Analysis chip for micro-fluidic water quality colorimetric analysis

Abstract

The invention discloses an analysis chip for micro-fluidic water quality colorimetric analysis, and relates to the technical field of water quality detection. The device comprises a replaceable flow cell module and a base, wherein the base is provided with a transmitting end of a light source and a receiving end of a monitoring module; wherein the cross section of the replaceable flow cell module is trapezoidal, and two ends of the bottom of the replaceable flow cell module are respectively provided with an inlet and an outlet of an analysis sample; the replaceable flow cell module comprises a flow cell, the two end faces of the flow cell are inclined end faces, and the angle between each end face and the long edge of the cross section is 45 degrees. According to the invention, the flow cell is modularly designed, so that the flow cell can be conveniently replaced as a consumable, and the operation cost of microfluidic for water quality detection is reduced; meanwhile, the light path direction of a traditional colorimetric analysis method is changed by arranging the micro-reflecting surfaces, and the space, parallel to the liquid flowing direction, of the microfluidic detection chip is fully utilized, so that equipment arrangement is more compact, and the size is effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of water quality testing technology, and specifically relates to an analytical chip for microfluidic water quality colorimetric analysis. Background Technology

[0002] Microfluidic analysis technology has been increasingly used in water quality testing due to its advantages such as small sample and reagent usage, rapid analysis speed, and significant potential in multi-parameter integrated detection, automation, integration, and portability, becoming a major research hotspot in recent years. Microfluidic chips enable rapid and sensitive detection of organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients, heavy metals, bacteria, and microorganisms in water. The aforementioned detections using microfluidic technology are typically based on spectrophotometry, where water sample pretreatment, the addition and reaction of chromogenic reagents are performed on the microfluidic chip, and quantitative analysis is achieved through optical detection components integrated within the microfluidic system. However, colorimetric methods generally require an optical path length of 0.5-2.0 cm and usually need to pass perpendicularly through the sample solution, which contradicts the need for miniaturization and compact design in microfluidic systems.

[0003] No effective solutions have yet been proposed to address the problems in the relevant technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the problems in related technologies, this invention proposes an analytical chip for microfluidic water quality colorimetric analysis to overcome the aforementioned technical problems existing in the existing related technologies.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: The present invention is an analytical chip for microfluidic water quality colorimetric analysis, comprising a replaceable flow cell module and a base, wherein the base is provided with a light source transmitter and a monitoring module receiver. The replaceable flow cell module has a trapezoidal cross-section, and its bottom ends are respectively provided with an inlet and an outlet for the analytical sample. The replaceable flow cell module includes a flow cell with two inclined end faces that are at an angle of 45° to the long side of the cross-section. The two inclined end faces of the flow cell and the end face containing the long side of the cross-section of the flow cell are made of transparent material, while the other end faces of the flow cell are made of black light-absorbing material.

[0006] Furthermore, the replaceable flow cell module is fixed to one side of the base near the emitting end of the light source and the receiving end of the monitoring module.

[0007] Furthermore, a mirror module is integrated on the flow cell module, and the mirror module is in close contact with the two end faces of the flow cell.

[0008] Furthermore, the base is provided with a limiting module, which is used to help keep the replaceable flow cell module in a fixed position.

[0009] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention utilizes a modular design for the flow cell, making it easily replaceable as a consumable and reducing the operating cost of microfluidics for water quality testing. Simultaneously, by arranging micro-reflective surfaces, the optical path direction of traditional colorimetric analysis is altered, fully utilizing the space of the microfluidic detection chip parallel to the liquid flow direction, resulting in a more compact device layout and effectively reducing its size.

[0010] Of course, any product implementing this invention does not necessarily need to achieve all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram comparing the optical path of the present invention with that of the traditional microfluidic colorimetric method.

[0013] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows: 1. Base; 2. Replaceable flow cell module; 3. Transmitter; 4. Receiver; 5. Inlet; 6. Outlet; 7. Mirror module; 8. Limiting module. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0015] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "opening", "upper", "lower", "top", "middle", "inner", etc., which indicate orientation or positional relationship, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the components or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the invention.

[0016] Please see Figures 1-2As shown, the present invention is an analytical chip for microfluidic water quality colorimetric analysis, including a replaceable flow cell module 2 and a base 1. The base 1 is provided with a light source emitting end 3 and a monitoring module receiving end 4; and the replaceable flow cell module 2 is fixed on the side of the base 1 near the light source emitting end 3 and the monitoring module receiving end 4.

[0017] The flow cell module integrates a mirror module 7, which is in close contact with the two end faces of the flow cell.

[0018] The base 1 is provided with a limiting module 8, which is used to help keep the replaceable flow cell module 2 in a fixed position, so that when the replaceable flow cell module 2 is replaced, the position of the replaced replaceable flow cell module 2 does not deviate, thereby improving the detection accuracy.

[0019] The limiting module is a protrusion on the base 1, and its shape fits the two sides of the flow pool to play an auxiliary positioning role. The connection between the flow cell and the base 1 is designed as a snap-fit ​​structure or a magnetic structure. When replacing the flow cell, it is tightly attached to the base by snap-fit ​​or magnetic attraction. When replacing, pull it upward perpendicular to the base and place the replacement flow cell on the base. Then press to make the fixing mechanism fit tightly, and the replacement is completed.

[0020] The replaceable flow cell module 2 has a trapezoidal cross-section, and its bottom ends are respectively provided with an inlet 5 and an outlet 6 for the analytical sample. The replaceable flow cell module 2 includes a flow cell. The two end faces of the flow cell are inclined end faces with an angle of 45° between them and the long side of the cross-section. The two inclined end faces of the flow cell and the end face where the long side of the cross-section of the flow cell is located are all made of highly transparent material. The other end faces of the flow cell are all made of black light-absorbing material.

[0021] In summary, with the aid of the above-mentioned technical solution of the present invention, during operation, the light emitted from the emitting end 3 of the light source passes through the region of the long side of the flow cell near the sample inlet 5, and is reflected by the mirror module 7 which is in close contact with the inclined end face of the flow cell near the sample inlet 5. The light then passes through the flow cell along the sample flow direction. The light continues to pass through the inclined end face of the flow cell near the sample outlet 6, and is reflected by the mirror module 7 which is in close contact with it. The light then passes perpendicularly through the region of the long side of the flow cell near the sample outlet 6 and is received by the detection module, thereby completing the detection process.

[0022] Through the above technical solutions, this invention achieves modular design of the flow cell, making it easy to replace as a consumable and reducing the operating cost of microfluidics for water quality testing. Simultaneously, by arranging micro-reflective surfaces, the optical path direction of traditional colorimetric analysis is altered, fully utilizing the space of the microfluidic detection chip parallel to the liquid flow direction, resulting in a more compact device layout and effectively reducing volume. For water quality testing applications, a modular flow cell design for easy replacement and the microfluidic chip mounted thereon are considered. The optical path direction is altered by micro-mirrors to resolve the contradiction between the optical path requirements of colorimetric analysis and the size of the microfluidic chip.

[0023] This invention resolves the conflict between minimizing device size and ensuring the required optical path and arrangement for colorimetric methods when combining microfluidic technology with chemical colorimetry for water quality analysis. This is achieved by incorporating a built-in mirror and arranging the microfluidic flow path parallel to the light transmission direction of the colorimetric method. This invention contributes to the miniaturization of microfluidic water quality analysis devices and equipment, reducing their structural complexity and component arrangement difficulties.

[0024] See Figure 2 Where a is the optical path shown in this application, and b is the optical path of a traditional microfluidic colorimetric method, specifically: This application arranges the microfluidic flow path direction parallel to the light path transmission direction of the colorimetric method by setting an internal mirror; Traditional microfluidic colorimetry uses an optical path where the microfluidic flow path is perpendicular to the light penetration direction of the colorimetric method. Specifically, after the water sample and the colorimetric reagent are fully mixed and reacted, the light enters the colorimetric cell through the sample inlet. Since the cuvette used in liquid spectroscopy is the primary reference, the optical path is perpendicular to the liquid flow direction. Because the optical path is perpendicular to the sidewall of the colorimetric cell, the light passes through the cell wall and the water sample to reach the detector. Therefore, the width of the colorimetric cell is the optical path length, which must meet the optical path requirements of colorimetry, typically 10 mm or longer. This leads to two obvious problems: first, the size cannot be further reduced, resulting in increased sample and reagent consumption; second, due to the significant expansion of the cross-sectional area from the microfluidic tubing to the sample cell, a transition region (the section with inclined sidewalls at both ends of the colorimetric cell in the figure) is required to prevent short-circuiting or stagnant flow from affecting test accuracy, thus further increasing the volume of the colorimetric cell.

[0025] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0026] The preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention. The invention is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. An analytical chip for microfluidic water quality colorimetric analysis, comprising a replaceable flow cell module (2) and a base (1), characterized in that, The base is provided with a light source transmitter (3) and a monitoring module receiver (4). The replaceable flow cell module (2) has a trapezoidal cross-section, and its bottom ends are respectively provided with an inlet (5) and an outlet (6) for the analytical sample. The replaceable flow cell module (2) includes a flow cell. The two end faces of the flow cell are inclined end faces with an angle of 45° between them and the long side of the cross-section. The two inclined end faces of the flow cell and the end face where the long side of the cross-section of the flow cell is located are all made of transparent material. The other end faces of the flow cell are all made of black light-absorbing material.

2. The analytical chip for microfluidic water quality colorimetric analysis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The replaceable flow cell module (2) is fixed on one side of the base (1) near the emitting end (3) of the light source and the receiving end (4) of the monitoring module.

3. The analytical chip for microfluidic water quality colorimetric analysis according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow cell module integrates a mirror module (7), which is in close contact with the two end faces of the flow cell.

4. The analytical chip for microfluidic water quality colorimetric analysis according to claim 3, characterized in that, The base (1) is provided with a limiting module (8), which is used to help keep the replaceable flow cell module (2) in a fixed position.

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