Microfluidic Chip and Anticorrosion Microorganism Detection Device

Abstract

The present invention discloses a microfluidic chip and an anti-corrosion microorganism detection device, relating to the technical field of biological detection. Among them, the microfluidic chip is used for the shunt screening of anti-corrosion microorganisms and includes a substrate and a chip body. The chip body is supported on the substrate. The chip body includes a plurality of shunt screening channels arranged in sequence along a first direction. Each shunt screening channel includes a confluence channel and a plurality of continuous phase channels. The confluence channel includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The continuous phase channels connect the fluid outlet with the fluid inlet of the confluence channel in the adjacent shunt screening channel. A shunt baffle is arranged in the confluence channel. The shunt baffle is arranged between adjacent fluid outlets and is oppositely arranged along the first direction with a fluid inlet. The distance between the shunt baffle and one fluid outlet is equal to the distance between the shunt baffle and the other fluid outlet. The technical solution of the present invention aims to more efficiently and quickly complete the screening and detection of anti-corrosion microorganisms.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of biological detection, and particularly to a microfluidic chip and an anti-corrosion microorganism detection device. Background Art

[0002] Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is one of the main problems faced by metals in atmospheric, water, and soil environments, which may lead to a reduction in metal function, loss of structural integrity, major safety accidents, and huge economic losses. However, with the continuous in-depth research on MIC, researchers have found that under certain conditions, microorganisms can also inhibit corrosion. Microorganisms are diverse in species, simple in cultivation methods, and can reproduce in large quantities. Especially in cases where the environment is complex and construction or repair is difficult, inhibiting corrosion through microorganisms will become one of the important means of anti-corrosion. However, screening anti-corrosion microorganisms that can inhibit corrosion is a huge task and it is difficult to complete the screening of anti-corrosion microorganisms in a short time.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a method for screening anti-corrosion microorganisms that can efficiently and quickly complete the screening and detection of anti-corrosion microorganisms. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main object of the present invention is to provide a microfluidic chip and an anti-corrosion microorganism detection device, aiming to more efficiently and quickly complete the screening and detection of anti-corrosion microorganisms.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a microfluidic chip for shunt screening of anti-corrosion microorganisms. The microfluidic chip includes a substrate and a chip body. The chip body is supported on the substrate and includes a plurality of shunt screening channels arranged in sequence along a first direction. Each shunt screening channel includes a confluence channel and a plurality of continuous phase channels. The confluence channel includes an inlet and an outlet. The continuous phase channels connect the outlet to the inlet of the confluence channel in the adjacent shunt screening channel. A shunt baffle is arranged in the confluence channel. The shunt baffle is arranged between adjacent outlets and is oppositely arranged along the first direction with an inlet. The distance between the shunt baffle and one outlet is equal to the distance between the shunt baffle and the other outlet.

[0006] In some embodiments, if the number of outlets of the confluence channel in any shunt screening channel is N, then the number of outlets of the confluence channel in the next shunt screening channel along the first direction is N + 1.

[0007] In some embodiments, the continuous phase channels include a plurality of straight segments and curved segments. The plurality of straight segments are perpendicular to the first direction and are arranged at intervals in sequence along the first direction. The curved segments connect adjacent straight segments to form a bent structure with the head and tail connected. The cross-sectional area of the straight segments is equal to the cross-sectional area of the curved segments.

[0008] In some embodiments, the continuous phase channel further includes converging channels provided at both ends. The converging channels are in communication with the confluence channel. The cross-sectional area of the converging channel is larger than that of the straight segment and smaller than the cross-sectional area of the confluence channel. At the connection between the converging channel and the confluence channel, the cross-sectional area gradually decreases in the direction from the confluence channel to the converging channel.

[0009] In some embodiments, the microfluidic chip further includes a droplet inlet and an inflow tube connecting the droplet inlet to the inflow port of the shunt screening channel. The cross-sectional area of the inflow tube is equal to that of the continuous phase channel and smaller than the cross-sectional area of the confluence channel.

[0010] In some embodiments, the inflow tube includes a first section and a second section that are connected and communicate with each other, and there is an included angle between the first section and the second section.

[0011] In some embodiments, the microfluidic chip further includes a plurality of droplet incubation channels and a droplet outlet. The droplet incubation channels are in communication with the shunt screening channel provided at the end along the first direction and connect the droplet outlet to each continuous phase channel. The droplet incubation channel includes a main body portion and connection portions provided at both ends. The cross-sectional area of the droplet incubation channel gradually decreases in the direction from the main body portion to the connection portions.

[0012] The present application also provides an anti-corrosion microorganism detection device, which includes a plurality of microfluidic chips as provided in any of the foregoing embodiments and a detection component; wherein,

[0013] The detection component includes a top plate layer, an injection chamber layer, and a sample layer that are stacked in sequence. The top plate layer is provided with a plurality of injection channels, and the injection chamber layer is provided with a plurality of injection chambers. One injection channel is in communication with one injection chamber;

[0014] The sample layer includes a connected opening and a sample storage space, and the sample storage space is in communication with each injection chamber.

[0015] In some embodiments, a sample outlet channel is further provided in the top plate layer. One sample outlet channel is in communication with one injection chamber, and each sample outlet channel is used to connect to a waste liquid collection member.

[0016] In some embodiments, the anti-corrosion microorganism detection device further includes a bottom plate layer, and the bottom plate layer is connected to the sample layer to provide support.

[0017] The technical solution of the present invention designs the structure of the chip body, and the chip body is provided with a plurality of shunt screening channels arranged in sequence along the first direction. Each shunt screening channel includes a confluence channel and a plurality of continuous phase channels, and a shunt baffle is arranged in the confluence channel. The shunt baffle is arranged between adjacent flow outlets and is oppositely arranged with a flow inlet along the first direction. The distance between the shunt baffle and a flow outlet is equal to the distance between the shunt baffle and the other flow outlet, so as to form spaces with the same volume on both sides of the shunt baffle in the confluence channel. Furthermore, the shunt baffle can be used to screen and equally divide the inflowing anti-corrosion microorganism samples. The structure is simpler and easier to operate, and it is more efficient when screening high-throughput anti-corrosion microorganism samples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 Schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of a microfluidic chip provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 Schematic structure diagram of the chip body of the microfluidic chip provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 is Figure 2 Enlarged view of part A of the microfluidic chip shown;

[0022] Figure 4 Schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of the detection component in the anti-corrosion microorganism detection device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 Schematic exploded view of the detection component in the anti-corrosion microorganism detection device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 is Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the anti-corrosion microorganism detection device shown along line B-B.

[0025] Description of the reference numerals in the drawings: 100, microfluidic chip; 10, substrate; 20, chip body; 21, shunt screening channel; 211, confluence channel; 2111, inlet; 2112, outlet; 2113, shunt baffle; 212, continuous phase channel; 2121, straight segment; 2122, curved segment; 2123, convergence channel; 30, droplet inlet; 40, inlet tube; 41, first section; 42, second section; 50, droplet incubation channel; 51, main body; 52, connecting portion; 60, droplet outlet.

[0026] 200, detection component; 201, top plate layer; 2011, sampling channel; 2012, counter electrode introduction channel; 2013, reference electrode introduction channel; 2014, sample outlet channel; 202, sampling chamber layer; 2021, sampling chamber; 203, sample layer; 2031, opening; 2032, sample storage space; 204, bottom plate layer.

[0027] The realization, functional features and advantages of the objectives of the present invention will be further described in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed implementation manners

[0028] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that if there are directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back,...) involved in the embodiments of the present invention, then the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement conditions between the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, then the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0030] In addition, if the embodiments of the present invention involve descriptions such as "first", "second", etc., the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears throughout the text, its meaning includes three parallel scenarios. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes Scenario A, or Scenario B, or the scenario where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of those of ordinary skill in the art to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0031] Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is one of the main problems faced by metals in atmospheric, water, and soil environments, which may lead to reduced metal functionality, loss of structural integrity, major safety accidents, and huge economic losses. However, with the continuous in-depth study of MIC, researchers have found that under certain conditions, microorganisms can also inhibit corrosion. Microorganisms are diverse in species, simple in cultivation method, and can reproduce in large quantities. Especially in cases where the environment is complex and construction or repair is difficult, inhibiting corrosion through microorganisms will become one of the important anti-corrosion means. However, screening anti-corrosion microorganisms that can inhibit corrosion occurrence is a huge task and it is difficult to complete the screening of anti-corrosion microorganisms in a short time.

[0032] A microfluidic system is a platform integrating multiple functional modules, which can integrate conventional biochemical reactions into a tiny chip. The biggest advantage of microfluidics is its ability to perform high-throughput experiments with flexible combinations and large-scale integrations on a tiny platform, and efficiently complete the screening of a large number of microbial samples. However, to obtain a reaction system with a specific ratio, complex control valves and branch devices are usually required for assistance. In addition, there is also a lack of a device that can simultaneously perform functional detection on the samples obtained from the corresponding high-throughput screening.

[0033] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3, the present invention provides a microfluidic chip 100 for shunting and screening anti-corrosion microorganisms. The microfluidic chip 100 includes a substrate 10 and a chip body 20. Among them, the chip body 20 is supported on the substrate 10 and includes a plurality of shunting and screening channels 21 arranged in sequence along the first direction X. Each shunting and screening channel 21 includes a confluence channel 211 and a plurality of continuous phase channels 212. The confluence channel 211 includes a fluid inlet 2111 and a fluid outlet 2112. The continuous phase channels 212 connect the fluid outlet 2112 to the fluid inlet 2111 of the confluence channel 211 in the adjacent shunting and screening channel 21. A shunting baffle 2113 is arranged in the confluence channel 211. The shunting baffle 2113 is arranged between adjacent fluid outlets 2112 and is oppositely arranged along the first direction X with a fluid inlet 2111. The distance between the shunting baffle 2113 and a fluid outlet 2112 is equal to the distance between the shunting baffle 2113 and the other fluid outlet 2112.

[0034] When using a microfluidic chip for high-throughput screening of anti-corrosion microorganisms, there are problems such as low efficiency and uneven shunting. Traditional methods usually rely on complex control valves and branch devices, making it difficult to achieve efficient and rapid microorganism screening. To overcome these limitations, the present invention provides a microfluidic chip 100, aiming to achieve efficient, rapid screening and equal division of anti-corrosion microorganisms.

[0035] Among them, the role of the substrate 10 is to support. In these embodiments of the present application, the substrate 10 can be made of glass, and the chip body 20 can be made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). In the production stage, the PDMS chip body 20 can be bonded to the substrate 10 to realize the connection between the substrate 10 and the chip body 20.

[0036] The chip body 20 includes a plurality of shunting and screening channels 21 arranged in sequence along the first direction X. Among them, the plurality of shunting and screening channels 21 are of an integrated structure, and integral molding can be selected during processing.

[0037] The role of the shunting and screening channel 21 is to gradually shunt a high-throughput anti-corrosion microorganism sample to finally form a plurality of independent anti-corrosion microorganism sample sets.

[0038] In these embodiments of the present application, a plurality of shunting and screening channels 21 can be defined as multiple shunting levels of the microfluidic chip 100. That is to say, the first row of shunting and screening channels 21 can be defined as the primary channels, the second row of shunting and screening channels 21 can be defined as the secondary channels, the third row of shunting and screening channels 21 can be defined as the tertiary channels... to gradually divide the original high-throughput anti-corrosion microorganism sample into multiple test sample sets with the same or different concentrations, and then perform different detections in the subsequent detection components for anti-corrosion microorganism samples.

[0039] In this way, in these embodiments of the present application, setting the number of the shunt screening channels 21 to be multiple can perform step-by-step shunting and screening on the original high-throughput anti-corrosion microbial samples, while improving the quality of shunt screening and meeting the requirements for screening high-throughput samples.

[0040] Exemplarily, in these embodiments of the present application, the number of the shunt screening channels 21 can be set to five, so that after the high-throughput original droplets pass through multi-level screening, six anti-corrosion microbial sample sets with the same concentration or a concentration gradient are formed. Of course, this is not a limitation on the present application. In other embodiments of the present application, the number of the shunt screening channels 21 can also be set to two, three or four, which can be selected according to the experimental purpose and subsequent detection items.

[0041] Each shunt screening channel 21 includes a confluence channel 211 and a plurality of continuous phase channels 212, which means that the structures of the shunt screening channels 21 are similar and are all composed of the confluence channel 211 and a plurality of continuous phase channels 212.

[0042] It should be noted that since the microfluidic chip 100 provided in the present application equally divides the anti-corrosion microbial samples in a step-by-step screening manner, there are differences between different shunt screening channels 21. Specifically, differential design can be performed on the shunt levels applied to different shunt screening channels 21, and then the structural dimensions of the confluence channel 211 and the number of the continuous phase channels 212 can be designed differently.

[0043] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, it can be set that along the first direction X, the length dimensions of the confluence channels 211 in the shunt screening channels 21 serving as the first-level channel, the second-level channel, and the third-level channel gradually increase, and the number of the continuous phase channels 212 set also gradually increases correspondingly.

[0044] The confluence channel 211 includes a fluid inlet 2111 and a fluid outlet 2112, and the continuous phase channel 212 connects the fluid outlet 2112 and the fluid inlet 2111 of the confluence channel 211 in the adjacent shunt screening channel 21. Among them, the fluid inlet 2111 and the fluid outlet 2112 are interfaces in the confluence channel 211 for communicating with different continuous phase channels 212. In these embodiments of the present application, the fluid inlets 2111 and the fluid outlets 2112 of different shunt screening channels 21 can be both arranged at two ends in the first direction X, so that the anti-corrosion microbial samples flow in a single direction in the microfluidic chip 100 and are equally divided by step-by-step screening.

[0045] A flow dividing baffle 2113 is arranged in the confluence channel 211. The flow dividing baffle 2113 is arranged between adjacent flow outlets 2112 and is oppositely arranged with a flow inlet 2111 along the first direction X. In this way, between different rows of flow dividing and screening channels 21, when the anti-corrosion microbial sample flows from the front row into the back row, it is first divided to both sides under the action of the flow dividing baffle 2113, and then is equally divided on both sides of the flow dividing baffle 2113.

[0046] The distance between the flow dividing baffle 2113 and one flow outlet 2112 is equal to the distance between the flow dividing baffle 2113 and the other flow outlet 2112. The purpose of this setting is to control the concentration of the anti-corrosion microbial samples on both sides of the flow dividing baffle 2113, so that when the subsequent anti-corrosion microbial samples flow in, on the premise of the same flow rate, the concentrations of the anti-corrosion microbial samples flowing to both sides of the flow dividing baffle 2113 can be kept the same.

[0047] The technical solution of the present invention designs the structure of the chip body 20, and sets that the chip body 20 includes a plurality of flow dividing and screening channels 21 arranged in sequence along the first direction X. Each flow dividing and screening channel 21 includes a confluence channel 211 and a plurality of continuous phase channels 212. A flow dividing baffle 2113 is arranged in the confluence channel 211. The flow dividing baffle 2113 is arranged between adjacent flow outlets 2112 and is oppositely arranged with a flow inlet 2111 along the first direction X. The distance between the flow dividing baffle 2113 and one flow outlet 2112 is equal to the distance between the flow dividing baffle 2113 and the other flow outlet 2112, so as to form spaces with the same volume on both sides of the flow dividing baffle 2113 in the confluence channel 211. Furthermore, the flow dividing baffle 2113 can be used to screen and equally divide the incoming anti-corrosion microbial samples. The structure is simpler and easier to operate, and is more efficient when screening high-throughput anti-corrosion microbial samples.

[0048] In some embodiments, the number of flow outlets 2112 of the confluence channel 211 in any flow dividing and screening channel 21 is set to N, then the number of flow outlets 2112 of the confluence channel 211 in the next flow dividing and screening channel 21 along the first direction X is N + 1.

[0049] That is to say, between adjacent flow dividing and screening channels 21, the difference in the number of flow outlets 2112 of the two flow dividing and screening channels 21 is 1, that is, the number of flow outlets 2112 in the flow dividing and screening channel 21 located in the back row is one more than the number of flow outlets 2112 in the flow dividing and screening channel 21 in the front row. In this way, between adjacent flow dividing and screening channels 21, there must be at least one space separated by the flow dividing baffle 2113 in the flow dividing and screening channel 21 located in the back row, which communicates with two continuous phase channels 212 in the flow dividing and screening channel 21 in the front row, so as to receive half of the anti-corrosion microbial samples from each of the two continuous phase channels 212 respectively.

[0050] Based on this, in these embodiments of the present application, in addition to being able to use the chip body 20 to equally divide and screen high-throughput anti-corrosion microbial samples, such a structure can also be used to control the concentration of the anti-corrosion microbial samples. Furthermore, after the anti-corrosion microbial samples flow through the last row of shunt screening channels 21, multiple anti-corrosion microbial sample sets with a certain concentration gradient are formed.

[0051] Exemplarily, in some embodiments, the structure of the shunt screening channels 21 in the first row can be designed such that the concentrations of the anti-corrosion microbial samples flowing through the confluence channel 211 into two adjacent phase channels 212 in the first row of shunt screening channels 21 are different. In this way, after the anti-corrosion microbial samples are shunted and screened through multiple shunt screening channels 21, in the last row of shunt screening channels 21, there are differences in the concentrations of the anti-corrosion microbial samples flowing out through different adjacent phase channels 212, thereby forming a concentration gradient. When the subsequent detection component detects the anti-corrosion microbial samples, after controlling other variables, the anti-corrosion effects of the anti-corrosion microbial samples with different concentrations can be detected.

[0052] In some embodiments, the adjacent phase channel 212 includes a plurality of straight segments 2121 and curved segments 2122. The plurality of straight segments 2121 are perpendicular to the first direction X and are sequentially arranged at intervals along the first direction X. The curved segments 2122 connect adjacent straight segments 2121 so that the plurality of straight segments 2121 are connected into a bent structure with the head and tail connected. The cross-sectional area of the straight segment 2121 is equal to the cross-sectional area of the curved segment 2122.

[0053] The design of the straight segments 2121 and curved segments 2122 of the adjacent phase channel 212 enables the adjacent phase channel 212 to achieve long-path fluid flow in a limited space. The straight segments 2121 are perpendicular to the first direction X and are sequentially arranged at intervals, allowing the fluid to connect adjacent straight segments 2121 through the curved segments 2122 during the flow process. Through this design, the channel forms a bent structure with the head and tail connected, ensuring that the fluid flows in the adjacent phase channel 212 for a longer time. Furthermore, the high-throughput anti-corrosion microbial samples have a longer time to be arranged in a formation similar to one after another in the adjacent phase channel 212, reducing the probability of the anti-corrosion microorganisms accumulating in the adjacent phase channel 212, which is beneficial for gradually dividing the high-throughput anti-corrosion microbial samples by using the shunt baffle 2113. The equal cross-sectional areas of the straight segments 2121 and curved segments 2122 ensure the stability of the fluid flow velocity and pressure during the flow process.

[0054] The continuous phase channel 212 of the present application realizes long-path flow in a limited space through the combination of a plurality of straight segments 2121 and curved segments 2122. The straight segments 2121 are perpendicular to the first direction X and are arranged at intervals, and the curved segments 2122 connect adjacent straight segments 2121, enabling the fluid to flow smoothly. This structural design allows the fluid to have a longer flow time in the channel, which is beneficial for the arrangement and aliquoting of high-throughput anti-corrosion microbial samples. The cross-sectional areas of the straight segments 2121 and the curved segments 2122 are equal, ensuring the stability of the fluid flow process.

[0055] Through this design, the present application effectively solves the problem of how to improve the efficiency and accuracy of aliquoting high-throughput anti-corrosion microbial samples using the continuous phase channel 212. Compared with the prior art, the design of the present application realizes a longer flow path in a limited space, ensuring the stability of the fluid flow and the arrangement order of high-throughput samples, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of aliquoting.

[0056] In some embodiments, the continuous phase channel 212 further includes converging channels 2123 provided at both ends. The converging channels 2123 are in communication with the confluence channel 211. The cross-sectional area of the converging channels 2123 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the straight segments 2121 and smaller than the cross-sectional area of the confluence channel 211; at the connection between the converging channels 2123 and the confluence channel 211, the cross-sectional area gradually decreases in the direction from the confluence channel 211 to the converging channels 2123.

[0057] The continuous phase channel 212 includes converging channels 2123. The converging channels 2123 are in communication with the confluence channel 211. The cross-sectional area of the converging channels 2123 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the straight segments 2121 and smaller than the cross-sectional area of the confluence channel 211; at the connection between the converging channels 2123 and the confluence channel 211, the cross-sectional area gradually decreases in the direction from the confluence channel 211 to the converging channels 2123, forming a structure similar to a "horn". These features work together to facilitate the injection of anti-corrosion microorganisms into the confluence channel 211 and the continuous phase channel 212 passing through each shunt screening channel 21 under the drive of a driving member (peristaltic pump) along the first direction X, ensuring the stability and efficiency of the fluid flow during the process, and solving the problem of poor fluid flow at the connection between the continuous phase channel 212 and the confluence channel 211 for high-throughput anti-corrosion microorganisms.

[0058] The setting of the converging channel 2123 can be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, the desired converging channel 2123 structure can be directly formed on the chip body 20 by micro-machining technology, or the chip body 20 with the converging channel 2123 can be manufactured by mold injection molding technology. The cross-sectional area of the converging channel 2123 can be changed by adjusting the processing parameters or the mold design. In addition, in order to further improve the stability of the fluid flow, a microstructure can be set on the inner wall of the converging channel 2123 to reduce the turbulence of the fluid during the flow process.

[0059] The present application sets a converging channel 2123 at both ends of the continuous phase channel 212, and makes the converging channel 2123 communicate with the converging channel 211, and the cross-sectional area of the converging channel 2123 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the straight segment 2121, and smaller than the cross-sectional area of the converging channel 211. At the connection between the converging channel 2123 and the converging channel 211, the cross-sectional area gradually decreases along the direction from the converging channel 211 to the converging channel 2123, thereby forming a "trumpet"-shaped structure. In this way, the problem of poor circulation of high-throughput antiseptic microorganisms at the connection between the continuous phase channel 212 and the converging channel 211 is solved, and the stability and efficiency of the fluid during the flow process are ensured. Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present application has the advantages of simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and stable fluid flow.

[0060] In some embodiments, the microfluidic chip 100 also includes a droplet inlet 30 and an inlet tube 40 connecting the droplet inlet 30 and the inlet 2111 of the diversion screening channel 21; the cross-sectional area of the inlet tube 40 is equal to the cross-sectional area of the continuous phase channel 212 and is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the confluence channel 211.

[0061] The droplet inlet 30 is a channel for external antiseptic microbial samples to flow in. When operating, the experimenter can connect the culture dish with the droplet inlet 30 through a pipeline, and then drive the antiseptic microbial sample in the culture dish to flow toward the droplet inlet 30 through a peristaltic pump arranged on the channel.

[0062] In these embodiments of the present application, the number of droplet inlets 30 and the concentration of the antiseptic microorganism samples in the culture dish can be selected according to the concentration requirements of different antiseptic microorganism sample sets after passing through the last row of diversion and screening pipes 21.

[0063] It should be noted that when it is necessary to control the concentrations of different anti-corrosion microorganism samples to be the same after passing through the last row of shunt screening channels 21, the number of droplet inlets 30 can be unrestricted, and the concentrations of the anti-corrosion microorganism samples in different culture dishes can be controlled to be the same; while when it is necessary to control a certain concentration gradient for the concentrations of different anti-corrosion microorganism samples after passing through the last row of shunt screening channels 21, the number of droplet inlets 30 can be set to at least two, and the concentrations of the anti-corrosion microorganism samples in different culture dishes connected to different droplet inlets 30 are different.

[0064] Exemplarily, in these embodiments of the present application, the number of droplet inlets 30 can be set to two, and the two droplet inlets 30 are respectively connected to the confluence channel 211 of the first row of shunt screening channels 21 through different inflow pipes 40. At this time, the concentrations of the anti-corrosion microorganism samples in the two culture dishes can be set to 100% and 0% respectively. In this way, after being screened by the first row of shunt screening channels 21, the concentrations of the anti-corrosion microorganism samples flowing into the next row of shunt screening channels 21 through the two continuous phase channels 212 are 100% and 0% respectively; in the second row of shunt screening channels 21, after being shunt-screened by the two shunt baffles 2113, in the three continuous phase channels 212 of the second row of shunt screening channels 21, the concentrations of the anti-corrosion microorganism samples in the two continuous phase channels 212 on both sides are 100% and 0% respectively, while for the continuous phase channel 212 in the middle, since the spaces separated by the shunt baffle 2113 from the confluence channel 211 connected to it are respectively connected to the two continuous phase channels 212 in the previous row, at this time, the concentration of the anti-corrosion microorganism sample is neutralized to 50% in this space; and so on. After being shunt-screened by multiple shunt screening channels 21, multiple sets of anti-corrosion microorganism samples with increasing or decreasing concentrations can be obtained in the last row.

[0065] The inflow pipe 40 is used for the anti-corrosion microorganism sample to flow into the first row of shunt screening channels 21. The cross-sectional areas of the droplet inlet 30 and the inflow pipe 40 are designed so that the droplets can maintain a stable flow rate and flow volume before entering the shunt screening channels 21, thereby improving the screening efficiency. The cross-sectional area of the inflow pipe 40 is equal to the cross-sectional area of the continuous phase channel 212, which can ensure that the flow rate of the droplets does not change suddenly when entering the continuous phase channel 212 and avoid interfering with the screening process. At the same time, the cross-sectional area of the inflow pipe 40 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the confluence channel 211, which can ensure that the droplets can be smoothly shunted when entering the confluence channel 211 and improve the screening efficiency.

[0066] Specifically, the inflow pipe 40 can be made of different materials and manufacturing processes, such as being manufactured by microfabrication techniques. The shape and length of the inflow pipe 40 can be adjusted according to actual needs to ensure that the droplets can smoothly enter the shunt screening channel 21. In addition, the design of the inflow pipe 40 can also be optimized according to different microbial samples to improve the screening efficiency.

[0067] In this application, by designing the droplet inlet 30 and the inflow pipe 40 in the microfluidic chip 100, the droplets can smoothly enter the shunt screening channel 21, thereby efficiently screening for anti-corrosion microorganisms. Compared with the prior art, this application does not require complex control valves and branch devices, simplifies the design and manufacturing process of the microfluidic chip 100, and improves the screening efficiency and reliability.

[0068] In some embodiments, the inflow pipe 40 includes a first section 41 and a second section 42 that are connected and communicate with each other, and there is an included angle between the first section 41 and the second section 42.

[0069] The technical feature of this application lies in the design of the inflow pipe 40. The inflow pipe 40 is composed of two connected sections, and there is an included angle between these two sections. This design can effectively guide the fluid into the shunt screening channel 21 of the microfluidic chip 100. By setting the included angle, the flow path of the fluid can be optimized, further increasing the adhesion performance of the pipe wall to the droplets at the droplet inlet 30, reducing the influence of external factors on the flow of the fluid in the microfluidic chip 100, thereby improving the screening efficiency and accuracy. This design can not only ensure the smooth flow of the fluid, but also reduce the retention and turbulence of the fluid in the inflow pipe to a certain extent, thereby improving the performance of the entire microfluidic system.

[0070] The included angle between the first section 41 and the second section 42 of the inflow pipe 40 can be adjusted according to specific application requirements. For example, the included angle can be set between 60° and 120° to adapt to the flow characteristics of different fluids and the design requirements of the microfluidic chip 100. In these embodiments of this application, the included angle can be set to 90°.

[0071] The lengths and diameters of the first section 41 and the second section 42 can also be adjusted according to specific needs to further optimize the flow path and flow efficiency of the fluid. As a preferred implementation, the first section 41 can be designed as a straight section, and the second section 42 can be designed as a curved section to achieve a smoother fluid transition.

[0072] The design of the inflow pipe 40 in this application effectively solves the problem of guiding the flow of the fluid in the microfluidic chip 100. Compared with the prior art, the design of this application can optimize the flow path of the fluid, improve the screening efficiency and accuracy, reduce fluid retention and turbulence, thereby improving the overall performance of the microfluidic system without adding additional complex structures.

[0073] In some embodiments, the microfluidic chip 100 further includes a plurality of droplet incubation channels 50 and a droplet outlet 60. The droplet incubation channels 50 communicate with the shunt screening channel 21 provided at the end along the first direction X, and the droplet outlet 60 is communicated with each continuous phase channel 212; the droplet incubation channels 50 include a main body portion 51 and connecting portions 52 provided at both ends. Along the direction from the main body portion 51 to the connecting portions 52, the cross-sectional area of the droplet incubation channels 50 gradually decreases.

[0074] Through this design, during the process of screening for anti-corrosion microorganisms, the microfluidic chip 100 can make the anti-corrosion microorganisms stay at the end of the microfluidic chip 100, that is, the end close to the droplet outlet 60, so that the concentration of the anti-corrosion microorganisms in the droplet incubation channels 50 gradually increases and then flows out through the droplet outlet, in order to improve the accuracy of subsequent detection of anti-corrosion microorganisms and reduce the possibility of errors in the detection results due to too low concentration. This structural design not only improves the screening efficiency but also ensures the accuracy of subsequent detection results, thus effectively solving the technical problem of efficiently and rapidly screening high-throughput anti-corrosion microorganisms.

[0075] The design of the main body portion 51 and the connecting portions 52 of the droplet incubation channels 50 can be implemented in various ways. For example, the main body portion 51 can be linear, and the connecting portions 52 can be conical to achieve the effect of gradually decreasing cross-sectional area. Another implementation is that both the main body portion 51 and the connecting portions 52 are curved, but the connecting portions 52 have a larger curvature, so that the droplets gradually contract when flowing through the connecting portions. In addition, the design of the droplet outlet can also be diversified. For example, a porous structure can be adopted so that the droplets can flow out smoothly and enter the continuous phase channel 212.

[0076] Thus, by optimizing the design of the droplet incubation channels 50 and the droplet outlet 60, the present application not only improves the efficiency of screening anti-corrosion microorganisms but also significantly improves the accuracy of subsequent detection. Compared with the prior art, the present application can achieve efficient and accurate screening and detection of anti-corrosion microorganisms without increasing the complexity of the system, and solves the problems of low screening efficiency and poor detection accuracy of anti-corrosion microorganisms existing in the prior art.

[0077] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 , the present application also provides an anti-corrosion microorganism detection device (not labeled), which includes a plurality of microfluidic chips 100 as provided in any of the foregoing embodiments and a detection component 200; wherein,

[0078] The detection component 200 includes a top plate layer 201, a sample injection chamber layer 202, and a sample layer 203 that are stacked in sequence. The top plate layer 201 is provided with a plurality of sample injection channels 2011, the sample injection chamber layer 202 is provided with a plurality of sample injection chambers 2021, and one sample injection channel 2011 communicates with one sample injection chamber 2021; the sample layer 203 includes a communicating opening 2031 and a sample storage space 2032, and the sample storage space 2032 communicates with each sample injection chamber 2021.

[0079] In these embodiments of the present application, an anti-corrosion microorganism detection device can be used to screen and detect a large number of anti-corrosion microorganisms to meet the requirements of screening and detecting high-throughput biological samples. In the actual operation process, a plurality of microfluidic chips 100 provided in the foregoing embodiments can be connected to the detection component 200, so that after the anti-corrosion microorganism samples are shunted and screened by the microfluidic chip 100, they are introduced into the detection component 200 for different performance detections.

[0080] In these embodiments of the present application, a detection component 200 can be set to simultaneously perform synchronous detection on a plurality of microfluidic chips 100, further meeting the requirements of high throughput.

[0081] Among them, the top plate layer 201 is provided with a plurality of sample injection channels 2011. That is to say, the sample injection channel 2011 is used to connect to the foregoing microfluidic chip 100, so as to introduce the anti-corrosion microorganism samples that have been screened, shunted, and have a certain concentration into the detection component 200 through the droplet outlet of the microfluidic chip 100.

[0082] One sample injection channel 2011 communicates with one sample injection chamber 2021, which means that after the metal sample is placed in the sample storage space 2032 through the foregoing opening 2031, the bottom of the sample injection chamber 2021 can be blocked. In this way, one sample injection channel 2011 and one sample injection chamber 2021 can form an independent reaction detection space to respectively perform different experimental detections on different anti-corrosion microorganism samples obtained by shunting and screening through the foregoing microfluidic chip 100.

[0083] It can be understood that in these embodiments of the present application, the top plate 201 should also be provided with a counter electrode introduction channel 2012 and a reference electrode introduction channel 2013. At the same time, one counter electrode introduction channel 2012, one reference electrode introduction channel 2013 communicate with one sample injection chamber 2021, so that when performing experimental detections, a counter electrode and a reference electrode can be respectively placed into the sample injection chamber 2021 to provide support for the operation of the anti-corrosion microorganism sample in the sample injection chamber 2021.

[0084] The injection chamber layer 202 is provided with a plurality of injection chambers 2021. Among them, the injection chamber 2021 is a chamber for storing the imported anti-corrosion microbial samples. Different injection chambers 2021 are independent of each other to separately detect the anti-corrosion microbial samples that have been screened and equally divided.

[0085] The sample layer 203 includes a communicating opening 2031 and a sample storage space 2032. The sample storage space 2032 communicates with each injection chamber 2021. So that after the metal sample is placed at the position of the opening 2031, it can cooperate with the aforementioned plurality of injection chambers 2021 to form independent detection chambers, and then the anti-corrosion performance of the anti-corrosion microbial samples in different detection chambers against the metal sample can be detected respectively.

[0086] In these embodiments of the present application, through the structural design of the detection component 200, after the metal sample is placed, the detection environments between different detection chambers are independent of each other, and the metal sample used to detect the anti-corrosion effect of the anti-corrosion microbial sample is a whole piece. In this way, the detection error of the anti-corrosion effect of the anti-corrosion microbial sample caused by different metal samples can be reduced, and the reliability and accuracy of the detection can be effectively improved.

[0087] In some embodiments, a sample outlet channel 2014 is further provided in the top plate 201. One sample outlet channel 2014 communicates with one injection chamber 2021, and each sample outlet channel 2014 is used to connect to a waste liquid collection member.

[0088] In this way, in each independent detection chamber, after the anti-corrosion microbial sample flowing in through the injection channel 2011 is detected, it can be directly exported through the sample outlet channel 2014 under the drive of the peristaltic pump, improving the continuity of the detection experiment, further meeting the requirements of high-throughput shunt screening and detection, and having better reliability.

[0089] In some embodiments, the anti-corrosion microbial detection device further includes a bottom plate layer 204. The bottom plate layer 204 is connected to the sample layer 203 to provide support to make the structure of the anti-corrosion microbial detection device more stable.

[0090] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention accordingly. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present invention by using the content of the specification and drawings of the present invention, or directly / indirectly applied in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip for shunting and screening of anti-corrosion microorganisms, characterized in that Comprising: A substrate; A chip body, supported on the substrate and including a plurality of shunt screening channels arranged in sequence along a first direction. Each of the shunt screening channels includes a confluence channel and a plurality of continuous phase channels. The confluence channel includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and the continuous phase channels connect the fluid outlet to the fluid inlet of the confluence channel in an adjacent shunt screening channel; A shunt baffle is arranged in the confluence channel. The shunt baffle is arranged between adjacent fluid outlets and is oppositely arranged along the first direction with a fluid inlet. The distance between the shunt baffle and one fluid outlet is equal to the distance between the shunt baffle and the other fluid outlet; The continuous phase channel includes a plurality of straight segments, curved segments and a converging channel. Among them, the plurality of straight segments are perpendicular to the first direction and are arranged at intervals in sequence along the first direction. The curved segments connect adjacent straight segments to connect the plurality of straight segments into a bent structure connected end to end. The cross-sectional area of the straight segment is equal to the cross-sectional area of the curved segment; the converging channel is arranged at both ends, and the converging channel is connected to the confluence channel. The cross-sectional area of the converging channel is larger than the cross-sectional area of the straight segment and smaller than the cross-sectional area of the confluence channel. At the connection between the converging channel and the confluence channel, the cross-sectional area gradually decreases along the direction from the confluence channel to the converging channel.

2. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, wherein If the number of fluid outlets of the confluence channel in any one of the shunt screening channels is set to N, then the number of fluid outlets of the confluence channel in the next shunt screening channel along the first direction is N + 1.

3. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microfluidic chip further includes a droplet inlet and an inflow pipe connecting the droplet inlet to the fluid inlet of the shunt screening channel; The cross-sectional area of the inflow pipe is equal to the cross-sectional area of the continuous phase channel and smaller than the cross-sectional area of the confluence channel.

4. The microfluidic chip according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inflow pipe includes a first section and a second section that are connected and communicate with each other, and there is an included angle between the first section and the second section.

5. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, wherein The microfluidic chip further includes a plurality of droplet incubation channels and a droplet outlet. The droplet incubation channels are connected to the shunt screening channel at the end along the first direction and connect the droplet outlet to each of the continuous phase channels; The droplet incubation channel includes a main body portion and connecting portions arranged at both ends. Along the direction from the main body portion to the connecting portions, the cross-sectional area of the droplet incubation channel gradually decreases.

6. An anti-corrosion microorganism detection device, characterized in that, Comprising a plurality of microfluidic chips as described in any one of claims 1 to 5 and a detection assembly; wherein, The detection assembly includes a top plate layer, a sample injection chamber layer and a sample layer stacked in sequence. The top plate layer is provided with a plurality of sample injection channels, and the sample injection chamber layer is provided with a plurality of sample injection chambers. One sample injection channel communicates with one sample injection chamber; The sample layer includes a communicating opening and a sample storage space, and the sample storage space communicates with each sample injection chamber.

7. The anti-corrosion microorganism detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, An outlet channel is further arranged in the top plate layer. One outlet channel communicates with one sample injection chamber, and each outlet channel is used to connect a waste liquid collection member.

8. The anti-corrosion microorganism detection device according to claim 6, wherein The anti-corrosion microorganism detection device further includes a bottom plate layer, and the bottom plate layer is connected to the sample layer to provide support.

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