Micro-fluidic chip fluid control system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a microfluidic chip fluid control system and method. The system comprises a chip body and a base, the chip body comprises an interface layer, a flow channel layer, a flexible layer and a gas path layer which are stacked, and the base is arranged below the gas path layer; and a plurality of air control interfaces are arranged on the air path layer, a plurality of air path channels communicated with the air control interfaces are arranged in the base, and air inflation or air exhaust can be performed in the air path channels, so that positive pressure or negative pressure is formed in the corresponding air control interfaces, and the volume of a cavity between the flexible layer and the flow channel layer is changed. And quantitatively and directionally driving the reaction liquid to move among the functional chambers of the runner layer. According to the scheme provided by the invention, the quantitative and directional movement of the fluid in the micro-fluidic chip can be controlled through the air pressure, the process is simple, the control is accurate, and the operability is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of microfluidic chip technology, and in particular to a microfluidic chip fluid control system and method. Background Art

[0002] Microfluidic chips can integrate multiple biological or chemical programs on a single chip, can accurately control micro-volume reactions, are small in size and easy to operate, and are currently a highly sought-after detection platform. Among them, the movement of fluids in microfluidic chips is an important focus of microfluidic chip design and production.

[0003] In the related art, there are many centrifugal microfluidic chips that use centrifugal force to control fluid movement. However, this method has high requirements on the manufacturing process of microfluidic chips, resulting in problems of high manufacturing difficulty and high cost. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve or partially solve the problems existing in the related art, the present application provides a microfluidic chip fluid control system and method, which can control the quantitative and directional movement of fluid in the microfluidic chip through air pressure, with simple process, precise control and strong operability.

[0005] The first aspect of the present application provides a microfluidic chip fluid control system, comprising a chip body and a base, wherein the chip body comprises a stacked interface layer, a flow channel layer, a flexible layer and an air path layer, and the base is arranged below the air path layer; and

[0006] The gas path layer is provided with a plurality of gas control interfaces, and the base is provided with a plurality of gas path channels connected with the gas control interfaces. The gas path channels can be inflated or evacuated to form positive pressure or negative pressure in the corresponding gas control interfaces, thereby changing the cavity volume between the flexible layer and the flow channel layer, and quantitatively and directionally driving the reaction liquid to move between the functional chambers of the flow channel layer.

[0007] As an optional embodiment, a plurality of air chambers are recessed in the air path layer on a side away from the base, and the air chambers are provided with the air control interface toward the base; and when negative pressure is formed in the air control interface, the flexible layer bulges toward the air chambers until it is separated from the flow path layer;

[0008] Preferably, several of the air chambers together form a plurality of air chamber groups, each of the air chamber groups includes a main air chamber and several auxiliary air chambers, the space of the main air chamber is larger than the space of the auxiliary air chamber, and the reaction liquid passing through the space of the main air chamber is quantified.

[0009] As an optional embodiment, the lengths of several of the gas paths are the same.

[0010] As an optional embodiment, a disturbance chamber adapted to the mixing chamber of the functional chamber is recessed on one side of the air path layer away from the base, and the disturbance chamber is provided with the air control interface toward the base; positive and negative pressures can be alternately formed in the disturbance chamber to cause the flexible layer located between the disturbance chamber and the mixing chamber to vibrate reciprocatingly.

[0011] As an optional embodiment, a blind hole or a through hole is provided in an area of ​​the base corresponding to a part of the functional chamber;

[0012] Preferably, the light-emitting chamber in the functional chamber is opposite to the blind hole or the through hole; more preferably, the light-emitting chamber is opposite to the through hole, and the through hole is a dense light channel for light signals to pass through, and / or an optical detection component is provided in the through hole;

[0013] Preferably, the mixing chamber in the functional chamber is opposite to the blind hole, and a heating device is provided in the blind hole.

[0014] As an optional embodiment, the base is provided with a receiving cavity, and the chip body is embedded in the receiving cavity;

[0015] Preferably, a sealing member is provided in the accommodating cavity, and the sealing member is used to ensure the air tightness of the air path between the base and the chip body;

[0016] Preferably, the control system further comprises a positioning mechanism, which comprises a plurality of one-to-one corresponding positioning rods and positioning holes respectively arranged on the accommodating cavity and the chip body; more preferably, a positioning mechanism is provided on the sliding contact surfaces of the positioning rods and the positioning holes.

[0017] As an optional embodiment, the chip body further includes a gas-liquid isolation layer, and the gas-liquid isolation layer is arranged between the flow channel layer and the flexible layer.

[0018] As an optional embodiment, the base is made of a thermally conductive material; preferably, the thermally conductive material includes one of thermally conductive silicone grease, thermally conductive silica gel, thermally conductive graphite, thermally conductive plastic and thermally conductive metal.

[0019] As an optional embodiment, the base includes a first part and a second part, the second part is arranged on a side of the first part away from the chip body, and a width of the second part is smaller than a width of the first part.

[0020] The second aspect of the present application provides a microfluidic chip fluid control method, comprising:

[0021] S1: Place the chip body in the base;

[0022] S2: Control the air pressure in the gas channel through an external air pump to quantitatively and directionally drive the reaction liquid to move between the functional chambers of the flow channel layer;

[0023] Preferably, step S2 comprises:

[0024] S21: opening the first auxiliary air chamber, closing the second auxiliary air chamber, opening the main air chamber, and allowing the reaction liquid to flow into the main air chamber from the side pipe of the first auxiliary air chamber;

[0025] S22: closing the first auxiliary air chamber, opening the second auxiliary air chamber, closing the main air chamber, and discharging the liquid in the main air chamber from the side of the second auxiliary air chamber;

[0026] The loop steps S21 and S22 are repeated.

[0027] The technical solution provided by this application may have the following beneficial effects:

[0028] The embodiment of the present application sets the air path channel in the base, which does not occupy the space of the chip body, and gives full play to the advantages of the microfluidic chip. The inlet of the air path channel is connected to the air control interface, and an external air pump can be connected at the outlet of the air path channel to control the air pressure in the air path channel through the external air pump. When the external air pump pumps air into the air path channel, a negative pressure is formed in the air control interface corresponding to the air path channel, the cavity volume between the flexible layer and the flow channel layer increases, and the reaction liquid flow channel between the flexible layer and the flow channel layer is filled with reaction liquid; when the external air pump inflates the air path channel, a positive pressure is formed in the air control interface corresponding to the air path channel, the cavity volume between the flexible layer and the flow channel layer decreases, and the reaction liquid in the reaction liquid flow channel between the flexible layer and the flow channel layer is squeezed, thereby driving the reaction liquid to move between the functional chambers of the flow channel layer. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application realizes the quantitative and directional movement of the air pressure-controlled fluid in the chip through the cooperation of the base and the chip body, with simple process, precise control, and strong operability.

[0029] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent by describing in more detail exemplary embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals generally represent the same components in the exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0031] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a microfluidic chip fluid control system shown in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The main view of

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Left view of;

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view at the feed chamber;

[0036] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a microfluidic chip fluid control system shown in an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A bottom view of the flow channel layer shown in FIG.

[0038] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A top view of the gas path layer shown in FIG.

[0039] Fig. 9 yes Figure 6 A top view of the flexible layer shown in FIG.

[0040] Fig.10 yes Figure 6 A top view of the gas-liquid isolation layer shown in FIG.

[0041] Fig.11 yes Figure 6 A side view of the base shown in FIG.

[0042] Fig.12 yes Figure 6 A bottom view of the base shown in FIG.

[0043] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 The main view of

[0044] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of a state in which the main valve and the second auxiliary valve are both closed as shown in an embodiment of the present application;

[0045] Fig.15 This is a schematic diagram of a state in which the main valve is open and the second auxiliary valve is closed, as shown in an embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram of the state in which the main valve is closed and the second auxiliary valve is opened shown in an embodiment of the present application.

[0047] In the figure:

[0048] 1. Chip body; 10. Interface layer; 11. Flow channel layer; 110. Mixing chamber; 111. Light-emitting chamber; 12. Flexible layer; 13. Air path layer; 130. Air control interface; 131. Air chamber; 131a. Main air chamber; 131b. Auxiliary air chamber; 131b'. First auxiliary air chamber; 131b''. Second auxiliary air chamber; 132. Perturbation chamber; 14. Air-liquid isolation layer; 15. Sealing element;

[0049] 2. Base; 20. Air passage; 21. Blind hole; 22. Through hole; 23. Accommodating cavity; 24. First part; 25. Second part;

[0050] 3. Air chamber group;

[0051] 4. Positioning mechanism; 40. Positioning rod; 41. Positioning hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The embodiments of the present application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the embodiments of the present application are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present application can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make the present application more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art.

[0053] The terms used in this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The singular forms of "a", "said" and "the" used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates other meanings. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0054] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used in this application to describe various information, this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the same type of information from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Thus, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0055] In the related art, there are many centrifugal microfluidic chips that use centrifugal force to control fluid movement. However, this method has high requirements on the manufacturing process of microfluidic chips, resulting in problems of high manufacturing difficulty and high cost.

[0056] In view of the above problems, the present application provides a microfluidic chip fluid control system, which can control the quantitative and directional movement of fluid in the microfluidic chip through air pressure, has simple process, precise control, and strong operability.

[0057] The technical solution of the embodiments of the present application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a microfluidic chip fluid control system shown in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The main view of Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view of Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Left view of; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view at the feed chamber; Figure 6 is an exploded view of a microfluidic chip fluid control system shown in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A bottom view of the flow channel layer shown in FIG. Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A top view of the gas path layer shown in FIG. Fig. 9 yes Figure 6 A top view of the flexible layer is shown in FIG.

[0059] See also Figures 1 to 9 The microfluidic chip fluid control system of the embodiment of the present application includes a chip body 1 and a base 2. The chip body 1 includes a stacked interface layer 10, a flow channel layer 11, a flexible layer 12 and an air path layer 13. The layers can be combined into one by low-temperature bonding or by double-sided adhesive bonding. The base 2 is arranged below the air path layer 13. A feed interface is provided on the interface layer 10, and the feed interface is used for injection of the reaction liquid. Functional chambers are provided in the flow channel layer 11, and the functional chambers include a feed chamber, a mixing chamber 110 and a light-emitting chamber 111. The functional chambers are connected by liquid flow channels; the feed chamber is connected to the feed interface. Among them, a plurality of gas control interfaces 130 are provided on the gas path layer 13, and a plurality of gas path channels 20 connected with the plurality of gas control interfaces 130 are provided in the base 2. The gas path channels 20 can be inflated or evacuated to form positive pressure or negative pressure in the corresponding gas control interfaces 130, thereby changing the cavity volume between the flexible layer 12 and the flow channel layer 11, and quantitatively and directionally driving the reaction liquid to move between the functional chambers of the flow channel layer 11.

[0060] The embodiment of the present application sets the gas path channel 20 in the base 2, which does not occupy the space of the chip body 1, and gives full play to the advantages of the microfluidic chip. The inlet of the gas path channel 20 is connected to the air control interface 130, and an external air pump (not shown in the figure) can be connected to the outlet of the gas path channel 20 to control the air pressure in the gas path channel 20. When the external air pump pumps air into the gas path channel 20, a negative pressure is formed in the air control interface 130 corresponding to the gas path channel 20, the volume of the cavity between the flexible layer 12 and the flow channel layer 11 increases, and the reaction liquid flow channel between the flexible layer 12 and the flow channel layer 11 is filled with reaction liquid; when the external air pump inflates the gas path channel 20, a positive pressure is formed in the air control interface 130 corresponding to the gas path channel 20, the volume of the cavity between the flexible layer 12 and the flow channel layer 11 decreases, and the reaction liquid in the reaction liquid flow channel between the flexible layer 12 and the flow channel layer 11 is squeezed, thereby driving the reaction liquid to move between the functional chambers of the flow channel layer 11. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application realizes quantitative and directional movement of fluid in the chip by controlling air pressure through the cooperation between the base 2 and the chip body 1, which has simple process, precise control and strong operability.

[0061] When using the microfluidic chip fluid control system of the embodiment of the present application for detection, the sample to be tested, reagent R1, reagent R2 and photosensitive liquid are first introduced into the feed chamber through the feed interface, and then the air pressure in the air path channel 20 is controlled by an external air pump to quantitatively and directionally drive the sample to be tested, reagent R1, reagent R2 and photosensitive liquid from their respective feed chambers through the liquid flow channel to flow into the mixing chamber 110. After reacting in the mixing chamber 110 for a period of time, the reaction liquid in the mixing chamber 110 is driven by the airflow to flow into the light-emitting chamber 111 through the liquid flow channel, and finally the light signal generated in the light-emitting chamber is detected.

[0062] As an alternative embodiment, see Figure 6 and Figure 8 A plurality of air chambers 131 are recessed in the air path layer 13 on one side away from the base 2 , and an air control interface 130 is opened in the air chamber 131 toward the base 2 ; and when negative pressure is formed in the air control interface 130 , the flexible layer 12 bulges toward the air chamber 131 to separate from the flow channel layer 11 .

[0063] In the embodiment of the present application, a plurality of air chambers 131 are recessed in the air path layer 13 on a side away from the base 2, and an air control interface 130 is opened in the air chamber 131 toward the base 2, so that when a negative pressure is formed in the air control interface 130, the air chamber 131 can provide a storage space for the flexible layer 12 to bulge away from the flow channel layer 11, and the air chamber 131 is also a temporary storage space for the reaction liquid during the movement process.

[0064] As an alternative embodiment, see Figure 8Several air chambers 131 together form a plurality of air chamber groups 3, each air chamber group 3 includes a main air chamber 131a and several auxiliary air chambers 131b, the space of the main air chamber 131a is larger than the space of the auxiliary air chamber 131b, and the reaction liquid passing through the space of the main air chamber 131a is quantified.

[0065] When negative pressure is formed in the gas path channel 20 in the base 2, the flexible layer 12 bulges into the auxiliary air chamber 131b and the main air chamber 131a until it is separated from the flow channel layer 11, the auxiliary air chamber 131b and the main air chamber 131a are opened, the reaction liquid flows into the auxiliary air chamber 131b and fills the main air chamber 131a, and the reaction liquid is pumped into the main air chamber 131a; when positive pressure is formed in the gas path channel 20 in the base 2, the flexible layer 12 is squeezed upward to contact with the flow channel layer 11, the auxiliary air chamber 131b and the main air chamber 131a are closed, and the reaction liquid is pumped out of the main air chamber 131a, thereby realizing quantitative and directional driving of the reaction liquid to move in the flow channel layer 11.

[0066] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present application, by setting the space of the main air chamber 131a to be larger than the space of the auxiliary air chamber 131b, the liquid passing through the main air chamber 131a can be quantitatively measured. When the main air chamber 131a is opened, the size of the space formed by it is designed to be the amount of liquid in one pumping (i.e., one swelling of the flexible layer 12), and the liquid passing through is quantitatively measured by controlling the number of pumping (i.e., the number of swellings of the flexible layer 12).

[0067] In addition, at least one auxiliary air chamber 131b is respectively configured at the liquid inlet and liquid outlet ends of a main air chamber 131a. The air chamber group 3 of the embodiment of the present application is arranged between two functional chambers along the liquid flow direction, for example, between the feed chamber and the mixing chamber 110, and between the mixing chamber 110 and the light-emitting chamber 111. If there are multiple feed chambers that need to be directly connected to the mixing chamber 110, then only one air chamber group 3 is provided between the multiple feed chambers and the mixing chamber, and the mixing chamber 110 and the multiple feed chambers share one main air chamber 131a, and the number of the auxiliary air chambers 131b is equal to the sum of the number of the mixing chamber 110 and the multiple feed chambers.

[0068] The air chamber group 3 designed in the embodiment of the present application is a microstructure, which greatly saves the occupied space and realizes the function of controlling the flow of liquid in the micron-level flow channel. The entire microfluidic chip has the advantages of small size, short reaction time, and small amount of reagents and samples.

[0069] As an alternative embodiment, see Figure 5 , the lengths of the plurality of gas passages 20 are the same.

[0070] The lengths of the gas channels 20 are the same, ensuring that the gas pressure provided to the chip body 1 by the gas with the same parameters is equal, so as to achieve stable movement of the reaction liquid. The number of gas channels 20 and gas control interfaces 130 is equal, and each gas channel 20 corresponds to one gas control interface 130 .

[0071] As an alternative embodiment, see Figure 8 A disturbance chamber 132 adapted to the mixing chamber 110 of the functional chamber is recessed on one side of the air path layer 13 away from the base 2, and an air control interface 130 is opened toward the base 2 in the disturbance chamber 132; positive and negative pressures can be alternately formed in the disturbance chamber 132, so that the flexible layer 12 located between the disturbance chamber 132 and the mixing chamber 110 vibrates reciprocatingly.

[0072] Since the flow of liquid in the microchannel is generally laminar flow, the liquid and the liquid are mixed almost by diffusion, which is extremely inefficient. Therefore, in order to accelerate the mixing rate of the liquid in the functional chamber, a disturbance chamber 132 with an area equal to that of the mixing chamber 110 is provided in the corresponding air path layer 13 below the mixing chamber 110, and the disturbance chamber 132 is provided with an air control interface 130 toward the base 2, and is connected to the air path channel 20 through the air control interface 130. The flexible layer 12 between the disturbance chamber 132 and the mixing chamber 110 is vibrated up and down by an external air pump through the air path channel 20, and the shock wave is transmitted to the liquid in the mixing chamber 110 through the flexible layer 12, so that the liquid in the mixing chamber 110 reaches a chaotic convection state, accelerating the process of the immune response. Therefore, a chaotic convection device is introduced into the microfluidic chip of the embodiment of the present application to overcome the disadvantage that the flow of liquid in the micron-level flow channel is mostly laminar flow, accelerate the mixing of samples and reagents, improve reaction efficiency, and improve detection sensitivity.

[0073] As an alternative embodiment, see Fig.12 A blind hole 21 or a through hole 22 is provided in the area of ​​the base 2 corresponding to the part of the functional chamber.

[0074] In the embodiment of the present application, a heating device may be disposed in the blind hole 21 , or an optical detection component may be disposed in the through hole 22 .

[0075] As a preferred embodiment, the light emitting chamber 111 is opposite to the blind hole 21 or the through hole 22 .

[0076] When the light-emitting chamber 111 is opposite to the through hole 22, the through hole 22 can pass the light signal. In the embodiment of the present application, the area corresponding to the base 2 and the light-emitting chamber 111 may not be provided with a hole structure. A laser emitting device is provided at the light-emitting chamber 111 to excite the light signal in the light-emitting chamber 111. The fluorescence generated after the laser excitation passes through the chip and is received by the receiving device above the chip. The concentration of the liquid to be tested is determined by detecting the intensity of the light signal.

[0077] As a preferred embodiment, the light-emitting chamber 111 is opposite to the through hole 22 , and the through hole 22 is a dense light channel for light signals to pass through, and / or an optical detection component is disposed in the through hole 22 .

[0078] When no optical detection component is provided in the through hole 22, an optical detection component may be provided at a position corresponding to the through hole 22 outside the base 2 to detect the optical signal emitted from the through hole 22. Alternatively, an optical detection component is provided in the through hole 22 to directly perform optical signal detection in the through hole 22.

[0079] As a preferred embodiment, the mixing chamber 110 is opposite to the blind hole 21 , and a heating device is provided in the blind hole 21 .

[0080] By arranging a heating device in the blind hole 21 corresponding to the mixing chamber 110, the mixed liquid in the mixing chamber 110 is heated to provide the temperature required for the reaction, thereby improving the reaction efficiency.

[0081] As an alternative embodiment, see Figure 6 and Fig.13 A receiving cavity 23 is provided on the base 2 , and the chip body 1 is embedded in the receiving cavity 23 .

[0082] The embodiment of the present application realizes a stable connection between the chip body 1 and the base 2 and a one-to-one connection between the gas path channel 20 and the gas control interface 130 by providing the accommodating cavity 23 , and prevents the chip body 1 from moving on the base 2 .

[0083] As a preferred embodiment, see Figure 6 A sealing member 15 is disposed in the accommodating cavity 23 , and the sealing member 15 is used to ensure the air tightness of the gas path between the base 2 and the chip body 1 .

[0084] The seal 15 may be a sealing pad or a sealing ring, so that the airflow does not escape when flowing in the air path layer 13 and the air path channel 20, thereby ensuring the pressure of the air pressure.

[0085] As an optional embodiment, the chip body 1 further includes a gas-liquid isolation layer 14 , and the gas-liquid isolation layer 14 is disposed between the flow channel layer 11 and the flexible layer 12 .

[0086] Since the airflow in the air control interface 130 in the air path layer 13 has a certain pressure, it exerts a certain squeezing effect on the flexible layer 12, and the reaction liquid in the flow channel layer 11 is driven to move by squeezing the flexible layer 12, so the lower part of the flexible layer 12 is affected by the airflow, and the upper part is affected by the fluid. Therefore, in order to isolate the reaction liquid above the flexible layer 12 from the airflow below, a gas-liquid isolation layer 14 is provided. In addition, due to the influence of the volume of the microfluidic chip, the thickness of the flexible layer 12 is not large, and isolating the flexible layer 12 can also prevent the flexible layer 12 from being damaged.

[0087] As an alternative embodiment, see Figures 6 to 13 The control system further includes a positioning mechanism 4, which includes a plurality of positioning rods 40 and positioning holes 41 which are respectively arranged on the accommodating cavity 23 and the chip body 1 and correspond to each other.

[0088] The positioning rod 40 and the positioning hole 41 of the embodiment of the present application cooperate to limit the horizontal movement of the chip body 1, but do not limit the vertical movement of the chip body 1 (movement toward and away from the base 2). When in use, the positioning hole 41 of the entire chip body 1 is aligned with the positioning rod 40 on the accommodating cavity 23 and placed into the base 2 to start the detection process.

[0089] Preferably, a positioning mechanism is provided on the sliding contact surface between the positioning rod 40 and the positioning hole 41 .

[0090] The vertical movement of the chip body 1 is limited by the positioning mechanism 4, which includes a plurality of stoppers and a plurality of locking members, which are respectively arranged on the sliding contact surfaces of the positioning rod 40 and the positioning hole 41. The stoppers may be an annular groove, and the locking members may be an annular protrusion.

[0091] As an optional embodiment, the base 2 is made of a thermally conductive material; preferably, the thermally conductive material includes one of thermally conductive silicone grease, thermally conductive silica gel, thermally conductive graphite, thermally conductive plastic and thermally conductive metal.

[0092] During the detection process, the reaction chamber in the chip body 1 needs to be heated to reach the temperature required for the reaction and improve the progress of the immune response. If the temperature of the base 2 is too high, it will affect the quality of the base 2 and even cause the gas path 20 in the base 2 to deform, ultimately affecting the movement of the reaction liquid. Therefore, by making the base 2 out of a heat-conducting material, the base 2 has good thermal conductivity, which can timely remove the heat generated by the reaction and prevent the temperature from being concentrated in the chip body 1 and unable to dissipate, thereby affecting the quality of the chip body 1.

[0093] As an alternative embodiment, see Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Fig.11 The base 2 includes a first portion 24 and a second portion 25 . The second portion 25 is disposed on a side of the first portion 24 away from the chip body 1 , and a width of the second portion 25 is smaller than a width of the first portion 24 .

[0094] In the embodiment of the present application, the base 2 is configured as a longitudinally distributed layered structure, so that the gas path channel 20 in the base 2 can be configured as multiple layers, for example Figure 5 The gas path channel 20 can be arranged in both the first part 24 and the second part 25, so that the number of gas path channels 20 is larger, and the distribution does not interfere with each other, and more gas control interfaces 130 can be controlled.

[0095] Corresponding to the aforementioned application function realization method embodiment, the present application also provides a microfluidic chip fluid control method and corresponding embodiments.

[0096] The microfluidic chip fluid control method of the embodiment of the present application includes:

[0097] S1: placing the chip body 1 in the base 2.

[0098] The chip body 1 includes a stacked interface layer 10, a flow channel layer 11, a flexible layer 12 and an air path layer 13. The air path layer 13 is provided with a plurality of air control interfaces 130, and the base 2 is provided with a plurality of air path channels 20 connected with the plurality of air control interfaces 130. The base 2 is provided with a receiving cavity 23, and the chip body 1 is embedded in the receiving cavity 23. The receiving cavity 23 is provided to realize a stable connection between the chip body 1 and the base 2, and a one-to-one connection between the air path channels 20 and the air control interfaces 130, and prevent the chip body 1 from moving on the base 2.

[0099] S2: The air pressure in the air channel 20 is controlled by an external air pump to quantitatively and directionally drive the reaction liquid to move between the functional chambers of the flow channel layer 11.

[0100] In the embodiment of the present application, an external air pump can be used to inflate or exhaust air into the air channel 20, so that positive pressure or negative pressure is formed in the corresponding air control interface 130, thereby changing the volume of the cavity between the flexible layer 12 and the flow channel layer 11, and quantitatively and directionally driving the reaction liquid to move between the functional chambers of the flow channel layer 11.

[0101] The embodiment of the present application sets the gas path channel 20 in the base 2, which does not occupy the space of the chip body 1, and gives full play to the advantages of the microfluidic chip. The inlet of the gas path channel 20 is connected to the air control interface 130, and an external air pump (not shown in the figure) can be connected to the outlet of the gas path channel 20 to control the air pressure in the gas path channel 20. When the external air pump pumps air into the gas path channel 20, a negative pressure is formed in the air control interface 130 corresponding to the gas path channel 20, the volume of the cavity between the flexible layer 12 and the flow channel layer 11 increases, and the reaction liquid flow channel between the flexible layer 12 and the flow channel layer 11 is filled with reaction liquid; when the external air pump inflates the gas path channel 20, a positive pressure is formed in the air control interface 130 corresponding to the gas path channel 20, the volume of the cavity between the flexible layer 12 and the flow channel layer 11 decreases, and the reaction liquid in the reaction liquid flow channel between the flexible layer 12 and the flow channel layer 11 is squeezed, thereby driving the reaction liquid to move between the functional chambers of the flow channel layer 11. Therefore, the embodiment of the present application realizes quantitative and directional movement of fluid in the chip by controlling air pressure through the cooperation between the base 2 and the chip body 1, which has simple process, precise control and strong operability.

[0102] When using the microfluidic chip fluid control system of the embodiment of the present application for detection, the sample to be tested, reagent R1, reagent R2 and photosensitive liquid are first introduced into the feed chamber through the feed interface, and then the air pressure in the air path channel 20 is controlled by an external air pump to quantitatively and directionally drive the sample to be tested, reagent R1, reagent R2 and photosensitive liquid from their respective feed chambers through the liquid flow channel to flow into the mixing chamber 110. After reacting in the mixing chamber 110 for a period of time, the reaction liquid in the mixing chamber 110 is driven by the airflow to flow into the light-emitting chamber 111 through the liquid flow channel, and finally the light signal generated in the light-emitting chamber is detected.

[0103] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of a state in which the main valve and the second auxiliary valve are both closed as shown in an embodiment of the present application; Fig.15 This is a schematic diagram of a state in which the main valve is open and the second auxiliary valve is closed, as shown in an embodiment of the present application; Fig.16 It is a schematic diagram of the state in which the main valve is closed and the second auxiliary valve is opened shown in an embodiment of the present application.

[0104] As an alternative embodiment, see Figures 14 to 16 , taking the left channel as an example, step S2 includes:

[0105] S21: Open the first sub-chamber 131b', close the second sub-chamber 131b", open the main chamber 131a, and the reaction liquid flows into the main chamber 131a from the side pipe of the first sub-chamber 131b'.

[0106] An external air pump is used to evacuate air from the air path channel 20 corresponding to the first sub-air chamber 131b' and the main air chamber 131a, and an external air pump is used to inflate air from the air path channel 20 corresponding to the second sub-air chamber 131b". A negative pressure is formed in the first sub-air chamber 131b' and the main air chamber 131a, and a positive pressure is formed in the second sub-air chamber 131b". The flexible layer 12 located at the first sub-air chamber 131b' and the main air chamber 131a bulges into the first sub-air chamber 131b' and the main air chamber 131a until it is separated from the gas-liquid isolation layer 14, and the flexible layer 12 located at the second sub-air chamber 131b" contacts the gas-liquid isolation layer 14, and the reaction liquid flows into the side pipe of the first sub-air chamber 131b' and fills the main air chamber 131a.

[0107] S22: close the first auxiliary air chamber 131b', open the second auxiliary air chamber 131b", close the main air chamber 131a, and discharge the liquid in the main air chamber 131a from the second auxiliary air chamber 131b".

[0108] Then, an external air pump is used to inflate the air path channel 20 corresponding to the first sub-air chamber 131b' and the main air chamber 131a, and an external air pump is used to evacuate the air path channel 20 corresponding to the second sub-air chamber 131b", so that a positive pressure is formed in the first sub-air chamber 131b' and the main air chamber 131a, and a negative pressure is formed in the second sub-air chamber 131b", the flexible layer 12 located at the first sub-air chamber 131b' and the main air chamber 131a contacts the gas-liquid isolation layer 14, and the flexible layer 12 located at the second sub-air chamber 131b" bulges into the second sub-air chamber 131b" until it is separated from the gas-liquid isolation layer 14, and the reaction liquid flows into the second sub-air chamber 131b" from the pipeline on the side of the main air chamber 131a, and is discharged from the side of the second sub-air chamber 131b".

[0109] Repeat the cycle steps S21 and S22 to achieve directional and quantitative transfer of the liquid.

[0110] Therefore, the embodiment of the present application realizes quantitative and directional movement of fluid in the chip by controlling air pressure through the cooperation between the base 2 and the chip body 1, which has simple process, precise control and strong operability.

[0111] Regarding the device in the above embodiment, the specific manner in which each module performs operations has been described in detail in the embodiment of the method, and will not be elaborated again here.

[0112] The embodiments of the present application have been described above, and the above description is exemplary, not exhaustive, and is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The selection of terms used herein is intended to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or improvements to the technology in the market, or to enable other persons of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip fluid control system, characterized in that: The invention comprises a chip body (1) and a base (2), wherein the chip body (1) comprises a stacked interface layer (10), a flow channel layer (11), a flexible layer (12) and an air path layer (13), and the base (2) is arranged below the air path layer (13); and The gas path layer (13) is provided with a plurality of gas control interfaces (130), and the base (2) is provided with a plurality of gas path channels (20) connected to the plurality of gas control interfaces (130). The gas path channels (20) can be inflated or evacuated to form positive pressure or negative pressure in the corresponding gas control interfaces (130), thereby changing the volume of the cavity between the flexible layer (12) and the flow channel layer (11), and driving the reaction liquid to move between the functional chambers of the flow channel layer (11) in a quantitative and directionally controlled manner.

2. The microfluidic chip fluid control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of air chambers (131) are recessed in the air path layer (13) on a side away from the base (2), and the air chambers (131) are provided with the air control interface (130) facing the base (2); and when negative pressure is formed in the air control interface (130), the flexible layer (12) bulges toward the air chambers (131) until it is separated from the flow channel layer (11); Preferably, a plurality of the air chambers (131) together form a plurality of air chamber groups (3), each of the air chamber groups (3) comprising a main air chamber (131a) and a plurality of auxiliary air chambers (131b), the space of the main air chamber (131a) being larger than the space of the auxiliary air chamber (131b), and the reaction liquid passing through the space of the main air chamber (131a) being quantified.

3. The microfluidic chip fluid control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lengths of the plurality of gas passages (20) are the same.

4. The microfluidic chip fluid control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A disturbance chamber (132) adapted to the mixing chamber (110) of the functional chamber is recessed on a side of the air path layer (13) away from the base (2); the disturbance chamber (132) is provided with the air control interface (130) facing the base (2); positive and negative pressures can be alternately formed in the disturbance chamber (132), so that the flexible layer (12) located between the disturbance chamber (132) and the mixing chamber (110) vibrates back and forth.

5. The microfluidic chip fluid control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A blind hole (21) or a through hole (22) is provided in an area of ​​the base (2) corresponding to a portion of the functional chamber; Preferably, the light-emitting chamber (111) in the functional chamber is opposite to the blind hole (21) or the through hole (22); more preferably, the light-emitting chamber (111) is opposite to the through hole (22), and the through hole (22) is a dense light channel for light signals to pass through, and / or an optical detection component is provided in the through hole (22); Preferably, the mixing chamber (110) in the functional chamber is opposite to the blind hole (21), and a heating device is provided in the blind hole (21).

6. The microfluidic chip fluid control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (2) is provided with a receiving cavity (23), and the chip body (1) is embedded in the receiving cavity (23); Preferably, a sealing member (15) is provided in the accommodating cavity (23), and the sealing member (15) is used to ensure the air tightness of the air path between the base (2) and the chip body (1); Preferably, the control system further comprises a positioning mechanism (4), the positioning mechanism (4) comprising a plurality of one-to-one corresponding positioning rods (40) and positioning holes (41) respectively arranged on the accommodating cavity (23) and the chip body (1); more preferably, a positioning mechanism is provided on the sliding contact surfaces of the positioning rods (40) and the positioning holes (41).

7. The microfluidic chip fluid control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chip body (1) further comprises a gas-liquid isolation layer (14), wherein the gas-liquid isolation layer (14) is arranged between the flow channel layer (11) and the flexible layer (12).

8. The microfluidic chip fluid control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (2) is made of a heat-conducting material; preferably, the heat-conducting material comprises one of heat-conducting silicone grease, heat-conducting silica gel, heat-conducting graphite, heat-conducting plastic and heat-conducting metal.

9. The microfluidic chip fluid control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (2) comprises a first part (24) and a second part (25), wherein the second part (25) is arranged on a side of the first part (24) away from the chip body (1), and the width of the second part (25) is smaller than the width of the first part (24).

10. A microfluidic chip fluid control method, characterized in that: include: S1: placing the chip body (1) in the base (2); S2: controlling the air pressure in the air channel (20) by an external air pump to quantitatively and directionally drive the reaction liquid to move between the functional chambers of the flow channel layer (11); Preferably, the step S2 comprises: S21: Open the first auxiliary air chamber (131b'), close the second auxiliary air chamber (131b"), open the main air chamber (131a), and the reaction liquid flows into the main air chamber (131a) from the side pipe of the first auxiliary air chamber (131b'); S22: closing the first auxiliary air chamber (131b'), opening the second auxiliary air chamber (131b"), closing the main air chamber (131a), and discharging the liquid in the main air chamber (131a) from the side of the second auxiliary air chamber (131b"); Steps S21 and S22 are looped repeatedly.

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