System and method for detecting parasites in experimental animal feces
By using a combination of microfluidic chip, fluorescent labeling module, image acquisition module and processing module in the experimental animal feces detection system, the problem of cumbersome and time-consuming operation of the microscope observation method is solved, and efficient and automated parasite detection is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510356716.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-20
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, parasite detection in experimental animal feces depends on microscopic observation method, which is cumbersome and time-consuming, making it difficult to improve detection efficiency.
The detection system including a microfluidic chip, a fluorescent marking module, an image acquisition module and a processing module is adopted to screen and separate the samples to be tested through the microfluidic chip. The fluorescent marking module automatically recognizes the target area, the image acquisition module collects image data, and the processing module performs rapid analysis to obtain detection results.
It realizes a high degree of automation of the detection process, reduces the uncertainty caused by human operations, shortens the detection cycle, improves the detection efficiency, and can complete the detection in a short time.
Smart Images
Figure CN120177435A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the technical field of microfluidic chips, and specifically relates to a detection system and method for parasites in the feces of experimental animals. Background Art
[0002] As a key cornerstone and support system for scientific research, experimental animals play a crucial role in basic research and product development in multiple disciplinary fields such as biology, medicine, and pharmacy.
[0003] The health status of experimental animals is directly related to the accuracy and reliability of experimental results. If experimental animals carry pathogens or are in a non-healthy state, experimental results may be interfered with, leading to incorrect scientific judgments. Given that parasitic infections are common health hazards in experimental animals, it is particularly important to monitor them for parasitic infections, aiming to block the transmission routes of diseases within the experimental animal population and between experimental animals and operators. Currently, for the detection of parasites in the feces of experimental animals, it mainly relies on the microscopic observation method by operators, but the process of microscopic observation is cumbersome and time-consuming.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a detection system and method for parasites in the feces of experimental animals that can solve the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This application provides a detection system and method for parasites in the feces of experimental animals. The system solves the problems of the cumbersome operation and long time consumption of the microscopic observation method relied on for the detection of parasites in the feces of experimental animals, and improves the detection efficiency.
[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a detection system for parasites in the feces of experimental animals. The detection system includes a microfluidic chip, a fluorescence labeling module, an image acquisition module, and a processing module. The microfluidic chip is connected to the fluorescence labeling module, the fluorescence labeling module is connected to the image acquisition module, and the image acquisition module is connected to the processing module. Among them, the microfluidic chip is used to screen a sample to be tested to obtain a target sample. The sample to be tested is a liquid containing animal feces, and the target sample includes the parasites to be tested. The fluorescence labeling module is used to determine the target area where the parasites to be tested are located in the target sample. The target area is the area that fluoresces after a preset treatment of the target sample. The image acquisition module is used to acquire the target area to obtain image data. The processing module is used to analyze the image data to obtain a detection result, and the detection result is used to indicate whether there are target type parasites in the sample to be tested.
[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the microfluidic chip is used to screen the sample to be tested, and the target sample is automatically separated. The target sample contains the parasite to be tested, which reduces the tediousness of manual screening and improves the efficiency of sample processing. The fluorescence labeling module can automatically identify the target area where the parasite to be tested is located in the target sample, facilitating subsequent image acquisition. The image acquisition module is responsible for capturing the fluorescently labeled area and generating image data. Then, the processing module is used to quickly and accurately analyze the acquired image data, which can further identify whether there are parasites of the target type in the sample to be tested and obtain the detection result. The entire detection process is highly automated, reducing the uncertainty brought by human operation and shortening the detection cycle. Thus, the detection can be completed in a relatively short time to improve the detection efficiency.
[0008] Optionally, the detection system further includes a sample loading module. The sample loading module is connected to the microfluidic chip. The sample loading module is used to automatically load the original fecal sample into the sample processing tube. The sample processing tube is used to dilute the original fecal sample to obtain the sample to be tested. The sample processing tube is connected to the microfluidic chip.
[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the sample loading module can automatically load the original fecal sample into the sample processing tube without manual operation, improving the convenience of operation. The sample processing tube dilutes the original fecal sample to obtain the sample to be tested suitable for microfluidic chip analysis. This process is automated without manually preparing the dilution solution and sample ratio, reducing operation complexity and errors.
[0010] Optionally, the detection system further includes a power supply module. The power supply module is connected to the microfluidic chip. The power supply module is used to supply power to the detection system. The power supply module can be either a battery or an external power supply.
[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the power supply module is introduced to supply power to the entire detection system. When the power supply module uses a battery for power supply, the detection system can be used portably. The power supply module supports two power supply methods, battery or external power supply, providing more flexible choices for users. Whether it is a battery or an external power supply, it can provide stable power support for the detection system.
[0012] Optionally, multiple microchannels and reaction chambers are integrated inside the microfluidic chip. The multiple microchannels include a thin-layer valve control channel and a liquid channel. The liquid channel is used to transport the sample to be tested. The thin-layer valve control channel is used to adjust the size to filter the sample to be tested and obtain the filtered sample. The thin-layer valve control channel is a channel with adjustable size. The reaction chamber is used to separate the parasites in the filtered sample to obtain the target sample.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solutions, the thin-layer valve control channel, as an adjustable-size channel, can precisely control the flow path of the sample to be tested. By adjusting the size of the thin-layer valve control channel, effective filtration of particulate matters of different sizes can be achieved, thereby improving the detection accuracy. The liquid channel is designed for efficient transmission of the sample to be tested, ensuring smooth and rapid flow of the sample within the microfluidic chip. The reaction chamber is used to separate impurities and parasites in the filtered sample, reducing the interference of impurities in the sample on parasite detection.
[0014] Optionally, the microfluidic chip is made of a transparent polymer material.
[0015] By adopting the above technical solutions, the transparent polymer material has excellent light transmittance, which enables the microchannels and reaction chambers inside the microfluidic chip to be clearly presented during optical detection. Moreover, the transparent polymer material usually has good mechanical strength and toughness, making the microfluidic chip not easily damaged during use.
[0016] Optionally, the fluorescence labeling module is used to determine the target area in one of the following ways: irradiating the target sample with a target light source to determine the target area, and the parasite to be tested emits fluorescence under the irradiation of the target light source; chemically reacting the target sample with a fluorescent dye to determine the target area, and the parasite to be tested emits fluorescence after a chemical reaction with the fluorescent dye.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solutions, when the target light source irradiates the parasite to be tested, if the parasites themselves have fluorescence properties, they will emit fluorescence under the excitation of the light source. This direct excitation method makes the fluorescence signal clearer and stronger, thus improving the detection sensitivity; by specifically binding the fluorescent dye to the target parasite through a chemical reaction, precise labeling of the parasite can be achieved. This labeling method has high specificity and selectivity, ensuring that only the target parasite is labeled and emits fluorescence, thereby improving the detection accuracy.
[0018] Optionally, the processing module includes a processor and a display. The processor is connected to the display. The processor is used to analyze the image data to obtain the detection result, and the display is used to display the detection result.
[0019] By adopting the above technical solutions, the processor can efficiently process the image data obtained from the image acquisition module, analyze and identify the image through complex algorithms, and thus quickly obtain the detection result. This efficient data processing ability enables the system to provide accurate detection results in a short time, saving time for users. Due to the close connection between the processor and the display, once the processor completes data analysis and obtains the detection result, the display can immediately display the result.
[0020] Optionally, the detection result further includes the number of parasites of the target type, where the number of parasites of the target type is the total number of parasites of the target type in the sample to be tested.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, through the precise analysis of the image data by the processor, the total number of parasites of the target type in the sample to be tested can be accurately calculated. This quantitative analysis ability makes the detection result more objective and accurate, avoiding the errors caused by subjective judgment. The result of the quantitative analysis makes the data between different samples or samples collected at different time points comparable. This helps researchers conduct in-depth research and analysis on the infection degree, change trend, etc. of parasites.
[0022] In the second aspect of the present application, a method for detecting parasites in the feces of experimental animals is provided. It is applied to the detection system of any one of the above, and a sample to be tested is obtained. The sample to be tested is a liquid containing animal feces. The microfluidic chip is used to screen the sample to be tested to obtain a target sample, and the target sample includes the parasites to be tested. The fluorescence labeling module is used to determine the target area where the parasites to be tested are located in the target sample, and the target area is the area that generates fluorescence after preset processing of the target sample. The image acquisition module is used to collect the target area to obtain image data, so that the processing module can analyze the image data to obtain a detection result, and the detection result is used to indicate whether there are parasites of the target type in the sample to be tested.
[0023] Optionally, an original fecal sample is obtained, and the sample loading module is used to automatically load the original fecal sample into the sample processing tube, so that the sample processing tube can dilute the original fecal sample to obtain the sample to be tested.
[0024] Optionally, the power module is used to supply power to the detection system, and the power module is any one of a battery or an external power supply.
[0025] Optionally, multiple microchannels and reaction chambers are integrated inside the microfluidic chip. The multiple microchannels include a thin-layer valve control channel and a liquid channel. The sample to be tested is transmitted through the liquid channel, the size of the thin-layer valve control channel is adjusted, and the adjusted thin-layer valve control channel is used to filter the sample to be tested to obtain a filtered sample. The reaction chamber is used to separate the parasites from the filtered sample to obtain the target sample.
[0026] Optionally, the microfluidic chip is made of a transparent polymer material.
[0027] Optionally, the target area where the parasite to be detected is located in the target sample is determined by the fluorescence labeling module, specifically including: irradiating the target sample with a target light source to determine the target area, and the parasite to be detected generates fluorescence under the irradiation of the target light source; chemically reacting the target sample with a fluorescent dye to determine the target area, and the parasite to be detected generates fluorescence after a chemical reaction with the fluorescent dye.
[0028] Optionally, the processing module includes a processor and a display. The processor analyzes the image data to obtain a detection result, and sends the detection result to the display for displaying the detection result.
[0029] Optionally, the image data is analyzed by the processing module to obtain a detection result, where the detection result includes the target type of parasite and the number of the target type of parasite, and the number of the target type of parasite is the total number of the target type of parasite in the sample to be detected.
[0030] In summary, one or more technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application have at least the following technical effects or advantages: 1. The sample to be detected is screened by the microfluidic chip, and the target sample is automatically separated. The target sample contains the parasite to be detected, reducing the tediousness of manual screening and improving the efficiency of sample processing. The fluorescence labeling module can automatically identify the target area where the parasite to be detected is located in the target sample, facilitating subsequent image acquisition. The image acquisition module is responsible for capturing the fluorescently labeled area and generating image data, and then the processing module quickly and accurately analyzes the acquired image data, which can further identify whether there is a target type of parasite in the sample to be detected and obtain a detection result. The entire detection process is highly automated, reducing the uncertainty brought by human operation and shortening the detection cycle, and thus completing the detection in a short time to improve the detection efficiency.
[0031] 2. The sample loading module can automatically load the original fecal sample into the sample processing tube without manual operation, improving the convenience of operation. The sample processing tube dilutes the original fecal sample to obtain a sample to be detected suitable for microfluidic chip analysis. This process is automated without manually adjusting the dilution ratio of the diluent and the sample, reducing the operation complexity and error. Description of the Drawings
[0032] Figure 1 is the first structural schematic diagram of a detection system for experimental animal fecal parasites provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 is the second structural schematic diagram of a detection system for experimental animal fecal parasites provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3It is the third structural schematic diagram of a detection system for fecal parasites of experimental animals provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 It is a schematic flow chart of a detection method for fecal parasites of experimental animals provided by an embodiment of the present application.
[0033] Explanation of reference numerals: 101, microfluidic chip; 102, fluorescence labeling module; 103, image acquisition module; 104, processing module; 105, sample loading module; 106, power supply module; 301, liquid channel; 302, thin-layer valve control channel; 303, reaction chamber; 304, area to be detected. Detailed implementation manners
[0034] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in this specification, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments.
[0035] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, words such as "for example" or "for illustration" are used to represent examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "for example" or "for illustration" in the embodiments of the present application should not be construed as being more preferred or having more advantages than other embodiments or design solutions. Exactly speaking, the use of words such as "for example" or "for illustration" is intended to present related concepts in a specific manner.
[0036] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of the term "a plurality of" refers to two or more. For example, a plurality of systems refers to two or more systems, and a plurality of screen terminals refers to two or more screen terminals. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the technical features indicated. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. The terms "include", "comprise", "have" and their variants all mean "including but not limited to", unless otherwise specifically emphasized in other ways.
[0037] As a key cornerstone and support system for scientific research, experimental animals play a crucial role in basic research and product development in multiple disciplinary fields such as biology, medicine, and pharmacy.
[0038] The health status of laboratory animals is directly related to the accuracy and reliability of experimental results. If laboratory animals carry pathogens or are in a non - healthy state, experimental results may be interfered with, leading to incorrect scientific conclusions. Given that parasitic infections are common health risks for laboratory animals, it is particularly important to monitor them for parasitic infections in order to block the transmission routes of diseases within the laboratory animal population and between laboratory animals and operators. Currently, the detection of parasites in the feces of laboratory animals mainly relies on microscopic observation by operators, but the microscopic observation process is cumbersome and time - consuming.
[0039] Therefore, how to solve the problems of the cumbersome operation and long time consumption of the microscopic observation method currently relied on for detecting parasites in the feces of laboratory animals. An experimental animal feces parasite detection system provided by an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 is the first structural schematic diagram of an experimental animal feces parasite detection system provided by an embodiment of the present application, as Figure 1 shown, the detection system includes a microfluidic chip 101, a fluorescence labeling module 102, an image acquisition module 103, and a processing module 104. The microfluidic chip 101 is connected to the fluorescence labeling module 102, the fluorescence labeling module 102 is connected to the image acquisition module 103, and the image acquisition module 103 is connected to the processing module 104. Among them, the microfluidic chip 101 is used to screen the sample to be tested to obtain a target sample. The sample to be tested is a liquid containing animal feces, and the target sample includes the parasite to be tested; the fluorescence labeling module 102 is used to determine the target area where the parasite to be tested in the target sample is located. The target area is the area that produces fluorescence after a preset treatment of the target sample; The image acquisition module 103 is used to collect the target area to obtain image data; the processing module 104 is used to analyze the image data to obtain a detection result, and the detection result is used to indicate whether there are parasites of the target type in the sample to be tested.
[0040] Specifically, based on the experimental operator obtaining the feces of the experimental animal, the operator then places the obtained original fecal sample at the sample inlet of the detection system so that the detection system can start processing the original fecal sample to obtain a sample to be tested. At this time, the sample to be tested is a liquid containing animal feces. Then, the sample to be tested is loaded into the microfluidic chip 101. Loading can be understood as placing the sample to be tested at the detection inlet of the microfluidic chip 101 so that the microfluidic chip 101 can process the sample to be tested. After the microfluidic chip 101 obtains the sample to be tested, it starts to screen the sample to be tested. Screening means first filtering the sample to be tested to obtain a filtered sample, and then separating the parasites and impurities in the filtered sample through microfluidic technology to obtain a target sample. Therefore, the target sample includes the parasites to be tested. The microfluidic chip 101 sends the screened target sample to the fluorescence labeling module 102. The fluorescence labeling module 102 receives the target sample sent by the microfluidic chip 101. After the fluorescence labeling module 102 processes the target sample by using a preset process, a fluorescent area is generated. The area that generates fluorescence in the target sample is defined as the target area where the parasites to be tested are located. The target area refers to the general term for all areas that generate fluorescence in the target sample. That is, there can be multiple areas that generate fluorescence in the target sample. At this time, the target area refers to multiple areas that generate fluorescence. The fluorescence labeling module 102 sends the target area to the image acquisition module 103. The image acquisition module 103 receives the target area sent by the fluorescence labeling module 102. The image acquisition module 103 includes a micro-microscope and a Charge-Coupled Device camera (abbreviated as CCD camera). The target area is magnified by using the micro-microscope, and then the magnified target area is imaged by using the CCD camera to obtain image data. The image acquisition module 103 sends the image data to the processing module 104. After the processing module 104 receives the image data sent by the image acquisition module 103, it analyzes and processes the image data to obtain a detection result. The detection result includes whether there are target type parasites in the sample to be tested. The target type parasites refer to the type of parasites that the experimental operator needs to determine. For example, if the experimental operator needs to determine whether there are nematodes in the animal feces, the animal feces can be obtained first, and then the detection system disclosed in this application can be used to detect the animal feces in sequence to determine whether there are nematodes in the animal feces. At this time, the target type parasites refer to nematodes.
[0041] In a possible implementation manner, the detection system further includes a power supply module 106 and a sample loading module 105, such as Figure 2As shown, the sample loading module 105 is connected to the microfluidic chip 101. The sample loading module 105 is used to automatically load the original fecal sample into the sample processing tube. The sample processing tube is used to dilute the original fecal sample to obtain a sample to be tested. The sample processing tube is connected to the microfluidic chip 101. The power supply module 106 is connected to the microfluidic chip 101. The power supply module 106 is used to supply power to the detection system. The power supply module 106 can be either a battery or an external power supply.
[0042] Specifically, the sample loading module 105 includes a sample inlet and a micro-injection pump. After the operator places the obtained original fecal sample at the sample inlet, the original fecal sample is loaded into the sample processing tube through the micro-injection pump. The sample processing tube is connected to the micro-injection pump in the sample loading module 105. After determining that the original fecal sample has been loaded, the sample processing tube starts to dilute the original fecal sample to obtain a sample to be tested suitable for analysis by the microfluidic chip 101. Due to the integration of the sample loading module 105 and the sample processing tube, the user only needs to place the original fecal sample at the sample inlet, and the detection system can automatically complete the subsequent processing and analysis work. The dilution process in the sample processing tube follows preset parameters and conditions, ensuring the consistency and accuracy of each dilution. This helps to reduce detection errors caused by improper dilution. The sample processing tube then sends the diluted sample to be tested into the microfluidic chip 101. The microfluidic chip 101 receives the sample to be tested and screens the sample to be tested. The power supply module 106 is introduced to supply power to the detection system. When the power supply module 106 uses battery power, the detection system can be used portably. This means that the detection system can work in an environment without an external power supply, such as outside the laboratory, during field investigations, or in mobile medical facilities, greatly expanding the application scenarios of the detection system. The power supply module 106 supports two power supply methods, battery or external power supply, providing users with more flexible choices. In the laboratory or an environment with a stable power supply, an external power supply can be used to ensure long-term and stable power supply; in an environment where mobility or power instability is required, battery power can be selected. Whether it is a battery or an external power supply, it can provide stable power support for the detection system. This ensures that the system will not be interrupted due to insufficient power during operation, thus guaranteeing the continuity and accuracy of the detection.
[0043] In a possible implementation manner, Figure 3 is the overall structure diagram of the microfluidic chip 101. As Figure 3 shown, the liquid channel 301. In Figure 3 the channel circled by a dotted line in is the liquid channel 301. It can be understood that the channel from top to bottom is the liquid channel. The thin-layer valve control channel 302. The thin-layer valve control channel 302 is Figure 3The channel that will control the flow of the sample to be tested into the reaction chamber, the thin-layer valve control channel 302 is arranged in the liquid channel 301 and is used to control the channel size of the liquid channel for the flow-through of the sample to be tested. It can be understood that the straight channel from left to right refers to the thin-layer valve control channel 302. The reaction chamber 303, in Figure 3 the ellipse in it refers to the reaction chamber 303, the area to be detected 304, in Figure 3Each small rectangle represents the area to be detected 304. The microfluidic chip 101 is used to screen the sample to be tested to obtain the target sample. The microfluidic chip 101 is made of a transparent polymer material. Multiple microchannels and reaction chambers 303 are integrated inside the microfluidic chip 101. The multiple microchannels include a thin-layer valve control channel 302 and a liquid channel 301. The liquid channel 301 is used to transport the sample to be tested. The thin-layer valve control channel 302 is used to adjust the size to filter the sample to be tested to obtain a filtered sample. The thin-layer valve control channel 302 is a channel with adjustable size. The reaction chamber 303 is used to separate the parasites in the filtered sample to obtain the target sample. Specifically, the transparent polymer material has excellent light transmittance, which enables the microchannels and reaction chambers 303 inside the microfluidic chip 101 to be clearly presented during the optical detection process. And the easy processability and plasticity of the polymer material enable the microfluidic chip 101 to be more easily integrated with other functional modules, such as a sample loading module 105, a fluorescence labeling module 102, an image acquisition module 103, etc. This integrated design helps to achieve the automation and intelligence of the detection system, improving the detection efficiency and accuracy. Finally, the polymer material is light in weight and small in volume, which is convenient for carrying and transportation and is suitable for various experimental environments and scenarios. Since the microfluidic chip 101 includes multiple microchannels and reaction chambers 303, and the multiple microchannels include a thin-layer valve control channel 302 and a liquid channel 301. The sample processing tube is connected to the liquid channel 301, and the sample processing tube transports the sample to be tested to the liquid channel 301. The liquid channel 301 is connected to the thin-layer valve control channel 302. The thin-layer valve control channel 302 is used to filter the sample to be tested transported in the liquid channel 301. The thin-layer valve control channel 302 is a channel with adjustable size and can precisely control the flow path of the sample to be tested and the effective filtration of different particulate matters. This flexibility enables the microfluidic chip 101 to precisely filter and separate the sample according to different experimental requirements. The size of the thin-layer valve control channel 302 is determined based on the size of the target type of parasite. For example, if the size of the target type of parasite is the first value, the size of the thin-layer valve control channel 302 needs to be adjusted to the first value. By adjusting the size of the thin-layer valve control channel 302, effective filtration of different-sized particulate matters can be achieved. This function is particularly important in parasite detection because it can remove impurities and retain the target parasites, thereby improving the detection accuracy and sensitivity. The sample to be tested is filtered through the thin-layer valve control channel 302 to obtain a filtered sample, and then the filtered sample is sent to the reaction chamber 303. After receiving the filtered sample, the reaction chamber 303 separates the parasites in the filtered sample to obtain the target sample. Then the target sample is sent to the area to be detected 304, and the area to be detected 304 receives the target sample that has been filtered and separated.The microfluidic chip 101 integrates multiple microchannels and reaction chambers 303 internally, achieving the integration of sample processing, filtration, and separation. This highly integrated design reduces the dependence on external devices and lowers the complexity and cost of the system.
[0044] In a possible implementation, the fluorescence labeling module 102 is used to determine the target area in one of the following ways: irradiating the target sample with a target light source to determine the target area, where the parasite to be detected emits fluorescence under the irradiation of the target light source; performing a chemical reaction on the target sample with a fluorescent dye to determine the target area, where the parasite to be detected emits fluorescence after a chemical reaction with the fluorescent dye. Specifically, the microfluidic chip 101 is connected to the fluorescence labeling module 102. The microfluidic chip 101 sends the target sample to the fluorescence labeling module 102. After receiving the target sample, the fluorescence labeling module 102 selects a suitable fluorescence labeling method according to the characteristics of the target type of parasite. When the parasite to be detected itself has fluorescence properties, a target light source can be used to irradiate the target sample, and then the area where the target sample emits fluorescence under the irradiation of the target light source is determined and defined as the target area. The fluorescent area refers to the area where the parasite to be detected is located. When there are multiple fluorescent areas in the target sample, one fluorescent area corresponds to one sub-area, and the target area consists of multiple sub-areas. When a target light source (such as a laser or LED light source with a specific wavelength) irradiates the parasite to be detected, since the parasite itself has fluorescence properties, they will emit fluorescence under the excitation of the light source. This direct excitation method makes the fluorescence signal clearer and stronger, thus improving the detection sensitivity. When the parasite to be detected itself does not have fluorescence properties, a fluorescent coating can be added to the target sample to make the parasite to be detected in the target sample undergo a chemical reaction with the fluorescent coating, thereby achieving precise labeling of the parasite. By specifically binding the fluorescent dye to the target parasite through a chemical reaction, precise labeling of the parasite can be achieved. This labeling method has high specificity and selectivity, ensuring that only the target parasite is labeled and emits fluorescence, thus improving the detection accuracy. The fluorescence labeling technology makes the target parasite show a bright fluorescence signal under the microscope, thereby realizing the visual observation of the parasite. After obtaining the target area, the fluorescence labeling module 102 sends the target area to the image acquisition module 103. After receiving the target area, since the image acquisition module 103 includes a micro-microscope and a Charge-Coupled Device camera (abbreviated as CCD camera), the target area is magnified by using the micro-microscope, and then the magnified target area is imaged by using the CCD camera to obtain image data.
[0045] In a possible implementation, the processing module 104 includes a processor and a display. The processor is connected to the display. The processor is used to analyze the image data to obtain a detection result, and the display is used to display the detection result. Specifically, the processor is used to receive the image data sent by the image acquisition module 103. The processor analyzes and identifies the image data through an algorithm to quickly obtain a detection result. The detection result includes not only the target type of parasite but also the number of the target type of parasite. The number of the target type of parasite is the total number of the target type of parasite in the sample to be tested. That is, after processing and identifying the image data, the processor determines whether there is a target type of parasite in the sample to be tested. If there is a target type of parasite in the sample to be tested, the number of the target type of parasite is then counted. At this time, the detection result is the name of the target type of parasite and the number of the target type of parasite. Then, the name of the target type of parasite and the number of the target type of parasite are sent to the display. After receiving the name of the target type of parasite and the number of the target type of parasite sent by the processor, the display displays the name of the target type of parasite and the number of the target type of parasite. If there is no target type of parasite in the sample to be tested, the detection result at this time is that there is no target type of parasite in the sample to be tested. The fact that there is no target type of parasite in the sample to be tested is sent to the display, and the display receives and displays the fact that there is no target type of parasite in the sample to be tested.
[0046] Through an automated and integrated design, the above detection system uses the sample loading module 105 and the sample processing tube to dilute the original fecal sample to obtain a sample to be tested, and then screens the sample to be tested through the microfluidic chip 101 to automatically separate the target sample. The target sample contains the parasite to be tested, reducing the tediousness of manual screening and improving the efficiency of sample processing. The fluorescence labeling module 102 can automatically identify the target area where the parasite to be tested is located in the target sample, facilitating subsequent image acquisition. The image acquisition module 103 is responsible for capturing the fluorescently labeled area to generate image data, and then uses the processing module 104 to quickly and accurately analyze the acquired image data, which can further identify whether there is a target type of parasite in the sample to be tested to obtain a detection result, and then displays the detection result through the display. The entire detection process is highly automated, reducing the uncertainty brought by human operation and shortening the detection cycle, so as to complete the detection in a shorter time and improve the detection efficiency.
[0047] The embodiment of the present application also provides a method for detecting parasites in the feces of experimental animals. Figure 4It is a schematic flowchart of a method for detecting fecal parasites in experimental animals provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method is applied to a detection system, which includes a microfluidic chip 101, a fluorescence labeling module 102, an image acquisition module 103, and a processing module 104. The microfluidic chip 101 is connected to the fluorescence labeling module 102, the fluorescence labeling module 102 is connected to the image acquisition module 103, and the image acquisition module 103 is connected to the processing module 104. Refer to steps S401 - S404; S401: Obtain a sample to be tested, where the sample to be tested is a liquid containing animal feces.
[0048] S402: Use the microfluidic chip 101 to screen the sample to be tested to obtain a target sample, where the target sample includes the parasite to be tested.
[0049] S403: Determine the target area where the parasite to be tested is located in the target sample through the fluorescence labeling module 102. The target area is the area that emits fluorescence after a preset treatment of the target sample.
[0050] S404: Use the image acquisition module 103 to collect the target area to obtain image data, so that the processing module 104 can analyze the image data to obtain a detection result, and the detection result is used to indicate whether there is a parasite of the target type in the sample to be tested.
[0051] In the above method, based on the experiment operator obtaining the feces of the experimental animal, the operator then places the obtained original fecal sample at the sample inlet of the detection system so that the detection system starts to process the original fecal sample to obtain a sample to be tested. At this time, the sample to be tested is a liquid containing animal feces. Then, the sample to be tested is loaded into the microfluidic chip 101. Loading can be understood as placing the sample to be tested at the detection inlet of the microfluidic chip 101 so that the microfluidic chip 101 processes the sample to be tested. After the microfluidic chip 101 obtains the sample to be tested, it starts to screen the sample to be tested. Screening means first filtering the sample to be tested to obtain a filtered sample, and then separating the parasites and impurities in the filtered sample through microfluidic technology to obtain a target sample. Therefore, the target sample includes the parasite to be tested. The microfluidic chip 101 sends the screened target sample to the fluorescence labeling module 102. The fluorescence labeling module 102 receives the target sample sent by the microfluidic chip 101. After the fluorescence labeling module 102 processes the target sample by using a preset process, a fluorescent area is generated. The area that generates fluorescence in the target sample is defined as the target area where the parasite to be tested is located. The target area refers to the general term of all areas that generate fluorescence in the target sample. That is, there may be multiple areas that generate fluorescence in the target sample. At this time, the target area refers to multiple areas that generate fluorescence. The fluorescence labeling module 102 sends the target area to the image acquisition module 103. The image acquisition module 103 receives the target area sent by the fluorescence labeling module 102. The image acquisition module 103 includes a micro microscope and a Charge-Coupled Device camera (abbreviated as CCD camera). The target area is magnified by using the micro microscope, and then the magnified target area is imaged by using the CCD camera to obtain image data. The image acquisition module 103 sends the image data to the processing module 104. After the processing module 104 receives the image data sent by the image acquisition module 103, it analyzes and processes the image data to obtain a detection result. The detection result includes whether there is a target type parasite in the sample to be tested. The target type parasite refers to the type of parasite that the experiment operator needs to determine. For example, if the experiment operator needs to determine whether there are nematodes in the animal feces, the animal feces can be obtained first, and then the detection system disclosed in this application can be used to detect the animal feces in sequence to determine whether there are nematodes in the animal feces. At this time, the target type parasite refers to nematodes.
[0052] In a possible implementation manner, the original fecal sample is obtained, and the sample loading module 105 is used to automatically load the original fecal sample into the sample processing tube so that the sample processing tube dilutes the original fecal sample to obtain a sample to be tested.
[0053] In a possible implementation, the detection system is powered by a power supply module 106, and the power supply module 106 can be either a battery or an external power supply.
[0054] In a possible implementation, a plurality of microchannels and reaction chambers 303 are integrated inside the microfluidic chip 101. The plurality of microchannels include a thin-film valve control channel 302 and a liquid channel 301. The liquid sample to be tested is transported through the liquid channel 301, the size of the thin-film valve control channel 302 is adjusted, and the adjusted thin-film valve control channel 302 is used to filter the sample to be tested to obtain a filtered sample; the reaction chamber 303 is used to separate parasites from the filtered sample to obtain a target sample.
[0055] In a possible implementation, the microfluidic chip 101 is made of a transparent polymer material.
[0056] In a possible implementation, the fluorescence labeling module 102 is used to determine the target area where the parasite to be tested is located in the target sample, which specifically includes: irradiating the target sample with a target light source to determine the target area, and the parasite to be tested emits fluorescence under the irradiation of the target light source; chemically reacting the target sample with a fluorescent dye to determine the target area, and the parasite to be tested emits fluorescence after reacting with the fluorescent dye.
[0057] In a possible implementation, the processing module 104 includes a processor and a display. The processor is used to analyze the image data to obtain a detection result, and the detection result is sent to the display so that the display can display the detection result.
[0058] In a possible implementation, the image data is analyzed by the processing module 104 to obtain a detection result. The detection result includes the target type of parasite and the number of the target type of parasite. The number of the target type of parasite is the total number of the target type of parasite in the sample to be tested.
[0059] It should be noted that: the method provided in the above embodiments can be completed according to the different functional modules in the detection system when realizing its functions. In addition, the method and system embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and the specific implementation process can be seen in the system embodiments, which will not be elaborated here.
[0060] The above are only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure cannot be limited thereby. That is, any equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure still fall within the scope covered by the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily think of other embodiments of the present disclosure after considering the specification. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include well-known common general knowledge or conventional technical means in the technical field not recorded in the present disclosure.
Claims
1. A system for detecting parasites in feces of experimental animals, characterized in that: The detection system comprises a microfluidic chip (101), a fluorescent labeling module (102), an image acquisition module (103) and a processing module (104), wherein the microfluidic chip (101) is connected to the fluorescent labeling module (102), the fluorescent labeling module (102) is connected to the image acquisition module (103), and the image acquisition module (103) is connected to the processing module (104), wherein; The microfluidic chip (101) is used to screen a sample to be tested to obtain a target sample, wherein the sample to be tested is a liquid containing animal feces, and the target sample includes a parasite to be tested; The fluorescent marking module (102) is used to determine a target area in the target sample where the parasite to be detected is located, the target area being an area where fluorescence is generated after the target sample is subjected to a preset process; The image acquisition module (103) is used to acquire image data from the target area; The processing module (104) is used to analyze the image data to obtain a detection result, and the detection result is used to indicate whether a target type of parasite exists in the sample to be tested.
2. The detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection system further comprises a sample loading module (105), the sample loading module (105) being connected to the microfluidic chip (101), the sample loading module (105) being used to automatically load the original stool sample into a sample processing tube, the sample processing tube being used to dilute the original stool sample to obtain the sample to be tested, the sample processing tube being connected to the microfluidic chip (101).
3. The detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection system further comprises a power module (106), wherein the power module (106) is connected to the microfluidic chip (101), and the power module (106) is used to supply power to the detection system. The power module (106) is any one of a battery and an external power supply.
4. The detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The microfluidic chip (101) has multiple microchannels and reaction chambers (303) integrated therein. The multiple microchannels include a thin-layer valve control channel (302) and a liquid channel (301). The liquid channel (301) is used to transmit the sample to be tested. The thin-layer valve control channel (302) is used to adjust the size to filter the sample to be tested to obtain a filtered sample. The thin-layer valve control channel (302) is a channel with adjustable size. The reaction chamber (303) is used to separate parasites in the filtered sample to obtain the target sample.
5. The detection system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The microfluidic chip (101) is made of transparent polymer material.
6. The detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fluorescent marking module (102) is used to determine the target area in one of the following ways: The target sample is illuminated by a target light source to determine the target area, and the parasite to be detected generates fluorescence under the illumination of the target light source; The target sample is chemically reacted with a fluorescent dye to determine the target area, and the parasite to be detected generates fluorescence after chemically reacting with the fluorescent dye.
7. The detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The processing module (104) comprises a processor and a display, the processor being connected to the display, the processor being used to analyze the image data to obtain the detection result, and the display being used to display the detection result.
8. The detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection result also includes the number of target type parasites, and the number of target type parasites is the total number of target type parasites in the sample to be tested.
9. A method for detecting parasites in feces of experimental animals, characterized in that: The method is applied to the detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, Obtaining a sample to be tested, wherein the sample to be tested is a liquid containing animal feces; Using a microfluidic chip (101) to screen the sample to be tested to obtain a target sample, wherein the target sample includes the parasite to be tested; Determining a target area in the target sample where the parasite to be detected is located by a fluorescent labeling module (102), wherein the target area is an area where fluorescence is generated after the target sample is subjected to a preset process; The target area is captured using an image acquisition module (103) to obtain image data, so that the processing module (104) analyzes the image data to obtain a detection result, and the detection result is used to indicate whether a target type of parasite exists in the sample to be tested.