning. Multiple detection processes can be performed simultaneously within a single liquid path detection system, shortening the digital PCR detection time. Furthermore, each liquid path detection unit shares the same detection station, increasing the system's droplet detection efficiency without increasing optical costs.

[0088] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0089] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-channel microdroplet detection device, characterized in that, It includes a sample acquisition module, a sample aspiration module, a first detection module, a second detection module, a liquid path detection system, and a detection chip switching system; wherein, the detection chip switching system includes a detection station, a drive module, and a displacement module; The sample acquisition module is used to acquire a sample set to be detected; wherein, the sample set to be detected contains at least two samples to be detected; The sample aspiration module includes a first injection needle and a directional solenoid valve, used to aspirate each of the samples to be tested into the liquid path detection system one by one; wherein, the liquid path detection system includes at least two liquid path detection units, and each liquid path detection unit shares the first injection needle to aspirate the samples to be tested, specifically: each liquid path detection unit includes several solenoid valves and a detection chip; the samples to be tested aspirated by the first injection needle are transferred to the liquid path detection unit based on the directional solenoid valve; The first detection module is used to control the first injection needle to draw up the next sample to be tested and input the next sample to be tested into the second liquid path detection unit to wait for the detection stage whenever a sample to be tested is detected and drawn into the first liquid path detection unit; wherein, the second liquid path detection unit is a liquid path detection unit where there is no sample to be tested; The second detection module is used to switch the detection chip in a liquid path detection unit to the detection station until the detection is completed when a liquid path detection unit is detected to be in the detection stage; wherein, each liquid path detection unit uses the detection station to perform fluorescence detection on the sample to be tested. When the current liquid path detection unit is detected to have completed its detection task and the next liquid path detection unit contains microdroplets to be detected, the detection chip in the next detection unit is controlled to switch to the detection station until the detection is completed; wherein, when the liquid path detection unit is in the cleaning stage, it is determined that the liquid path detection unit has completed its detection task. The displacement module includes a first moving component, a second moving component, and a guide rail. The first and second moving components are mounted on the guide rail. At least two detection chips are mounted on the first moving component in the horizontal direction. The displacement module is located between the detection station and the drive module. The drive module includes a drive motor, which is fixedly connected to the second moving part via a lead screw and nut. The second moving part and the first moving part are elastically connected via a spring assembly. The distance between the target chip to be tested and the testing station is obtained. Based on the distance, the number of running steps of the drive motor in the drive module is controlled to drive the second moving component to move. In turn, the first moving component moves synchronously along the direction of the testing station based on the second moving component and reaches the preset range of the testing station. When the first moving component reaches the preset range of the detection station, the first moving component moves horizontally based on the limiting components set on the left and right sides of the first moving component until the target chip to be detected is aligned with the detection station; the limiting components themselves move a certain distance in the horizontal direction by rotating through a thread.

2. The multi-channel microdroplet detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second moving parts are mounted on the guide rail, specifically: The bottom of the first moving component and the second moving component are respectively equipped with sliders, which move in the horizontal direction of the guide rail.

3. The multi-channel microdroplet detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second moving part is elastically connected to the first moving part via a spring assembly, specifically include: The spring assembly includes at least one tension spring and one compression spring.

4. The multi-channel microdroplet detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first moving component is moved horizontally based on the limiting components located on the left and right sides of the first moving component until the target chip to be tested is aligned with the testing station. Specifically: A forward limiting component is installed on the left side of the first moving component along the guide rail, and a backward limiting component is installed on the right side of the first moving component; wherein the movable distance of the forward limiting component and the backward limiting component is less than the movable distance of the drive module. Based on the lateral distance between the target chip to be tested and the testing station, the corresponding limiting component is moved to move the lateral distance so that the target chip to be tested is aligned with the laser output end of the testing station.

5. A multi-channel microdroplet detection method, characterized in that, This is achieved using a multi-channel droplet detection device as described in any one of claims 1-4, comprising: Obtain a sample set to be tested; wherein the sample set to be tested contains at least two samples to be tested; Each of the samples to be tested is drawn into the liquid path detection system one by one; wherein, the liquid path detection system includes at least two liquid path detection units, and each liquid path detection unit shares a first injection needle to draw the sample to be tested. Specifically, each liquid path detection unit includes several solenoid valves and a detection chip; wherein, all liquid path detection units include a detection flow channel of at least one size; the sample to be tested drawn by the first injection needle is transferred to the liquid path detection unit based on the directional solenoid valve; Whenever a sample to be tested is detected being drawn into the first liquid path detection unit, the first injection needle is controlled to draw in the next sample to be tested and input the next sample to be tested into the second liquid path detection unit to wait for the detection stage; wherein, the second liquid path detection unit is a liquid path detection unit where there is no sample to be tested; When a liquid path detection unit is detected to be in the detection stage, the detection chip in the liquid path detection unit is switched to the detection station until the detection is completed; wherein, each liquid path detection unit uses the detection station to perform fluorescence detection on the sample to be tested; When the current liquid path detection unit is detected to have completed its detection task and the next liquid path detection unit contains microdroplets to be detected, the detection chip in the next detection unit is controlled to switch to the detection station until the detection is completed; wherein, when the liquid path detection unit is in the cleaning stage, it is determined that the liquid path detection unit has completed its detection task.

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