Micro-fluidic chip with anti-blocking function

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of micro-fluidic chips, in particular to a micro-fluidic chip with an anti-blocking function, which comprises a body. An opening of the sample adding hole is formed in the upper surface of the body; the at least one sample separating channel is communicated with the sample adding hole, and an anti-blocking area is arranged between the sample separating channel and the sample adding hole; wherein the anti-blocking area comprises a transition section which is arranged along the edge of the sample adding hole and is positioned on the lower surface of the body, at least two first bulges which are arranged towards the lower surface of the body are arranged on the transition section at intervals, and a first transition channel is formed between every two adjacent first bulges; a second transition channel is formed between the first protrusion and the first side edge of the transition section. The problem of fiber blockage in the centrifugal sample separation process is effectively relieved by adopting the design of the double transition channels formed by the multi-bulge layout.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of microfluidics, in particular to a microfluidics chip with an anti-blocking function. Background Art

[0002] Patent application CN112221545A discloses a multi-channel microfluidic loading device and its application. The loading device (also called a chip) includes: a body; a loading hole with an opening located on the surface of the body for receiving a liquid sample; a plurality of capillary sampling channels arranged at intervals inside the body, the first ends of the capillary sampling channels communicating with the loading hole; a plurality of puncture tubes arranged at intervals on one side of the body and extending into the body, the first ends of the puncture tubes located inside the body communicating with the second ends of the capillary sampling channels respectively.

[0003] The above-mentioned sample loading device can realize automatic sample separation through the sample loading hole and the capillary sampling channel under high-speed centrifugation. However, in actual application, the sample may be blocked at the entrance of the capillary sampling channel, resulting in incomplete or uneven sample separation, affecting the accuracy of the test results.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a microfluidic chip that can prevent blocking and perform sample separation during the centrifugation process. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a microfluidic chip with an anti-blocking function, which partially solves or alleviates the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art and can effectively alleviate the blockage problem of the microfluidic chip during the sample separation process.

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the utility model specifically adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A microfluidic chip with anti-blocking function, comprising:

[0008] ontology;

[0009] A sample loading hole, the opening of which is arranged on the upper surface of the body; at least one sample splitting channel connected to the sample loading hole, and an anti-blocking area is arranged between the sample splitting channel and the sample loading hole; wherein the anti-blocking area includes:

[0010] A transition zone is arranged along the edge of the sample loading hole and located on the lower surface of the body, and at least two first protrusions are arranged at intervals on the transition zone and are arranged toward the lower surface of the body, wherein a first transition channel is formed between adjacent first protrusions, and a second transition channel is formed between the first protrusion and the first side of the transition zone; wherein, when the microfluidic chip is centrifuged, the sample located in the sample loading hole will pass through the first transition channel and the second transition channel in sequence and enter the sample separation channel.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least one of the first protrusions is arranged corresponding to a sample splitting inlet of the sample splitting channel, wherein the width of the first protrusion corresponding to one side of the sample splitting inlet is greater than the width of the sample splitting inlet, so as to cooperate with the first side edge on both sides of the sample splitting inlet to form two second transition channels.

[0012] In some embodiments, the width of the second transition channel is smaller than the width of the first transition channel.

[0013] In some embodiments, a width of an entrance of the first transition channel is smaller than a channel width of the first transition channel.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first protrusions are designed to be trapezoidal, wherein the first transition channel formed between two adjacent first protrusions gradually increases in size along the direction from the transition inlet to the transition outlet.

[0015] In some embodiments, when the spacing between adjacent first protrusions is greater than a preset spacing, a second protrusion is further arranged between adjacent first protrusions, and the third side and the fourth side of the second protrusion respectively cooperate with the first protrusions on both sides to form a first supplementary channel and a second supplementary channel.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second protrusion is in a trapezoidal or triangular shape, and the width of the first supplementary channel or the second supplementary channel gradually increases from its inlet to its outlet.

[0017] In some embodiments, the anti-blocking area is arranged in a ring shape.

[0018] In some embodiments, the height of the first protrusion is 0.05-0.20 mm.

[0019] In some embodiments, the number of the first transition channels is greater than the number of the sampling channels.

[0020] In some embodiments, the number of the second transition channels II is greater than or equal to twice the number of the sample separation channels.

[0021] In some embodiments, the width of the second transition channel II is in the range of 0.05-0.25 mm.

[0022] In some embodiments, the width of the entrance of the first transition channel I ranges from 0.05 to 0.25 mm.

[0023] Beneficial technical effects:

[0024] In order to alleviate or avoid the problem of clogging of the sampling channel during microfluidic centrifugal sampling, the present application proposes an anti-clogging area with a multi-transition channel design, which enables the sample to pass through at least a first transition channel and at least one second transition channel during the sampling process, thereby effectively filtering the sample during the centrifugation process.

[0025] Furthermore, the first transition channel and the second transition channel can filter the samples in large size and small size, respectively, so as to further alleviate the blockage problem that may occur in the filtering process on the basis of ensuring the filtering effectiveness. At the same time, at least two filtering operations can further ensure the reliability and accuracy of the test results. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model or the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the prior art description are briefly introduced below. In all the drawings, similar elements or parts are generally identified by similar reference numerals. In the drawings, each element or part is not necessarily drawn according to the actual proportion. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the utility model. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the anti-blocking area structure in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the anti-blocking area in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the lower surface structure of an anti-blocking chip in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of an anti-blocking chip in an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 5 It is a schematic structural diagram of an anti-blocking chip in an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Summary of the reference numerals and symbols: 11 is a sample addition hole, 12 is a sample separation channel, 13 is an anti-blocking area, 131 is a transition interval, 132 is a first protrusion, 133 is a second protrusion, I is a first transition channel, I1 is a first inlet, I2 is a second inlet, II is a second transition channel, 14 is a waste liquid pool, L2 is a second side, L3 is a third side, and L4 is a fourth side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiment of the utility model clearer, the technical solution in the embodiment of the utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiment of the utility model. Obviously, the described embodiment is a part of the embodiment of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiment of the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.

[0034] Herein, the suffixes such as "module", "component" or "unit" used to represent elements are only used to facilitate the description of the present invention, and have no specific meanings. Therefore, "module", "component" or "unit" can be used in a mixed manner.

[0035] In this document, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "front", "rear", "one end", "the other end" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] In this document, unless otherwise clearly specified or limited, the terms "installed", "provided with", "connected", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0037] Herein "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] Herein, "plurality" means two or more than two, ie, it includes two, three, four, five, etc.

[0039] It should be noted that, in this article, the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." does not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the element.

[0040] As used in this specification, the term "about" typically means + / - 5% of the stated value, more typically + / - 4% of the stated value, more typically + / - 3% of the stated value, more typically + / - 2% of the stated value, even more typically + / - 1% of the stated value, and even more typically + / - 0.5% of the stated value.

[0041] In this specification, some embodiments may be disclosed in a format of being in a range. It should be understood that this description of "being in a range" is only for convenience and brevity, and should not be interpreted as a rigid limitation on the disclosed range. Therefore, the description of the range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all possible sub-ranges and independent numerical values ​​within this range. For example, the description of the range 1-6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, etc., as well as individual numbers within this range, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Regardless of the breadth of the range, the above rules apply.

[0042] See also Figure 2 As shown, herein, the protrusion (such as the first protrusion or the second protrusion) is trapezoidal, which means that the width of the protrusion gradually decreases from its first end (i.e., the end adjacent to the sample loading hole) to the second end (i.e., the end adjacent to the sample splitting channel). For example, the first protrusion is trapezoidal, which means that the distance between the third side L3 and the fourth side L4 of the first protrusion gradually decreases from the first end to the second end.

[0043] At present, when using microfluidic chips for centrifugal sample separation, the entrance of the sample separation channel usually has a blockage problem. For example, blood samples usually contain substances such as fibrin, and when fibrin coagulates into lumps, it is very easy to block the sample separation channel, thereby causing sample separation failure or reduced sample separation efficiency. In response to this, the present application proposes a new microfluidic chip design with an anti-blocking function to avoid or alleviate the blockage problem to a certain extent.

[0044] See also Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, the utility model provides a microfluidic chip with anti-blocking function, comprising:

[0045] The main body (also known as a chip card, or a sample card);

[0046] A sample addition hole 11, the opening of which is arranged on the upper surface of the body; at least one sample separation channel 12 (preferably a capillary channel) connected to the sample addition hole, and an anti-blocking area 13 is arranged between the sample separation channel 12 and the sample addition hole 11; wherein the anti-blocking area includes:

[0047] A transition zone 131 is arranged along the edge of the sample loading hole 11 and located on the lower surface of the body, and at least two first protrusions 132 are arranged at intervals on the transition zone 131 and are arranged toward the lower surface of the body, wherein a first transition channel I is formed between adjacent first protrusions 132 (two intersections of two adjacent first protrusions and the edge of the sample loading hole form a first inlet I1), and a second transition channel II is formed between the first protrusion and the first side of the transition zone (the first side is a side of the transition zone connected to the sample sub-channel); wherein, when the microfluidic chip is centrifuged, the sample located in the sample loading hole can enter the sample sub-channel through the first transition channel I and the second transition channel II in sequence.

[0048] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the transition zone 131 is a groove arranged along the edge of the sample addition hole 11. Specifically, the lower surface of the body is recessed inward to form an annular transition zone.

[0049] In some embodiments, at least one of the first protrusions is arranged corresponding to a sample-splitting inlet of the sample-splitting channel, wherein the width of one side of the first protrusion corresponding to the sample-splitting inlet (i.e., the second side L2 of the first protrusion 132) is greater than the width of the sample-splitting inlet, so as to cooperate with the first side on both sides of the sample-splitting inlet to form two second transition channels II. In this embodiment, the multi-transition channel design is adopted to force the sample (such as blood) to pass through at least two transition channels in the process of entering the sample-splitting channel from the sample-adding hole, thereby effectively alleviating the problem of clogging caused by impurities such as fibers in the sample.

[0050] Preferably, in some embodiments, a first protrusion is provided at the sample splitting inlet of a plurality or each sample splitting channel.

[0051] In some embodiments, the width of the first transition channel I is smallest at its entrance.

[0052] In some embodiments, the width of the entrance of the first transition channel I ranges from 0.05 to 0.25 mm.

[0053] In some embodiments, the width of the first protrusion gradually decreases along the direction from the first end (ie, the end adjacent to the sample loading hole) to the second end.

[0054] In some embodiments, a width of an entrance of the first transition channel is smaller than a channel width of the first transition channel.

[0055] The width of the entrance of the first transition channel I refers to the width of the position where the first transition channel is connected to the sample loading hole. The channel width refers to the width of the first transition channel I between the entrance and the exit (or the channel width may also refer to the average width of the first transition channel).

[0056] In some embodiments, the width of the second transition channel II is in the range of 0.05-0.25 mm.

[0057] In some embodiments, the inlet width of the first transition channel I is greater than the width of the second transition channel II. In this embodiment, the dual transition channel design can perform large-size filtration operations on coagulation blocks (such as fibrin) of different sizes, and at least one small-size filtration operation. At least two filtration operations can be coordinated to optimize the filtration effect (avoid excessive fibrin from entering the sampling channel, affecting subsequent test results), and can further avoid clogging of the entrance of the transition channel.

[0058] In some embodiments, a waste liquid pool 14 is provided at one end of the sample loading hole 11 away from the sample splitting channel. A first transition channel I is also formed between the side wall of the waste liquid pool 14 and the adjacent first protrusion 132, and a second inlet I2 is formed on the side of the first transition channel I in contact with the sample loading hole. In this embodiment, a large number of short transition channels can be formed by using multiple protrusions (such as the first and second protrusions) to be distributed along the transition interval, so as to reduce the requirements for the centrifugal force of sample filtration while ensuring that samples such as blood are effectively filtered.

[0059] Moreover, such a large number of short distributed transition channels can also avoid or alleviate the blockage problem that may occur in the filtering process.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first protrusion is designed in a trapezoidal shape, wherein the first transition channel formed between two adjacent first protrusions gradually increases in size from its transition inlet to its transition outlet. In other words, the first transition channel is designed in a trumpet shape. The trumpet-shaped transition channel I can reduce the resistance effect of the transition interval on the sample separation process to a certain extent, and reduce the centrifugal force required for sample separation.

[0061] In some embodiments, when the spacing between adjacent first protrusions 132 is greater than a preset spacing (for example, in some embodiments, when the spacing between adjacent first protrusions is greater than the set width of the entrance of the first transition channel), a second protrusion 133 is further arranged between adjacent first protrusions 132, and the third side and the fourth side of the second protrusion respectively cooperate with the first protrusions on both sides to form a first supplementary channel and a second supplementary channel.

[0062] In some embodiments, the second protrusion 133 is in a trapezoidal or triangular shape, and the width of the first supplementary channel or the second supplementary channel gradually increases from its inlet to its outlet.

[0063] In some embodiments, the widths of the first supplementary channel and the second supplementary channel also gradually increase along the direction from the first end (ie, the end close to the sample loading hole) to the second end.

[0064] In some embodiments, the anti-blocking area is arranged in a ring shape.

[0065] In some embodiments, the height of the first protrusion is in the range of 0.05-0.20 mm.

[0066] In some embodiments, the number of the first transition channels I and the second transition channels II is greater than the number of the sample separation channels.

[0067] In some embodiments, the number of the second transition channels II is greater than twice the number of the sampling channels.

[0068] It should be noted that, in this article, the terms "include", "comprises" or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device. In the absence of further restrictions, an element defined by the sentence "comprises a ..." does not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or device including the element.

[0069] The embodiments of the utility model are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the utility model is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the enlightenment of the utility model, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the scope of protection of the utility model and the claims, all of which are within the protection of the utility model.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip with anti-blocking function, characterized in that: include: ontology; A sample loading hole (11), the opening of the sample loading hole (11) being arranged on the upper surface of the body; At least one sample splitting channel (12) connected to the sample loading hole, and an anti-blocking area (13) is provided between the sample splitting channel (12) and the sample loading hole (11); wherein the anti-blocking area comprises: A transition zone (131) is arranged along the edge of the sample loading hole (11) and located on the lower surface of the body, and at least two first protrusions (132) are arranged at intervals on the transition zone (131) and are arranged toward the lower surface of the body, wherein a first transition channel (I) is formed between adjacent first protrusions (132), and a second transition channel (II) is formed between the first protrusions and the first side of the transition zone; wherein, when the microfluidic chip is centrifuged, the sample located in the sample loading hole can enter the sample separation channel through the first transition channel (I) and the second transition channel (II).

2. A microfluidic chip with anti-blocking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the first protrusions is arranged corresponding to a sample dividing inlet of the sample dividing channel, wherein the width of the first protrusion corresponding to one side of the sample dividing inlet is greater than the width of the sample dividing inlet, so as to cooperate with the first side edge on both sides of the sample dividing inlet to form two second transition channels (II).

3. The microfluidic chip with anti-blocking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the second transition channel (II) is smaller than the width of the first transition channel; and / or the width of the entrance of the first transition channel (I) is smaller than the channel width of the first transition channel (I).

4. The microfluidic chip with anti-blocking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The width of the entrance of the first transition channel (I) is 0.05-0.25 mm.

5. The microfluidic chip with anti-blocking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first protrusions are designed to be trapezoidal, wherein a first transition channel formed between two adjacent first protrusions gradually increases in size from its inlet to its outlet.

6. The microfluidic chip with anti-blocking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The height of the first protrusion is in the range of 0.05-0.20 mm.

7. The microfluidic chip with anti-blocking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the spacing between adjacent first protrusions (132) is greater than a preset spacing, a second protrusion (133) is further provided between adjacent first protrusions (132), and the third side edge and the fourth side edge of the second protrusion respectively cooperate with the first protrusions on both sides to form a first supplementary channel and a second supplementary channel.

8. The microfluidic chip with anti-blocking function according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second protrusion (133) is in the shape of a trapezoid or a triangle, and the width of the first supplementary channel or the second supplementary channel gradually increases along the direction from its inlet to its outlet.

9. The microfluidic chip with anti-blocking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anti-blocking area is arranged in a ring shape.

10. The microfluidic chip with anti-blocking function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the first transition channels (I) is greater than the number of the sample dividing channels; and / or the number of the second transition channels (II) is greater than or equal to twice the number of the sample dividing channels.

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