A device and method for realizing lateral sorting interface shearing of dielectric electrophoretic droplets

Abstract

This invention provides an interface shearing device and method for lateral sorting of dielectric electrophoretic droplets in the field of droplet sorting technology. A pair of fixed rods are connected by a slider via a transverse rod. An interface shearing component is slidably connected to the lower end of the transverse rod. The interface shearing component includes an injection pump and a capillary tube. A receiving component corresponding to the position of the interface shearing component is provided at the upper end of a lifting support plate. Multiple mutually fitted sorting receiving pools are provided on the bottom wall of a quartz tank. Multiple outlet tubes connected to a central cavity are provided on the side wall of the sorting receiving pools. The other end of each outlet tube penetrates the side wall of the quartz tank and is connected to a micro-liquid pump. Droplets are uniformly discharged through the injection pump and capillary tube. A dielectric power generator generates varying dielectric power, enabling the sorting of droplets of the same size. Multiple sorting receiving pools receive different droplets, and the micro-liquid from different regions can be separated and exported using the micro-liquid pump and outlet tubes, achieving continuous sorting of micro-droplets.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of droplet sorting technology, and in particular to a device and method for realizing lateral sorting interface shearing of dielectric electrophoretic droplets. Background Technology

[0002] Microdroplets have increasingly wide applications in fields such as biochemistry, medicine, and materials. From the development history of droplet preparation technology, the preparation of microdroplets has gone through traditional emulsification methods, microfluidic chip methods, and new off-chip methods that have emerged in recent years.

[0003] Active sorting technology utilizes various forms of external fields to generate external forces to manipulate and sort droplets. Active droplet sorting technology first requires the identification and detection of droplet properties. Detecting droplets requires some special methods to distinguish droplet size, whether they encapsulate the target carrier, and their electrical, magnetic, and optical properties. Then, droplets are mainly manipulated and sorted through dielectrophoresis, surface acoustic waves, and magnetic fields. However, general sorting devices are difficult to achieve continuous sorting. Long-term sorting can easily cause the sorted droplets to remix, which is not conducive to subsequent separation.

[0004] To address this, we attempted to utilize dielectric electrophoresis technology to achieve the sorting of microdroplets, and proposed a device and method for shearing the interface for lateral sorting of dielectric electrophoretic droplets. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to achieve continuous sorting of microdroplets, avoid re-mixing of sorted droplets, and improve sorting efficiency. Compared with the prior art, it provides a device for lateral sorting of dielectric electrophoretic droplets using an interface shearing device, including a base. A reserved groove is formed on the upper wall of the base, and a lifting support plate is installed inside the reserved groove. A pair of fixed rods corresponding to the position of the reserved groove are provided on the upper wall of the base. Sliding grooves are formed on opposite sides of the fixed rods, and electric sliders are installed inside the sliding grooves. The sliders between the pair of fixed rods are connected to each other through a transverse rod. An interface shearing component is slidably connected to the lower end of the transverse rod. The interface shearing component includes an injection pump and a capillary tube. A receiving component corresponding to the position of the interface shearing component is provided on the upper end of the lifting support plate. The receiving component includes a quartz tank. A dielectric power generator is fixedly connected to the left side wall of the quartz tank. The upper end of the dielectric power generator is connected to... The wires are connected to an external controller. Multiple sorting and receiving pools are fitted together on the bottom wall of the quartz tank. A sloping surface is provided on the right side wall of each sorting and receiving pool, with a central cavity inside the sloping surface. Multiple liquid guiding channels leading to the central cavity are located at the bottom of the sloping surface. Multiple outlet pipes leading to the central cavity are provided on the side wall of each sorting and receiving pool. The other end of each outlet pipe penetrates the side wall of the quartz tank and is connected to a micro-liquid pump. Droplets are evenly discharged through the injection pump and capillary tubes. A dielectric generator produces varying dielectric currents, enabling the sorting of droplets of the same size. Multiple sorting and receiving pools receive different droplets. The sloping surface effectively guides droplets into their corresponding sorting and receiving pools. The micro-liquid pumps and outlet pipes separate and export micro-liquid from different areas, achieving continuous sorting of micro-droplets.

[0006] Furthermore, the height of the left side wall of the sorting and receiving pool shall not exceed one-half of the overall height of the sorting and receiving pool.

[0007] Furthermore, the upper end of the base is provided with a plug-in slot, and the bottom of the plug-in slot is provided with a liquid replenishment channel that connects to the interior of the reserved slot. A hydraulic pump is installed inside the liquid replenishment channel, and the hydraulic pump is connected to an external controller.

[0008] Furthermore, a liquid storage tank is inserted into the insertion slot. The liquid storage tank is filled with hydraulic oil. An external controller controls the operation of the hydraulic pump, so that the hydraulic oil in the liquid storage tank flows inside the liquid storage tank and the reserved slot, allowing the lifting plate to move up and down slowly and stably.

[0009] Furthermore, the lifting plate has multiple sealing grooves circumferentially formed on its side wall, and sealing rings are embedded inside the sealing grooves. The lifting plate is slidably connected to the inner wall of the reserved groove. The sealing grooves and sealing rings improve the sealing performance between the lifting plate and the reserved groove, effectively reducing the waste and pollution caused by hydraulic oil leakage.

[0010] Furthermore, a high-speed camera is slidably connected inside the chute, with the focal length of the high-speed camera located at the receiving component, allowing for real-time observation of the experimental process using the high-speed camera.

[0011] A method for achieving lateral sorting interface shearing of dielectric electrophoretic droplets includes the following steps:

[0012] S1: The staff places the receiving component on the lifting platform and adds receiving fluid to the receiving component;

[0013] S2: Adjust the height of the horizontal rod and the position of the interface shearing component so that the capillary is tangent to the surface of the receiving liquid;

[0014] S3: The dielectric power generator generates dielectric power of varying magnitudes through an external controller;

[0015] S4: Use a micro liquid pump and a discharge tube to extract the micro droplets that fall into the sorting and receiving pool;

[0016] S5: The hydraulic pump continuously injects hydraulic oil from the storage tank into the reserved slot, raising the height of the lifting plate and receiving component to compensate for the drop in the receiving liquid level caused by the continuous extraction by the micro liquid pump.

[0017] Compared to existing technologies, the advantages of this application are:

[0018] (1) Droplets are uniformly discharged through an injection pump and capillary tube. With the help of a dielectric power generator, a changing dielectric power is generated to achieve the sorting of droplets of the same size. Multiple sorting and receiving pools are used to receive different droplets. The inclined slope can effectively guide the droplets to fall into the corresponding sorting and receiving pool. With the help of a micro liquid pump and an outlet pipe, micro-liquids in different areas can be separated and exported, realizing continuous sorting of micro-droplets and avoiding excessive accumulation of micro-droplets that cause mixing.

[0019] (2) The hydraulic pump is controlled by an external controller, so that the hydraulic oil in the reservoir flows inside the reservoir and the reserved tank, so that the lifting plate can move up and down slowly and stably. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of this application;

[0022] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the main structure of this application;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the receiving component of this application;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the sorting and receiving pool in this application;

[0025] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the base structure of this application;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting support plate structure of this application.

[0027] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0028] 1. Base; 11. Reserved slot; 12. Lifting support plate; 121. Sealing ring; 13. Insertion slot; 2. Fixing rod; 3. Horizontal rod; 4. Interface shearing assembly; 5. Liquid storage tank; 6. Receiving assembly; 61. Quartz tank; 62. Dielectric generator; 63. Sorting receiving pool; 631. Inclined slope; 632. Liquid guiding channel; 633. Centralized cavity; 64. Outlet pipe; 7. High-speed camera. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," "sleeved / connected," "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within a compatible component. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0032] Example 1:

[0033] This invention provides a device and method for shearing the interface of dielectric electrophoretic droplets in lateral sorting. Please refer to [link to related document]. Figure 1-5The system includes a base 1, with a pre-reserved groove 11 on the upper wall of the base 1. A lifting support plate 12 is installed inside the pre-reserved groove 11. A pair of fixed rods 2 are installed on the upper wall of the base 1, corresponding to the position of the pre-reserved groove 11. Sliding grooves are opened on opposite sides of the fixed rods 2, and electric sliders are installed inside the sliding grooves. The sliders between the pair of fixed rods 2 are connected to each other by a transverse rod 3. An interface shearing component 4 is slidably connected to the lower end of the transverse rod 3. The interface shearing component 4 includes an injection pump and a capillary tube. A receiving component 6 is installed on the upper end of the lifting support plate 12, corresponding to the position of the interface shearing component 4. The receiving component 6 includes a quartz groove 61. The left side of the quartz groove 61... A dielectric power generator 62 is fixedly connected to the wall. The upper end of the dielectric power generator 62 is connected to an external controller via a wire. Multiple sorting and receiving pools 63 are provided on the bottom wall of the quartz tank 61. A sloping slope 631 is provided on the right side wall of the sorting and receiving pool 63. A central cavity 633 is opened inside the sloping slope 631. Multiple liquid guiding channels 632 connected to the central cavity 633 are opened at the bottom of the sloping slope 631. Multiple outlet pipes 64 connected to the central cavity 633 are provided on the side wall of the sorting and receiving pool 63. The other end of the outlet pipe 64 passes through the side wall of the quartz tank 61 and is connected to a micro liquid pump.

[0034] Specifically, droplets are evenly discharged through an injection pump and capillary tube, and a dielectric power generator 62 generates varying dielectric power to separate droplets of the same size. Multiple sorting and receiving pools 63 are used to receive different droplets. The inclined slope 631 can effectively guide droplets into the corresponding sorting and receiving pool 63. With the help of a micro-liquid pump and an outlet pipe 64, micro-liquid from different areas can be separated and exported, realizing continuous sorting of micro-droplets and avoiding excessive accumulation of micro-droplets that would cause mixing. The concentrating cavity 633 can store the sorted micro-droplets. The lifting support plate 12, together with the fixing rod 2 and the electric slider, can adjust the relative positions of the receiving component 6 and the interface shearing component 4 to make them adapt to each other and form a more stable working system.

[0035] Please see Figure 5 The height of the left side wall of the sorting and receiving pool 63 does not exceed half of the overall height of the sorting and receiving pool 63, which makes it easier for staff to clean the inside of the sorting and receiving pool 63 and reduces the residue of dirt.

[0036] Please see Figure 3 and 6 The base 1 has an insertion slot 13 at the upper end, and a liquid replenishment channel connecting to the reserved slot 11 is provided at the bottom of the insertion slot 13. A hydraulic pump is installed inside the liquid replenishment channel and is connected to an external controller. A liquid storage tank 5 is inserted into the insertion slot 13 and is filled with hydraulic oil.

[0037] Specifically, an external controller is used to control the operation of the hydraulic pump, which allows the hydraulic oil in the reservoir 5 to flow inside the reservoir 5 and the reserved groove 11. This allows the lifting plate 12 to move up and down slowly and stably. The hydraulic oil can absorb vibrations, thus avoiding any impact on the experimental results. The plug-in reservoir 5 can store and remove the hydraulic oil when the device is not in use, which improves the service life of the hydraulic oil and reduces the operating cost.

[0038] Please see Figure 7 The lifting plate 12 has multiple sealing grooves on its side wall, and a sealing ring 121 is embedded inside the sealing groove. The lifting plate 12 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the reserved groove 11. The sealing groove and the sealing ring 121 are used to improve the sealing between the lifting plate 12 and the reserved groove 11, which effectively reduces the waste and pollution caused by hydraulic oil leakage.

[0039] A high-speed camera 7 is slidably connected inside the chute. The focal length of the high-speed camera 7 is located at the receiving component 6, and the experimental process is observed in real time using the high-speed camera 7.

[0040] Example 2:

[0041] This invention provides a method for achieving lateral sorting interface shearing of dielectric electrophoretic droplets, comprising the following steps:

[0042] S1: The staff places the receiving component 6 on the lifting support plate 12 and adds receiving fluid to the receiving component 6;

[0043] S2: Adjust the height of the horizontal rod 3 and the position of the interface shearing component 4 so that the capillary is tangent to the surface of the receiving liquid;

[0044] S3: The dielectric power generator 62 generates dielectric power of varying magnitudes through an external controller;

[0045] S4: Use a micro liquid pump in conjunction with the outlet tube 64 to extract the micro droplets that have fallen into the sorting and receiving pool 63;

[0046] S5: The hydraulic pump continuously injects hydraulic oil from the storage tank 5 into the reserved slot 11, causing the height of the lifting plate 12 and the receiving component 6 to rise, thereby replenishing the height of the receiving liquid level that is dropped due to the continuous extraction by the micro liquid pump.

[0047] The above description is only the best implementation method adopted in this application in combination with current practical needs, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto.

Claims

1. A device for shearing the interface of lateral sorting of dielectric electrophoretic droplets, comprising a base (1), characterized in that, The upper wall of the base (1) is provided with a reserved groove (11), and a lifting support plate (12) is provided inside the reserved groove (11). The upper wall of the base (1) is provided with a pair of fixed rods (2) corresponding to the position of the reserved groove (11). A sliding groove is provided on the opposite side of the fixed rods (2), and an electric slider is provided inside the sliding groove. The sliders between the pair of fixed rods (2) are connected to each other by a transverse rod (3). An interface shearing component (4) is slidably connected to the lower end of the transverse rod (3). The interface shearing component (4) includes an injection pump and a capillary tube. The upper end of the lifting support plate (12) is provided with a receiving component (6) corresponding to the position of the interface shearing component (4). The receiving component (6) includes a quartz groove (61). 1) A dielectric generator (62) is fixedly connected to the left side wall. The upper end of the dielectric generator (62) is connected to an external controller via a wire. Multiple sorting and receiving pools (63) are provided on the bottom wall of the quartz tank (61). A sloping slope (631) is provided on the right side wall of the sorting and receiving pool (63). A central cavity (633) is opened inside the sloping slope (631). Multiple liquid guiding channels (632) connected to the central cavity (633) are opened at the bottom of the sloping slope (631). Multiple outlet pipes (64) connected to the central cavity (633) are provided on the side wall of the sorting and receiving pool (63). The other end of the outlet pipe (64) passes through the side wall of the quartz tank (61) and is connected to a micro liquid pump.

2. The device for shearing the interface for lateral sorting of dielectric electrophoretic droplets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the left side wall of the sorting and receiving pool (63) does not exceed one-half of the overall height of the sorting and receiving pool (63).

3. The device for shearing the interface for lateral sorting of dielectric electrophoretic droplets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (1) has a plug-in slot (13) at the upper end, and a liquid replenishment channel connecting to the reserved slot (11) is provided at the bottom of the plug-in slot (13). A hydraulic pump is provided inside the liquid replenishment channel and the hydraulic pump is connected to an external controller.

4. The device for shearing the interface for lateral sorting of dielectric electrophoretic droplets according to claim 3, characterized in that, A liquid storage tank (5) is inserted into the insertion slot (13), and the liquid storage tank (5) is filled with hydraulic oil.

5. The device for shearing the interface for lateral sorting of dielectric electrophoretic droplets according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting support plate (12) has multiple sealing grooves on its side wall, and a sealing ring (121) is embedded inside the sealing groove. The lifting support plate (12) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the reserved groove (11).

6. The device for shearing the interface for lateral sorting of dielectric electrophoretic droplets according to claim 1, characterized in that, A high-speed camera (7) is slidably connected inside the groove, and the focal length of the high-speed camera (7) is located at the receiving component (6).

7. The operation method of the dielectric electrophoretic droplet lateral sorting interface shearing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: The staff places the receiving component (6) on the lifting plate (12) and adds receiving liquid to the receiving component (6); S2: Adjust the height of the horizontal rod (3) and the position of the interface shearing component (4) so ​​that the capillary is tangent to the surface of the receiving liquid; S3: The dielectric power generator (62) generates dielectric power of varying magnitudes through an external controller; S4: Use a micro liquid pump in conjunction with the outlet tube (64) to extract the micro droplets that have fallen into the sorting and receiving pool (63); S5: The hydraulic pump continuously injects the hydraulic oil inside the storage tank (5) into the reserved groove (11) to raise the height of the lifting plate (12) and the receiving component (6), thereby replenishing the height of the receiving liquid level that is lowered due to the continuous extraction by the micro liquid pump.

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