Micro-fluidic chip

Abstract

The invention discloses a micro-fluidic chip. According to the micro-fluidic chip disclosed by the invention, the micro-fluidic chip is divided into the flowing region and the micro-well structure region, so that cells can be screened in the flowing region of the micro-fluidic chip and cultured in the micro-well structure, and target cells can be screened from more cells for culture; (2) the micro-well structure is arranged to be a one-way opening and is formed by enclosure of the fence, so that although liquid flowing through the flowing area enters the micro-well structure, the flow speed is limited through the fence, and cells in the micro-well structure are prevented from running out of the micro-well structure; and (3) the isolation bulges are arranged, so that the isolation bulges not only can reduce the flow velocity of the fluid, but also can block the cells in the micro-well structure, and the probability that the cells run out is effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of microfluidics technology, and in particular relates to a microfluidics chip. Background Art

[0002] Photoelectric tweezers technology uses light to capture, manipulate, and measure microscopic particles (such as atoms, molecules, and cells). Photoelectric tweezers systems can be used to capture and manipulate microscopic objects such as cells, viruses, and bacteria. They allow operators to perform operations without touching the sample, thereby reducing damage and contamination. Photoelectric tweezers technology can be combined with microfluidics to achieve high-throughput target sorting, separation, and processing. However, due to physical limitations, photoelectric tweezers can only manipulate cells within a liquid environment, not the liquid environment itself.

[0003] In cell screening, in addition to manipulating and sorting target cells, it is also necessary to prevent cells from escaping from the microwells due to the flow of fluid, which may cause experimental failure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a microfluidic chip to address the existing problems.

[0005] The embodiment of the present application provides a microfluidic chip, comprising: a flow region, in which a fluid can flow; and At least one micro-well structure, each of the micro-well structures includes a fence with a one-way opening, and two isolation protrusions arranged opposite to each other and arranged at the opening of the fence, a wellhead area is formed between the two isolation protrusions, the inside of the fence is the isolation area, and the wellhead area connects the isolation area and the liquid flow area.

[0006] Preferably, each of the fences includes a first side and a second side that are arranged opposite to each other, and the isolation protrusion arranged on the first side is gradually reduced in size toward the second side.

[0007] Preferably, the isolation protrusion provided on the second side is gradually reduced in size toward the first side.

[0008] Preferably, the upper edge of the isolation protrusion is arranged parallel to the upper edge of the fence, and the lower edge of the isolation protrusion is inclined from the isolation area toward the wellhead area.

[0009] Preferably, the upper edge of the isolation protrusion is inclined from the wellhead area toward the isolation area, and the lower edge of the isolation protrusion is inclined from the isolation area toward the wellhead area.

[0010] Preferably, the isolation protrusion includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end is connected to the first side or the second side, and a size of the second end is smaller than a size of the first end.

[0011] Preferably, the micro-well structure includes a plurality of micro-well structures, and the plurality of micro-well structures are arranged side by side and adjacent to each other.

[0012] Preferably, the distance between two adjacent micro-well structures is 25 μm-50 μm.

[0013] Preferably, each of the micro-well structures has a depth of 100 μm-200 μm and a width of 40 μm-60 μm.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution disclosed in the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) By dividing the microfluidic chip into a flow area and a microwell structure area, cells can be screened in the flow area of ​​the microfluidic chip and cultured in the microwell structure, so that target cells can be screened from a large number of cells for culture; (2) By setting the microwell structure as a one-way opening and enclosing it by a fence, although the liquid flowing through the flow area will fill into the microwell structure, the flow rate is limited by the fence to prevent the cells in the microwell structure from escaping from the microwell structure; (3) By setting the isolation protrusion, the isolation protrusion can not only reduce the flow rate of the fluid, but also block the cells in the microwell structure, effectively reducing the probability of cells escaping. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] 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.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a microfluidic chip provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a microfluidic chip provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application Figure 2 . Attached photos

[0017] 10-flow area; 20-microwell structure; 21-fence; 22-isolation protrusion; 23-wellhead area; 24-isolation area; 25-liquid flow area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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. Example

[0022] like Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides a microfluidic chip, comprising: a flow region 10, where a fluid can flow; and At least one micro-well structure 20, each micro-well structure 20 includes a fence 21 with a one-way opening, and two isolation protrusions 22 arranged opposite to each other and arranged at the opening of the fence 21, a wellhead area 23 is formed between the two isolation protrusions 22, and the fence 21 is inside the isolation area 24, and the wellhead area 23 connects the isolation area 24 and the liquid flow area 25.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution disclosed in the embodiments of the present application has the following beneficial effects: (1) By dividing the microfluidic chip into a flow region 10 and a microwell structure 20, cells can be screened in the flow region 10 of the microfluidic chip and cultured in the microwell structure 20, thereby screening target cells from a larger number of cells for culture; (2) By setting the microwell structure 20 as a one-way opening and enclosing it by a fence 21, although the liquid flowing through the flow region 10 will fill into the microwell structure 20, the flow rate is limited by the fence 21, preventing the cells in the microwell structure 20 from escaping from the microwell structure 20; (3) By setting the isolation protrusion 22, the isolation protrusion 22 can both reduce the flow rate of the fluid and block the cells in the microwell structure 20, effectively reducing the probability of cells escaping.

[0024] Preferably, if Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, each fence 21 includes a first side and a second side disposed opposite each other. The isolation protrusions 22 on the first side taper in size toward the second side. Furthermore, the isolation protrusions 22 on the second side taper in size toward the first side. By configuring the isolation protrusions 22 to taper in size, the fluid can be directed along the direction of the isolation protrusions 22. This significantly reduces the probability of cells escaping the microwell structure 20 due to the fluid's movement when cells are moved to a slower flow area within the microwell structure 20 using photoelectric tweezers technology.

[0025] Of course, it is also possible to set up an isolation structure on only one side, and it is only necessary to adjust different microfluidic chips according to different cell sizes or culture requirements.

[0026] Preferably, if Figure 2 As shown, the upper edge of the isolation protrusion 22 is arranged parallel to the upper edge of the fence 21, and the lower edge of the isolation protrusion 22 is inclined from the isolation area 24 toward the wellhead area 23. By setting the upper edge of the isolation protrusion 22 to be flush, the upper edge of the isolation protrusion 22 has a sufficiently small effect on guiding the fluid. Only the fluid flowing between the two opposing isolation protrusions 22 can produce liquid exchange, thereby reducing fluid exchange and flow within the micro-well structure 20, thereby better protecting the cells.

[0027] Preferably, if Figure 1 As shown, the upper edge of the isolation protrusion 22 is inclined from the wellhead region 23 toward the isolation region 24, and the lower edge of the isolation protrusion 22 is inclined from the isolation region 24 toward the wellhead region 23. Of course, to meet specific needs, the isolation protrusion 22 can be configured as a conical structure, with the bottom edge of the cone disposed on the fence 21, and the two bottom edges inclined toward each other. In this way, the downwardly inclined upper side is used to guide the flow direction of the fluid, and the upwardly inclined lower side is used to guide the cells to facilitate removal from the micro-well structure 20.

[0028] Preferably, if Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, the isolation protrusion 22 includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end is connected to the first side or the second side, and the second end has a smaller size than the first end.

[0029] Preferably, if Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, the micro-well structure 20 includes multiple micro-well structures 20, which are arranged side by side. By setting up multiple micro-well structures 20 at the same time, multiple cells can be screened and cultured on the microfluidic chip, making the micro-well structure 20 more versatile.

[0030] Preferably, the distance between two adjacent micro-well structures 20 is 25 μm-50 μm. Since the two adjacent micro-well structures 20 share a fence 21, the thickness of the fence 21 is 255 μm-50 μm.

[0031] Preferably, each micro-well structure 20 has a depth of 100 μm-200 μm and a width of 40 μm-60 μm.

[0032] 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 microfluidic chip, characterized in that: include: a flow region in which a fluid can flow; and At least one micro-well structure, each of the micro-well structures includes a fence with a one-way opening, and two isolation protrusions arranged opposite to each other and arranged at the opening of the fence, a wellhead area is formed between the two isolation protrusions, the inside of the fence is the isolation area, and the wellhead area connects the isolation area and the liquid flow area.

2. A microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the fences includes a first side and a second side that are opposite to each other, and the isolation protrusions arranged on the first side are gradually reduced in size toward the second side.

3. A microfluidic chip according to claim 2, characterized in that: The isolation protrusion disposed on the second side is configured to gradually decrease in size toward the first side.

4. A microfluidic chip according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The upper edge of the isolation protrusion is arranged parallel to the upper edge of the fence, and the lower edge of the isolation protrusion is inclined from the isolation area toward the wellhead area.

5. A microfluidic chip according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The upper edge of the isolation protrusion is inclined from the wellhead area toward the isolation area, and the lower edge of the isolation protrusion is inclined from the isolation area toward the wellhead area.

6. The microfluidic chip according to claim 3, characterized in that: The isolation protrusion includes a first end and a second end opposite to each other, the first end is connected to the first side or the second side, and the second end has a smaller size than the first end.

7. A microfluidic chip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The micro-well structure includes a plurality of micro-well structures, and the plurality of micro-well structures are arranged side by side and adjacent to each other.

8. The microfluidic chip according to claim 5, characterized in that: The distance between two adjacent micro-well structures is 25 μm-50 μm.

9. A microfluidic chip according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The depth of each micro-well structure is 100 μm-200 μm, and the width is 40 μm-60 μm.

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