A microfluidic-based cartridge-based cytospin device

Abstract

The application discloses a microfluidic-based cartridge type cell smearing device, which comprises a reagent storage module (1), a liquid flow switching control module (2) and a smearing module (3); wherein the reagent storage module (1) comprises at least one sample bin and at least as many reagent bins as the required reagent types for cell smearing; the liquid flow switching control module (2) selectively connects one of the sample bin or the reagent bin to the smearing module (3); the smearing module (3) comprises a suction device arranged on a slide glass, and the suction device selectively sucks the sample and the reagent in the reagent storage module (1) to the slide glass and discharges the reagent, so as to complete smearing on the slide glass. The application adopts the structure of an integrated cartridge, and cooperates with an external mechanical structure to realize automatic liquid-based cell centrifugation, staining and smearing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a microfluidic cartridge-type cell preparation device. Background Technology

[0002] Cellular testing, such as pathological testing, is an important technique in the biomedical testing field for detecting abnormal cells. It typically involves collecting, processing, staining, preparing slides, and microscopically observing exfoliated cells, bodily fluid cells, or pathologically relevant cells from the human body to determine if there are any abnormal changes in cell morphology, structure, and staining characteristics. This type of testing can be used for early cancer screening, auxiliary diagnosis of gynecological diseases, rapid screening in primary healthcare institutions, and other cell-related testing scenarios. The quality of slide preparation and staining directly affects the accuracy of subsequent manual slide reading or image analysis results.

[0003] Traditional cell detection procedures typically require multiple steps. After the sample solution enters the laboratory, it must first be thoroughly mixed to ensure uniform cell dispersion in the preservation solution. Then, target cells are enriched through centrifugation, sedimentation, or filtration, while removing some mucus, blood, and impurities. The enriched cells are then transferred to a glass slide for fixation, staining, washing, and mounting, ultimately yielding a cell slide for microscopic observation or digital image interpretation. While this process is relatively mature, sample pretreatment, cell enrichment, staining, and slide preparation are usually performed using different equipment or manually, resulting in a lengthy overall process that fails to meet the demands for rapid, standardized, and integrated screening.

[0004] To improve cell detection efficiency, some automated liquid-based cell staining and slide preparation equipment has emerged in existing technologies. This type of equipment can, to some extent, replace manual operations such as sample loading, staining, and slide preparation, reducing human error and improving process standardization. However, existing equipment is mostly based on large instruments, requiring multiple transfers of samples between storage containers, centrifugation modules, staining modules, and slide preparation areas, resulting in limited integration. Some equipment can only automate a single step, such as cell transfer or staining, and cannot complete the entire process of centrifugation, staining, and slide preparation after sample entry within a single sealed cartridge.

[0005] The existing technologies have the following main shortcomings: First, after the sample solution enters the detection system, the steps of centrifugation enrichment, staining, and slide preparation are usually completed separately, resulting in insufficient process continuity and making it impossible to achieve true "sample in, result out"; Second, the sample is easily affected by factors such as the amount of sample added, the transfer location, liquid residue, and operating techniques during multiple transfers, which may cause cell death and rupture, uneven cell distribution, or unstable slide quality; Third, there are many open or semi-open operation steps, which pose risks of cross-contamination, aerosol exposure, and operator contact with biological samples; Fourth, existing automated equipment is often complex in structure, large in size, and expensive, and is highly dependent on professional personnel and laboratory environment, which is not conducive to its promotion and application in primary medical institutions, mobile screening, and large-scale rapid screening scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address at least one of the problems mentioned above in the background art, the present invention proposes a microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell preparation device.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0008] A microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell slide preparation device includes a reagent storage module (1), a fluid flow switching control module (2), and a slide preparation module (3); wherein,

[0009] The reagent storage module (1) includes at least one sample compartment and a reagent compartment with a number of reagent types equal to the number required for cell slide preparation; the liquid flow switching control module (2) selectively connects one of the sample compartment or the reagent compartment to the slide preparation module (3).

[0010] The slide preparation module (3) includes a suction device disposed on the glass slide. The suction device selectively aspirates the sample and reagent in the reagent storage module (1) onto the glass slide and discharges the reagent through the liquid flow switching control module (2), thereby completing the slide preparation on the glass slide.

[0011] In some embodiments, the reagent storage module (1) includes a frame, a cylindrical body (111) is provided in the middle of the frame, and multiple partitions (112) are provided between the cylindrical body (111) and the inner wall of the frame to form multiple compartments, and a compartment outlet (115) is provided at the bottom of each compartment.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fluid flow switching control module (2) includes:

[0013] The reagent flow sealing pad (210) has multiple flow channels corresponding to the sample compartment and the reagent compartment respectively;

[0014] A rotary switching valve (220) is rotatable relative to the reagent flow guide sealing gasket (210) and selectively connects the inlet of the reagent flow guide sealing gasket (210) to the outlet of a flow channel and the inlet of the liquid guide tube (230); and

[0015] The liquid guide tube (230) is connected at one end to the outlet of the rotary switching valve (220) and at the other end to the film preparation module (3).

[0016] In some embodiments, the reagent guiding sealing pad (210) is annular in shape, with sealing pad inlets (211) distributed at intervals on its upper surface in number and position corresponding to the liquid outlet (115) of the chamber, and sealing pad outlets (212) distributed at intervals on its inner sidewall in number and position corresponding to the sealing pad inlets (211). Each sealing pad inlet (211) is connected to the interior of a sealing pad outlet (212).

[0017] In some embodiments, the top of the rotary switching valve (220) is provided with a switching valve operation slot (223) or an operation column, the switching valve operation slot (223) being used for inserting an external control component to drive the rotary switching valve (210) to rotate.

[0018] In some embodiments, the slide preparation module (3) includes a suction cylinder (320), a reaction chamber sealing gasket (330), and a standard glass slide (340); the suction cylinder (320) is cylindrical; the reaction chamber sealing gasket (330) is a circular rubber ring, the top of which is pressed by the suction cylinder (320), and the bottom contacts the standard glass slide (340), together with the standard glass slide (340) forming a cylindrical cavity.

[0019] In some embodiments, the slide preparation module (3) further includes a slide tilting drive plate (350), which is made of an elastomer and is disposed below the standard slide (340). The left half of the slide is provided with a left compression operation hole (351), and the right half is provided with a right compression operation hole (352).

[0020] In some embodiments, the microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell preparation device further includes a base (4), the left half of which is provided with a reagent storage module mounting slot (410), and the right half of which is provided with a preparation module mounting slot (430).

[0021] In some embodiments, the centrifugation process required for the sample is achieved by rotating the cartridge-type cell preparation device itself; the base (4) is provided with a structure for rotating the cartridge-type cell preparation device. In some embodiments, the structure is a cross-shaped drive groove (402) for rotating the cartridge-type cell preparation device provided on the side of the base (4).

[0022] In some embodiments, a wedge-shaped lifting surface (401) is provided at the junction of the side and bottom of the base (4).

[0023] In some embodiments, a first support seat (420) is provided in the reagent storage module mounting slot (410). The upper surface of the first support seat (420) has an annular protrusion (421). A sealing sheet (422) is provided in the annular protrusion (421). A support seat guide hole (423) is provided in the center of the sealing sheet (422). A clearance notch (424) is provided on the right side of the annular protrusion (421) for the passage of the liquid guide tube (220).

[0024] In some embodiments, one end of the liquid guide tube (220) is bent and inserted from bottom to top into the guide hole (423) of the carrier seat, and the other end is a needle and inserted into the liquid guide tube avoidance notch (331) of the reaction chamber sealing gasket (330).

[0025] In some embodiments, a second support (440) is provided in the film preparation module mounting slot (430); a suction cylinder buckle fixing ring (442) is provided on the second support (440), and a limiting ring (321) is provided on the suction cylinder; in the initial state, the suction cylinder (320) is placed above the suction cylinder buckle fixing ring (442), and the limiting ring (321) abuts against the reaction zone fixing cover (310), so that the position of the suction cylinder (320) is fixed; when in use, external mechanical pressure causes the suction cylinder (320) to move downward, forcing its bottom to be locked by the suction cylinder buckle fixing ring (442).

[0026] In some embodiments, the suction cylinder is provided with a guide limiting protrusion (323); the second bearing seat (440) of the base (4) is provided with a suction cylinder guide limiting mechanism (441) at intervals, and the guide limiting protrusion (323) cooperates with the suction cylinder guide limiting mechanism (441) for guidance.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, this technical solution has the following advantages:

[0028] This invention employs an integrated cartridge structure, which, in conjunction with an external mechanical structure, enables automated liquid-based cell centrifugation, staining, and slide preparation. The cartridge also features a cross-shaped drive groove on its side wall. When the external drive motor rotates, the drive head transmits torque to the cartridge through this groove, causing the cartridge to rotate around its central axis. This allows the centrifugation operation to be completed inside the cartridge, eliminating the need for an additional centrifuge, effectively saving space and increasing automation. The cartridge includes a snap-fit ​​retaining ring for the suction chamber. When the cartridge is not in use, it separates the reaction chamber from the slide while simultaneously securing the suction chamber, effectively improving the cartridge's stability and facilitating transportation and storage. The cartridge utilizes a syringe-shaped suction chamber in conjunction with an external piston mechanism. By changing the air pressure within the chamber, it provides power for liquid flow. Unlike traditional liquid control systems that use air or liquid pumps, this design eliminates the need for an additional pump body, simplifying the mechanical structure, reducing noise pollution during use, and making maintenance easier. This cartridge uses a slide tilting drive plate, which provides a buffer for the slide while allowing the slide to tilt and move downwards with simple external machinery. This effectively reduces liquid residue after the reaction is complete and can be automated without a complex mechanical structure. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] Figure 1 Example 1: Overall structural diagram of a microfluidic cartridge-type cell preparation device.

[0031] Figure 2 Exploded view of the card box in Example 1.

[0032] Figure 3 Example 1: Top view of the card holder base.

[0033] Figure 4 Exploded top view of the reagent storage area in Example 1.

[0034] Figure 5 Exploded view of the reagent storage area from below in Example 1.

[0035] Figure 6 Example 1: Schematic diagram of the card holder base.

[0036] Figure 7 Example 1: Reaction zone structure diagram.

[0037] Figure 8 Example 1: Schematic diagram of the card box's working process.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of Example 3.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of Example 3.

[0040] 1-Reagent Storage Module

[0041] 110 Square frame; 111 Cylindrical body; 112 Partition; 113 Sample compartment; 114 First reagent compartment; 115 Compartment outlet.

[0042] 116 Elastic buckle 117 Reagent compartment

[0043] 2-Flow Switching Control Module

[0044] 210 Reagent guide sealing gasket; 211 Sealing gasket inlet; 212 Sealing gasket outlet.

[0045] 220 Rotary switching valve; 221 Switching valve inlet; 222 Switching valve outlet; 223 Switching valve operating slot

[0046] 230 liquid guide tube

[0047] 240 Switching Valve Liquid Guide Connection Seat

[0048] 3-Production Module

[0049] 310 Reaction Zone Fixing Cover 331 Positioning Column

[0050] 320 Suction cylinder; 321 Limiting ring; 322 Enlarged part; 323 Guide limiting protrusion.

[0051] 330 Reaction chamber sealing gasket; 331 Liquid guide tube clearance notch

[0052] 340 standard glass slide

[0053] 350 glass slide tilting drive plate 351 left extrusion operation hole 352 right extrusion operation hole

[0054] 4-Base 401 Wedge-shaped lifting surface 402 Cross-shaped drive groove 403 Operation clearance opening

[0055] 410 Reagent storage module mounting slot; 411 Elastic buckle groove

[0056] 420 First bearing seat; 421 Annular protrusion; 422 Sealing plate bearing seat guide hole; 423

[0057] 430 film production module mounting slot 431 positioning hole

[0058] 440 Second bearing seat; 441 Suction cylinder guide and limiting mechanism; 442 Suction cylinder buckle fixing ring

[0059] 450 switching valve fluid guide connection seat mounting slot Detailed Implementation

[0060] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "side," "length," "width," "height," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," and "side," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the appendix. Figure 1 The orientations or positional relationships shown are for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0061] This invention relates to a microfluidic cartridge-type cell slide preparation device, comprising a reagent storage module 1, a fluid flow switching control module 2, and a slide preparation module 3, all three modules being mounted on a base 4. The reagent storage module 1 is located in the left half of the base 4, and the slide preparation module 3 is located in the right half of the base 4. The fluid flow switching control module 2 is used for fluid flow between the reagent storage module 1 and the slide preparation module 3.

[0062] The reagent storage module 1 consists of a reagent flow sealing gasket 120, a sample compartment, and multiple reagent compartments. Its main function is to store various reagents required for slide preparation, including multiple compartments.

[0063] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 and Figure 4 The reagent storage module 1 includes a square frame 110, with a cylindrical body 111 vertically positioned in the middle of the square frame. Multiple partitions 112 are spaced between the inner walls of the cylindrical body 111 and the square frame 110, thereby forming multiple compartments between the inner walls of the cylindrical body 111 and the square frame 110. Each compartment has a liquid outlet 115 at its bottom.

[0064] In other embodiments, the frame is not limited to a square shape; it can also be a circular frame or other shapes such as an ellipse. In other embodiments, the frame is not limited to a cylindrical shape; it can also be a polygonal shape.

[0065] In one embodiment, a total of 9 compartments are formed, all of which are reagent compartments except for sample compartment 113.

[0066] In one embodiment, the reagent compartments have different volumes. Based on the volume of sample compartment 113, the volume of the first reagent compartment 114 is about four times that of sample compartment 113. The volumes of two other reagent compartments are set to be about three times that of sample compartments, and the volumes of the remaining reagent compartments are similar to those of sample compartments.

[0067] The liquid flow switching control module 2 is mainly used to select different reagents to be introduced into the reaction chamber according to different stages of slide preparation, and to guide the used waste liquid back to the original chamber, so as to simulate the slide preparation process.

[0068] In one embodiment, the liquid flow switching control module 2 includes a reagent flow guiding sealing gasket 210, a rotary switching valve 220, and a liquid guiding tube 230.

[0069] See Figure 2 and Figure 4 The reagent flow guiding sealing pad 210 is located at the bottom of the square frame 110. The reagent flow guiding sealing pad 210 is in the shape of a ring. On the upper surface of the ring, there are sealing pad inlets 211 distributed at intervals, corresponding to the number and position of the liquid outlets of the chamber. On the inner side wall of the ring, there are sealing pad inlets 212 distributed at intervals, corresponding to the number and position of the sealing pad inlets 211. Each sealing pad inlet 211 is connected to the interior of a sealing pad inlet 212.

[0070] The reagent flow sealing gasket 210 has two main functions: (1) to ensure that the reagent coming out of the chamber outlet will not leak; (2) to change the direction of liquid flow from the original vertical downward direction to the horizontal direction towards the center.

[0071] The rotary switching valve 220 is disc-shaped, sealed within the reagent flow guiding sealing gasket 210, and can rotate relative to the reagent flow guiding sealing gasket 210. The rotary switching valve has a switching valve inlet 221 on its side and a switching valve outlet 222 at the bottom center, with the inlet 221 and outlet 222 connected. A switching valve operation groove 223 is located at the top.

[0072] An external mechanism can control the rotation of the rotary switching valve 220 via the switching valve drive slot 223, thereby aligning the switching valve inlet 221 with the sealing gasket outlet 212 on the reagent guide sealing gasket. Liquid flows out from the switching valve outlet 222 through the internal flow channel and then into the carrier guide hole 423. A guide pipe 230 is connected below the carrier guide hole, which is connected to the reaction chamber. Therefore, by controlling the rotation of the rotary switching valve 220 through an external mechanism, the connected reagent compartments can be freely switched, thus simulating the slide preparation process.

[0073] In one embodiment, the switching valve operating slot 223 has three slots arranged in a triangular pattern. In other embodiments, the switching valve operating slot 223 may be a single slot or other numbers. When single, the switching valve operating slot 223 is non-circular in shape, such as triangular or hexagonal, to facilitate operation. External operating components or tools can extend into the switching valve operating slot 223 from the cylindrical body 111.

[0074] The left half of the base 4 is provided with a reagent storage module mounting slot 410, and the right half is provided with a slide preparation module mounting slot 430.

[0075] The reagent storage module mounting slot 410 has an elastic buckle groove 412 at each of its four corners; the bottom of the square frame 111 has an elastic buckle 116 near each of its four corners. By aligning the four elastic buckles 116 with the four elastic buckle grooves 412 and snapping them in, the square frame 111 can be fixed in the reagent storage module mounting slot 410.

[0076] A first support seat 420 is provided in the center of the reagent storage module mounting slot 410. The upper surface of the first support seat 420 has an annular protrusion 421 to accommodate the reagent flow guiding sealing gasket 120 and the rotary switching valve 210. A sealing plate 422 is provided between the upper surface of the first support seat 420 and the annular protrusion 421. The sealing plate 422 has a support seat flow guiding hole 423 in the center. A clearance notch 424 is provided on the right side of the annular protrusion 421 for the passage of the liquid guide tube 220.

[0077] The four corners of the film preparation module mounting slot 430 of the base 4 are provided with positioning holes 431, and the bottom of the reaction zone fixing cover 310 is provided with four positioning posts 311. The positioning posts 311 are inserted into the positioning holes 431, thereby fixing the reaction zone fixing cover 310 on the base 4.

[0078] A second support seat 440 is provided across the left and right sides of the film production module mounting slot 430. The second support seat 440 is in the shape of a ring and includes a suction cylinder buckle fixing ring 442 and a suction cylinder guide limiting mechanism 441 spaced on the suction cylinder buckle fixing ring 442.

[0079] In one embodiment, the suction cylinder guide limiting mechanism 441 consists of four guide plates, and the inner side of each guide plate is provided with guide grooves distributed from top to bottom.

[0080] The slide preparation module 3 is mainly used to complete the slide preparation process. It includes a reaction zone fixing cover 310, a suction cylinder 320, a reaction chamber sealing gasket 330, and a slide tilting drive plate 350.

[0081] The reaction zone fixing cover 310 has a suction cylinder fixing hole 312 in the center.

[0082] The suction cylinder 320 is cylindrical in shape, and a piston (not shown in the figure) is provided inside the suction cylinder 320 for suction. An enlarged portion 322 is provided on the bottom side of the suction cylinder 320. A limiting ring 321 is provided in the middle. The enlarged portion 322 is preferably made of an elastomer to facilitate a sealing connection with the reaction sealing gasket 330. Guide limiting protrusions 323 are spaced apart on the enlarged portion 322, and the guide limiting protrusions 323 cooperate with the suction cylinder guide limiting mechanism 441 for guidance.

[0083] The reaction sealing pad 330 has a circular rubber ring of a certain height, and a liquid guide tube avoidance notch 331 is provided on the side near the lower end. The bottom of the reaction sealing pad 330 contacts the standard glass slide 340, and its top is pressed by the suction tube 320 to form a cylindrical cavity that can accommodate the reagent and the cells on the standard glass slide 340 to react for a certain period of time.

[0084] The main function of the suction cylinder snap-fit ​​fixing ring 442 is to prevent premature contact between the reaction chamber sealing gasket and the standard slide. The reaction chamber sealing gasket is fixed to the bottom of the suction cylinder. In the initial state of the cartridge, the suction cylinder is positioned above the suction cylinder snap-fit ​​fixing ring 442, and the limiting ring 321 is precisely against the reaction zone fixing cover 310. At this time, the suction cylinder is fixed in position and cannot move, and there is a certain distance between the reaction chamber sealing gasket 330 and the standard slide 340. This is for convenient storage and transportation, preventing the reaction chamber sealing gasket 330 from damaging the standard slide 340 or the suction cylinder from deviating from its original position during transportation or storage. When using the cartridge, external mechanical pressure causes the suction cylinder 320 to shift downwards, forcing its bottom to be locked by the second bearing mechanism 440 and the suction chamber snap-fit ​​fixing ring 442. At this time, the reaction chamber sealing gasket 330 presses against the standard slide 340, completing the seal. The suction chamber guide limiting mechanism and guide limiting protrusion prevent the suction cylinder from shifting position.

[0085] In one embodiment, the slide tilting drive plate 350 is made of an elastomer. The slide tilting drive plate has two main functions: (1) to provide a buffer for the slide. Improper transportation or excessive pressure from the suction cylinder may cause the standard slide to break. The slide tilting drive plate is made of an elastomer, such as rubber, which can provide a certain degree of protection; (2) the left half of the slide tilting drive plate 350 is provided with a left compression operation hole 351 and the right half is provided with a right compression operation hole 352, which are used for external actuators to extend into or apply force to cause the slide tilting drive plate to undergo elastic deformation, thereby causing the standard slide 340 to tilt at a certain angle; force can also be applied at the same time to cause the standard slide to move.

[0086] One end of the liquid guide tube 220 is bent and inserted into the guide hole 423 of the support seat from bottom to top; the other end is a needle and is inserted into the liquid guide tube avoidance notch 331 of the reaction sealing gasket 330.

[0087] The base 4 has a cross-shaped drive groove 402 on its left bottom and a wedge-shaped lifting surface 401 on its right bottom. These two features work together to complete the centrifugation of the glass slide. In actual operation, an external mechanism can be applied to the wedge-shaped lifting surface 401 to tilt the slide holder to a certain angle. At this point, a motor with a cross-shaped interface can rotate the slide holder at a certain angle, completing the centrifugation operation. The external operating mechanism is disconnected before the rotation operation.

[0088] The base 4 has an operation clearance opening 403 on the front right half to facilitate the clamping of glass slides for inserting or removing them.

[0089] The complete workflow of the cartridge is as follows: External mechanical pressure on the suction cylinder 320 causes it to move downwards, locking it in place with the anti-dislodgement limiting ring. This causes the reaction chamber sealing gasket 330 to compress the standard glass slide 340, completing the seal. Sample liquid is then injected through the sample compartment. The external mechanism rotates the rotary switching valve, connecting the flow channel between the sample compartment and the reaction chamber. The external piston drive acts on the syringe-shaped suction chamber 207, providing suction to transfer the sample liquid to the reaction chamber. Subsequently, the external mechanism acts on the wedge-shaped lifting surface 607, tilting the cartridge. An external motor drives the cartridge to rotate via the cross-shaped drive groove 301, completing centrifugation. The cartridge is then leveled, and the external mechanism rotates the rotary switching valve 203, connecting to the reagent compartment corresponding to the desired reagent. The external piston drive moves upwards, reducing the air pressure in the reaction chamber and generating suction, drawing the reagent into the reaction chamber for reaction. After a certain time, the external piston drive moves downwards, increasing the air pressure in the reaction chamber and generating repulsion, causing the reagent to return along its original path. The external mechanism then rotates the rotary switching valve 203 to switch to the next reagent compartment. Repeating the above process, after all reaction steps are completed, the external actuator acts on the left squeezing operation port 351, causing the standard slide 340 to tilt inwards to collect the liquid. The external piston drive moves downwards, increasing the gas pressure inside the chamber and generating a repulsive force to drain the liquid. This is to ensure that there is no reagent residue on the slide. Subsequently, the external piston drive continues to move downwards, maintaining the gas pressure inside the reaction chamber higher than the standard atmospheric pressure. Then, the external actuator acts simultaneously on the left squeezing operation port 351 and the right squeezing operation port 352, compressing the slide tilting drive plate 350 and causing the standard slide 340 to move downwards and separate from the reaction chamber sealing gasket 330. The external mechanism can then remove the standard slide 340 through the operation clearance port 403 to proceed to the next stage.

[0090] Example 2

[0091] The structure is the same as in Example 1, except that a waste liquid tank is added to the reagent storage module. The waste liquid from each operation is not returned to the original sample tank or reagent tank, but is uniformly discharged into the waste liquid tank.

[0092] Example 3

[0093] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, this embodiment has the same basic structure and working principle as embodiment 1. Unless otherwise specified, the structure can be referred to in embodiment 1.

[0094] In this embodiment, the basic functions of the cartridge base 4, reagent compartment 117, rotary switching valve 220, and staining assembly are the same as in Embodiment 1. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that the reagent storage area 110 is moved from the left side of the base 4 to the right side, and the number of chambers in the reagent storage area 110 is changed to 16 equal-sized compartments. Additionally, the rotary switching valve 220 does not have a recessed operating groove on its upper surface; instead, it has an operating column with a cross-shaped groove in the middle.

[0095] This embodiment also includes a switching valve liquid guide connector 240, a newly added structure used to connect the reagent flow sealing gasket 330 and the needle-loaded liquid guide assembly 130. The switching valve liquid guide connector 240 engages with the base 4 via a switching valve liquid guide connector mounting groove 450. The main function of the switching valve liquid guide connector 240 is to facilitate the installation of the needle-loaded liquid guide assembly 130. Specifically, the switching valve liquid guide connector 240 is polygonal, with a circular groove in the center to accommodate the reagent flow sealing gasket 210. A through hole is provided in the center of the circular groove, allowing the needle-loaded liquid guide assembly 130 to be inserted from bottom to top.

[0096] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of the patent and the contents of the specification should still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell preparation device, characterized in that, It includes a reagent storage module (1), a liquid flow switching control module (2), and a slide preparation module (3); among which, The reagent storage module (1) includes at least one sample compartment and a reagent compartment with a number of reagent types equal to the number required for cell slide preparation; the liquid flow switching control module (2) selectively connects one of the sample compartment or the reagent compartment to the slide preparation module (3). The slide preparation module (3) includes a suction device disposed on the glass slide. The suction device selectively aspirates the sample and reagent in the reagent storage module (1) onto the glass slide and discharges the reagent through the liquid flow switching control module (2), thereby completing the slide preparation on the glass slide.

2. The microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reagent storage module (1) includes a frame, with a cylindrical body (111) in the middle of the frame. Multiple partitions (112) are spaced between the cylindrical body (111) and the inner wall of the frame to form multiple compartments. Each compartment has a compartment outlet (115) at the bottom.

3. The microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid flow switching control module (2) includes: The reagent flow sealing pad (210) has multiple flow channels corresponding to the sample compartment and the reagent compartment respectively; A rotary switching valve (220) is rotatable relative to the reagent flow guide sealing gasket (210) and selectively connects the inlet of the reagent flow guide sealing gasket (210) to the outlet of a flow channel and the inlet of the liquid guide tube (230); and The liquid guide tube (230) is connected at one end to the outlet of the rotary switching valve (220) and at the other end to the film preparation module (3).

4. The microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell preparation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The reagent guide sealing gasket (210) is in the shape of a ring. On its upper surface, there are sealing gasket inlets (211) with a number and position corresponding to the liquid outlet (115) of the chamber. On its inner side wall, there are sealing gasket outlets (212) with a number and position corresponding to the sealing gasket inlets (211). Each sealing gasket inlet (211) is connected to the interior of a sealing gasket outlet (212).

5. The microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell preparation device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The top of the rotary switching valve (220) is provided with a switching valve operation slot (223) or an operation column. The switching valve operation slot (223) is used for external control components to be inserted to drive the rotary switching valve (210) to rotate.

6. The microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slide preparation module (3) includes a suction cylinder (320), a reaction chamber sealing gasket (330), and a standard glass slide (340); the suction cylinder (320) is cylindrical; the reaction chamber sealing gasket (330) is a circular rubber ring, the top of which is pressed by the suction cylinder (320), and the bottom contacts the standard glass slide (340), together with the standard glass slide (340) forming a cylindrical cavity.

7. The microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell preparation device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The slide preparation module (3) also includes a slide tilting drive plate (350), which is made of an elastomer and is located below the standard slide (340). Its left half is provided with a left compression operation hole (351) and its right half is provided with a right compression operation hole (352).

8. The microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: It also includes a base (4), the left half of which is provided with a reagent storage module mounting slot (410), and the right half of which is provided with a slide preparation module mounting slot (430).

9. The microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell preparation device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The centrifugation process required for the sample is achieved by rotating the cartridge-type cell preparation device itself; the base (4) is provided with a structure for rotating the cartridge-type cell preparation device.

10. The microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell preparation device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The reagent storage module mounting slot (410) is provided with a first support seat (420). The upper surface of the first support seat (420) has an annular protrusion (421). The annular protrusion (421) is provided with a sealing sheet (422). The sealing sheet (422) has a support seat guide hole (423) in the center. The annular protrusion (421) has a clearance notch (424) on the right side for the liquid guide tube (220) to pass through.

11. The microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell preparation device according to claim 10, characterized in that: One end of the liquid guide tube (220) is bent and inserted into the guide hole (423) of the bearing seat from bottom to top, and the other end is a needle and inserted into the liquid guide tube avoidance notch (331) of the reaction chamber sealing gasket (330).

12. The microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell preparation device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The film preparation module mounting slot (430) is provided with a second support seat (440); the second support seat (440) is provided with a suction cylinder buckle fixing ring (442), and the suction cylinder is provided with a limiting ring (321); in the initial state, the suction cylinder (320) is placed above the suction cylinder buckle fixing ring (442), and the limiting ring (321) abuts against the reaction zone fixing cover (310), so that the position of the suction cylinder (320) is fixed; when in use, external mechanical pressure causes the suction cylinder (320) to move downward, forcing its bottom to be locked by the suction cylinder buckle fixing ring (442).

13. The microfluidic-based cartridge-type cell preparation device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The suction cylinder is provided with a guide limiting protrusion (323); the second bearing seat (440) of the base (4) is provided with a suction cylinder guide limiting mechanism (441) at intervals, and the guide limiting protrusion (323) cooperates with the suction cylinder guide limiting mechanism (441) for guidance.

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