Perforated plate temperature control equipment and microfluidic system

Abstract

The invention discloses perforated plate temperature control equipment and a micro-fluidic device, a perforated plate assembly of the perforated plate temperature control equipment comprises a perforated plate and a supporting structure, when the supporting structure is separated from a mounting rack, the perforated plate can be mounted on the supporting structure, an operator mounts the supporting structure in the mounting rack, the perforated plate is in a working state at the moment, and the perforated plate is in a non-working state. The temperature control assembly can control the temperature of the perforated plate and the opening of the perforated plate; the first temperature control structure is used for regulating the temperature of the bottom of the porous plate, so that the growth temperature of cells or microorganisms can be conveniently regulated; the second temperature control structure is used for regulating and controlling the temperature at the opening of the porous plate, so that water vapor is prevented from being condensed near the opening of the porous plate to influence the cultivation of cells or microorganisms; the second temperature control structure is fixed on the mounting frame through the cover pressing plate, and the second temperature control structure can control the temperature of the openings of the perforated plate as long as the perforated plate is in a working state, so that the phenomenon that the second temperature control structure cannot control the temperature of all the openings of the whole perforated plate is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of microfluidics technology, and in particular relates to a multi-well plate temperature control device and a microfluidics system. Background Art

[0002] Microfluidics was initially applied in gas chromatographs, where chip structures were fabricated on silicon wafers using photolithography. It subsequently evolved into microfluidic capillary electrophoresis instruments and microreactors. One of the key characteristics of microfluidics is the unique fluid properties found in microscale environments, such as laminar flow and droplets. Leveraging these unique fluid phenomena, microfluidics enables a range of microfabrication and micromanipulation techniques that are difficult to achieve using conventional methods. Currently, microfluidics holds enormous potential and broad application prospects in biomedical research.

[0003] In a microfluidic system, after suitable microorganisms are screened on a microfluidic chip, they are transferred to a multi-well plate for cell culture, allowing for large-scale cultivation of the target microorganisms. When culturing cells or microorganisms, the temperature within the microfluidic system needs to be regulated, as different microorganisms have different optimal growth environments. However, some microorganisms have lower growth temperatures. When the temperature is adjusted to a lower level, water vapor within the microfluidic system will condense at the openings of the multi-well plate, causing moisture and microorganisms in the air to contaminate the culture environment within the multi-well plate, affecting the normal cultivation of cells or microorganisms. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a multi-well plate temperature control device and a microfluidic system to address the existing problems.

[0005] The present invention provides a multi-hole plate temperature control device, comprising:

[0006] Mounting rack;

[0007] A porous plate assembly, comprising a porous plate and a support structure for mounting the porous plate, wherein the support structure is detachably mounted in the mounting frame;

[0008] a temperature control assembly comprising a first temperature control structure disposed below the porous plate and a second temperature control structure disposed above the porous plate, wherein the first temperature control structure is fixed to the mounting frame; and

[0009] The cover plate is arranged on the mounting frame and located above the porous plate, and the second temperature control structure is arranged on the side of the cover plate facing the porous plate.

[0010] Preferably, the projection position of the porous plate on the second temperature control structure corresponds to the temperature control zone, the temperature control zone of the second temperature control structure is provided with a plurality of through-holes corresponding to the openings of the porous plate, and a temperature control unit is provided on the outside of the through-holes.

[0011] Preferably, the second temperature control structure is a heating film provided on the side of the cover plate, and the heating film is adhered to the cover plate.

[0012] Preferably, the cover plate includes a fixing area for fixing the second temperature control structure, and a connecting area for fixing the cover plate. At least two connecting members are provided on the top of the mounting frame, and the cover plate and the mounting frame can be fixed by the cooperation between each of the connecting members and the connecting area.

[0013] Preferably, the mounting frame includes a mounting area for mounting the support structure, at least two connecting members are provided on the outside of the mounting area, the upper end surface of the connecting member is a conical guide surface, and the connection area of ​​the cover plate is provided with a plurality of connecting holes corresponding to the connecting members, respectively, and each of the connecting members is respectively inserted into one of the connecting holes.

[0014] Preferably, the cover plate is further provided with a movable plate which can slide back and forth on the cover plate, the moving range of the movable plate corresponds to the position of the temperature control zone, and the top of the cover plate is further provided with a limiting column located in the moving range of the movable plate.

[0015] Preferably, the first temperature control structure includes a temperature regulating component, a heat sink for heat exchange, and a fan for dissipating heat from the heat sink, which are arranged in sequence from top to bottom. The temperature regulating component is arranged below the bottom of the porous plate.

[0016] The present application also provides a microfluidic system comprising the above-mentioned multi-well plate temperature control device, wherein the multi-well plate temperature control device can be installed with a multi-well plate for culturing microorganisms. The microfluidic system also includes a liquid injection device for culturing microorganisms and a sampling device for sampling from the multi-well plate. The present application also provides an embodiment of a microfluidic system comprising the above-mentioned multi-well plate temperature control device.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution disclosed in the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] (1) The porous plate assembly includes a porous plate and a support structure. When the support structure is separated from the mounting frame, the porous plate can be mounted on the support structure. The operator then re-mounts the support structure in the mounting frame. When the porous plate reaches a working position, the temperature of the porous plate and its openings can be controlled by the temperature control assembly. (2) The temperature control assembly is configured to be divided into a first temperature control structure and a second temperature control structure. The first temperature control structure is used to adjust the temperature of the bottom of the porous plate to facilitate regulating the growth temperature of cells or microorganisms. The second temperature control structure is used to regulate the temperature at the opening of the porous plate to prevent water vapor from condensing near the opening of the porous plate and affecting the cultivation of cells or microorganisms. (3) By setting the position of the cover plate on the mounting frame, the position of the second temperature control structure set on the cover plate is fixed. As long as the porous plate is in working condition, the second temperature control structure can control the temperature of the opening of the porous plate, thereby avoiding the phenomenon that the second temperature control structure cannot control the temperature of all openings of the entire porous plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] A more complete understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be obtained by referring to the following drawings. The drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present application and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present application, they are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation of the present invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0020] Figure 1 A structural diagram of a multi-well plate temperature control device provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a multi-well plate temperature control device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 3 The structure of the cover plate provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 4 The structure of the cover plate provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0024] Figure 5 is a structural diagram of a second temperature control structure provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of a first temperature control structure provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Reference numerals

[0027] 10-mounting frame; 11-mounting area; 111-connecting piece;

[0028] 20-porous plate assembly; 21-porous plate; 22-support structure;

[0029] 30-temperature control assembly; 31-first temperature control structure; 311-temperature regulating element; 312-heat dissipating element;

[0030] 313-fan; 32-second temperature control structure; 321-temperature control zone; 322-perforation;

[0031] 40-cover plate; 41-fixing area; 42-connecting area; 421-connecting hole;

[0032] 43-movable plate; 431-movable hole; 44-limiting column. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0034] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely to facilitate and simplify the description of the present invention. They are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0035] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In addition, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] See also Figures 1-6An embodiment of the present application provides a porous plate temperature control device, including a mounting frame 10, a porous plate assembly 20, a temperature control assembly 30 and a cover plate 40.

[0039] The mounting frame 10 is used to mount the porous plate assembly 20 and the temperature control assembly 30;

[0040] The porous plate assembly 20 includes a porous plate 21 and a support structure 22 for mounting the porous plate 21. The support structure 22 is detachably mounted in the mounting frame 10. Setting the support structure 22 to be detachably mounted in the mounting frame 10 can facilitate the operator to install or replace the porous plate 21 to meet different cultivation requirements in actual scenarios. In order to ensure that the porous plate 21 can normally cultivate cells or microorganisms in the equipment, the operator needs to move the porous plate 21 to a predetermined position so that the porous plate 21 is in a working state. At this time, the operator can perform operations such as injection or sampling. Specifically, when it is necessary to move the porous plate 21 to a predetermined position and put it in a working state, it is necessary to first install the porous plate 21 on the support structure 22. The support structure 22 is accommodated in the mounting frame 10, and the porous plate 21 can be moved to a predetermined position, so that the porous plate 21 can be installed and put into a working state.

[0041] Of course, the porous plate 21 is housed in the mounting frame 10 in a detachable manner. In order to ensure the accuracy of the movement of the support structure 22, a guide rail can be used to drive the support structure 22 to move, thereby realizing the reciprocating movement of the support structure 22, so as to facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the porous plate 21 and move the porous plate 21 to a predetermined position.

[0042] The temperature control assembly 30 includes a first temperature control structure 31 disposed below the porous plate 21. The first temperature control assembly 30 can heat or cool, and is mainly used to control the temperature of the bottom of the porous plate 21 to be consistent with the required culture temperature. The second temperature control structure 32 is disposed above the porous plate 21 and is mainly used to moderately heat the temperature at the opening of the porous plate 21 to prevent condensation at the opening of the porous plate 21. The first temperature control structure 31 is fixed to the mounting frame 10.

[0043] The cover plate 40 is arranged on the mounting frame 10 and is located above the porous plate 21. The second temperature control structure 32 is arranged on the side of the cover plate 40 facing the porous plate 21, so that the second temperature control structure 32 is close to the opening of the porous plate 21 and the position of the second temperature control structure 32 is fixed.

[0044] Beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present application:

[0045] (1) The porous plate assembly 20 includes a porous plate 21 and a support structure 22. When the support structure 22 is separated from the mounting frame 10, the porous plate 21 can be installed on the support structure 22. The operator then installs the support structure 22 in the mounting frame 10. At this time, the porous plate 21 reaches a position in a working state, and the temperature of the porous plate 21 and its opening can be controlled by the temperature control assembly 30; (2) The temperature control assembly 30 is configured to be divided into a first temperature control structure 31 and a second temperature control structure 32. The first temperature control structure 31 is used to adjust the temperature of the bottom of the porous plate 21, which is convenient for adjusting Control the growth temperature of cells or microorganisms; the second temperature control structure 32 is used to regulate the temperature at the opening of the porous plate 21 to prevent water vapor from condensing near the opening of the porous plate 21 and affecting the cultivation of cells or microorganisms; (3) by setting the position of the cover plate 40 on the mounting frame 10, the position of the second temperature control structure 32 set on the cover plate 40 is fixed. As long as the porous plate 21 is in working condition, the second temperature control structure 32 can control the temperature of the opening of the porous plate 21, avoiding the phenomenon that the second temperature control structure 32 cannot control the temperature of all openings of the entire porous plate 21.

[0046] Furthermore, in one embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, the projection of the porous plate 21 onto the second temperature control structure 32 corresponds to a temperature control zone 321. This zone 321 of the second temperature control structure 32 is provided with multiple through-holes 322 corresponding to the openings of the porous plate 21. Temperature control units are located outside the through-holes 322. Similarly, the cover plate 40 is initially provided with through-holes. When the second temperature control structure 32 is positioned at the bottom of the cover plate 40, the through-holes and the through-holes 322 are coaxial. When the porous plate 21 reaches a predetermined position and is in operation, each opening of the porous plate 21 corresponds to a coaxial through-hole and through-hole 322, making it easier for operators to inject liquids or take samples. Specifically, the second temperature control structure 32 is a heating film provided on the side of the cover plate 40. Since the heating film is light in weight, it can be fixed on the cover plate 40 and can be adhered to the cover plate 40 with adhesive without falling off. In addition, the area of ​​the heating film is large, which can ensure the heating area and avoid the problem of using a similar heating wire that requires a higher temperature to increase the temperature at the opening of the porous plate 21.

[0047] Specifically, the second temperature control structure 32 needs to adjust the temperature of the opening of the porous plate 21 to 36° C.-40° C., so that the opening of the porous plate 21 will neither produce condensed water nor be too hot to affect the culture temperature of cells or microorganisms.

[0048] Furthermore, in one embodiment, Figure 3 or Figure 4As shown, the cover plate 40 includes a fixing area 41 for fixing the second temperature control structure 32, and a connection area 42 for fixing the cover plate 40. The fixing area 41 and the connection area 42 are both partitions on the bottom side of the cover plate 40. The top of the mounting frame 10 is provided with at least two connectors 111. The cover plate 40 and the mounting frame 10 can be fixed by the cooperation of each connector 111 and the connection area 42. By providing the connectors 111, the corresponding structure of the connection area 42 of the cover plate 40 and the cooperation of the connectors 111, the relative position of the cover plate 40 and the mounting frame 10 can be fixed. In addition, the top of the mounting frame 10 is provided with at least two connectors 111 to prevent the cover plate 40 from shaking on the mounting frame 10.

[0049] Furthermore, in one embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the mounting frame 10 includes a mounting area for mounting the support structure 22. At least two connectors 111 are disposed on the outside of the mounting area. The upper end surfaces of the connectors 111 are tapered guide surfaces. The connection area 42 of the cover plate 40 defines a plurality of connection holes 421 corresponding to the connectors 111. Each connector 111 is inserted into a connection hole 421. Specifically, the corresponding structure of the connection area 42 is a connection hole 421 defined therein. The connector 111 is a columnar structure with a tapered guide surface, which facilitates the installation and securing of the cover plate 40.

[0050] Furthermore, in one embodiment, Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, the cover plate 40 is also provided with a movable plate 43 that can slide back and forth on the cover plate 40. The moving range of the movable plate 43 corresponds to the position of the temperature control zone 321. The top of the cover plate 40 is also provided with a limit column 44 located in the moving range of the movable plate 43. In actual cell or microbial culture, it is necessary to inject liquid into different holes of the porous plate 21 separately to realize comparative experiments on the same porous plate 21. In this porous plate 21 temperature control device, when the porous plate 21 is installed, the porous plate 21 and the cover plate 40 are both in a fixed state. In order to facilitate distinction, the movable plate 43 is moved so that the movable holes opened on the movable plate 43 correspond to the openings of the porous plate 21. In this way, the operator only needs to control the movement of the movable plate 43 so that the movable holes correspond to different openings, and the operator can distinguish the pipes of the porous plate 21 using different culture methods.

[0051] Furthermore, in one embodiment, Figure 2 or Figure 6As shown, the first temperature control structure 31 includes, from top to bottom, a thermostat 311, a heat sink 312 for heat exchange, and a fan 313 for dissipating heat from the heat sink. The thermostat 311 is located below the bottom of the porous plate 21. The thermostat 311 is used to regulate the temperature of the bottom of the porous plate 21, allowing for heating or cooling. Heat exchange is achieved by the heat sink 312, and the fan 313 then blows the heat from the heat sink 312 away from the porous plate temperature control device.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] The present application also provides a microfluidic system, including the above-mentioned multi-well plate temperature control device, in which a multi-well plate 21 for culturing microorganisms can be installed. The microfluidic system also includes a liquid injection device for culturing microorganisms and a sampling device for sampling from the multi-well plate 21. An embodiment of the present application also provides a microfluidic system, including the above-mentioned multi-well plate temperature control device.

[0054] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and they should all be included in the scope of the claims and description of the present application.

Claims

1. A porous plate temperature control device, characterized in that: include: Mounting rack; A porous plate assembly, comprising a porous plate and a support structure for mounting the porous plate, wherein the support structure is detachably mounted in the mounting frame; a temperature control assembly comprising a first temperature control structure disposed below the porous plate and a second temperature control structure disposed above the porous plate, wherein the first temperature control structure is fixed to the mounting frame; as well as The cover plate is arranged on the mounting frame and located above the porous plate, and the second temperature control structure is arranged on the side of the cover plate facing the porous plate.

2. A porous plate temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The projection position of the porous plate on the second temperature control structure corresponds to the temperature control zone, and the temperature control zone of the second temperature control structure is provided with a plurality of through holes corresponding to the openings of the porous plate.

3. A porous plate temperature control device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second temperature control structure is a heating film provided on the side of the cover plate, and the heating film is adhered to the cover plate.

4. A porous plate temperature control device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cover plate includes a fixing area for fixing the second temperature control structure, and a connecting area for fixing the cover plate. At least two connecting parts are provided on the top of the mounting frame. The cover plate and the mounting frame can be fixed by the cooperation between each of the connecting parts and the connecting area.

5. The multi-hole plate temperature control device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The mounting frame includes a mounting area for mounting the support structure, at least two connecting members are provided on the outside of the mounting area, the upper end surface of the connecting member is a conical guide surface, and the connection area of ​​the cover plate is provided with a plurality of connecting holes corresponding to the connecting members, respectively, and each of the connecting members is respectively inserted into one of the connecting holes.

6. The multi-hole plate temperature control device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cover plate is also provided with a movable plate that can slide back and forth on the cover plate, the moving range of the movable plate corresponds to the position of the temperature control zone, and the top of the cover plate is also provided with a limiting column located in the moving range of the movable plate.

7. The multi-hole plate temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first temperature control structure includes a temperature regulating component, a heat sink for heat exchange, and a fan for dissipating heat from the heat sink, which are sequentially arranged from top to bottom. The temperature regulating component is arranged below the bottom of the porous plate.

8. A microfluidic system, characterized in that: It comprises a porous plate temperature control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a porous plate for culturing microorganisms can be installed in the porous plate temperature control device, and the microfluidic system also includes a liquid injection device for culturing microorganisms and a sampling device for sampling from the porous plate.

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