A tilting device and method for continuous transformation of medium in a microfluidic chip

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of for medium continuous transformation in microfluidic chip tilting device and method, belong to microfluidic and automatic control field, including: base and the support plate fixed in the both sides of base;Workbench, workbench with both sides support plate between using rotary connection mode, and be provided with for fixing microfluidic chip fixed component;Support plate is opened with even number of symmetrical distribution fixed hole, fixed hole is all provided with plunger spring, plunger spring shaft interval is equal to the thickness of workbench;And introduce transition medium between two phase transformation medium, the transition medium can be dissolved or mixed with transformation medium respectively.The application discloses a kind of for medium continuous transformation in microfluidic chip tilting device and method, to make microfluidic chip can be fixed without displacement at different inclination angles, and provide adjustable external force that can make that multiphase medium is continuously changed with different flow order, different mixed size mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the fields of microfluidics and automatic control, and more specifically, to a tilting device and method for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip. Background Technology

[0002] Microfluidics technology, developed from microarray technology, encompasses the science and technology of using microchannels (μm in size) to process or manipulate tiny fluids (nL to pL in volume). It integrates discontinuous processes such as sample preparation, biochemical reactions, and analytical detection into a single, disposable chip, achieving a holistic technology from sample handling to result detection. It is an emerging interdisciplinary field involving chemistry, fluid physics, microelectronics, new materials, biology, and biomedical engineering. Due to its miniaturization and integration characteristics, microfluidic devices are commonly referred to as microfluidic chips, also known as lab-on-a-chip or micro-total analytical systems, and have seen rapid adoption in point-of-care testing (POCT).

[0003] In existing microfluidic chip research, the microchannels formed after chip manufacturing and packaging are hollow tubes connected to the external atmospheric environment, with air as the initial internal medium. The introduction of storage solutions, buffer solutions, and other reaction reagents, as well as subsequent introduction of liquid samples, involves a gas-to-liquid transition. Due to the compressibility and thermal expansion of gases, gas trapped within the channels not only affects liquid injection but also severely impacts the physical properties and performance of the microfluidic chip. For example, trapping 5 μm of air within a 100 μm diameter microcavity can lead to a more than 30% change in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results. For multiphase reaction systems, such as droplet microfluidics, digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and biomembrane nanopore sequencing, multiphase media changes involving air, water, and oil phases are also involved. It is crucial to ensure that each phase is distributed according to design requirements to achieve specific functions. Therefore, ensuring the continuity and integrity of media replacement and avoiding the retention of the replaced media during media change, such as water replacing air (water displacing air) and oil replacing water (oil displacing water), are fundamental requirements for microfluidic chip applications.

[0004] Currently, the worktable of the device for continuous medium change of microfluidic chip has poor applicability and cannot well meet the needs of use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a tilting device and method for continuous medium transformation in microfluidic chips, aiming to enable a stage to clamp microfluidic chips of different sizes and fix them at multiple different tilt angles without slipping, thereby meeting different usage requirements. For example, it provides an adjustable auxiliary force for continuous medium transformation to achieve continuous transformation of multiphase media, different flow sequences, or mixing sizes.

[0006] The first aspect of this application provides a tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip, comprising: The base and the support plates disposed on both sides of the base; The worktable is rotatably connected to the support plates on both sides, and the worktable is provided with a fixing component for fixing the microfluidic chip. The support plate has an even number of fixing holes, which are symmetrically distributed about the rotation axis of the worktable. Each of the fixing holes is provided with a plunger spring, and one end of the plunger spring is provided with a limit block. When the plunger spring is in an undeformed state, at least part of the limit block is located outside the fixing hole, and this part of the limit block is located between the support plates on both sides.

[0007] Optionally, the fixing hole is provided with a plunger spring housing, the plunger spring housing is a tube with one end open, and the opening of the plunger spring faces the worktable; The plunger spring is located inside the plunger spring housing, and one end of the plunger spring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the plunger spring housing.

[0008] Optionally, the fixing assembly includes a first partition, a second partition, a guide bracket, a first clamping plate, a second clamping plate, and a clamping spring; The first partition and the second partition are placed in parallel, and the guide bracket is located between the first partition and the second partition. One end of the guide bracket is connected to the first partition and the other end is connected to the second partition. The first clamping plate is slidably connected to the guide bracket, and the second clamping plate is disposed opposite to the first clamping plate. The first clamping plate is provided with a fixing part, and a fixing area for fixing the microfluidic chip is formed between the fixing part and the second clamping plate. The clamping spring is disposed between the first partition and the second partition, with one end of the clamping spring connected to the first partition and the other end connected to the second partition. A movable piece is provided on the clamping spring, and the movable piece is fixedly connected to the first clamping plate.

[0009] Optionally, the workbench is provided with a slide groove, and the second clamping plate is provided with a slide rail, the slide rail being slidably connected in the slide groove so that the second clamping plate is slidably connected to the workbench; The second clamping plate is provided with a positioning bolt, the tail end of which passes through the second clamping plate and abuts against the bottom wall of the slide groove.

[0010] Optionally, the fixing part has a clamping groove on the panel facing the second clamping plate; the second clamping plate has a limiting piece that extends toward the first clamping plate; and the two ends of the second clamping plate have limiting parts.

[0011] Optionally, the distance between two adjacent plunger springs in the first direction is equal to the dimension of the worktable in the first direction; Wherein, the first direction is the direction perpendicular to the workbench surface.

[0012] Optionally, the worktable includes a first steady state and a second steady state; In the first steady state, the edge of the worktable is located between two adjacent plunger springs in the first direction; In the second steady state, the edge of the worktable contacts the limiting blocks of the plunger springs on both sides of the worktable.

[0013] Optionally, an observation hole is provided on the workbench, the observation hole is provided through the workbench, and the observation hole is located between the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate.

[0014] A second aspect of this application provides a method of using a tilting device for continuous medium changing in a microfluidic chip, the method comprising: When the worktable is in a horizontal position, the transition medium is injected into the microfluidic chip; The worktable is tilted so that the transition medium is discharged from the first medium in the microfluidic chip under the action of gravity; Adjust the worktable to a horizontal position and inject the second medium into the microfluidic chip; The worktable is then tilted again, causing the second medium to be discharged or completely dissolved by gravity, thus dissolving the transition medium within the microfluidic chip.

[0015] The above steps can be repeated or combined depending on the flow sequence of the medium.

[0016] Optionally, the transition medium is configured to be miscible or mixable with the first medium and the third medium; Alternatively, the transition medium is configured to change the interface distribution and surface tension between the first medium and the third medium.

[0017] Beneficial effects: This application provides a tilting device and method for continuous medium change in microfluidic chips. It comprises a base and support plates on both sides of the base, and a worktable rotatably connected to the support plates. A fixing component is provided on the worktable to fix the microfluidic chip. An even number of fixing holes are provided on the support plates, and a plunger spring is installed in each hole. A limit block is provided at one end of each plunger spring. When the plunger spring is in an undeformed state, the limit block is at least partially located outside the fixing hole, and this portion is located between the two support plates. In this way, the worktable can rotate 360 ​​degrees cyclically between the support plates. The limit blocks of the plunger springs in different fixing holes can stably maintain the worktable at multiple different tilt angles between 0 and 360 degrees, thereby meeting different usage requirements. For example, it provides an adjustable auxiliary force for continuous medium change to achieve continuous change of multiphase media, different flow sequences, or mixing sizes. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip, according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 A- Figure 2 D is a schematic diagram of the stage of a tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip, according to an embodiment of this application, in different tilt states. Figure 3 A- Figure 3 B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip, according to an embodiment of this application, with the stage in a first steady state and a second steady state respectively. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the clamping spring of a tilting device for continuous medium changing in a microfluidic chip, according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the second clamping plate and the worktable of a tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip, as proposed in an embodiment of this application. Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of another tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 B is a schematic diagram of the stage of another tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of using a tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip, as proposed in one embodiment of this application. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a microfluidic chip with continuous medium transformation based on a transition medium and external force assistance, as proposed in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Base; 2. Support plate; 3. Plunger spring housing; 4. Roller bearing; 5. Worktable; 6. First partition; 7. Guide bracket; 8. First clamping plate; 81. Fixing part; 9. Second partition; 10. Fixing hole; 11. Rotating shaft; 12. Second clamping plate; 13. Slide rail; 14. Positioning hole; 15. Plunger spring; 16. Limiting block; 17. Clamping plate spring; 18. Moving piece; 19. Positioning bolt; 20. Clamping groove; 21. Microfluidic chip; 22. Observation hole; 23. Limiting piece; 24. Limiting part; 71. First medium; 72. Second medium; 73. Transition medium. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] Reference Figure 1 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip is disclosed. The tilting device includes a base 1, a support plate 2, and a worktable 5.

[0023] Specifically, two support plates 2 are provided, and the two support plates 2 are arranged opposite to each other on the base 1. Roller bearings 4 are fixedly connected to the support plates 2. The worktable 5 is arranged between the two support plates 2 and is perpendicular to the support plates 2. Rotating shafts 11 are fixedly connected to the center of both sides of the worktable 5. The two ends of the rotating shafts 11 are respectively interference-fitted with the roller bearings 4 on the two support plates 2, so that the worktable 5 can rotate 360 ​​degrees relative to the two support plates 2 through the rotating shafts 11. The worktable 5 is provided with a fixing component, which can be used to fix the microfluidic chip on the worktable 5.

[0024] Reference Figure 1 As shown, an even number of fixing holes 10 are provided on the support plate 2 around the roller bearing 4. These even number of fixing holes 10 are symmetrically distributed about the rotation axis 11 of the worktable 5, and are evenly spaced along the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, a total of six fixing holes 10 are provided. In some optional embodiments, the fixing holes 10 may also be eight, ten, etc. Furthermore, the length direction of the fixing holes 10 is perpendicular to the support plate 2, and a plunger spring 15 is provided in each fixing hole 10. The plunger spring 15 can deform within the fixing hole 10 along its length direction, thereby generating a locking force within the plunger spring 15 itself.

[0025] A limiting block 16 is fixedly connected to one end of the plunger spring 15. The limiting block 16 can be spherical, square, cylindrical, etc. When the plunger spring 15 is in an undeformed state, at least part of the limiting block 16 is located outside the fixing hole, and this part of the limiting block 16 is located between the two support plates 2. Therefore, when the worktable 5 rotates to the position where the limiting block 16 is exposed, it will be blocked by the limiting block 16. The limiting blocks 16 in the two fixing holes 10 symmetrical about the rotation axis 11 can keep the worktable 5 at a certain tilt angle. For example, refer to... Figure 2 A- Figure 2 As shown in Figure D, in this embodiment of the application, three limiting blocks 16 are provided on the left side of the rotating shaft 11, and three limiting blocks 16 are provided on the right side of the rotating shaft 11. When one side of the worktable 5 rotates to the position of the limiting block 16 located in the middle on the left, the other side of the worktable 5 rotates to the position of the limiting block 16 located in the middle on the right, at which time the worktable 5 is in a horizontal state; when one side of the worktable 5 rotates to the position of the limiting block 16 closest to the base 1 on the left, the other side of the worktable 5 rotates to the position of the limiting block 16 furthest from the base 1 on the right, at which time the worktable 5 is in a state of maximum tilt angle.

[0026] When the worktable 5 passes the position of the limit block 16, the worktable 5 will exert a pushing force on the limit block 16, causing the limit block 16 to move toward the fixing hole 10. At this time, the plunger spring 15 is compressed. After the worktable 5 passes the limit block 16, the plunger spring 15 will push the limit block 16 out of the fixing hole 10.

[0027] In this embodiment of the application, in order to facilitate the continuous reciprocating and rotating movement of the worktable 5, the limiting block 16 is set to be spherical.

[0028] The tilting device for continuous medium transformation in microfluidic chips provided in this application embodiment utilizes the plunger springs 15 and limit blocks 16 in an even number of fixing holes 10 to fix the worktable 5 at different tilt angles, thereby enabling the worktable 5 to meet different usage requirements and improving the applicability of the tilting device.

[0029] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 3 As shown in Figure A, a plunger spring housing 3 is installed inside the fixing hole 10.

[0030] Specifically, the plunger spring housing 3 is a tube with one open end, and the opening of the plunger spring housing 3 faces the position of the worktable 5. The plunger spring housing 3 is threadedly connected to the fixing hole 10, so that the plunger spring housing 3 cannot easily fall out of the fixing hole 10.

[0031] The plunger spring 15 is located inside the plunger spring housing 3, and one end of the plunger spring 15 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the plunger spring housing 3 away from the opening, while the limiting block 16 is fixedly connected to the other end of the plunger spring 15. That is, the limiting block 16 is located at the opening of the plunger spring housing 3.

[0032] When the plunger spring 15 is in an undeformed state, at least part of the limiting block 16 is located outside the plunger spring housing 3; when the plunger spring 15 is in a deformed state, the limiting block 16 is located inside the plunger spring housing 3.

[0033] Furthermore, the distance between two adjacent plunger springs 15 in the first direction is equal to the thickness of the worktable 5.

[0034] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown in Figure A, when the worktable 5 rotates past the exposed position of the limit block 16, it will be clamped by both sides of the two limit blocks 16. At this time, the worktable 5 is in the first steady state, and the worktable 5 is limited between two adjacent plunger springs 15 in the first direction, which can achieve precise positioning of the rotation angle and obtain a relatively stable and consistent auxiliary external force. The first direction here refers to the direction perpendicular to the table surface of the worktable 5.

[0035] Furthermore, another more stable fixed state is as follows: Figure 3 As shown in Figure B, when the worktable 5 presses against the limiting block 16 on the side plane, the plunger spring 15 is in the maximum compression state. Due to the symmetrical design, all four plunger springs 15 (two support plates 2 and both sides of the rotating shaft 11) are in the maximum compression state at the same time, which can provide positioning and clamping force. At this time, the worktable is in the second stable state, and the edge of the worktable 5 is in contact with the limiting block 16 of the plunger spring 15 on both sides of the worktable 5.

[0036] In this embodiment, the worktable can stably remain at multiple different tilt angles ranging from 0 to 360 degrees. More specifically, if N fixing holes 10 are provided, precise positioning at 2N-2 rotation angles can be achieved.

[0037] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the fixing components on the workbench 5 may include a first partition 6, a second partition 9, a guide bracket 7, a first clamping plate 8, a second clamping plate 12, and a clamping spring 17.

[0038] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the first partition 6 and the second partition 9 are placed parallel to each other on the workbench 5, and the first partition 6 and the second partition 9 are fixedly connected to the workbench 5; the guide bracket 7 is disposed between the first partition 6 and the second partition 9, and one end of the guide bracket 7 is connected to the first partition 6, the other end is connected to the second partition 9, and the length direction of the guide bracket 7 is perpendicular to the length direction of the first partition 6.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the first clamping plate 8 is slidably connected to the guide bracket 7, allowing the first clamping plate 8 to be displaced on the worktable 5 in a direction perpendicular to the first partition 6. Meanwhile, the second clamping plate 12 is disposed on the worktable 5 away from the first clamping plate 8. Fixing portions 81 are provided at both ends of the first clamping plate 8, forming a fixing area for fixing the microfluidic chip between the fixing portions 81 and the second clamping plate 12. The distance between the fixing portions 81 and the second clamping plate 12 is proportional to the size of the fixing area.

[0040] For example, when the first clamping plate 8 moves toward the second clamping plate 12, the distance between the fixing part 81 and the second clamping plate 12 decreases, and the size of the fixing area also decreases; when the first clamping plate 8 moves away from the second clamping plate 12, the distance between the fixing part 81 and the second clamping plate 12 increases, and the size of the fixing area also increases; in this way, microfluidic chips of different sizes can be fixed using the fixing components.

[0041] Furthermore, referring to Figure 4 As shown, a clamping spring 17 is disposed between the first partition 6 and the second partition 9, with one end of the clamping spring 17 fixedly connected to the first partition 6 and the other end fixedly connected to the second partition 9; and a movable piece 18 is fixedly connected to the clamping spring 17, which is fixedly connected to the first clamping plate 8. When the clamping spring 17 is in an undeformed state, the first clamping plate 8 and the movable piece 18 can be located close to the second partition 9.

[0042] In this way, when the first clamping plate 8 shifts, the distance between the first clamping plate 8 and the second partition 9 increases. Simultaneously, the first clamping plate 8 causes the moving piece 18 to shift, which in turn causes the clamping spring 17 to deform. The deformed clamping spring 17 generates a spring force, which points from the first partition 6 to the second partition 9. After the microfluidic chip is placed between the fixing part 81 and the second clamping plate 12, the spring force of the clamping spring 17 keeps the fixing part 81 in contact with the microfluidic chip, thus fixing the microfluidic chip. This design prevents chip displacement during the rotation of the tilting device.

[0043] Furthermore, referring to Figure 1 As shown, a clamping groove 20 is provided on the surface of the fixing part 81 facing the second clamping plate 12.

[0044] Specifically, when fixing the microfluidic chip, the edge of the microfluidic chip can be inserted into the clamping groove 20 on the fixing part 81. In this way, during the 360-degree rotation of the tilting stage 5 (for example, when it is close to being inverted), the microfluidic chip can be effectively prevented from falling off the stage 5, which further facilitates the use of the tilting device.

[0045] Furthermore, referring to Figure 5 As shown, a slide groove is provided on the worktable 5 at the position of the second clamping plate 12. The length direction of the slide groove is parallel to the moving direction of the first clamping plate 8. At the same time, a slide rail 13 is provided on the second clamping plate 12 and slidably connected in the slide groove, so that the second clamping plate 12 can move on the worktable 5 along the length direction of the slide groove.

[0046] Specifically, the slide can include one, two, or more; in this embodiment, two slides are provided. Simultaneously, the second clamping plate 12 is provided with the same number of positioning bolts 19 as the slides, with the tail ends of the positioning bolts 19 passing through the second clamping plate 12 and abutting against the bottom wall of the slide. The positioning bolts 19 can be used to fix the position of the second clamping plate 12, while sliding the second clamping plate 12 can further increase or decrease the size of the fixing area, thereby allowing the worktable 5 to fix microfluidic chips of different sizes, increasing the application range of the tilting device.

[0047] Furthermore, referring to Figure 6 A and Figure 6 As shown in B, in an optional embodiment, a limiting piece 23 is provided on the second clamping plate 12, and the limiting piece 23 extends toward the first clamping plate 8.

[0048] Specifically, the limiting piece 23 protrudes from the second clamping plate 12, so that the movement of the microfluidic chip can be restricted when placing the microfluidic chip. At the same time, limiting portions 24 are provided at both ends of the second clamping plate 12, and the limiting portions 24 at both ends form a limiting area, which can better restrict the movement of the microfluidic chip.

[0049] Furthermore, referring to Figure 6 A and Figure 6 As shown in B, in an optional embodiment, an observation hole 22 is provided on the workbench 5 at a position between the first clamping plate 8 and the second clamping plate 12, and the observation hole 22 is provided through the workbench 5.

[0050] Specifically, the observation hole 22 facilitates the observation of the medium distribution at different locations inside the microfluidic chip and provides a window for observation from both top and bottom during continuous medium changes.

[0051] In one alternative implementation, refer to Figure 1 As shown, multiple positioning holes 14 are provided on the base 1.

[0052] Specifically, the base 1 can be fixed in different positions through the positioning hole 14, thereby reducing errors caused by the instability of the tilting device.

[0053] Furthermore, the base 1 and the support plate 2 can be detachably connected by bolts, which facilitates the replacement of the worktable 5.

[0054] Furthermore, chamfers can be provided at the corners of both the base 1 and the support plate 2. The chamfers can reduce burrs generated at the corners of the base 1 and support plate 2 during the casting process, preventing injury to operators.

[0055] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating the steps of using a tilting device for continuous medium changing in a microfluidic chip is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 7 As shown in the figure, this application discloses a method of using a tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip, the method comprising: Step 101: When the worktable 5 is in a horizontal state, the transition medium 73 is injected into the microfluidic chip, at which time the microfluidic chip is filled with the first medium 71.

[0056] Step 102: Adjust the worktable 5 to a tilted state at a specified angle so that the transition medium 73 is discharged from the first medium 71 in the microfluidic chip under the action of gravity.

[0057] Step 103: Adjust the stage 5 to a horizontal position and inject the second medium 72 into the microfluidic chip.

[0058] Step 104: readjust the worktable 5 to the specified tilt angle so that the second medium 72 is discharged or completely dissolved by gravity, so that the transition medium 73 in the microfluidic chip is discharged or completely dissolved.

[0059] The above steps can be repeated or combined depending on the flow sequence of the medium.

[0060] Specifically, refer to Figure 8 As shown, a transition medium 73 is introduced between the two media being transformed (i.e., the first medium 71 and the second medium 72). This transition medium 73 can be miscible and mixed with the transformed media, or change the interface distribution and surface tension between the two media. The difference in the physical properties of the media provides auxiliary external force. Through the tilting device described in this embodiment, continuity in media transformation can be achieved, for example, avoiding gas bubbles and preventing the retention of surfactants in the oil phase.

[0061] For example, in the embodiments of this application, such transition medium 73 includes, but is not limited to, transition gas used for the conversion between air (first medium 71) and aqueous solution medium (second medium 72). The main feature is that the transition medium 73 is a commonly used laboratory gas that is soluble or readily soluble in the aqueous solution of the second medium 72, including but not limited to gases such as CO2, SO2 and NH3.

[0062] The transition medium 73 may also include a transition liquid for converting an organic medium such as oil (first medium 71) to an aqueous medium (second medium 72), the main feature of which is that it can be mixed with water and most organic solvents, including but not limited to N,N-dimethylformamide.

[0063] Meanwhile, this embodiment of the application utilizes the characteristic that low-density media tend to float under the influence of gravity, and provides continuously varying auxiliary external force to the media through a tilting device that can be fixed at multiple different angles. The rotation angle of this tilting device can be adjusted in multiple levels to achieve different floating speeds; the tilting angle can be accurately positioned to ensure consistency between different batches.

[0064] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0065] It should also be noted that, in this document, the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Moreover, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or terminal device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or terminal device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the phrase "includes a..." does not preclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or terminal device that includes the element.

[0066] The technical solutions provided in this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand this application, and the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, for those skilled in the art, there will be different forms of changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on this application. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all implementation methods here, and obvious changes or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip, characterized in that, include: The base and the support plates disposed on both sides of the base; The worktable is rotatably connected to the support plates on both sides. The worktable is configured to rotate 360 ​​degrees relative to the two support plates. The worktable is provided with a fixing component for fixing the microfluidic chip. The support plate has an even number of fixing holes, which are symmetrically distributed about the rotation axis of the worktable. Each of the fixing holes is provided with a plunger spring, and a limit block is provided at one end of the plunger spring. When the plunger spring is in an undeformed state, at least part of the limit block is located outside the fixing hole, and this part of the limit block is located between the support plates on both sides. The plunger spring and the limiting block are used to fix the worktable at different tilt angles.

2. The tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plunger spring housing is provided inside the fixing hole. The plunger spring housing is a tube with one end open, and the opening of the plunger spring housing faces the worktable. The plunger spring is located inside the plunger spring housing, and one end of the plunger spring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the plunger spring housing.

3. The tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing assembly includes a first partition, a second partition, a guide bracket, a first clamping plate, a second clamping plate, and a clamping spring; The first partition and the second partition are placed in parallel, and the guide bracket is located between the first partition and the second partition. One end of the guide bracket is connected to the first partition and the other end is connected to the second partition. The first clamping plate is slidably connected to the guide bracket, and the second clamping plate is disposed opposite to the first clamping plate. The first clamping plate is provided with a fixing part, and a fixing area for fixing the microfluidic chip is formed between the fixing part and the second clamping plate. The clamping spring is disposed between the first partition and the second partition, with one end of the clamping spring connected to the first partition and the other end connected to the second partition. A movable piece is provided on the clamping spring, and the movable piece is fixedly connected to the first clamping plate.

4. The tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip according to claim 3, characterized in that: The workbench is provided with a slide groove, and the second clamping plate is provided with a slide rail. The slide rail is slidably connected in the slide groove so that the second clamping plate is slidably connected to the workbench. The second clamping plate is provided with a positioning bolt, the tail end of which passes through the second clamping plate and abuts against the bottom wall of the slide groove.

5. The tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fixing part has a clamping groove on the panel facing the second clamping plate; The second clamping plate is provided with a limiting piece, which extends toward the first clamping plate; Limiting parts are provided at both ends of the second clamping plate.

6. The tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between two adjacent plunger springs in the first direction is equal to the dimension of the worktable in the first direction; Wherein, the first direction is the direction perpendicular to the workbench surface.

7. The tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip according to claim 6, characterized in that: The worktable includes a first steady state and a second steady state; In the first steady state, the edge of the worktable is located between two adjacent plunger springs in the first direction; In the second steady state, the edge of the worktable contacts the limiting blocks of the plunger springs on both sides of the worktable.

8. The tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip according to any one of claims 3-5, characterized in that: An observation hole is provided on the workbench, the observation hole is provided through the workbench, and the observation hole is located between the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate.

9. A method of using a tilting device for continuous medium transformation in a microfluidic chip, characterized in that, The method of use includes: When the worktable is in a horizontal position, a transition medium is injected into the microfluidic chip, at which time the microfluidic chip is filled with the first medium; The worktable is adjusted to a tilted state at a specified angle so that the transition medium is discharged from the first medium in the microfluidic chip under the action of gravity; Adjust the worktable to a horizontal position and inject the second medium into the microfluidic chip; The worktable is readjusted to a specified tilt angle so that the second medium is discharged or completely dissolved in the transition medium within the microfluidic chip under the action of gravity. The above steps are repeated or combined according to the flow sequence of the medium.

10. The method of using the tilting device for continuous medium changing in a microfluidic chip according to claim 9, characterized in that: The transition medium is configured to be miscible or mixable with the first medium and the third medium; Alternatively, the transition medium is configured to change the interface distribution and surface tension between the first medium and the third medium.

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