Liquid drop volume adjusting structure and method, micro-fluidic channel and micro-fluidic chip

Abstract

The invention discloses a droplet volume adjusting structure, a droplet volume adjusting method, a micro-fluidic channel and a micro-fluidic chip. The liquid drop volume adjusting structure comprises a channel, a first switch piece, a second switch piece and a volume adjusting mechanism, and the first switch piece and the second switch piece are sequentially arranged in the channel in the flowing direction of liquid in the channel so as to control on-off of the channel; the volume adjusting mechanism is arranged between the first switch piece and the second switch piece so as to adjust the volume of the channel. The microfluidic flow channel comprises the liquid drop volume adjusting structure. The micro-fluidic chip comprises the micro-fluidic flow channel. The droplet volume adjusting method comprises the following steps: closing the second switch piece; the volume of the channel is adjusted to a preset value through the volume adjusting mechanism; injecting a first liquid into the channel until the channel is filled with the first liquid, so as to obtain a liquid drop with a preset volume; and the first switch piece is closed, the second switch piece is opened, and the liquid drops which are cached in the channel and have the preset volume are discharged through the second switch piece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of microfluidics, and in particular to a droplet volume adjustment structure, method, microfluidic channel and microfluidic chip. Background Art

[0002] In some microfluidic applications, it is necessary to encapsulate single or multiple particles in a single droplet to form a research sample. For example, in biological research, a single droplet can be used to encapsulate single or multiple cells to form a biochemical reaction container suitable for high-throughput and high-resolution biochemical analysis.

[0003] In some application studies of droplet microfluidics, it is necessary to generate droplets at a fixed volume. In the related art, it is usually necessary to design a specific droplet generation geometry and its size to generate droplets of a specific volume. On the one hand, this fixed volume droplet generation structure cannot adjust the volume. When multiple droplets of different volumes need to be generated, multiple fixed volume droplet generation structures need to be made accordingly, which not only leads to low droplet generation efficiency, but also wastes time and effort, increasing costs. On the other hand, when this fixed volume droplet generation structure generates droplets, it is possible that satellite droplets will be generated. Satellite droplets are droplets that accompany target droplets but have a smaller volume than the target droplets. Since the volume of satellite droplets is difficult to meet the volume requirements of the target droplets, it is necessary to further remove the satellite droplets. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve at least one of the above technical problems, the present application provides a droplet volume adjustment structure, method, microfluidic channel and microfluidic chip, and the technical solution adopted is as follows.

[0005] The present application provides a droplet volume adjustment structure, including: a channel; a first switch component and a second switch component, which are sequentially arranged in the channel along the direction of liquid flow in the channel, and the first switch component and the second switch component are used to control the on and off of the channel; a volume adjustment mechanism, which is arranged between the first switch component and the second switch component, and the volume adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the volume of the channel between the first switch component and the second switch component.

[0006] According to the droplet volume adjustment structure provided by the present application, at least the following technical effects are achieved: the volume of the channel between the first switch component and the second switch component can be adjusted to a preset value by the volume adjustment mechanism, and when the channel is filled with the first liquid, droplets with a preset volume can be obtained, thereby realizing the generation of fixed-volume droplets. When it is necessary to generate multiple droplets of different volumes, the volume of the channel can be adjusted by the volume adjustment mechanism, and there is no need to make multiple fixed-volume droplet generation structures, which can improve the droplet generation efficiency, save time and effort, and reduce costs. After obtaining droplets with a preset volume, the volume of the channel between the first switch component and the second switch component can be adjusted to close to 0 by the volume adjustment mechanism to discharge the droplets with a preset volume cached in the channel. This droplet discharge method can also prevent the generation of satellite droplets.

[0007] In certain embodiments of the present application, the volume adjustment mechanism includes a deformable member connected to a side wall of the channel, and the deformable member is used to control the volume of the channel between the first switch member and the second switch member by deforming itself.

[0008] In certain embodiments of the present application, the deformable member includes an elastic deformable membrane, which is connected to the side wall of the channel. When the elastic deformable membrane is deformed, it bulges toward the side wall of the channel to adjust the volume of the channel between the first switch member and the second switch member.

[0009] In certain embodiments of the present application, the volume adjustment mechanism further includes a driving member, wherein the driving member is connected to the elastic deformation membrane to drive the elastic deformation membrane to deform.

[0010] In certain embodiments of the present application, the driving member includes a pressurized air chamber, and the pressurized air chamber is arranged on a side of the elastic deformable membrane away from the channel.

[0011] In certain embodiments of the present application, the top of the side wall of the channel is arc-shaped.

[0012] The present application also provides a microfluidic channel, which includes the above-mentioned droplet volume adjustment structure.

[0013] In certain embodiments of the present application, the microfluidic channel further includes a droplet collection mechanism, and the droplet collection mechanism is connected to the outlet end of the channel along the liquid flow direction in the channel.

[0014] The present application also provides a microfluidic chip, which includes the above-mentioned microfluidic channel, and also includes a first plate body and a second plate body, the first plate body is provided with a first groove, the top surface of the second plate body is provided with the first switch element, the second switch element and the volume adjustment mechanism, the first plate body is covered and connected with the second plate body so that the first groove and the top surface of the second plate body enclose the microfluidic channel.

[0015] The present application also provides a droplet volume adjustment method, which is implemented using the above droplet volume adjustment structure and includes the following steps:

[0016] closing the second switch member;

[0017] The volume of the channel between the first switch member and the second switch member is adjusted to a preset value by a volume adjustment mechanism;

[0018] Injecting a first liquid into the channel until the first liquid fills the channel to obtain a droplet with a preset volume;

[0019] The first switch element is closed, and the second switch element is opened, so that the droplets with a preset volume buffered in the channel are discharged through the second switch element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The aspects and advantages described and / or attached in the embodiments of the present application will become apparent and easy to understand in conjunction with the following drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments embodied in the following drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the droplet volume adjustment structure provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Middle AA section view;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Middle BB section view;

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure when the deformable member is deformed;

[0026] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of the microfluidic chip provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 7Another schematic diagram of the structure of the microfluidic chip provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Middle CC section view;

[0029] Fig. 9 for Figure 7 Middle EE section view;

[0030] Fig.10 for Figure 7 Middle DD section view.

[0031] Reference numerals:

[0032] Droplet volume regulating structure 110, channel 111, first switch element 112, first elastic deformation membrane 1121, first pressurized air chamber 1122, second switch element 113, second elastic deformation membrane 1131, second pressurized air chamber 1132, volume regulating mechanism 114, deformable member 1141, driving member 1142, first arcuate side wall 115, first vertical portion 121, first inlet end 1211, first horizontal portion 122, plane side wall 1221, second arcuate side wall 1222, horizontal flow channel 1223, droplet collecting mechanism 130, second horizontal portion 1311, second vertical portion 1312, second inlet end 13121, second outlet end 13122;

[0033] A first plate body 210 and a second plate body 220 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Combine the following Figures 1 to 10 Embodiments of the present application are described in detail, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and cannot be understood as limiting the present application.

[0035] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "middle", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does 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 a limitation on the present application. In addition, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0036] In the description of this 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 detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0037] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The embodiment of the present application provides a droplet volume adjustment structure 110 that can generate droplets of different volumes without the need to produce multiple fixed-volume droplet generation structures. This can improve droplet generation efficiency, save time and effort, reduce costs, and prevent the generation of satellite droplets.

[0038] For example, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The droplet volume adjustment structure 110 includes a channel 111, a first switch element 112, a second switch element 113 and a volume adjustment mechanism 114. The first switch element 112 and the second switch element 113 are sequentially arranged in the channel 111 along the liquid flow direction in the channel 111, and the first switch element 112 and the second switch element 113 are used to control the on and off of the channel 111; the volume adjustment mechanism 114 is arranged between the first switch element 112 and the second switch element 113, and the volume adjustment mechanism 114 is used to adjust the volume of the channel 111 between the first switch element 112 and the second switch element 113.

[0039] It can be understood that the volume of the channel 111 between the first switch 112 and the second switch 113 can be adjusted to a preset value through the volume adjustment mechanism 114. When the first liquid is filled into the channel 111, droplets with a preset volume can be obtained, thereby realizing the generation of fixed-volume droplets. When it is necessary to generate multiple droplets of different volumes, the volume of the channel 111 can be adjusted through the volume adjustment mechanism 114. There is no need to make multiple fixed-volume droplet generation structures, which can improve the droplet generation efficiency, save time and effort, and reduce costs. After obtaining droplets with a preset volume, the volume of the channel 111 between the first switch 112 and the second switch 113 can be adjusted to close to 0 through the volume adjustment mechanism 114 to discharge the droplets with a preset volume cached in the channel 111. This droplet discharge method can also prevent the generation of satellite droplets.

[0040] Optionally, the channel 111 has a first end and a second end arranged along the length direction thereof, the first switch 112 is arranged at the first end to control the opening and closing of the first end of the channel 111, and the second switch 113 is arranged at the second end to control the opening and closing of the second end of the channel 111. Optionally, the first end of the channel 111 is the inlet end of the channel 111, and the second end of the channel 111 is the outlet end of the channel 111. The volume of the channel 111 between the first switch 112 and the second switch 113 can be considered as the volume of the channel 111.

[0041] Optionally, in some embodiments, the volume adjustment mechanism 114 includes a deformable member 1141 connected to a side wall of the channel 111 , and the deformable member 1141 is used to control the volume of the channel 111 between the first switch member 112 and the second switch member 113 by its own deformation.

[0042] Optionally, in some embodiments, the deformable member 1141 includes an elastic deformable membrane, which is connected to the side wall of the channel 111. When the elastic deformable membrane is deformed, it bulges toward the side wall of the channel 111 to adjust the volume of the channel 111 between the first switch member 112 and the second switch member 113.

[0043] Optionally, in some embodiments, the top of the side wall of the channel 111 is arc-shaped.

[0044] Alternatively, see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The elastic deformation membrane is a plane elastic deformation membrane, the side wall opposite to the elastic deformation membrane is a first arcuate side wall 115, and the two sides of the elastic deformation membrane are connected to the two sides of the first arcuate side wall 115. When the elastic deformation membrane is deformed, it can bulge toward the first arcuate side wall 115 (see Figure 5 ) until it is completely in contact with the first arc-shaped side wall 115.

[0045] It can be understood that when the elastic deformable membrane is deformed to bulge toward the first curved side wall 115, the volume of the channel 111 between the first switch member 112 and the second switch member 113 gradually decreases. When the elastic deformable membrane is completely in contact with the first curved side wall 115, the volume of the channel 111 between the first switch member 112 and the second switch member 113 is close to zero.

[0046] Optionally, the cross section of the first arc-shaped side wall 115 is semicircular. Of course, the cross section of the first arc-shaped side wall 115 can also be semi-elliptical or other arc shapes, which is not specifically limited here.

[0047] Of course, the deformable member 1141 may also include other deformable structures that can control the volume of the channel 111 by its own deformation, and no specific limitation is made here. For example, the deformable member 1141 may also include an airbag, and the size of the airbag is controlled by inflating the airbag, thereby controlling the volume of the channel 111, which will not be described in detail here.

[0048] Optionally, in some embodiments, the volume adjustment mechanism 114 further includes a driving member 1142, and the driving member 1142 is connected to the elastic deformation membrane to drive the elastic deformation membrane to deform.

[0049] Optionally, in some embodiments, the driving member 1142 includes a pressurized air chamber, which is disposed on a side of the elastically deformable membrane away from the channel 111. In other words, the side of the elastically deformable membrane away from the channel 111 is disposed in the pressurized air chamber, and when the pressurized air chamber is pressurized, the elastically deformable membrane is driven to deform.

[0050] Optionally, the elastic deformable membrane may be continuously loaded with air pressure through a pressurized air chamber to drive the elastic deformable membrane to deform.

[0051] Optionally, in some embodiments, the elastically deformable membrane is made of a flexible material.

[0052] Optionally, in some embodiments, the elastic deformation membrane is a thin film. For example, the thin film can be made of a flexible material such as PDMS or silica gel, which is not specifically limited here.

[0053] Optionally, in some embodiments, the specific structures of the first switch element 112 and the second switch element 113 are the same as the structure of the volume adjustment mechanism 114 .

[0054] For example, see Figure 1 and Figure 2The first switch element 112 includes a first elastic deformation membrane 1121 and a first pressurized air chamber 1122. The first elastic deformation membrane 1121 is connected to the side wall of the channel 111. The side of the first elastic deformation membrane 1121 facing away from the channel 111 is arranged in the first pressurized air chamber 1122. When the first pressurized air chamber 1122 is pressurized, the first elastic deformation membrane 1121 is driven to deform. When the first elastic deformation membrane 1121 is deformed, it can bulge toward the side wall on the opposite side (i.e., the first arc-shaped side wall 115), so that the opening size of the first end of the channel 111 can be adjusted. When the first elastic deformation membrane 1121 is in close contact with the side wall on the opposite side (i.e., the first arc-shaped side wall 115), the first end of the channel 111 can be closed.

[0055] The second switch element 113 includes a second elastic deformation membrane 1131 and a second pressurized air chamber 1132. The second elastic deformation membrane 1131 is connected to the side wall of the channel 111. The side of the second elastic deformation membrane 1131 facing away from the channel 111 is arranged in the second pressurized air chamber 1132. When the second pressurized air chamber 1132 is pressurized, the second elastic deformation membrane 1131 is driven to deform. When the second elastic deformation membrane 1131 is deformed, it can bulge toward the side wall on the opposite side (i.e., the first arc-shaped side wall 115), so that the opening size of the second end of the channel 111 can be adjusted. When the second elastic deformation membrane 1131 is in close contact with the side wall on the opposite side (i.e., the first arc-shaped side wall 115), the second end of the channel 111 can be closed.

[0056] Optionally, the first elastic deformation membrane 1121, the elastic deformation membrane of the volume adjustment mechanism 114, and the second elastic deformation membrane 1131 are arranged in sequence at intervals so that the deformations of the three do not affect each other. It should be noted that the spacing between the first elastic deformation membrane 1121 and the elastic deformation membrane of the volume adjustment mechanism 114, and the spacing between the elastic deformation membrane of the volume adjustment mechanism 114 and the second elastic deformation membrane 1131 are very small to reduce the volume error of the droplet, so that the volume error caused by the above spacing can be ignored.

[0057] Optionally, the widths of the first elastic deformation membrane 1121 , the elastic deformation membrane of the volume adjustment mechanism 114 , and the second elastic deformation membrane 1131 may be tens of micrometers to hundreds of micrometers.

[0058] Other structures and operations of the droplet volume adjustment structure 110 according to the embodiment of the present application are known to ordinary technicians in the field and will not be described in detail here.

[0059] See also Figures 6 to 8 The embodiment of the present application also provides a microfluidic channel, and the microfluidic channel includes the above-mentioned droplet volume adjustment structure 110.

[0060] Optionally, the microfluidic channel further includes a first channel body, the first channel body includes a first inlet end 1211 and a first outlet end which are interconnected, the first channel body is used to circulate the first liquid, and the first outlet end is connected to the first end.

[0061] Exemplarily, the first flow channel body includes a first vertical portion 121 and a first horizontal portion 122 connected to each other, an end of the first vertical portion 121 away from the first horizontal portion 122 is a first inlet end 1211, and an end of the first horizontal portion 122 away from the first vertical portion 121 is a first outlet end. Optionally, the first inlet end 1211 is used to inject the first liquid into the first flow channel body.

[0062] Alternatively, see Fig. 9 The first horizontal portion 122 includes a plane side wall 1221 and a second arc-shaped side wall 1222 , and two sides of the plane side wall 1221 are respectively connected to two sides of the second arc-shaped side wall 1222 to enclose and form a horizontal flow channel 1223 for the first liquid to pass through.

[0063] Alternatively, see Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The cross section of the second arc-shaped side wall 1222 is a semicircle of the same size as the cross section of the first arc-shaped side wall 115. Of course, the cross section of the second arc-shaped side wall 1222 can also be a semi-ellipse or other arc shape, which is not specifically limited here.

[0064] Optionally, in some embodiments, the first flow channel body is integrally formed with the side wall of the channel 111 in the droplet volume adjustment structure 110. Exemplarily, the first arcuate side wall 115 is formed by extending the second arcuate side wall 1222 along the flow direction of the first liquid.

[0065] Optionally, the first flow channel body and the side wall of the channel 111 are made of one or more materials such as DMS, silica gel, COC, COP, PS, PC, etc., which are not specifically limited here. It should be noted that DMS, silica gel, COC, COP, PS, PC, etc. are hard or soft materials in the field of microfluidics.

[0066] Optionally, in some embodiments, see Figure 6 The microfluidic channel further includes a droplet collecting mechanism 130 , which is connected to the outlet end of the channel 111 along the liquid flow direction in the channel 111 .

[0067] Optionally, the first end of the channel 111 is the inlet end of the channel 111 , and the second end of the channel 111 is the outlet end of the channel 111 , that is, the droplet collection mechanism 130 is connected to the second end.

[0068] Alternatively, see Figure 6 and Figure 8The droplet collection mechanism 130 includes a second flow channel body, which includes a second inlet end 13121 and a second outlet end 13122 that are interconnected. The second flow channel body is used to circulate a second liquid. The first liquid is incompatible with the second liquid. The second flow channel body is provided with a connecting end between the second inlet end 13121 and the second outlet end 13122, and the connecting end is connected to the second end.

[0069] Exemplarily, the second flow channel body includes a second horizontal portion 1311 and two second vertical portions 1312 respectively disposed at both ends of the second horizontal portion 1311, wherein one end of the second vertical portion 1312 away from the second horizontal portion 1311 is a second inlet end 13121, and another end of the second vertical portion 1312 away from the second horizontal portion 1311 is a second outlet end 13122. The second inlet end 13121 is used to inject the second liquid into the second flow channel body, and the second outlet end 13122 is used to discharge the second liquid with the target droplets collected.

[0070] Optionally, the connection end is disposed between two ends of the second horizontal portion 1311. Exemplarily, the connection end is disposed in the middle of the second horizontal portion 1311.

[0071] Optionally, the first liquid is an aqueous phase liquid, and the second liquid is an oil phase liquid.

[0072] Alternatively, microfluidic channels can be fabricated by soft lithography.

[0073] Other structures and operations of the microfluidic channel according to the embodiments of the present application are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0074] See also Figures 6 to 8 The embodiment of the present application also provides a microfluidic chip, which includes the above-mentioned microfluidic channel, and also includes a first plate body 210 and a second plate body 220. The first plate body 210 is provided with a first groove, and the top surface of the second plate body 220 is provided with a first switch element 112, a second switch element 113 and a volume adjustment mechanism 114. The first plate body 210 is covered and connected with the second plate body 220 so that the first groove and the top surface of the second plate body 220 enclose the microfluidic channel.

[0075] Optionally, the first plate body 210 is an upper plate body, the second plate body 220 is a lower plate body, and the top surface of the second plate body 220 is provided with a first pressurized air chamber 1122, a pressurized air chamber of the volume regulating mechanism 114, and a second pressurized air chamber 1132. A first elastic deformation membrane 1121 is provided at the opening of the first pressurized air chamber 1122, an elastic deformation membrane is provided at the opening of the pressurized air chamber of the volume regulating mechanism 114, and a second elastic deformation membrane 1131 is provided at the opening of the second pressurized air chamber 1132. The first plate body 210 and the second plate body 220 are covered and connected up and down to form a microfluidic chip with a microfluidic flow channel. The microfluidic chip with such a structural arrangement is conducive to processing and improves production efficiency.

[0076] Optionally, the first plate body 210 and the second plate body 220 may be made of PDMS material.

[0077] Other structures and operations of the microfluidic chip according to the embodiment of the present application are known to ordinary technicians in the field and will not be described in detail here.

[0078] The embodiment of the present application also provides a droplet volume adjustment method, which is implemented by using the above droplet volume adjustment structure. Exemplarily, the droplet volume adjustment method includes the following steps.

[0079] Step S100 , closing the second switch element 113 .

[0080] Step S200 : adjusting the volume of the channel 111 between the first switch element 112 and the second switch element 113 to a preset value through the volume adjustment mechanism 114 .

[0081] It can be understood that by adjusting the volume of the channel 111 between the first switch element 112 and the second switch element 113 through the volume adjustment mechanism 114, the volume of the droplets generated each time can be controlled.

[0082] Step S300 , injecting a first liquid into the channel 111 until the first liquid fills up the channel 111 , so as to obtain a droplet with a preset volume.

[0083] Optionally, in some embodiments, step S300 may include the following steps: injecting the first liquid into the first flow channel body through the first inlet port 1211 until the first liquid fills the channel 111 to obtain a droplet with a preset volume.

[0084] Step S400 , closing the first switch element 112 , opening the second switch element 113 , and discharging the liquid droplets with a preset volume buffered in the channel 111 through the second switch element 113 .

[0085] Optionally, the step S400 of “discharging the liquid droplets with a preset volume buffered in the channel 111 through the second switch 113” includes the following steps:

[0086] Step S410, driving the elastic deformation membrane to deform through the driving member 1142 so that the elastic deformation membrane is completely fitted with the first arc-shaped side wall 115, thereby adjusting the volume of the channel 111 to close to 0, so as to discharge the droplets with a preset volume buffered in the channel 111 through the second switch member 113.

[0087] Optionally, the driving member 1142 may be a pressurized air chamber, which drives the elastic deformation membrane to bulge toward the first arc-shaped side wall 115 until it is completely in contact with the first arc-shaped side wall 115 .

[0088] Optionally, in some embodiments, the droplet volume adjustment method further includes the following steps before step S400:

[0089] Step S500: injecting a second liquid into the second flow channel body through the second inlet port 13121, wherein the first liquid is incompatible with the second liquid.

[0090] Optionally, the first liquid is an aqueous phase liquid, and the second liquid is an oil phase liquid.

[0091] Optionally, in some embodiments, the droplet volume adjustment method further includes the following steps after step S400:

[0092] Step S600: The liquid droplets with a preset volume discharged through the second switch element 113 enter the second liquid of the liquid droplet collection mechanism 130 and are pushed by the second liquid to the second outlet end 13122 for discharge.

[0093] Optionally, in some embodiments, the droplet volume adjustment method further includes the following steps after step S600:

[0094] Step S700: repeat part or all of the steps from step S100 to step S600 to continuously generate target droplets.

[0095] It should be noted that when the target droplets are continuously generated through step S700, part or all of the steps S100 to S600 may be selected according to actual needs to obtain the target droplets, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0096] It is understandable that, unless otherwise specified, the order of the above steps S100 to S700 can be swapped according to actual needs, and no specific limitation is made here. For example, the above step S100 can be swapped with step S200.

[0097] The other steps and operations of the droplet volume adjustment method according to the embodiment of the present application are known to ordinary technicians in the field and will not be described in detail here.

[0098] In the description of this specification, if the reference terms "one embodiment", "some instances", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiment", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" appear, it means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in the embodiments or examples of this application. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0099] The above describes the implementation methods of the present application in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above implementation methods. Various changes can be made within the knowledge scope of ordinary technicians in the technical field without departing from the purpose of the present application.

[0100] In the description of this application, if "," appears in the patent name, it means an "and" relationship, not an "or" relationship. For example, if the patent name is "a kind of A, a kind of B", it means that the content protected by this application is: the technical solution with the subject name A and the technical solution with the subject name B.

Claims

1. A droplet volume adjustment structure, characterized in that: include: aisle; A first switch element and a second switch element are sequentially arranged in the channel along the flow direction of the liquid in the channel, and the first switch element and the second switch element are used to control the on and off of the channel; The volume adjustment mechanism is disposed between the first switch component and the second switch component, and is used to adjust the volume of the channel between the first switch component and the second switch component.

2. The droplet volume adjustment structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The volume adjustment mechanism includes a deformable member connected to a side wall of the channel, and the deformable member is used to control the volume of the channel between the first switch member and the second switch member by deforming itself.

3. The droplet volume adjustment structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The deformable member includes an elastic deformation membrane, which is connected to the side wall of the channel. When the elastic deformation membrane is deformed, it bulges toward the side wall of the channel to adjust the volume of the channel between the first switch member and the second switch member.

4. The droplet volume adjustment structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The volume adjustment mechanism further includes a driving member, which is connected to the elastic deformation membrane to drive the elastic deformation membrane to deform.

5. The droplet volume adjustment structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The driving member comprises a pressurized air chamber, and the pressurized air chamber is arranged on a side of the elastic deformation membrane away from the channel.

6. The droplet volume adjustment structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The top of the side wall of the channel is arc-shaped.

7. A microfluidic channel, characterized in that: Comprising the droplet volume adjustment structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The microfluidic channel according to claim 7, characterized in that: The microfluidic channel further comprises a droplet collecting mechanism, which is connected to the outlet end of the channel along the liquid flow direction in the channel.

9. A microfluidic chip, characterized in that: It includes the microfluidic channel as described in claim 7 or 8, and also includes a first plate body and a second plate body, the first plate body is provided with a first groove, the top surface of the second plate body is provided with the first switch element, the second switch element and the volume adjustment mechanism, the first plate body is covered and connected with the second plate body so that the first groove and the top surface of the second plate body enclose the microfluidic channel.

10. A method for adjusting the droplet volume, implemented by using the droplet volume adjustment structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The steps include: closing the second switch member; The volume of the channel between the first switch member and the second switch member is adjusted to a preset value by a volume adjustment mechanism; Injecting a first liquid into the channel until the first liquid fills the channel to obtain a droplet with a preset volume; The first switch element is closed, and the second switch element is opened, so that the droplets with a preset volume buffered in the channel are discharged through the second switch element.

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