An ultrasonic-based microfluidic chip cleaning device and cleaning method

Abstract

The present invention provides a cleaning device for a microfluidic chip based on ultrasonic waves, which includes a cleaning chamber with a receiving cavity in the middle, and a number of ultrasonic vibrators and a number of heating elements are arranged in the wall; and a reaction kettle located in the receiving cavity, which includes an upper cylinder body, a middle cylinder body, a lower cylinder body, and a sample piece to be cleaned. The middle cylinder body is located between the upper cylinder body and the lower cylinder body, and the three are tightly connected by a first locking member. The sample piece to be cleaned is placed inside the middle cylinder body. Input channels are arranged in the walls of the upper cylinder body and the lower cylinder body, and the input channels are all communicated with the inner cavity of the middle cylinder body. At least one output channel is arranged in the wall of the middle cylinder body, and the output channels are all communicated with the inner cavity of the middle cylinder body. The device has a simple structure, can effectively clean the sample piece, simplifies the experimental process, saves experimental time, and does not damage the sample piece, making it suitable for popularization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ultrasonic cleaning equipment, and particularly to a microfluidic chip cleaning device and cleaning method based on ultrasonic waves. Background Art

[0002] The microfluidic chip is the core component of microfluidic experiments. The key lies in the design of the chip structure, including the geometric shape, surface properties, material, etc. of the chip channels. With the in-depth research, the chip structure is more complex, and the design and manufacturing costs of the chips are becoming increasingly high. The complex pore structure and experimental conditions make it difficult to clean the residual substances in the chip after the experiment, greatly reducing the service life of the chip. If the chips after the experiment can be reasonably processed to achieve the purpose of reuse, the number of times the chips can be used can be greatly extended, and the research costs can be greatly saved.

[0003] Currently, the methods for reusing microfluidic chips are mainly divided into two categories:

[0004] (1) Design the chip structure, such as treating the wettability of the chip surface. A method of changing the chemical composition and microstructure of the material surface by using conditions such as light, temperature, pH, and electric potential as external stimuli. This method is not applicable to experimental studies with complex and changeable external environments, greatly limiting the research scope of researchers.

[0005] (2) Clean the chip reasonably and effectively. The main principle of this method is that after a set of experiments, the chip is manually disassembled, evacuated, and then immersed in the cleaning solution, and then the cleaning solution is expelled by gas. The above steps are repeated until there is no residue inside the chip. This method mainly has the following 4 main disadvantages:

[0006] 1. It is difficult for the cleaning solution to enter the chip. The internal channels of the microfluidic chip are relatively small, usually in the micro-nano scale, and it is difficult for the cleaning solution to spontaneously enter the chip interior; during the cleaning process, evacuation is required, which is difficult to achieve with microfluidic devices and requires manual disassembly to evacuate and then saturate the cleaning solution, which is time-consuming and laborious.

[0007] 2. Residual fluids or solid substances generated by reactions are easily adsorbed on the chip wall. The pore structure of the microfluidic chip is complex, and it is difficult to clean the residues inside by injection of some fluids through displacement and other methods. In addition, solid and colloidal substances are generated during the experiment and adsorbed on the chip wall, which are difficult to clean by dissolution and other methods;

[0008] 3. The chip needs to be disassembled repeatedly. The chip needs to be disassembled to saturate the cleaning solution, and after saturation, the chip needs to be reinstalled to expel the cleaning solution and dry it.

[0009] 4. It is difficult to heat and pressurize. For example, chips that require the use of supercritical carbon dioxide as a cleaning agent cannot be used. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of this, an embodiment of the present invention provides a cleaning device and a cleaning method for a microfluidic chip based on ultrasonic waves.

[0011] A cleaning device for a microfluidic chip based on ultrasonic waves provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0012] A cleaning chamber, which is provided with a receiving cavity in the middle, and several ultrasonic vibrators and several heating elements are arranged in the wall;

[0013] And a reaction kettle located in the receiving cavity, which includes an upper cylinder body, a middle cylinder body, a lower cylinder body, and a sample piece to be cleaned. The middle cylinder body is located between the upper cylinder body and the lower cylinder body, and the three are tightly connected by a first locking member. A ring body is arranged on the inner wall of the middle cylinder body. The sample piece is placed on the upper end face of the ring body, and a limiting member is arranged above the sample piece. The limiting member is clamped with the inner wall of the middle cylinder body and abuts against the sample piece through at least two second locking members. A first high-pressure glass is arranged inside the lower end of the upper cylinder body, and the lower end of the first high-pressure glass abuts against the upper ends of the second locking members. A second high-pressure glass is arranged inside the upper end of the lower cylinder body, and the upper end of the second high-pressure glass abuts against the lower end face of the ring body; Input channels are arranged in the walls of the upper cylinder body and the lower cylinder body, and each input channel communicates with the inner cavity of the middle cylinder body. At least one output channel is arranged in the wall of the middle cylinder body, and each output channel communicates with the inner cavity of the middle cylinder body.

[0014] Furthermore, the ultrasonic vibrators and the heating elements are alternately arranged and symmetrically arranged around the axis of the cleaning chamber.

[0015] Furthermore, a first adapter cylinder is arranged on the outer wall of the first high-pressure glass and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the upper cylinder body through the first adapter cylinder.

[0016] Furthermore, a first glass pressing ring is arranged at the lower end of the first high-pressure glass and abuts against the second locking members through the first glass pressing ring.

[0017] Furthermore, a second adapter cylinder is arranged on the outer wall of the second high-pressure glass and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the lower cylinder body through the second adapter cylinder.

[0018] Furthermore, a second glass pressing ring is arranged at the upper end of the second high-pressure glass and abuts against the lower end face of the ring body through the second glass pressing ring.

[0019] Furthermore, each heating element is an electric heating wire.

[0020] There is also provided a cleaning method for the above-mentioned cleaning device for a microfluidic chip based on ultrasonic waves. The method includes the following steps:

[0021] S1. Inject cleaning liquid: Inject cleaning liquid into the inner cavity of the middle cylinder through each of the input channels until the sample to be cleaned is saturated with the cleaning liquid;

[0022] S2. Ultrasonic cleaning: Start each of the ultrasonic vibrators and clean the surface of the channels of the sample to be cleaned through the cavitation effect;

[0023] S3. Expel the cleaning liquid: Inject deionized water into the inner cavity of the middle cylinder through each of the input channels to expel the excess cleaning liquid;

[0024] S4: Dry the chip: Turn off each of the ultrasonic vibrators and inject dry gas into the inner cavity of the middle cylinder through each of the input channels to dry the sample.

[0025] The beneficial effects brought by the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention are as follows: A microfluidic chip cleaning device and cleaning method based on ultrasonic waves according to the present invention provide an ultrasonic cleaning function through the provided ultrasonic vibrators, and can apply conditions such as high temperature and high pressure during the cleaning process, greatly improving the cleaning effect. Moreover, during the cleaning and drying processes, there is no need to disassemble the equipment, and at the same time, the transformation cost is low, which is suitable for popularization. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] Figure 1 is a top view of a microfluidic chip cleaning device based on ultrasonic waves according to the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the reaction kettle and its interior;

[0028] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the cleaning chamber;

[0029] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a cleaning method for a microfluidic chip cleaning device based on ultrasonic waves according to the present invention.

[0030] In the figure: 1 - cleaning chamber, 2 - reaction kettle, 3 - ultrasonic vibrator, 4 - heating element, 5 - upper cylinder, 6 - middle cylinder, 7 - lower cylinder, 8 - first high-pressure glass, 9 - second high-pressure glass, 10 - water bath chamber, 11 - first adapter cylinder, 12 - second adapter cylinder, 13 - first glass retaining ring, 14 - second glass retaining ring, 15 - limiting member, 16 - second locking member, 17 - input channel, 18 - output channel, 19 - sample, 20 - first locking member, 21 - ring body. Detailed Embodiments

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 An embodiment of the present invention provides an ultrasonic-based microfluidic chip cleaning device, which includes a cleaning chamber 1 and a reaction kettle 2.

[0033] A accommodating cavity is provided in the middle of the cleaning chamber 1, and the reactor 2 is accommodated in the accommodating cavity and protected by the cleaning chamber 1. In the present embodiment, the cleaning chamber 1 is formed by splicing two half-cylinders, and the two half-cylinders are detachably connected, which is convenient for the installation and disassembly of the reactor 2.

[0034] A plurality of ultrasonic vibrators 3 and a plurality of heating elements 4 are provided in the wall of the cleaning chamber 1, and each ultrasonic vibrator 3 and each heating element 4 are evenly arranged around the axis of the cleaning chamber 1, and each ultrasonic vibrator 3 and each heating element 4 are installed alternately. In the present embodiment, each heating element 4 is an electric heating wire, and the number of heating elements 4 is eight, and the number of ultrasonic vibrators 3 is ten; at the same time, in the present embodiment, 4 heating elements 4 and 5 ultrasonic vibrators 3 are provided in the wall of each rectangular cylinder.

[0035] It should be noted here that the ultrasonic-based microfluidic chip cleaning device in this embodiment also includes a controller, and each ultrasonic vibrator 3 and each heating element 4 are electrically connected to the controller, thereby controlling them to work when needed.

[0036] The reactor 2 includes an upper cylinder 5, a middle cylinder 6, and a lower cylinder 7, wherein the middle cylinder 6 is located between the upper cylinder 5 and the lower cylinder 7, and the lower end of the upper cylinder 5 extends to the interior of the upper end of the middle cylinder 6, and the upper end of the lower cylinder 7 extends to the interior of the lower end of the middle cylinder 6. It should be noted here that the upper cylinder 5, the middle cylinder 6, and the lower cylinder 7 are directly locked and connected to each other through a plurality of first locking members 20, and the joints between them are sealed, so that the inner cavity of the middle cylinder 6 can be formed into a water bath chamber 10.

[0037] A ring body 21 is provided on the inner wall of the middle cylinder 6, and the ring body 21 is integrally formed with the inner wall of the middle cylinder 6. A sample piece 19 to be cleaned is placed on the upper end surface of the ring body 21. The lower end of the sample piece 19 directly contacts the upper end surface of the ring body 21, and a limit piece 15 is provided on the upper end. The limit piece 15 is snap-fitted on the inner wall of the middle cylinder 6, and at least two second locking pieces 16 are provided on the limit piece 15, and the second locking pieces 16 are abutted against the upper end of the sample piece 19, so that the sample piece 19 can be relatively fixed better.

[0038] Inside the lower end of the upper cylinder body 5, a first high-pressure glass 8 is provided, and a first adapter cylinder 11 is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the first high-pressure glass 8. The first high-pressure glass 8 is fixedly connected to the inside of the lower end of the upper cylinder body 5 through the first adapter cylinder 11. Below the first high-pressure glass 8, a first glass retaining ring 13 is provided. The upper end of the first glass retaining ring 13 abuts against the lower end of the first high-pressure glass 8, and the lower end abuts against the upper ends of the second locking members 16, so that the sample piece 19 to be cleaned can be better pressed.

[0039] Inside the upper end of the lower cylinder body 7, a second high-pressure glass 9 is provided, and a second adapter cylinder 12 is fixedly sleeved on the outer wall of the second high-pressure glass 9. The second high-pressure glass 9 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the lower cylinder body 1 through the second adapter cylinder 12. At the upper end of the second high-pressure glass 9, a second glass retaining ring 14 is provided. The lower end of the second glass retaining ring 14 abuts against the upper end of the second high-pressure glass 9, and the upper end abuts against the lower end surface of the ring body 21. In this way, through the interaction of the first high-pressure glass 8 and the second high-pressure glass 9, the water bath chamber 10 can be formed into a relatively sealed chamber.

[0040] Further, input channels 17 are provided in the inner walls of the upper cylinder body 5 and the lower cylinder body 7, and the input channels 17 are all communicated with the water bath chamber 10. At the same time, an output channel 18 is provided in the inner wall of the middle cylinder body 6, and the output channel 18 is also communicated with the water bath chamber 10. It should be noted here that valve groups are provided on both the input channel 17 and the output channel 18 and are closed according to actual needs.

[0041] , please refer to Figure 4 , a microfluidic chip cleaning device based on ultrasonic waves in this embodiment further includes a cleaning method, and the method includes the following steps:

[0042] S1. Inject cleaning liquid: Inject cleaning liquid into the inner cavity of the middle cylinder body 6 through the input channels 17 until the sample piece 19 to be cleaned is saturated with the cleaning liquid.

[0043] Specifically, after the device is assembled, cleaning liquid can be injected into the inner cavity of the middle cylinder body 6, that is, the water bath chamber 10, through the input channels 17 until the cleaning liquid wraps the sample piece 19. It should be noted here that the sample piece 19 in this embodiment is a microfluidic chip, and the situation inside the water bath chamber 10 can be observed through the first high-pressure glass 8 or the second high-pressure glass 9.

[0044] S2. Ultrasonic cleaning: Start each ultrasonic oscillator 3 and clean the surface of the channels of the sample piece to be cleaned through the cavitation effect.

[0045] Specifically, after the injection of the cleaning liquid is completed, start each ultrasonic oscillator 3 to clean the sample piece 19 through ultrasonic vibration. At the same time, the temperature can be adjusted through each heating element 4 according to the requirements of the actual working conditions.

[0046] S3. Flush out the cleaning liquid: Inject deionized water into the inner cavity of the middle cylinder body 6 through each input channel 17 to flush out the excess cleaning liquid.

[0047] Specifically, after the cleaning is completed, drain the cleaning liquid through the output channel 18, and then inject deionized water into the water bath chamber 10 through the input channel 17 to flush away the residual cleaning liquid.

[0048] S4: Dry the chip: Turn off each ultrasonic oscillator 3, and inject dry gas into the inner cavity of the middle cylinder body 6 through each input channel 17 to dry the sample piece.

[0049] In this article, the orientation words such as front, back, up, and down are defined based on the positions of the components in the drawings and the positions of the components relative to each other, just for the clarity and convenience of expressing the technical solution. It should be understood that the use of the orientation words should not limit the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0050] Without conflict, the above embodiments and the features in the embodiments in this article can be combined with each other.

[0051] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic-based microfluidic chip cleaning device, characterized in that, Comprising: A cleaning chamber, which is provided with a receiving cavity in the middle, and several ultrasonic vibrators and several heating elements are provided in the wall; And a reaction kettle located in the receiving cavity, which includes an upper cylinder body, a middle cylinder body, a lower cylinder body, and a sample piece to be cleaned. The middle cylinder body is located between the upper cylinder body and the lower cylinder body, and the three are tightly connected by a first locking member, and the connection is sealed to form a water bath chamber in the inner cavity of the middle cylinder body. A ring body is provided on the inner wall of the middle cylinder body. The sample piece is placed on the upper end surface of the ring body, and a limiting member is provided above the sample piece. The limiting member is clamped with the inner wall of the middle cylinder body and abuts against the sample piece through at least two second locking members. A first high-pressure glass is provided inside the lower end of the upper cylinder body, and the lower end of the first high-pressure glass abuts against the upper ends of the second locking members. A second high-pressure glass is provided inside the upper end of the lower cylinder body, and the upper end of the second high-pressure glass abuts against the lower end surface of the ring body; Input channels are provided in the walls of the upper cylinder body and the lower cylinder body, and each input channel communicates with the inner cavity of the middle cylinder body. At least one output channel is provided in the wall of the middle cylinder body, and each output channel communicates with the inner cavity of the middle cylinder body; The cleaning method of this cleaning device includes the following steps: S1. Inject cleaning liquid: Inject cleaning liquid into the inner cavity of the middle cylinder body through each input channel until the sample piece to be cleaned is saturated with the cleaning liquid; S2. Ultrasonic cleaning: Start each ultrasonic vibrator and clean the surface of the channel of the sample piece to be cleaned through the cavitation effect; S3. Remove the cleaning liquid: Inject deionized water into the inner cavity of the middle cylinder body through each input channel to expel the excess cleaning liquid; S4: Dry the chip: Turn off each ultrasonic vibrator and inject dry gas into the inner cavity of the middle cylinder body through each input channel to dry the sample piece.

2. The ultrasonic-based microfluidic chip cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each ultrasonic vibrator and each heating element are alternately arranged and evenly symmetrically arranged around the axis of the cleaning chamber.

3. The ultrasonic-based microfluidic chip cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first adapter cylinder is provided on the outer wall of the first high-pressure glass and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the upper cylinder body through the first adapter cylinder.

4. The ultrasonic-based microfluidic chip cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein: A first glass pressing ring is provided at the lower end of the first high-pressure glass and abuts against each second locking member through the first glass pressing ring.

5. The ultrasonic-based microfluidic chip cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second adapter cylinder is provided on the outer wall of the second high-pressure glass and is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the lower cylinder body through the second adapter cylinder.

6. The ultrasonic-based microfluidic chip cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein: A second glass pressing ring is provided at the upper end of the second high-pressure glass and abuts against the lower end surface of the ring body through the second glass pressing ring.

7. The ultrasonic-based microfluidic chip cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each heating element is an electric heating wire.

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