Multi-mode carrier and micro-fluidic chip

Abstract

The invention discloses a multi-mode carrier and a micro-fluidic chip, and relates to the technical field of micro-fluidic chips, the multi-mode carrier comprises a main module, a plurality of single-pass joint modules and a plurality of multi-pass joint modules; a plurality of liquid storage channels arranged at intervals are arranged in the main module; the liquid storage channel is used for replacing a traditional external phase pipe and serves as a main module structure, the liquid storage channel can be rapidly matched with a single-way connector module or a multi-way connector module for use according to needs, the manufacturing difficulty is greatly lowered, the success rate is increased, and the service life is prolonged accordingly. A single-pass butt joint channel is arranged in the single-pass joint module; the one-way butt joint channels are connected and communicated with the main communication ports in a one-to-one correspondence mode. A multi-way butt joint channel is arranged in the multi-way joint module; and the multi-way butt joint channel is connected and communicated with at least two main communication ports on the same side. Through matching and combination of different modules, the required effect is achieved, the overall use flexibility is good, and the adaptability is good.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of microfluidic chips, and in particular to a multi-mode carrier and a microfluidic chip. Background Art

[0002] The carrier of the existing sleeve-type microfluidic chip is prepared by using a needle as a fixed bracket and liquid storage cavity, a glass slide as a support, and then fixed and sealed with glue. This preparation method has technical problems such as high difficulty in production, cumbersome process, and low success rate. Moreover, as a disposable product, it can only realize a single single emulsion droplet function or a double emulsion droplet function, and cannot realize flexible switching and even other multiple droplet functions. There are still considerable limitations in use. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of the present application is to provide a multimode carrier and a microfluidic chip to solve the technical problems of the existing microfluidic chip preparation methods, such as high difficulty, low success rate, and great limitations in use.

[0004] In order to achieve the above technical objectives, the present application provides a multi-mode carrier, including a main module, a plurality of single-way connector modules and a plurality of multi-way connector modules;

[0005] The main module is provided with a plurality of liquid storage channels arranged at intervals;

[0006] Each of the liquid storage channels is a straight channel, and both ends are coaxially connected to form a connecting channel;

[0007] One end of the two connecting channels away from the liquid storage channel extends to two end surfaces of the main module respectively to form a main communication port;

[0008] A first docking structure is provided on the end surface of the main module in a one-to-one correspondence with the position of the main communication port;

[0009] The main module is also provided with liquid storage ports which are connected to the liquid storage channels in a one-to-one correspondence;

[0010] A single-way docking channel is provided in the single-way connector module;

[0011] The single-way docking channels are connected and communicated with the main communication ports in a one-to-one correspondence;

[0012] The multi-way connector module is provided with a multi-way docking channel;

[0013] The multi-channel docking channel is connected and communicated with at least two of the main communication ports on the same side;

[0014] The single-way connector module and the multi-way connector module are both provided with a second docking structure that is docked and matched with the first docking structure.

[0015] Furthermore, the single-pass docking channel includes a first channel section and a second channel section;

[0016] One end of the first channel section is connected to one end of the second channel section, and the other end is used to be connected to the main communication port;

[0017] The one-way joint module is provided with a phase liquid port communicating with the first channel section.

[0018] Furthermore, the multi-way docking pipe is U-shaped, and both ends extend to the same end surface of the multi-way connector module.

[0019] Furthermore, the multi-way butt-joint pipeline includes a confluence pipe section and at least three branch pipe sections;

[0020] One ends of the three branch pipe sections are respectively used to connect and conduct with the main connecting port, and the other ends are all connected to the confluence pipe section.

[0021] Furthermore, the multi-way connector module is also provided with a liquid inlet and outlet connected to the multi-way docking pipeline.

[0022] Further, the first docking structure is a card slot;

[0023] The second docking structure is a card block that is inserted into the card slot;

[0024] The card slot and the card block are T-shaped.

[0025] Furthermore, at least two coaxial guide structures are spaced apart in each of the liquid storage channels.

[0026] Furthermore, the main module, the single-way connector module and the multi-way connector module are prepared by 3D printing.

[0027] Furthermore, the main module is provided with an observation port connected to each of the liquid storage channels;

[0028] The main module is provided with a transparent baffle for closing the observation port.

[0029] The present application also discloses a microfluidic chip, including a capillary group and the multi-mode carrier.

[0030] It can be seen from the above technical solutions that the multimode carrier designed in this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0031] 1. The liquid storage channel is used to replace the traditional external phase tube and used as the main module structure. It can be quickly matched with a single-way connector module or a multi-way connector module as needed. Compared with the traditional needle improvement design, the manufacturing difficulty is greatly reduced, and the success rate and service life are also improved.

[0032] 2. The main module can meet the production requirements of single emulsion droplets without adding any connector modules. Taking one of the liquid storage channels as an example, the connecting channel at one end is installed with an inner phase tube, and the connecting channel at the other end is installed with a receiving tube. The inner phase tube produces inner phase droplets in the liquid storage channel and is received by the receiving tube. When more diverse droplet production requirements are needed, it can be flexibly matched with a single-pass connector module or a multi-pass connector module. Taking the single-pass connector module as an example, after additional use, it can be used as an intermediate phase carrier for installing intermediate phase tubes and inner phase tubes to achieve the production requirements of double emulsion droplets. Taking the multi-pass connector module as an example, it is designed to be connected and conducted with at least two main connecting ports on the same side, so that the connection between the liquid storage channels can be realized, multiple droplets can be realized or used as a microreactor, or high-throughput droplet output can be achieved, or emulsion separation, etc., with good overall flexibility and adaptability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0034] Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a main module of a multi-mode carrier provided in the present application;

[0035] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a main module of a multi-mode carrier provided in the present application;

[0036] Figure 3 A three-dimensional diagram of a single-pass connector module of a multimode carrier provided in the present application;

[0037] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a single-pass connector module of a multimode carrier provided in the present application;

[0038] Figure 5 A three-dimensional diagram of a multi-way connector module of a multi-mode carrier provided in the present application;

[0039] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a multi-way connector module of a multimode carrier provided in the present application;

[0040] Figure 7 A three-dimensional diagram of another multi-way connector module of a multi-mode carrier provided in the present application;

[0041] Figure 8A cross-sectional view of another multi-way connector module of a multimode carrier provided in the present application;

[0042] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of a first configuration structure of a multimode carrier provided in this application;

[0043] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram of a second configuration structure of a multimode carrier provided in this application;

[0044] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of a third configuration structure of a multimode carrier provided in this application;

[0045] Fig.12 This is a schematic diagram of a fourth configuration structure of a multimode carrier provided in this application;

[0046] Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram of a fifth configuration structure of a multimode carrier provided in this application;

[0047] Fig.14 This is a schematic diagram of a fifth configuration structure of a multimode carrier provided in this application;

[0048] In the figure: 1. main module; 11. liquid storage channel; 12. connecting channel; 13. main connecting port; 14. first docking structure; 15. coaxial guide structure; 16. guide groove; 17. observation port; 2. single-way connector module; 21. single-way docking channel; 3. multi-way connector module; 31. multi-way docking channel; 311. branch pipe section; 312. confluence pipe section; 32. liquid inlet and outlet; 100. inner phase pipe; 200. receiving pipe; 301. second docking structure; 302. sealing groove; 400. intermediate phase pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work based on the embodiments in the embodiments of the present application are within the scope of protection of the embodiments of the present application.

[0050] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0051] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a replaceable connection, or an integral connection, it can be a mechanical connection, it can be an electrical connection, it can be a direct connection, it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0052] The embodiment of the present application discloses a multimode carrier.

[0053] See also Figures 1 to 8 , an embodiment of a multimode carrier provided in the embodiments of the present application includes:

[0054] A main module 1, a plurality of single-way connector modules 2 and a plurality of multi-way connector modules 3.

[0055] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of liquid storage channels 11 are arranged at intervals in the main module 1; each liquid storage channel 11 is a straight channel, and a connecting channel 12 is coaxially connected at both ends; one end of the two connecting channels 12 away from the liquid storage channel 11 extends to the two end surfaces of the main module 1 respectively, forming a main connecting port 13; the diameter of the connecting channel 12 is smaller than the liquid storage channel 11, and is used to install capillaries such as the inner phase tube 100, the receiving tube 200, and the intermediate phase tube 400.

[0056] The end surface of the main module 1 is provided with a first docking structure 14 corresponding to the position of the main connecting opening 13 .

[0057] The main module 1 is also provided with liquid storage ports (not shown) which are connected to the liquid storage channels 11 in a one-to-one correspondence. Each liquid storage port can also be connected to a confluence channel to realize collective liquid supply and drainage operations.

[0058] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4As shown, a single-way docking channel 21 is provided in the single-way connector module 2. It should be noted that the single-way connector module 2 referred to in the present application is a connector module that is only connected to one main connecting port 13. Correspondingly, the single-way docking channel 21 is connected and conducted with the main connecting port 13 one by one.

[0059] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, a multi-way connector module 3 is provided with a multi-way docking channel 31. It should be noted that the multi-way connector module 3 referred to in the present application is a connector module connecting at least two main connecting ports 13 on the same side. Correspondingly, the multi-way docking channel 31 is connected and conducted with at least two main connecting ports 13 on the same side.

[0060] In order to achieve rapid assembly connection, both the single-way connector module 2 and the multi-way connector module 3 are provided with a second docking structure 301 that docks with the first docking structure 14 .

[0061] The multi-mode carrier designed in this application has the following beneficial effects:

[0062] 1. The liquid storage channel 11 is used to replace the traditional external phase tube and is used as the main module 1 structure. It can be quickly used with the single-way connector module 2 or the multi-way connector module 3 as needed. Compared with the traditional needle improvement design, the manufacturing difficulty is greatly reduced, and the success rate and service life are also improved.

[0063] 2. The main module 1 can meet the production requirements of single emulsion droplets without adding any connector modules. Taking one of the liquid storage channels 11 as an example, the connecting channel 12 at one end is installed with the inner phase tube 100, and the connecting channel 12 at the other end is installed with the receiving tube 200. The inner phase tube 100 produces inner phase droplets in the liquid storage channel 11, and is received by the receiving tube 200. When more diverse droplet production requirements are required, the single-pass connector module 2 or the multi-pass connector module 3 can be flexibly used. Taking the single-pass connector module 2 as an example, after the additional use, it can be used as an intermediate phase carrier for installing the intermediate phase tube 400 and the inner phase tube 100 to achieve the production requirements of double emulsion droplets. Taking the multi-pass connector module 3 as an example, it is designed to be connected and conducted with at least two main connecting ports 13 on the same side, so that the connection between the liquid storage channels 11 can be realized, multiple droplets can be realized or used as a microreactor, or high-throughput droplet output can be realized, or emulsion separation, etc., and the overall use flexibility is good and the adaptability is good.

[0064] The above is an embodiment 1 of a multimode carrier provided in the embodiment of the present application. The following is an embodiment 2 of a multimode carrier provided in the embodiment of the present application. For details, please refer to Figures 1 to 14 .

[0065] Based on the solution of the above embodiment 1:

[0066] Furthermore, when the single-way docking channel 21 is only used for installing the inner phase pipe 100, it does not need to be designed in sections and can be directly used for installing the inner phase pipe 100.

[0067] When there is a need to install the inner phase tube 100 and the middle phase tube 400 in a stacked manner, the single-pass docking channel 21 is designed to include a first channel section and a second channel section.

[0068] One end of the first channel section is connected to one end of the second channel section, and the other end is used to connect to the main connection port 13; the single-way connector module 2 is provided with a phase liquid port connected to the first channel section. The first channel section is used to install the intermediate phase tube 400, and the second channel section is used to install the inner phase tube 100, so that the intermediate phase droplets with the inner phase droplets can be formed to achieve the double emulsion droplet effect.

[0069] like Fig. 9 As shown, when two single-way connector modules 2 cooperate with the main module 1, a double emulsion droplet effect can be achieved when the inner phase tube 100 is nested with the middle phase tube 400; and a single emulsion droplet effect can also be achieved as needed (without nesting the middle phase tube 400).

[0070] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in order to achieve the docking sealing between the single-way docking channel 21 and the main connecting port 13, a sealing groove 302 is provided at one end of the single-way docking channel 21 and the main connecting port 13, and a sealing ring is provided in the sealing groove 302. When the first docking structure 14 and the second docking structure 301 are docked, the sealing ring can be squeezed to achieve a sealing effect. Compared with glue sealing, this sealing method is more convenient for disassembly and installation. Technical personnel in this field can make changes in the design according to actual needs without limitation.

[0071] Furthermore, if Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, one form of the multi-way docking pipe may be U-shaped, with both ends extending to the same end surface of the multi-way connector module 3 .

[0072] like Fig.10 As shown, Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 When the multi-way connector module 3 shown is combined with the main module 1, the droplets produced in the two liquid storage channels 11 can be concentratedly output through the liquid inlet and outlet ports 32 designed on the multi-way connector module 3, or the capillaries connected to the two liquid storage channels 11 can be supplied with liquid at the same time to achieve high-throughput production.

[0073] like Fig.11 As shown, when Figure 5 as well as Figure 6The multi-way connector module 3 shown is matched with the single-way connector module 2, and when it cooperates with the main module 1, it can realize the capillary heterogeneous multi-level nesting, such as the single emulsion droplets generated by the previous liquid storage channel 11 can flow through the multi-way connector module 3 to the next liquid storage channel 11 to be superimposed to form double emulsion droplets, and so on to realize multiple droplets. In addition, a serpentine channel can be constructed to achieve mixing of liquids at different positions, so as to be used as a microreactor.

[0074] Furthermore, if Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the multi-way docking pipeline includes a confluence pipe section 312 and at least three branch pipe sections 311 ; one end of the three branch pipe sections 311 is respectively used to connect to the main connecting port 13 , and the other end is connected to the confluence pipe section 312 .

[0075] like Fig.12 As shown, Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 When the multi-way connector module 3 shown is matched with the main module 1, Fig.10 Similarly, the droplets produced in more than three liquid storage channels 11 can be centrally output through the liquid inlet and outlet ports 32 designed on the multi-way connector module 3, or the capillaries connected to the three liquid storage channels 11 can be supplied with liquid at the same time to achieve high-throughput production.

[0076] like Fig.13 As shown, when Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The multi-way connector module 3 shown is matched with the single-way connector module 2 and the main module 1, and can be used for separation of emulsions, and the screening of emulsions can be achieved by matching with visual detection, or used for comparative tests, providing convenience for comparative tests.

[0077] like Fig.14 As shown, the main module 1 designed in this application can also be Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The multi-way connector modules 3 shown are combined to enable multiple main modules 1 to be used together.

[0078] Furthermore, if Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the first docking structure 14 can be a card slot, and correspondingly, the second docking structure 301 is a card block that is inserted into the card slot; in order to improve the stability and convenience of the cooperation, the card slot and the card block are T-shaped, and technical personnel in this field can make appropriate design changes based on this without limitation.

[0079] Furthermore, if Figure 1 as well as Figure 2As shown, at least two coaxial guide structures 15 are arranged in each liquid storage channel 11 at intervals. The coaxial guide structure 15 is a support block structure, on which a guide groove 16 for supporting the capillary is provided. This design can make the capillaries in the liquid storage channel 11 more coaxial and reduce the occurrence of non-coaxial deviation.

[0080] Furthermore, the main module 1, the single-way connector module 2 and the multi-way connector module 3 are prepared by 3D printing. The use of 3D printing to prepare structural parts makes the preparation of structural components more convenient, effectively shortens the production steps, and can be assembled after 3D printing, without the need for coaxial operation under a microscope (because the 3D printed parts have a coaxial alignment structure, and only the capillary needs to be placed in the corresponding position). In addition, the size is more fitted, free from the constraints of the slide, the overall volume becomes smaller, and the size can also be freely controlled.

[0081] Of course, in addition to 3D printing, other industrial methods such as injection molding and CNC processing can be used for preparation.

[0082] Furthermore, the main module 1 is provided with an observation port 17 connected to each liquid storage channel 11, and the main module 1 is provided with a transparent baffle for closing the observation port 17. The transparent baffle can provide a visual window to facilitate observation of the inside of the liquid storage channel 11. In order to facilitate the installation of the transparent baffle, a positioning groove can be formed on the top surface of the main module 1 to facilitate the positioning and installation of the transparent baffle, and the transparent baffle can be sealed and fixed by glue. All observation ports 17 can be closed with one transparent baffle, or each observation port 17 can be closed with one transparent baffle, without limitation.

[0083] The present application also discloses a microfluidic chip, including a capillary group and a multimode carrier. The capillary group is composed of a plurality of capillaries, such as an inner phase tube 100, an intermediate phase tube 400, and a receiving tube 200, etc., which can be freely matched with the multimode carrier as needed to construct a desired microfluidic chip.

[0084] The above is a detailed introduction to a multimode carrier and a microfluidic chip provided in the present application. For a person skilled in the art, according to the idea of ​​the embodiments of the present application, there may be changes in the specific implementation method and the scope of application. In summary, the content of this specification should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

Claims

1. A multimode carrier, characterized in that: It comprises a main module (1), a plurality of single-way connector modules (2) and a plurality of multi-way connector modules (3); The main module (1) is provided with a plurality of liquid storage channels (11) arranged at intervals; Each of the liquid storage channels (11) is a straight channel, and two ends are coaxially connected to form a connecting channel (12); One end of the two connecting channels (12) away from the liquid storage channel (11) respectively extends to two end surfaces of the main module (1) to form a main communication port (13); A first docking structure (14) is provided on the end surface of the main module (1) in a one-to-one correspondence with the position of the main communication port (13); The main module (1) is also provided with liquid storage ports which are connected in a one-to-one correspondence to the liquid storage channels (11); The single-way joint module (2) is provided with a single-way docking channel (21); The single-way docking channels (21) are connected and communicated with the main communication ports (13) in a one-to-one correspondence; The multi-way connector module (3) is provided with a multi-way docking channel (31); The multi-channel docking channel (31) is connected to and communicates with at least two of the main communication ports (13) on the same side; The single-way joint module (2) and the multi-way joint module (3) are both provided with a second docking structure (301) that docks with the first docking structure (14).

2. The multimode carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The single-channel docking channel (21) comprises a first channel section and a second channel section; One end of the first channel section is connected to one end of the second channel section, and the other end is used to be connected to the main communication port (13); The one-way joint module (2) is provided with a phase liquid port communicating with the first channel section.

3. The multimode carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-way butt joint pipe is U-shaped, and both ends extend to the same end surface of the multi-way joint module (3).

4. The multimode carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multi-channel butt-joint pipeline comprises a confluence pipe section (312) and at least three branch pipe sections (311); One end of each of the three branch pipe sections (311) is respectively connected to the main connecting port (13) and the other end is connected to the confluence pipe section (312).

5. The multimode carrier according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The multi-way joint module (3) is also provided with a liquid inlet and outlet (32) connected to the multi-way docking pipeline.

6. The multimode carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first docking structure (14) is a card slot; The second docking structure (301) is a card block that is inserted into the card slot; The card slot and the card block are T-shaped.

7. The multimode carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least two coaxial guide structures (15) are arranged at intervals in each of the liquid storage channels (11).

8. The multimode carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main module (1), the single-way connector module (2) and the multi-way connector module (3) are prepared by 3D printing.

9. The multimode carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main module (1) is provided with an observation port (17) communicating with each of the liquid storage channels (11); The main module (1) is provided with a transparent baffle for closing the observation port (17).

10. A microfluidic chip, characterized in that: It comprises a capillary group and the multimode carrier according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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