A microfluidic structure and a microfluidic chip having the microfluidic structure

Abstract

The present application discloses a microfluidic structure and a microfluidic chip processed with the microfluidic structure, so as to solve the problems of poor microfluidic reaction effect, low reaction efficiency and low reliability of test results in existing microfluidic channels. The present application includes an input pipe section, a main pipe section and an output pipe section, and a plurality of special-shaped units are sequentially formed along the flow direction in each straight section of the main pipe section, so that the mixed reactants entering the special-shaped unit begin to turn along the inner wall of the curved surface, and a flow rate difference is generated due to the slope difference of the curved surfaces on both sides; the design of the special-shaped unit of the present application makes the fluid state of the reaction liquid more complicated, and its channel structure forms different flow rate differences in a channel, and the reaction liquid collides and mixes continuously in the channel, which improves the reaction efficiency and reaction effect, thereby improving the reliability of the reaction result; at the same time, a large area of ​​reaction area is left in the channel, so that the overall reaction liquid is accommodated more, so that the reaction is more sufficient and the reaction effect is better.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of microfluidics, and in particular to a microfluidic structure and a microfluidic chip having the microfluidic structure. Background Art

[0002] Microfluidics is a technology that controls the flow of microfluids at a very small scale. It can concentrate a series of processes involved in disciplines such as chemistry and biology, such as sample preparation, chemical reactions, separation, and detection, on a chip of only a few square centimeters or even smaller. Microfluidic chips are usually used in biomedicine, chemical analysis, biomolecular detection and other fields. They are miniaturized reaction devices used to control the flow and mixing of microfluids in tiny channels (50μm-1mm). These chips are usually made of glass, silicone or polymer materials, and have the characteristics of miniaturization, high integration and precision control.

[0003] Microfluidic chips are provided with microchannels for sample delivery and mixing. Existing microchannels are usually simple bending structures, or circular or square flow-dividing and converging structures are added to the straight tube section of the bending structure. However, the existing flow-dividing and converging structures are symmetrically arranged, which has the disadvantage that the structure is relatively simple, and when the gas and liquid move along a fixed route inside, the reaction efficiency is low and the reaction effect is poor. If the reaction is not sufficient, the test results will be inaccurate, thereby causing data errors and affecting the reliability of the data results. Utility Model Content

[0004] To this end, the present application provides a microfluidic channel structure and a microfluidic chip processed with the microfluidic channel structure to solve the problems of poor microfluidic reaction effect, low reaction efficiency and low reliability of test results in existing microfluidics.

[0005] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] In the first aspect, a microfluidic structure is sequentially divided into an input pipe section, a main pipe section and an output pipe section, wherein the input pipe section is provided with a first inlet and a second inlet at different positions along the flow direction for respectively introducing two fluids; the main pipe section is composed of a plurality of straight sections and a plurality of curved sections as a whole to form a continuously reciprocating curved channel; each straight section of the main pipe section sequentially forms a plurality of special-shaped units along the flow direction, and the specific structure of the special-shaped unit is: a curved surface with expansion formed radially based on the main pipe section, wherein the vertex of the curved surface on one side is closer to the front of the special-shaped unit, and the vertex of the curved surface on the other side is closer to the rear of the special-shaped unit, so that the mixed reactants entering the special-shaped unit begin to turn along the inner wall of the curved surface, and a flow rate difference is generated due to the difference in slopes of the curved surfaces on both sides.

[0007] Optionally, each of the special-shaped units itself has a centrally symmetrical structure.

[0008] Optionally, the distance from the vertex of the curved surface to the axis centerline of the main tube segment is 50-100 μm, which is 1.5-2.5 times the body radius of the main tube segment.

[0009] Optionally, the maximum slope of the curved surface is 25-60°.

[0010] Optionally, adjacent special-shaped units on each straight line segment are directly connected in sequence.

[0011] Optionally, the main body diameter of the main pipe section is smaller than the main body diameter of the input pipe section;

[0012] The body diameter of the main pipe section is the same as the diameter of the output pipe section.

[0013] Optionally, one end of the input pipe section serves as the first inlet, and the other end forms an outward expansion structure, and the second inlet is connected at the outward expansion structure.

[0014] Optionally, the first inlet and the second inlet are arranged vertically; and the second inlet is located in the middle of the outward expansion structure.

[0015] In a second aspect, a microfluidic chip includes a chip body, on which the above-mentioned microchannel structure is arranged.

[0016] Optionally, the chip body includes two pieces of glass distributed up and down and packaged together, the microchannel structure is arranged on the upper part of the lower glass, and the first inlet, the second inlet and the outlet of the output pipe section are all opened on the upper surface of the upper glass.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, this application has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. Based on further analysis and research on the existing technical problems, the present application provides a microfluidic structure, which adds a new microfluidic structure option to the field of microfluidic catalytic reactions. A plurality of special-shaped units are sequentially formed along the flow direction on each straight section of the main pipe section. The special-shaped unit is a curved surface with a capacity expansion formed radially based on the main pipe section, wherein the vertex of the curved surface on one side is closer to the front of the special-shaped unit, and the vertex of the curved surface on the other side is closer to the rear of the special-shaped unit, so that the mixed reactants entering the special-shaped unit begin to turn along the inner wall of the curved surface, and a flow rate difference is generated due to the difference in slopes of the curved surfaces on both sides; the design of the special-shaped unit of the present application makes the fluid state of the reaction liquid more complex, and its channel structure forms different flow rate differences in a channel. The reaction liquid collides and mixes continuously in the channel, which improves the reaction efficiency and reaction effect, thereby improving the reliability of the reaction result; at the same time, a large area of ​​reaction area is left in the channel, so that more reaction liquid can be accommodated as a whole, so that the reaction is more sufficient and the reaction effect is better;

[0019] 2. One end of the input pipe section of the present application serves as the first inlet, and the other end forms an outward expansion structure. The arrangement of the outward expansion structure enables the two fluids to contact more fully during mixing, thereby enhancing the mixing effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order to more intuitively illustrate the prior art and the present application, exemplary drawings are given below. It should be understood that the specific shapes and structures shown in the drawings should not generally be regarded as limiting conditions for implementing the present application; for example, those skilled in the art are capable of easily making conventional adjustments or further optimizations to the addition / reduction / attribution division, specific shapes, positional relationships, connection methods, dimensional ratios, etc. of certain units (components) based on the technical concepts and exemplary drawings disclosed in the present application.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the microfluidic channel provided in Example 1 of the present application;

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A local schematic diagram at a special-shaped unit;

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the microfluidic channel provided in Example 2 of the present application;

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a microfluidic chip provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The exploded schematic diagram shown;

[0026] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure with microchannel structure processed in the middle and lower glass layers;

[0027] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A local schematic diagram of the main pipe section and the input pipe section;

[0028] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A local schematic diagram of the special-shaped unit Figure 1 ;

[0029] Fig. 9 for Figure 7 A local schematic diagram of the special-shaped unit Figure 2 .

[0030] Description of reference numerals:

[0031] 1. Input pipe section; 11. First inlet; 12. Second inlet; 13. External expansion structure;

[0032] 2. Main pipe section; 21. Straight line section; 211. Special-shaped unit; 2111. Curved surface; 22. Bend section;

[0033] 3. Output pipe section; 31. Export;

[0034] 4. Upper glass; 5. Lower glass. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present application is further described below in detail through specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] In the description of this application: unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more. The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. in this application are intended to distinguish the objects referred to, and do not have special meanings in terms of technical connotations (for example, they should not be understood as emphasizing the importance or order, etc.). Expressions such as "including", "comprising", "having", etc. also mean "not limited to" (certain units, components, materials, steps, etc.).

[0037] The terms such as "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "middle", etc. cited in this application are usually used to indicate the general relative position relationship for the purpose of intuitive understanding by referring to the drawings, and are not absolute limitations on the position relationship in the actual product.

[0038] Embodiment 1

[0039] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a microfluidic channel structure is divided into an input pipe section 1, a main pipe section 2 and an output pipe section 3 in sequence. The input pipe section 1 is provided with a first inlet 11 and a second inlet 12 at different positions along the flow direction for respectively introducing two fluids; the main pipe section 2 is composed of a plurality of straight sections 21 and a plurality of curved sections 22 to form a continuous reciprocating curved channel;

[0040] Each straight section 21 of the main pipe section 2 forms a plurality of special-shaped units 211 in sequence along the flow direction. The specific structure of the special-shaped unit 211 is as follows: a curved surface 2111 with expansion is formed radially based on the main pipe section 2, wherein the vertex of the curved surface 2111 on one side is closer to the front of the special-shaped unit 211, and the vertex of the curved surface 2111 on the other side is closer to the rear of the special-shaped unit 211, so that the mixed reactants entering the special-shaped unit 211 begin to turn along the inner wall of the curved surface 2111, and a flow velocity difference is generated due to the difference in slopes of the curved surfaces 2111 on both sides.

[0041] Preferably, if Figure 2 As shown, each special-shaped unit 211 itself has a central symmetrical structure;

[0042] Specifically: Figure 6-Figure 8 As shown, the upper and lower surfaces of the special-shaped unit 211 are in the shape of flat plates, and a curved surface 2111 for expansion is formed radially based on the main pipe section 2.

[0043] Preferably, the distance from the vertex of the curved surface 2111 to the axis centerline of the main pipe section 2 is 50-100 μm, which is 1.5-2.5 times the body radius of the main pipe section 2 .

[0044] Further preferably, the maximum slope of the curved surface 2111 is 25-60°.

[0045] Preferably, adjacent special-shaped units 211 on each straight line segment 21 are directly connected in sequence.

[0046] Preferably, the body diameter of the main pipe section 2 is smaller than the body diameter of the input pipe section 1 ; the body diameter of the main pipe section 2 is the same as the diameter of the output pipe section 3 .

[0047] Preferably, one end of the input pipe section 1 serves as the first inlet 11 , and the other end forms an outward expansion structure 13 , at which the second inlet 12 is connected.

[0048] Further preferably, the first inlet 11 and the second inlet 12 are arranged vertically; and the second inlet 12 is located in the middle of the outward expansion structure 13 .

[0049] The first inlet 11 introduces the first fluid, which is a liquid, and the second inlet 12 introduces the second fluid, which is a gas or a liquid; the outward expansion structure is designed to form a package, and the contact area formed by the package is larger than that of the two entering in parallel, so that when the second fluid at the second inlet 12 is mixed into the input pipe section 1, due to the design of the outward expansion structure 13, the second fluid is wrapped by the first fluid, mixed and pushed forward, thereby increasing the contact area and improving the mixing effect.

[0050] The use principle of the above embodiment is as follows:

[0051] When the first fluid and the second fluid enter the expansion structure 13 of the input pipe section 1 from the first inlet 11 and the second inlet 12 respectively, the two are mixed, and the formed mixed reactant flow is pushed forward and enters the position of the main pipe section 2; when flowing through the special-shaped unit 211, the mixed reactant turns along the microchannel wall, the side with a large slope has a large resistance and a slow flow rate, and the side with a small slope has a small resistance and a fast flow rate. The two sides of the special-shaped unit 211 have a flow rate difference, so that the reactants collide with each other, merge and decompose with each other, and improve the reaction efficiency; specifically:

[0052] The design of the special-shaped unit 211 adopts a bionic design. The liquid entering the channel will slow down due to the enlargement of the tube diameter and diffuse to the surroundings. At this time, the flow speed in each direction is consistent. Later, the liquid in the A direction will hit the wall first, causing a change in direction and flow speed, which will produce a cross-convergence effect and mix in the large cavity in the middle. The B direction will hit the wall later, causing a change in direction and flow change, and a mixing effect will be produced. At this time, a flow speed difference will also be produced between AB. The A direction will first encounter a constriction, but the energy generated by the collision will gradually decrease, and the speed will be slower. The B direction will shrink later, and the collision energy will not be eliminated, so the speed will be faster. Through the speed difference of the microflow, the reaction liquid is constantly mixed. Each time it passes through such a special-shaped unit 211, it can be mixed twice or even more times. The special-shaped unit 211 also makes the fluid state of the reaction liquid more complex, the reaction efficiency is improved, and the reaction is more sufficient.

[0053] Compared with the traditional design, which separates first and then merges, the design of the special-shaped unit 211 in the present application is always a channel, and the channel structure creates different flow rate differences in a channel, just like a winding stream, which constantly collides and mixes, and the reaction effect is better;

[0054] Compared with the traditional design, a large reaction area is reserved, so that more reaction liquid can be accommodated as a whole, the reaction is more complete, and the reaction effect is better.

[0055] Embodiment 2

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, a microchannel structure is shown. The overall structure of this embodiment is basically similar to that of the first embodiment, except that the shape of the outward expansion structure 13 and the position of the output pipe section 3 are slightly different.

[0057] In addition, the present application also provides a microfluidic chip, such as Figure 4-Figure 8 As shown, it includes a chip body, and the microchannel structure in the second embodiment is arranged based on the chip body.

[0058] Preferably, the chip body is glass bonded and has light transmittance to meet the requirements of photocatalysis. It includes two pieces of glass distributed up and down and packaged together, namely the upper glass 4 and the lower glass 5. The microchannel structure is arranged on the upper part of the lower glass 5, and the first inlet 11, the second inlet 12 and the outlet 31 of the output pipe section 3 are all opened on the upper surface of the upper glass 4.

[0059] The technical features of the above embodiments may be arbitrarily combined (as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features). To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described; these embodiments that are not explicitly written should also be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A microfluidic channel structure, which is divided into an input pipe section, a main pipe section and an output pipe section in sequence, wherein the input pipe section is provided with a first inlet and a second inlet at different positions along the flow direction for respectively introducing two fluids; the main pipe section is composed of a plurality of straight sections and a plurality of curved sections to form a continuous reciprocating channel; characterized in that: Each straight section of the main pipe section forms a plurality of special-shaped units in sequence along the flow direction. The specific structure of the special-shaped unit is: a curved surface with expansion is formed radially based on the main pipe section, wherein the vertex of the curved surface on one side is closer to the front of the special-shaped unit, and the vertex of the curved surface on the other side is closer to the rear of the special-shaped unit, so that the mixed reactants entering the special-shaped unit begin to turn along the inner wall of the curved surface, and a flow rate difference is generated due to the difference in slopes of the curved surfaces on both sides.

2. The microfluidic channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the special-shaped units has a centrally symmetrical structure.

3. The microfluidic channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance from the vertex of the curved surface to the axis center line of the main pipe section is 50-100 μm, which is 1.5-2.5 times the body radius of the main pipe section.

4. The microfluidic channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The maximum slope of the curved surface is 25-60°.

5. The microfluidic channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Adjacent special-shaped units on each straight line segment are directly connected in sequence.

6. The microfluidic channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main body diameter of the main pipe section is smaller than the main body diameter of the input pipe section; The body diameter of the main pipe section is the same as the diameter of the output pipe section.

7. The microfluidic channel structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the input pipe section serves as the first inlet, and the other end forms an outward expansion structure, and the second inlet is connected at the outward expansion structure.

8. The microfluidic channel structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first inlet and the second inlet are arranged vertically; the second inlet is located in the middle of the outward expansion structure.

9. A microfluidic chip, comprising a chip body, characterized in that: The chip body is provided with the microchannel structure described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The microfluidic chip according to claim 9, characterized in that: The chip body comprises two pieces of glass which are distributed up and down and packaged together, the microchannel structure is arranged on the upper part of the lower glass, and the first inlet, the second inlet and the outlet of the output pipe section are all opened on the upper surface of the upper glass.

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