Device and method for adsorbing and transferring liquid drops by adopting hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting terminal

Abstract

The invention discloses a device for adsorbing and transferring liquid drops by adopting a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end, which comprises a signal generator, an ultrasonic transducer and a transmitting element, and is characterized in that the transmitting element is provided with an adsorption surface, and when an ultrasonic generating assembly works, the adsorption surface can adsorb the liquid drops by utilizing ultrasonic waves transmitted by the transmitting element; the adsorption surface is provided with a first hydrophobic layer, and when the ultrasonic generation assembly is switched to a non-working state, the adsorption surface is separated from the liquid drops, so that liquid transfer is realized. The ultrasonic effect is utilized to adsorb and transfer the liquid drops, the problem of residues caused by wetting between liquid and a gun head or a needle head in a traditional liquid transfer mode is solved in the transfer process, and the loss in the liquid drop transfer process is further reduced. The adsorption surface of the emission element is provided with the first hydrophobic layer, so that liquid drops with different sizes can be adsorbed conveniently, air is prevented from entering the liquid drops in the ultrasonic adsorption transfer process, and the result accuracy is ensured. The invention also provides a droplet transfer method using the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of droplet control, and in particular to a device and method for adsorbing and transferring droplets by using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end. Background Art

[0002] Transferring trace amounts of liquid is of great significance in scientific research and production. At present, traditional methods always have problems such as complex operation and poor precision in the process of transferring liquid. For example, when using a commonly used pipette to transfer droplets, different tips need to be selected according to the size of the droplets. Air may also be attached during the process of absorbing trace liquids, resulting in bubbles in the liquid, and the wetting between the liquid and the pipette tip and the syringe needle will cause liquid residue. These problems will have a certain impact on the experiment.

[0003] New methods that can overcome the defects of traditional pipetting methods are needed to further improve the efficiency and accuracy of pipetting. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device and method for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end, so as to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned related technologies and improve the transfer accuracy and efficiency of droplets.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following solutions:

[0006] The present invention provides a device for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end, comprising:

[0007] An ultrasonic generating component, the ultrasonic generating component comprising a signal generator and an ultrasonic transducer, the signal generator is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and the ultrasonic transducer can emit ultrasonic waves;

[0008] A transfer action component, wherein the transfer action component includes a transmitting element, wherein the transmitting element is connected to the output end of the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the transmitting element has an adsorption surface, and when the ultrasonic generating component is working, the adsorption surface can adsorb droplets using the ultrasonic wave transmitted by the transmitting element; the adsorption surface has a first hydrophobic layer, and the first hydrophobic layer is made of a hydrophobic material. When the ultrasonic generating component is switched to a non-working state, the adsorption surface is separated from the droplets to achieve liquid transfer.

[0009] Preferably, the ultrasonic generating assembly further comprises a power amplifier, and the signal generator is connected to the ultrasonic transducer by means of the power amplifier;

[0010] The power amplifier is also connected to an oscilloscope.

[0011] Preferably, the transfer action component further includes a horn, the ultrasonic transducer is connected to the input end of the horn, and the output end of the horn is connected to the transmitting element.

[0012] Preferably, the amplitude transformer is also connected to a handle; a control switch is provided on the handle, and the control switch is communicatively connected to the signal generator.

[0013] Preferably, the transfer action component further comprises a transfer platform, the transfer platform is capable of carrying droplets, and the surface of the transfer platform has a second hydrophobic layer, and the hydrophobicity of the second hydrophobic layer is stronger than that of the first hydrophobic layer.

[0014] Preferably, the static water contact angle of the first hydrophobic layer is in the range of 90° to 110°, and the static water contact angle of the second hydrophobic layer is larger than that of the first hydrophobic layer.

[0015] Preferably, the static water contact angle of the second hydrophobic layer is at least 15° greater than the static water contact angle of the first hydrophobic layer.

[0016] Preferably, the adsorption surface is a plane.

[0017] Preferably, the adsorption surface is a concave surface.

[0018] The present invention also provides a droplet transfer method, using the above-mentioned device for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end, comprising the following steps:

[0019] The signal generator inputs an electrical signal to the ultrasonic transducer, and the ultrasonic transducer converts the electrical signal into mechanical vibration and transmits it to the transmitting element, and the transmitting element emits ultrasonic waves;

[0020] The adsorption surface of the emitting element is used to adsorb the droplets to be transferred. After the droplets are transferred to the target position, the signal generator is turned off, and the droplets fall to realize the transfer.

[0021] Compared with the related art, the present invention has achieved the following technical effects: the device of the present invention that uses a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end to adsorb and transfer droplets includes an ultrasonic generating component and a transfer action component, wherein the ultrasonic generating component includes a signal generator and an ultrasonic transducer, the signal generator is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and the ultrasonic transducer can emit ultrasonic waves; the transfer action component includes a transmitting element, the transmitting element is connected to the output end of the ultrasonic transducer, the transmitting element has an adsorption surface, when the ultrasonic generating component is working, the adsorption surface can adsorb droplets using the ultrasonic wave transmitted by the transmitting element; the adsorption surface has a first hydrophobic layer, the first hydrophobic layer is made of hydrophobic material, when the ultrasonic generating component is switched to a non-working state, the adsorption surface is separated from the droplets to achieve liquid transfer.

[0022] The device of the present invention uses a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end to absorb and transfer droplets. The ultrasonic transducer is used to convert the electrical signal emitted by the signal generator into mechanical vibration. The transmitting element emits ultrasonic waves, and the ultrasonic effect is used to absorb and transfer the droplets. In the transfer process, the residual problem caused by wetting between the liquid and the gun tip or needle in the traditional pipetting method is overcome, so that the loss in the droplet transfer process is further reduced. At the same time, the adsorption surface of the transmitting element of the present invention has a first hydrophobic layer, which is convenient for adsorbing droplets of different sizes. At the same time, during the ultrasonic adsorption and transfer process, air is largely avoided from entering the droplet, ensuring the accuracy of the result.

[0023] The present invention also provides a droplet transfer method, which uses the above-mentioned device that uses a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end to adsorb and transfer droplets. The operation is convenient and can effectively improve the droplet transfer efficiency while ensuring the droplet transfer accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0025] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of a device for absorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 A process diagram of a water drop state in a specific experiment disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 A diagram showing the morphological change of a water droplet from static to stable adsorption in a specific experiment disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the morphological changes of a water droplet falling process after ultrasound is turned off in a specific experiment disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In the figure: 1. signal generator; 2. power amplifier; 3. oscilloscope; 4. control switch; 5. handle; 6. ultrasonic transducer; 7. amplitude transformer; 8. transmitting element; 9. first hydrophobic layer; 10. droplets to be transferred; 11. transfer platform. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device and method for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end, so as to solve the problems existing in the above-mentioned related technologies and improve the transfer accuracy and efficiency of droplets.

[0032] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0033] Embodiment 1

[0034] This embodiment provides a device that uses a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitter to absorb and transfer droplets. Please refer to Figure 1-Figure 4 , including an ultrasonic generating component and a transfer action component, wherein the ultrasonic generating component includes a signal generator 1 and an ultrasonic transducer 6, the signal generator 1 is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer 6, and the ultrasonic transducer 6 can emit ultrasonic waves; the transfer action component includes a transmitting element 8, the transmitting element 8 is connected to the output end of the ultrasonic transducer 6, the transmitting element 8 has an adsorption surface, when the ultrasonic generating component is working, the adsorption surface can adsorb droplets using the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the transmitting element 8; the adsorption surface has a first hydrophobic layer 9, the first hydrophobic layer 9 is made of hydrophobic material, when the ultrasonic generating component is switched to a non-working state, the adsorption surface is separated from the droplets to achieve liquid transfer.

[0035] The device of the present invention uses a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end to absorb and transfer droplets. The ultrasonic transducer 6 is used to convert the electrical signal emitted by the signal generator 1 into mechanical vibration. The transmitting element 8 emits ultrasonic waves and uses the ultrasonic effect to absorb and transfer the droplets. In the transfer process, the residual problem caused by wetting between the liquid and the gun tip or needle in the traditional pipetting method is overcome, so that the loss in the droplet transfer process is further reduced. At the same time, the adsorption surface of the transmitting element 8 of the present invention has a first hydrophobic layer 9, which is convenient for adsorbing droplets of different sizes. At the same time, during the process of ultrasonic adsorption and transfer, air is largely prevented from entering the droplet, ensuring the accuracy of the result.

[0036] The ultrasonic generating assembly further includes a power amplifier 2, and the signal generator 1 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 6 by means of the power amplifier 2, and the power amplifier 2 is used to amplify the electrical signal emitted by the signal generator 1. In this specific embodiment, the power amplifier 2 is also connected to an oscilloscope 3, and the oscilloscope 3 can display and monitor the waveform characteristics of the output electrical signal in real time, so that the operator can adjust the power of the signal generator 1 according to the operation requirements to meet different working conditions.

[0037] At the same time, the transfer action component also includes a horn 7, an ultrasonic transducer 6 is connected to the input end of the horn 7, and the output end of the horn 7 is connected to the transmitting element 8. The horn 7 can amplify the particle displacement or speed of the mechanical vibration so as to achieve the required amplitude in practical applications and meet the requirements of droplet transfer. In this specific embodiment, the output end of the horn 7 is connected to the transmitting element 8. In practical applications, the output end of the horn 7 can also be used as the transmitting end. The horn 7 can concentrate the ultrasonic energy on a smaller area to achieve an energy-gathering effect, thereby improving the local density and work efficiency of the energy, and thus can also meet the requirements of droplet adsorption and transfer. In other specific embodiments that can be realized by the present invention, the horn 7 is detachably connected to the transmitting element 8, which is convenient for disassembly and maintenance of the transmitting element 8. It is also possible to replace the transmitting elements 8 of different specifications and types according to different droplet transfer conditions to meet different transfer requirements and improve the flexibility and adaptability of the device that uses a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end to adsorb and transfer droplets.

[0038] In order to further facilitate the operation, the horn 7 is also connected to a handle 5, which is convenient for the operator to hold. In practical applications, a control switch 4 can be provided on the handle 5, and the control switch 4 is connected to the signal generator 1 for communication. The control switch 4 can be used to conveniently control the working state of the device, providing convenience for the operator.

[0039] Specifically, the transfer action component also includes a transfer platform 11, which can carry droplets. The droplets to be transferred are placed on the transfer platform 11, and the surface of the transfer platform 11 has a second hydrophobic layer. The hydrophobic ability of the second hydrophobic layer is stronger than that of the first hydrophobic layer 9 to ensure that the liquid can be transferred smoothly.

[0040] In this specific embodiment, the static water contact angle of the first hydrophobic layer 9 ranges from 90° to 110°. A suitable hydrophobic material can be selected according to actual needs. It should be noted that the static water contact angle of the second hydrophobic layer is kept larger than the static water contact angle of the first hydrophobic layer 9. Reasonable selection of the static water contact angles of the first hydrophobic layer 9 and the second hydrophobic layer can extend the service life of the device and save the cost of using the device while meeting the requirements of droplet transfer. It should be explained here that the reasonable selection of the hydrophobic materials of the first hydrophobic layer 9 and the second hydrophobic layer to avoid the reaction between the hydrophobic materials and the droplets is common knowledge of those skilled in the art and will not be repeated here.

[0041] In order to ensure smooth transfer of the droplets, the static water contact angle of the second hydrophobic layer is at least 15° greater than the static water contact angle of the first hydrophobic layer 9, further improving the reliability of the device in transferring the droplets.

[0042] In practical applications, the adsorption surface can be a plane, and the size of the plane can be adjusted according to the type of the droplet 10 to be transferred. In this specific embodiment, the characteristic size of the plane ranges from 5 mm to 50 mm. It should be explained here that the characteristic size of the plane is determined according to the specific shape of the plane, such as the length and width of a rectangular plane, the side length of a square plane, the diameter of a circular plane, etc.

[0043] In other specific embodiments that can be realized by the present invention, the adsorption surface can be set as a concave surface. When the static water contact angle of the second hydrophobic layer is only slightly larger than the static water contact angle of the first hydrophobic layer 9, the adsorption surface is set as a concave surface, which can enhance the adsorption stability of the emitting element 8. The concave surface can be set as a concave arc surface, and the arc surface can more accurately control the adsorption and release of the droplets, because the arc surface can form a stable "liquid spike", providing more precise control during the droplet transfer process, and further improving the working stability of the device.

[0044] Embodiment 2

[0045] The present embodiment provides a device that uses a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end to adsorb and transfer droplets. The first hydrophobic layer 9 of the adsorption surface of the present embodiment has a microscopic texture structure, such as a micro-nano structure. The micro-nano rough structure is conducive to forming a super-hydrophobic surface, thereby ensuring the hydrophobic properties of the first hydrophobic layer 9, and further ensuring that the device that uses a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end to adsorb and transfer droplets can smoothly achieve droplet transfer.

[0046] The other structures of the droplet transfer mechanism of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment and will not be described again here.

[0047] Embodiment 3

[0048] This embodiment provides a droplet transfer method, using the device for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end of the first or second embodiment, including the following steps:

[0049] The signal generator 1 inputs an electrical signal to the ultrasonic transducer 6, and the ultrasonic transducer 6 converts the electrical signal into mechanical vibration and transmits it to the transmitting element 8, which emits ultrasonic waves;

[0050] The adsorption surface of the emitting element 8 is used to adsorb the droplet 10 to be transferred. After the droplet 10 is transferred to the target position, the signal generator 1 is turned off, and the droplet falls to realize the transfer.

[0051] The droplet transfer method of this embodiment is easy to operate and uses the ultrasonic effect to adsorb and transfer droplets, thereby reducing losses during the droplet transfer process. While ensuring the droplet transfer accuracy, it can effectively improve the droplet transfer efficiency.

[0052] Embodiment 4

[0053] This embodiment provides a droplet transfer method, using the device for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end of the first embodiment, including the following steps:

[0054] S1. Turn on the switches of the signal generator 1 and the power amplifier 2. The electrical signal is emitted by the signal generator 1 and amplified by the power amplifier 2. S2. Hold the ultrasonic transducer 6 and turn on the control switch 4 to input the electrical signal. The ultrasonic transducer 6 converts the input electrical signal into mechanical vibration and amplifies it through the amplitude transformer 7 and then emits ultrasonic waves at the transmitting end. S3. The operating device adsorbs the water drop to be transferred on the transmitting element 8. When it is transferred to the target position, the control switch 4 is closed, and the water drop falls to achieve transfer.

[0055] Figure 2 The diagram of the water drop state process of the specific experiment of the present invention. The ultrasonic transducer 6 is held and the transmitting element 8 is brought close to and in contact with the water drop, and the control switch 4 is turned on and the water drop begins to be adsorbed. Figure 2 In the ad, the water droplets produce longitudinal oscillations during the adsorption process and eventually stabilize. Figure 2 After the water droplets are transferred to the target position, the control switch 4 is turned off and the water droplets begin to drip. Figure 2 In gj, the water drop remains stable after multiple oscillations.

[0056] Figure 3 The figure shows the morphological change of the water droplet from static to stable adsorption. D1 is the diameter of the circle where the water droplet contacts the ultrasonic emitting element 8; H is the height of the water droplet; and D2 is the diameter of the circle where the water droplet contacts the bottom. The diameter D0 of the spherical water droplet is used as a reference for normalization, and the normalized variable is represented by . It can be seen that after being adsorbed by the ultrasonic emitting element 8, the water droplet tends to be stable after several obvious oscillations, but the whole process is very fast, taking only 0.2s, and the transfer efficiency is relatively high.

[0057] Figure 4The figure shows the morphological changes of the water droplet falling process after the ultrasound is turned off. After the ultrasound is turned off, the water droplet falls, but because the second hydrophobic layer of the transfer platform 11 is a super-hydrophobic surface, the continuous oscillation of the water droplet gradually stabilizes. In actual applications, the oscillation frequency and time of the droplet will change according to the hydrophobicity of the transfer platform 11.

[0058] The first hydrophobic layer 9 and the second hydrophobic layer of the present invention can also be changed into a separation layer of the transferred liquid. The ability of the present invention to adsorb liquid is related to the ultrasonic power. The greater the power, the stronger the adsorption capacity. It should be pointed out that the adsorbed liquid will also be affected by ultrasonic oscillation. While the adsorption capacity is improved, the liquid will also be atomized. The greater the viscosity of the liquid, the greater the force it can withstand.

[0059] The ultrasonic power of the device for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end of the present invention can be achieved by changing the input power of the ultrasonic transducer 6 and adjusted through the power amplifier 2. The oscilloscope 3 can display the frequency and amplitude of the output electrical signal, which can be continuously adjusted according to the requirements of the adsorbed liquid to meet different droplet adsorption and transfer needs, thereby improving the flexibility and adaptability of the device.

[0060] The present invention uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The above examples are only used to help understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, according to the ideas of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. In summary, the content of this specification should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end, characterized in that: include: An ultrasonic generating component, the ultrasonic generating component comprising a signal generator and an ultrasonic transducer, the signal generator is electrically connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and the ultrasonic transducer can emit ultrasonic waves; A transfer action component, wherein the transfer action component includes a transmitting element, the transmitting element is connected to the output end of the ultrasonic transducer, and the transmitting element has an adsorption surface. When the ultrasonic generating component is working, the adsorption surface can adsorb droplets using the ultrasonic wave transmitted by the transmitting element; The adsorption surface has a first hydrophobic layer, which is made of a hydrophobic material. When the ultrasonic generating component is switched to a non-working state, the adsorption surface is separated from the liquid droplets to achieve liquid transfer.

2. The device for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic generating assembly further includes a power amplifier, and the signal generator is connected to the ultrasonic transducer using the power amplifier; The power amplifier is also connected to an oscilloscope.

3. The device for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer action component also includes a horn, the ultrasonic transducer is connected to the input end of the horn, and the output end of the horn is connected to the transmitting element.

4. The device for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end according to claim 3, characterized in that: The amplitude transformer is also connected to a handle; a control switch is arranged on the handle, and the control switch is communicatively connected with the signal generator.

5. The device for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The transfer action component also includes a transfer platform, which can carry droplets, and a second hydrophobic layer is provided on the surface of the transfer platform, and the hydrophobicity of the second hydrophobic layer is stronger than that of the first hydrophobic layer.

6. The device for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end according to claim 5, characterized in that: The static water contact angle of the first hydrophobic layer ranges from 90° to 110°, and the static water contact angle of the second hydrophobic layer is greater than that of the first hydrophobic layer.

7. The device for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end according to claim 6, characterized in that: The static water contact angle of the second hydrophobic layer is at least 15° greater than the static water contact angle of the first hydrophobic layer.

8. The device for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adsorption surface is a plane.

9. The device for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adsorption surface is a concave surface.

10. A droplet transfer method, characterized in that: The device for adsorbing and transferring droplets using a hydrophobic ultrasonic transmitting end as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 comprises the following steps: The signal generator inputs an electrical signal to the ultrasonic transducer, and the ultrasonic transducer converts the electrical signal into mechanical vibration and transmits it to the transmitting element, and the transmitting element emits ultrasonic waves; The adsorption surface of the emitting element is used to adsorb the droplets to be transferred. After the droplets are transferred to the target position, the signal generator is turned off, and the droplets fall to realize the transfer.

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