Electrode assembly, micro-fluidic chip and liquid drop sorting device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of cell sorting, and discloses an electrode assembly which comprises a positive electrode and a negative electrode, the positive electrode and the negative electrode are arranged on the same side of a liquid drop flow channel, and the positive electrode and the negative electrode form an electric field acting on a liquid outlet section of the liquid drop flow channel when powered on. The target liquid drops deflect to the side where the positive electrode and the negative electrode are located under the action of the electrophoretic force. By using the electrode assembly disclosed by the utility model, the flux of the separated liquid drops can be improved. The invention further discloses a micro-fluidic chip and a liquid drop sorting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of cell sorting, for example, to an electrode assembly, a microfluidic chip, and a droplet sorting device. Background Art

[0002] Antibodies are one of the important humoral immune mechanisms for the body to resist the invasion of pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Protective vaccines are important weapons to contain the spread of various pathogens. They can not only specifically recognize pathogens but also bind closely to antigens, thus effectively blocking the damage of pathogens to cells, tissues, and the body. Antibodies are produced by B cells and go through layers of screening in the lymphatic system. Only a very small number of B cells can rearrange their genes to produce high-affinity antibodies. How to effectively isolate and enrich B cells that secrete high-affinity antibodies is a difficult point in the field of antibody research.

[0003] Related technologies disclose a cell sorting chip based on dielectrophoretic deterministic displacement. The chip includes a microchannel, which includes an inlet, a straight channel, and two outlets; three groups of electrode array pairs are integrated at the bottom of the straight channel, and the three groups of electrode array pairs are a focusing electrode group, a sorting electrode group, and a separation electrode group respectively; the focusing electrode group is used for cell focusing and signal detection; the sorting electrode group is used for single-cell sorting; the separation electrode group is used for single-cell separation.

[0004] In the process of implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is found that there are at least the following problems in the related technologies:

[0005] The sorting electrode group in the related technologies applies a deflection force to the target droplet, and the separation electrode makes the target droplet further move towards the target side and the non-target droplet further move towards the non-target side. When the droplet flow rate is relatively fast, the target droplet may not deflect sufficiently at the sorting electrode group, and the target droplet may flow into the waste liquid channel at the separation electrode group. The sorting throughput of the cell sorting chip in the related technologies needs to be further improved.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background art section is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and thus may include information that does not constitute the prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Utility Model

[0007] To have a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a simple summary is given below. The summary is not a general review, nor is it intended to identify key / important constituent elements or delineate the protection scope of these embodiments, but rather serves as a preface to the subsequent detailed description.

[0008] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrode assembly, a microfluidic chip, and a droplet sorting device to further improve the throughput of sorting droplets.

[0009] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. Herein, the positive electrode and the negative electrode are disposed on the same side of the droplet flow channel. When the positive electrode and the negative electrode are energized, an electric field acting on the liquid outlet section of the droplet flow channel is formed, and the target droplet deflects to the side where the positive electrode and the negative electrode are located under the action of the electrophoretic force.

[0010] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly includes a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes. The plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes are alternately arranged, and the plurality of negative electrodes are connected.

[0011] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly includes a plurality of positive electrodes and two negative electrodes. The two negative electrodes are respectively located on both sides of the plurality of positive electrodes.

[0012] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly includes a plurality of positive electrodes. The distances between the plurality of positive electrodes and the droplet flow channel are not completely the same, or the plurality of positive electrodes are sequentially activated when the target droplet flows through the liquid outlet section of the droplet flow channel.

[0013] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly includes at least one electrode unit disposed on one side of the droplet flow channel. Herein, the electrode unit includes one or more positive electrodes and two negative electrodes. The positive electrodes are arranged on the first side of the droplet flow channel; the two negative electrodes are arranged on the first side of the droplet flow channel, and the two negative electrodes are respectively located on both sides of the one or more positive electrodes.

[0014] In some embodiments, the electrode unit includes a plurality of positive electrodes, and two negative electrodes are respectively located on both sides of the plurality of positive electrodes.

[0015] In some embodiments, along the droplet flow direction, the distances between the plurality of positive electrodes and the droplet flow channel gradually increase.

[0016] In some embodiments, along the droplet flow direction, the voltages of the plurality of positive electrodes gradually decrease.

[0017] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly includes a plurality of electrode units, and the plurality of electrode units are arranged on the first side of the droplet flow channel.

[0018] In some embodiments, along the droplet flow direction, the distances between the plurality of electrode units and the droplet flow channel gradually increase.

[0019] In some embodiments, along the droplet flow direction, the voltages of the positive electrodes of the plurality of electrode units gradually decrease.

[0020] In some embodiments, two adjacent electrode units share a negative electrode.

[0021] In some embodiments, the electrode unit includes one positive electrode and two negative electrodes, and the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes of the electrode assembly are alternately arranged.

[0022] In some embodiments, the positive electrodes and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly are alternately arranged at equal intervals.

[0023] In some embodiments, the negative electrodes of the electrode assembly are connected in communication, and the positive electrodes of the electrode assembly are independently controlled to conduct.

[0024] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes a first shielding electrode, the first shielding electrode is disposed on the second side of the droplet flow channel, and the first shielding electrode is opposite to the electrode unit.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first shielding electrode is connected in communication with the negative electrode of the electrode unit.

[0026] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly further includes a second shielding electrode, the second shielding electrode is disposed on the first side of the droplet flow channel, and the second shielding electrode is disposed on the circumferential outer side of the electrode unit and surrounds the electrode unit.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second shielding electrode is connected in communication with the negative electrode of the electrode unit.

[0028] In some embodiments, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the electrode unit are connected to a power source through a high-voltage isolation pulse transformer.

[0029] In some embodiments, the microfluidic chip defines a positive electrode flow channel and a negative electrode flow channel. A conductive medium is filled in the positive electrode flow channel to form a positive electrode, and a conductive medium is filled in the negative electrode flow channel to form a negative electrode.

[0030] In some embodiments, the material of the conductive medium is metal, and the metal conductive medium is filled in the positive electrode flow channel and / or the negative electrode flow channel in a liquid state.

[0031] In some embodiments, when the electrode assembly further includes a first shielding electrode, the microfluidic chip further defines a first shielding electrode flow channel. A conductive medium is filled in the first shielding electrode flow channel to form the first shielding electrode, and the negative electrode flow channel is further connected to the first shielding electrode flow channel.

[0032] In some embodiments, when the electrode assembly further includes a second shielding electrode, the microfluidic chip further defines a second shielding electrode flow channel. A conductive medium is filled in the second shielding electrode flow channel to form the second shielding electrode, and the negative electrode flow channel is further connected to the second shielding electrode flow channel.

[0033] In some embodiments, the microfluidic chip further defines a connecting flow channel. A first end of the connecting flow channel is connected to the first shielding electrode flow channel, and a second end of the connecting flow channel is connected to the second shielding electrode flow channel. The second shielding electrode flow channel is directly communicated with the negative electrode flow channel, and the first shielding electrode flow channel is communicated with the negative electrode flow channel through the connecting flow channel and the second shielding electrode flow channel.

[0034] In some embodiments, the droplet sorting device is adapted to the above-mentioned microfluidic chip. The droplet sorting device further includes a control device, which is configured to control multiple positive electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one when a target droplet flows through the electrode assembly.

[0035] In some embodiments, the control device includes an acquisition module, a determination module, and a control module. Among them, the acquisition module is used to acquire the flow rate of the target droplet; the determination module is configured to determine a first moment when the target droplet flows through the working area of the electrode assembly according to the flow rate of the target droplet; the control module is configured to control multiple positive electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one starting from the first moment.

[0036] In some embodiments, the acquisition module includes a determination unit and a first calculation unit. Among them, the determination unit is configured to determine a first duration required for the droplet to flow through the fluorescence signal detection device according to the wave width of the fluorescence signal; the first calculation unit is configured to determine the flow rate of the droplet according to the first duration and the working length of the fluorescence signal detection device.

[0037] In some embodiments, the acquisition module includes a shooting control unit, a comparison unit, and a second calculation unit. Among them, the shooting control unit is used to control the high-speed camera to continuously shoot droplet images at intervals of a second duration; the comparison unit is used to compare the continuously shot droplet images to determine the displacement distance of the droplet; the second calculation unit is configured to determine the flow rate of the droplet according to the droplet displacement distance and the second duration.

[0038] In some embodiments, the control module includes a third calculation unit and a first execution unit. Among them, the third calculation unit is used to determine the energization interval of the electrode according to the flow rate of the target droplet; the first execution unit is configured to control multiple electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one starting from the first moment according to the energization interval.

[0039] In some embodiments, the control module includes a fourth calculation unit and a second execution unit. Among them, the fourth calculation unit is used to determine the target voltage of multiple electrodes according to the flow rate of the target droplet; the second execution unit is configured to control multiple electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one starting from the first moment according to the determined energization voltage.

[0040] The electrode assembly, microfluidic chip, and droplet sorting device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0041] The electrode assembly provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a continuous and uniform pulling force for the target droplets, thereby allowing the droplets to pass through the droplet flow channel at a higher speed, which can significantly improve the throughput of sorting droplets; by providing the pulling force for the target droplets through multiple electrode units or multiple positive electrodes of the electrode assembly, the pulling force received by the target droplets is relatively gentle, and the droplets are not easily broken.

[0042] The above general description and the following description are only exemplary and explanatory, and are not used to limit this application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by the corresponding drawings. These exemplary illustrations and the drawings do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings do not constitute a scale limitation, and among them:

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electrode assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of another electrode assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of another electrode assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of another electrode assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of another electrode assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of another electrode assembly provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 7 is a graph of the intensity-time relationship of the fluorescence signal when detecting the fluorescence signal of the droplet;

[0051] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a droplet sorting method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of another droplet sorting method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of another droplet sorting method provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Reference Signs:

[0055] 311: Droplet flow channel; 3121: Sheath fluid injection port; 312: Sheath fluid inflow channel; 3131: Sample fluid injection port; 313: Sample fluid inflow channel; 314: First liquid outlet channel; 3141: First liquid outlet; 315: Second liquid outlet channel; 3151: Second liquid outlet; 316: Positive electrode channel; 317: Negative electrode channel; 318: First shielding electrode channel; 319: Second shielding electrode channel; 3189: Connecting channel; 80: Electrode unit; 810: Positive electrode; 820: Negative electrode; 870: First shielding electrode; 880: Second shielding electrode. Detailed implementation

[0056] In order to understand the features and technical content of the embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail, the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for reference and illustration purposes only and are not used to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following technical description, for the sake of explanation, multiple details are provided to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments can still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices can be shown in a simplified manner to simplify the drawings.

[0057] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification, claims, and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and do not necessarily need to be used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so as to implement the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein. In addition, the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0058] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "middle", "outer", "front", "rear", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are mainly used to better describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and their implementations, and are not used to limit that the indicated devices, elements, or components must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. And, in addition to being able to represent the orientation or positional relationship, some of the above terms may also be used to represent other meanings. For example, the term "upper" may also be used to represent a certain attachment relationship or connection relationship in some cases. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of these terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0059] In addition, the terms "arranged", "connected", and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or there can be internal communication between two devices, components, or parts. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0060] Unless otherwise specified, the term "plurality" means two or more.

[0061] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0062] The term "and / or" is an associative relationship describing objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or, A and B these three relationships.

[0063] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the embodiments of the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0064] Combined Figure 1 、 2 As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrode assembly, which includes a positive electrode 810 and a negative electrode 820. Among them, the positive electrode 810 and the negative electrode 820 are arranged on the same side of the droplet flow channel. When the positive electrode and the negative electrode are energized, an electric field acting on the liquid outlet section of the droplet flow channel is formed, and the target droplet deflects to the side where the positive electrode and the negative electrode are located under the action of the electrophoresis force.

[0065] Exemplarily, the droplet sorting system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to sort biological samples such as cells, bacteria, and viruses. The droplet contains at least one cell, bacterium, or virus, and a fluorescence-identifiable marker.

[0066] The electrode assembly provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to a droplet sorting device or a droplet sorting system.

[0067] Taking an application as an example, specifically, as shown in Figures 4 to 6 FIG., the droplet sorting device includes a sheath liquid inflow channel 312, a sample liquid inflow channel 313, a droplet flow channel 311, a first liquid outlet channel 314, and a second liquid outlet channel 315.

[0068] The sheath liquid inflow channel 312 is used to fill the sheath liquid, and a sheath liquid injection port 3121 is provided on the sheath liquid inflow channel. The liquid inlet end of the sample liquid inflow channel 313 is used to fill the sample liquid, and a sample liquid injection port 3131 is provided on the sample liquid injection channel.

[0069] Sheath fluid is a liquid medium used to focus water-in-oil droplets or samples. After being squeezed by the sheath fluid, the water-in-oil droplets or samples form a stable liquid flow environment together with the sheath fluid, so that the water-in-oil droplets or samples can pass through the droplet flow channel in a single row and roughly along the central axis of the droplet flow channel. Exemplarily, the sheath fluid is an oil phase.

[0070] Exemplarily, the droplet sorting system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to sort biological samples such as cells, bacteria, and viruses. The droplet contains at least one cell, bacterium, or virus, and a fluorescently recognizable marker.

[0071] The target droplet flows along the droplet flow channel under the drive of an external force. During the flow process, it is deflected to the side where the electrode assembly is located under the action of the electrophoresis force of the electrode assembly, and the deflected target droplet flows into the first liquid outlet channel 314. When the non-target droplet flows through the position where the electrode assembly is located, it is not affected by the electric field force and enters the second liquid outlet channel 315 under the action of inertia.

[0072] Exemplarily, the sample liquid contains water-in-oil droplets, and each droplet contains at least one cell and several recognition markers. The recognition markers include multiple magnetic particles, multiple antigen-labeled with fluorescence, and secondary antibody-labeled with fluorescence. After the antigen is recognized, the cell produces multiple antibodies, and the antigen can bind to multiple antibodies. The surface of the magnetic particle has multiple functional groups, which can bind to multiple antibodies secreted by the cell. The secondary antibody only binds to a specific antibody. If a target particle group in which the antigen, antibody, magnetic particle, and secondary antibody are all bound together appears in the droplet, it is considered that the cell in the droplet is a target cell that can produce high-affinity antibodies, and the droplet is a target droplet.

[0073] The water-in-oil droplets in the sample liquid are used to isolate adjacent droplets. The water-in-oil droplets are further mixed with the sheath fluid flowing into the flow channel, so as to flow in the droplet flow channel 311 at a preset flow rate and a preset adjacent distance.

[0074] The droplet sorting device or droplet sorting system has the function of identifying target droplets. The droplets flow along the droplet flow channel at a certain interval under the action of an external force and pass through the liquid outlet where the electrode assembly is located one by one. At the electrode assembly, when the electrode is energized, the surface tension of the droplet will be affected by the surface charge, and the change in the surface tension will cause the shape of the droplet to change. When the shape of the droplet changes, it moves directionally in the droplet flow channel, that is, it moves toward the side where the electrode assembly is located. This movement of the droplet under the action of the electric field can also be considered as the movement of the droplet under the action of the electrophoresis force. The droplets flowing along the droplet flow channel are deflected to the side where the electrode assembly is located after receiving the action of the electrophoresis force, so as to enter the first liquid outlet channel 314. The non-target droplets not affected by the electrophoresis force enter the second liquid outlet channel 315 under the action of inertia.

[0075] It should be noted that the positive electrode and the negative electrode can be connected to alternating current. In the case of connecting alternating current, the alternating electric field between the positive and negative electrodes can also generate an electrophoresis force to deflect the droplet. In this case, the positive electrode and the negative electrode are only for distinguishing opposite electrodes, and it is not limited that the positive electrode can only be connected to direct current positive electricity or the negative electrode can only be connected to direct current negative electricity.

[0076] This is conducive to the droplet sorting device to identify, observe and sort the droplets in the droplet.

[0077] In the process of pulling the target droplet towards the target side of the droplet flow channel, if the acting force is small and the acting time is short, the target droplet is not easily deflected. If the acting force is large, the droplet is easily broken. The electrode assembly provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure includes at least one electrode unit. The electrode unit includes at least one or more positive electrodes and two negative electrodes, and the two negative electrodes are located on both sides of the one or more positive electrodes.

[0078] Using the electrode assembly provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, a continuous and uniform pulling force can be provided for the droplet, so that the target droplet can deflect towards the side where the electrode assembly is located during the flow of the droplet and enter the first liquid outlet channel after deflection. Since the reaction speed of the motor assembly is fast, the acting force is continuous and uniform, and the droplets in the droplet are not easily broken. This allows the droplets to pass through the droplet flow channel at a higher flow rate, thereby increasing the droplet sorting throughput.

[0079] Optionally, as shown in Figure 4 、 Figure 5 The electrode assembly includes a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes, the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes are alternately arranged, and the plurality of negative electrodes are connected.

[0080] The plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes are alternately arranged, and an electric field is formed between two adjacent positive and negative electrodes. For a droplet, successive energization of the plurality of positive electrodes can pull the droplet towards the side where the positive electrode or the negative electrode is located. With such an arrangement, the target droplet can be deflected to the first liquid outlet channel by pulling the droplet multiple times through the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes. This can reduce or avoid the droplet being broken due to excessive electrophoresis force. In addition, the throughput of droplet sorting can be increased by the form of pulling through the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes.

[0081] It should be noted that the positive electrode and the negative electrode can be connected to alternating current. In the case of connecting alternating current, the alternating electric field between the positive and negative electrodes can also generate an electrophoresis force to deflect the droplet. In this case, the positive electrode and the negative electrode are only for distinguishing opposite electrodes and are not limited to the positive electrode being only connected to direct current positive electricity or the negative electrode being only connected to direct current negative electricity.

[0082] By independently controlling the power on and off of multiple positive electrodes, the electrophoretic force can be applied to the droplets multiple times in sequence to deflect the droplets. The form in which multiple negative electrodes are connected can reduce the difficulty of arranging the negative electrodes.

[0083] Optionally, the electrode assembly includes multiple positive electrodes and two negative electrodes, and the two negative electrodes are located on both sides of the multiple positive electrodes.

[0084] When any one of the multiple positive electrodes is powered on, an electric field is formed between it and the two negative electrodes. When the distances between the positive electrode and the two negative electrodes are different, the target droplet deflects towards the first liquid outlet channel under the action of the electrophoretic force. The form of multiple positive electrodes cooperating with two negative electrodes can reduce the number of negative electrodes and thus reduce the difficulty of arranging the negative electrodes.

[0085] Optionally, the electrode assembly includes multiple positive electrodes, and the distances between the multiple positive electrodes and the droplet flow channel are not completely the same.

[0086] The electrode assembly includes multiple positive electrodes, which can form an electric field with a certain gradient. The droplet tends to move in the direction of the electric field gradient in the electric field, so as to better deflect towards the corresponding flow channel.

[0087] Optionally, when the target droplet flows through the liquid outlet section of the droplet flow channel, the multiple positive electrodes are activated sequentially.

[0088] If the droplet is simultaneously subjected to the electrophoretic forces of multiple electric fields, it will lead to unclear movement intention of the droplet. The multiple positive electrodes are activated sequentially, and the target droplet is deflected by only one electric field within a period of time. Adopting such a setting form is beneficial for the electrode assembly to deflect the target droplet to the first liquid outlet channel.

[0089] Combined Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown in

[0090] An electrode assembly is provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electrode assembly includes at least one electrode unit disposed on one side of the droplet flow channel 311. Among them, the electrode unit includes one or more positive electrodes 810 and two negative electrodes 820. The positive electrodes 810 are arranged on the first side of the droplet flow channel 311; the two negative electrodes 820 are arranged on the first side of the droplet flow channel 311, and the two negative electrodes 820 are respectively located on both sides of one or more positive electrodes 810.

[0091] When the electrode unit includes a positive electrode, the positive electrode and the two negative electrodes form two electric fields. The two electric fields are located on both sides of the positive electrode, and electric field superposition or electric field interference is not likely to occur.

[0092] By using the electrode assembly provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrode unit can provide continuous and uniform pulling force for the target droplets, thereby allowing the droplets to pass through the droplet flow channel at a higher speed, which can significantly improve the throughput of the droplet sorting device or droplet sorting system; by providing pulling force for the target droplets through the multiple electric fields of the electrode unit, the pulling force on the target droplets is relatively gentle, and the droplets are not easily broken.

[0093] Optionally, combined Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the electrode unit includes a plurality of positive electrodes, and two negative electrodes are respectively located on both sides of the plurality of positive electrodes.

[0094] When the electrode unit includes multiple positive electrodes, the multiple positive electrodes form multiple electric fields with the two negative electrodes respectively. When the target droplet flows through the electrode assembly, the electrophoretic force it is subjected to first gradually increases and then gradually decreases, and the target droplet is deflected more fully in the droplet flow channel.

[0095] Optionally, along the flow direction of the droplet, the distances between the plurality of positive electrodes and the droplet flow channel gradually increase.

[0096] When the target droplet flows through the electrode unit, it will deviate to the first side of the droplet flow channel under the action of the deflection force applied by the electrode assembly, and the distance between the target droplet and the multiple positive electrodes will gradually decrease, and the electric field force it is subjected to will gradually increase. The distance between the multiple positive electrodes and the droplet flow channel will gradually increase, so that the target droplet will be subjected to uniform force when flowing through the electrode assembly. In addition, by adopting such a setting, the multiple positive electrodes can be supplied with substantially equal voltages, which is conducive to the voltage control of the multiple positive electrodes.

[0097] Optionally, along the flow direction of the droplets, the voltages of the plurality of positive electrodes gradually decrease.

[0098] By adopting such a setting, the force applied to the target droplet can be kept basically constant when flowing through the electrode assembly, thereby reducing the risk of the droplet being torn. In addition, by setting the voltage of the multiple positive electrodes to gradually decrease, the multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes of the electrode assembly can be as close to the droplet flow channel as possible, which is conducive to the setting of multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes.

[0099] Optionally, combined Figure 2 As shown, the electrode assembly includes a plurality of electrode units 80, and the plurality of electrode units 80 are arranged on a first side of the droplet flow channel.

[0100] The electrode assembly includes a plurality of electrode units, which can further increase the range of action of the electric field formed by the electrode assembly. When the droplet flow rate is constant, the time for the target droplet to flow in the liquid outlet section of the droplet flow channel increases, thereby increasing the length of time the target droplet is acted upon by the electric field force of the electrode assembly. This allows the electrode assembly to pass a lower voltage, thereby reducing the electromagnetic signal interference of the electrode assembly to the droplet sorting device or droplet sorting system, and reducing the risk of electrode breakdown. When the voltage of the electrode assembly is constant, the droplets can be allowed to pass through at a higher flow rate, which can increase the number of droplets sorted per unit time, that is, increase the sorting flux of the droplet sorting device or droplet sorting system.

[0101] Optionally, along the flow direction of the droplet, the distances between the plurality of electrode units and the droplet flow channel gradually increase.

[0102] When the target droplet flows through the electrode unit, it will deviate to the first side of the droplet flow channel under the action of the deflection force applied by the electrode assembly, and the distance between the target droplet and the electrode unit will gradually decrease, and the electric field force it is subjected to will gradually increase. The distance between the multiple electrode units and the droplet flow channel will gradually increase, so that the target droplet can be subjected to uniform force when flowing through the electrode assembly. In addition, by adopting such a setting, the multiple electrode units can be supplied with substantially equal voltages, which is conducive to the voltage control of the multiple electrode units.

[0103] Optionally, along the flow direction of the droplets, the voltages of the positive electrodes of the plurality of electrode units gradually decrease.

[0104] This allows the force on the target droplet to remain essentially constant when it flows through the electrode assembly, thereby reducing the risk of the droplet being torn apart. In addition, by setting the voltages of the multiple positive electrodes to gradually decrease, the multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes of the electrode assembly can be as close to the droplet flow channel as possible, which is beneficial to the arrangement of multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes.

[0105] Optionally, combined Figure 3 As shown, two adjacent electrode units 80 share a negative electrode 820 .

[0106] Two adjacent electrode units share a negative electrode, which can reduce the number of negative electrodes and thus the cost of the electrode assembly, and can make the electrophoretic force on the target droplet at the electrode assembly continuous and uniform, thereby increasing the success rate of deflecting the target droplet and improving the throughput of the droplet sorting device or droplet sorting system.

[0107] Optionally, combined Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the electrode unit includes a positive electrode and two negative electrodes, and the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the electrode assembly are arranged alternately.

[0108] As an implementation, each electrode unit includes a positive electrode and two negative electrodes. Two adjacent electrode units share a negative electrode, and the electrodes of the electrode assembly are arranged in an alternating pattern of positive and negative electrodes. With such an arrangement, the multiple electric fields formed by the multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes of the electrode assembly are relatively uniform, and it is not easy for two adjacent electric fields to be superimposed.

[0109] With such an arrangement, when a single positive electrode operates, the electrophoretic force acting on the droplet jointly with the two adjacent negative electrodes is relatively uniform, and the droplet is not easily broken when driving the droplet to move.

[0110] Optionally, the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly are alternately arranged at equal intervals.

[0111] This can make the electric field generated inside the electrode assembly relatively uniform. The electric field is relatively uniform, the pulling force on the target droplet is relatively gentle, and the droplet is not easily broken. The positive and negative electrodes are arranged at equal intervals, and the electric field intensities of the multiple electric fields of the electrode assembly are generally equal. With such an arrangement, it is beneficial to control the voltages of the multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes of the electrode assembly.

[0112] Optionally, as shown in Figures 4 to 6 the negative electrodes of the electrode assembly are connected in communication, and the positive electrodes of the electrode assembly are independently controlled to conduct.

[0113] There is a potential difference between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, thus generating an electric field acting on the target droplet. The multiple negative electrodes are connected in communication, and an electric field is formed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode by supplying power to the positive electrode. This can simplify the wiring of the multiple negative electrodes. In addition, when the multiple negative electrodes are connected in communication, the electric potentials are equal, which is beneficial to adjusting the electric field intensity by adjusting the voltage of the positive electrode.

[0114] The multiple positive electrodes are independently controlled to conduct. Either multiple positive electrodes can be energized simultaneously or multiple positive electrodes can be energized one by one. Such an arrangement is beneficial for the electrode assembly to achieve various different sorting methods.

[0115] Optionally, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 6 the electrode assembly further includes a first shielding electrode 870, the first shielding electrode is arranged on the second side of the droplet flow channel 311, and the first shielding electrode 870 faces the electrode unit.

[0116] With the first shielding electrode provided, the electromagnetic action generated by the positive electrode towards the second side of the first flow channel is limited within the first shielding electrode. This can reduce the electromagnetic interference caused by the electric field between the positive electrode and the negative electrode to the electronic components of the droplet sorting device or the droplet sorting system.

[0117] Optionally, the first shielding electrode 870 is connected in communication with the negative electrode 820 of the electrode unit.

[0118] In this case, the negative electrode of the electrode unit is the ground electrode, and the first shielding electrode is also the ground electrode. This can simplify the wiring of the negative electrode and the first shielding electrode of the electrode assembly, thereby reducing the cost of the electrode assembly.

[0119] Optionally, in combination with Figures 4 to 6 as shown, the electrode assembly further includes a second shielding electrode 880. The second shielding electrode 880 is disposed on the first side of the droplet flow channel, and the second shielding electrode is disposed on the circumferential outer side of the electrode unit and surrounds the electrode unit.

[0120] With the second shielding electrode provided, the electromagnetic action generated by the positive electrode towards the first side of the first flow channel is limited within the second shielding electrode. This can further reduce the electromagnetic interference caused by the electric field between the positive electrode and the negative electrode to the electronic components of the droplet sorting device or the droplet sorting system.

[0121] Optionally, the second shielding electrode 880 is connected to the negative electrode 820 of the electrode unit.

[0122] In this case, the negative electrode of the electrode unit is the ground electrode, and the second shielding electrode is also the ground electrode. This can simplify the wiring of the negative electrode and the second shielding electrode of the electrode assembly, thereby reducing the cost of the electrode assembly.

[0123] Optionally, the positive electrode and / or the negative electrode of the electrode unit is connected to the power supply through a high-voltage isolation pulse transformer.

[0124] There is a high electrical isolation between the primary side and the secondary side of the high-voltage isolation pulse transformer, which can ensure the safety of the equipment and personnel; the transformer can transmit pulse signals and has good pulse response characteristics. Adopting such a setting form is beneficial to improving the safety of the droplet sorting system.

[0125] Optionally, in combination with Figure 1 、 2 、4, and 5, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a microfluidic chip. The microfluidic chip defines a positive electrode flow channel 316 and a negative electrode flow channel 317. The positive electrode flow channel 316 is filled with a conductive medium to form a positive electrode 810, and the negative electrode flow channel 317 is filled with a conductive medium to form a negative electrode 820.

[0126] Using the microfluidic chip can achieve high-throughput droplet sorting, thereby improving the efficiency of experimental research. The cost of the microfluidic chip is low, it is convenient to use and carry, and can reduce the experimental cost. The microfluidic chip technology can also achieve non-destructive sorting of droplets, ensuring the activity and integrity of the droplets.

[0127] The microfluidic chip further defines a plurality of positive electrode channels 316 and a plurality of negative electrode channels 317. The positive and negative electrodes of the microfluidic chip are located inside the microfluidic chip, which can better drive the droplets to deflect in the plane where the microfluidic chip is located. In addition, the positive and negative electrodes are in the form of being embedded in the microfluidic chip, reducing the risk of short circuit or leakage of the electrodes of the droplet sorting device or the droplet sorting system.

[0128] Optionally, the material of the conductive medium is metal, and the metal conductive medium is filled into the positive electrode channel and / or the negative electrode channel in a liquid form.

[0129] Adopting such a setting form reduces the processing and forming difficulty of the positive and negative electrodes and reduces the cost of the droplet sorting device and the droplet sorting system.

[0130] Optionally, when the electrode assembly further includes a first shielding electrode, the microfluidic chip further defines a first shielding electrode channel 318. The first shielding electrode channel is filled with a conductive medium to form a first shielding electrode, and the negative electrode channel is also connected to the first shielding electrode channel.

[0131] This can integrate the first shielding electrode on the microfluidic chip, simplify the structure of the droplet sorting device, and reduce the cost of the droplet sorting device.

[0132] Optionally, when the electrode assembly further includes a second shielding electrode, the microfluidic chip further defines a second shielding electrode channel 319. The second shielding electrode channel is filled with a conductive medium to form a second shielding electrode, and the negative electrode channel is also connected to the second shielding electrode channel.

[0133] This can integrate the second shielding electrode on the microfluidic chip, simplify the structure of the droplet sorting device, and reduce the cost of the droplet sorting device.

[0134] Optionally, the microfluidic chip further defines a connection channel 3189. The first end of the connection channel 3189 is connected to the first shielding electrode channel 318, the second end of the connection channel is connected to the second shielding electrode channel 319, the second shielding electrode channel is directly connected to the negative electrode channel, and the first shielding electrode channel is connected to the second shielding electrode channel and the negative electrode channel through the connection channel.

[0135] Adopting such a setting method, only one electrode connector can connect a plurality of negative electrodes, the first shielding electrode and the second shielding electrode, simplifies the connection structure of the negative electrode, the first shielding electrode and the second shielding electrode, and reduces the cost of the droplet sorting device.

[0136] Optionally, the microfluidic chip further defines a droplet flow channel 311 for droplet flow, a first liquid outlet flow channel 314, and a second liquid outlet flow channel 315. Among them, the electrode assembly is disposed on the first side of the liquid outlet end of the droplet flow channel 311. When the target droplet flows through the liquid outlet section of the droplet flow channel 311, the electrode assembly is activated to deflect the target droplet to the first liquid outlet flow channel 314. When the non-target droplet flows through the liquid outlet section of the droplet flow channel 311, the electrode assembly is not activated, and the non-target droplet enters the second liquid outlet flow channel 315.

[0137] The positive electrode flow channel 316, the negative electrode flow channel 317, the droplet flow channel 311, the first liquid outlet flow channel 314, and the second liquid outlet flow channel 315 are all constructed on the microfluidic chip, which can improve the integration of the microfluidic chip and is beneficial to the processing and forming of the droplet sorting device.

[0138] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a droplet sorting system, and the droplet sorting system includes the above-mentioned droplet sorting device.

[0139] Using the droplet sorting system provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrode assembly can provide a continuous and uniform pulling force for the target droplet, thereby allowing the droplet to pass through the droplet flow channel at a higher speed, which can significantly improve the throughput of the droplet sorting device or the droplet sorting system; by providing a pulling force for the target droplet through multiple electric fields of the electrode unit, the pulling force received by the target droplet is relatively gentle, and the droplet is not easily broken.

[0140] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a droplet sorting device, and the droplet sorting device is adapted to the above-mentioned microfluidic chip. The droplet sorting device further includes a control device, and the control device is configured to control the multiple positive electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one when the target droplet flows through the electrode assembly.

[0141] If multiple positive electrodes are all energized, when the target droplet flows through the electrode assembly, it is affected by multiple electric fields, and the force on the target droplet is complex and the droplet is easily broken. The control device controls the multiple positive electrodes to be energized one by one. The target droplet is only affected by one or two electric fields within the same time period, and the deflection of the target droplet is easy to control, and the droplet is not easily broken.

[0142] Using the droplet sorting device provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrode assembly of the electrode assembly can provide a continuous and uniform pulling force for the target droplet, thereby allowing the droplet to pass through the droplet flow channel at a higher speed, which can significantly improve the throughput of the droplet sorting device or the droplet sorting system; by providing a pulling force for the target droplet through multiple electrode units or multiple positive electrodes of the electrode assembly, the pulling force received by the target droplet is relatively gentle, and the droplet is not easily broken.

[0143] Optionally, the control device includes an acquisition module, a determination module, and a control module. The acquisition module is configured to acquire the flow rate of the target droplet. The determination module is configured to determine the first moment when the target droplet flows through the working area of the electrode assembly according to the flow rate of the target droplet. The control module is configured to control the plurality of positive electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one starting from the first moment.

[0144] The plurality of electrodes of the electrode assembly include a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes. When the negative electrodes of the electrode assembly are grounded and the plurality of positive electrodes are controlled to be energized one by one, it is only to control the plurality of positive electrodes to be energized one by one. When both the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes of the electrode assembly are energized, controlling the plurality of positive electrodes to be energized one by one is to control the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes of the electrode unit to be energized simultaneously. The working area of the electrode assembly is the area where the droplet flow channel can be affected by the electric field. According to the flow rate of the target droplet, the moment when the target droplet enters the working area of the electrode assembly can be accurately determined. Energizing the electrode assembly at the corresponding moment can deflect the target droplet towards the target side. The droplet sorting device further includes a device for controlling the electrode assembly, which can make the droplet sorting device more efficient in sorting droplets. When sorting droplets, if all the positive electrodes are energized, the target droplet is affected by multiple electric fields when flowing through the electrode assembly, and the target droplet is easily broken due to the complex force. By controlling the control module to start the plurality of electrodes one by one, the target droplet is only affected by one or two electric fields within the same time period, the deflection of the target droplet is easy to control, and the droplet is not easily broken.

[0145] Optionally, the acquisition module includes a determination unit and a first calculation unit. The determination unit is configured to determine the first duration required for the droplet to flow through the fluorescence signal detection device according to the wave width of the fluorescence signal. The first calculation unit is configured to determine the flow rate of the droplet according to the first duration and the working length of the fluorescence signal detection device.

[0146] For the precise sorting of droplets, it is necessary to accurately judge the moment when the target droplet flows through the sorting device. As shown in Figure 7 The abscissa represents time and the ordinate represents fluorescence intensity. When the target droplet flows through the fluorescence signal detection device, the fluorescence signal intensity first increases and then decreases with time. In the intensity-time graph of the fluorescence signal, it is a peak. When the droplet size is relatively uniform and the position of the fluorescence signal detection device remains unchanged, the moving distance of the droplet corresponding to the peak (i.e., the working length of the fluorescence signal detection device) is constant. The peak width represents the duration required for the target droplet to flow through the fluorescence signal detection device. According to this moving distance and the required duration, the flow rate of the droplet can be determined. That is, the flow rate of the droplet can be accurately determined according to the peak width of the fluorescence signal and the working length of the fluorescence signal detection device.

[0147] In addition, the first duration is determined using the fluorescence signal bandwidth, which is sensitive and allows for a relatively fast detection speed, enabling droplets to flow through the fluorescence signal detection device at a higher speed. This can increase the throughput of sorted droplets.

[0148] When the identification of the target droplet is based on the fluorescence signal detection device, the flow rate of the droplet is determined according to the bandwidth of the fluorescence signal and the working length of the fluorescence signal detection device. This method has a lower cost and accurate results.

[0149] Optionally, the acquisition module includes a shooting control unit, a comparison unit, and a second calculation unit. The shooting control unit is configured to control the high-speed camera to continuously capture droplet images at intervals of a second duration. The comparison unit is configured to compare the continuously captured droplet images to determine the displacement distance of the droplet. The second calculation unit is configured to determine the flow rate of the droplet based on the droplet displacement distance and the second duration.

[0150] The ratio of the displacement distance determined by the comparison unit to the second duration can accurately reflect the flow rate of the droplet. In the case where it is necessary to record droplet images using a high-speed camera, this method has a lower cost and accurate results.

[0151] Determining the flow rate of the droplet through the droplet image can improve the accuracy of the obtained droplet flow rate when the sample size in the droplet is not uniform. Since the droplet flow rate is more accurate, the droplet sorting system can more precisely control the energization of the positive electrode or energize it one by one. This can improve the accuracy of sorting droplets.

[0152] Optionally, the control module includes a third calculation unit and a first execution unit. The third calculation unit is configured to determine the energization interval of the electrodes according to the flow rate of the target droplet. The first execution unit is configured to control the multiple electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one starting from the first moment according to the energization interval.

[0153] When multiple electrodes are energized one by one, the distance between adjacent positive electrodes is determined, and the flow rate of the target droplet is adjustable. If the energization interval of the multiple electrodes does not match the droplet flow rate, it is easy to break the droplet or prevent the droplet from deflecting to the target side. Determining the energization interval of the electrodes according to the flow rate of the target droplet can match the droplet flow rate with the energization interval, improving the efficiency and effect of the electrode assembly in pulling the target droplet to the target side.

[0154] Optionally, the control module includes a fourth calculation unit and a second execution unit. The fourth calculation unit is configured to determine the target voltage of the multiple electrodes according to the flow rate of the target droplet. The second execution unit is configured to control the multiple electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one starting from the first moment according to the determined energization voltage.

[0155] When the flow rate of the target droplet is relatively fast, the duration of passing through the working area of the electrode assembly is relatively short. In order to deflect the target droplet within a relatively short duration, the electrode assembly requires a larger voltage to apply a greater electrophoretic force to the target droplet. When the flow rate of the target droplet is relatively slow, the duration of passing through the working area of the electrode assembly is relatively long. In order to avoid breaking the droplet due to excessive electrophoretic force, the electrode assembly requires a smaller voltage.

[0156] Determining the target voltages of multiple electrodes according to the flow rate of the target droplet can make the electrophoretic force required to deflect the target droplet match the voltage of the electrode assembly. It should be noted that the target voltages of multiple electrodes can be equal voltages or a set of unequal voltages. When the target droplet flows through the electrode assembly, the distance from the electrode assembly gradually decreases, and the electric field force received gradually increases. Along the droplet flow direction, the voltages of multiple positive electrodes gradually decrease. This can also make the force on the target droplet uniform when it flows through the electrode assembly. In addition, by setting the voltages of multiple positive electrodes to gradually decrease, both the multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes of the electrode assembly can be as close as possible to the droplet flow channel, which is beneficial to the setting of multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes.

[0157] Combined with Figure 8 As shown, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a droplet sorting method, which is applied to a droplet sorting device or a droplet sorting system including the above electrode assembly. The method includes:

[0158] S100, an acquisition module acquires the flow rate of the target droplet.

[0159] S200, a determination module determines the first moment when the target droplet passes through the working area of the electrode assembly according to the flow rate of the target droplet.

[0160] S300, a control module controls multiple positive electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one starting from the first moment.

[0161] Combined with Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the droplet sorting device to which the above electrode assembly is applied is configured to include a sheath liquid inflow channel 312, a sample liquid inflow channel 313, a droplet flow channel 311, a first liquid outlet channel 314, and a second liquid outlet channel 315.

[0162] The sheath liquid inflow channel 312 is used to fill the sheath liquid, and a sheath liquid injection port 3121 is provided on the sheath liquid inflow channel. The liquid inlet end of the sample liquid inflow channel 313 is used to fill the sample liquid, and a sample liquid injection port 3131 is provided on the sample liquid injection channel. The sample liquid contains water-in-oil droplets, and the droplets include at least one droplet and several identification markers.

[0163] When sorting droplets, sheath fluid is injected from the sheath fluid injection port 3121, and sample fluid is injected from the sample fluid injection port 3131. The sheath fluid flows along the sheath fluid inlet channel 312 into the droplet channel 311, and the sample fluid flows along the sample fluid inlet channel 313 into the droplet channel 311. The sheath fluid and the sample fluid are mixed in the inlet section of the droplet channel 311, so that the droplets in the sample fluid can continue to flow along the droplet channel 311 at a certain distance and a certain speed.

[0164] When the droplet flows along the droplet flow 311, the droplet sorting device identifies the target droplet and obtains the flow rate of the target droplet through the acquisition module. Exemplarily, the droplet sorting device includes a fluorescence signal detection device, which detects the fluorescence signal of the droplet and identifies the target droplet and non-target droplet through the characteristics of the fluorescence signal. The droplet containing the target droplet is the target droplet, and the droplet not containing the target droplet is the non-target droplet.

[0165] When the droplet is flowing at a constant speed or the flow rate of the droplet is determined, the determination module determines the first moment when the target droplet of the droplet flows through the working area of the electrode assembly. Exemplarily, if the flow rate of the droplet is v, the distance that the droplet flows from being identified to the position of the electrode assembly in the droplet flow is s1, and the time for the droplet to flow from the current position to the position of the droplet assembly is t1, then:

[0166] t1 = s1 / v1;

[0167] The first moment when the target droplet flows through the working area of the electrode assembly is the current moment delayed by t duration.

[0168] The positive electrode and the negative electrode of the electrode assembly are located on the same side of the droplet channel. The control module controls the multiple positive electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one starting from the first moment. When the positive electrode is energized, an electric field acting on the target droplet in the target droplet is formed with the adjacent or nearby negative electrode, and an electrophoresis force is applied to pull the target droplet towards the side where the electrode assembly is located.

[0169] The target droplet deviates towards the side where the electrode assembly is located during the flow, and the deflected target droplet flows into the first outlet channel 314. When the non-target droplet flows through the position where the electrode assembly is located, it is not affected by the electric field force and enters the second outlet channel 315 under the action of inertia.

[0170] The target droplet that enters the first outlet channel 314 flows along the first outlet channel and flows out from the first outlet 3141 to be collected. The non-target droplet that enters the second outlet channel 315 flows along the second outlet channel and flows out from the second outlet 3151. In this way, one-time droplet sorting of the sample fluid is completed.

[0171] The working area of the electrode assembly is the area where the droplet flow channel can be affected by the electric field. When the target droplet flows through the working area of the electrode assembly, if multiple positive electrodes are energized, the target droplet is affected by multiple electric fields when flowing through the electrode assembly, and the target droplet in the target droplet is likely to be broken. In the droplet sorting method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the control module controls multiple electrodes to start one by one, and the target droplet is only affected by one or two electric fields within the same time period, the deflection of the target droplet is easy to control, and the droplet is not easily broken. In the droplet sorting method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrode assembly can provide a continuous and uniform pulling force for the target droplet, so that the droplet can pass through the droplet flow channel at a higher speed, which can significantly improve the throughput of the droplet sorting device or the droplet sorting system; by providing a pulling force for the target droplet through multiple electrode units or multiple positive electrodes of the electrode assembly, the pulling force received by the target droplet is relatively gentle, and the droplet is not easily broken.

[0172] Optionally, in combination with Figure 9 shown in, step S100 of obtaining the flow rate of the target droplet includes:

[0173] S111, the determination unit determines the first duration required for the droplet to flow through the fluorescence signal detection device according to the wave width of the fluorescence signal.

[0174] S112, the first calculation unit determines the flow rate of the droplet according to the first duration and the working length of the fluorescence signal detection device.

[0175] For the precise sorting of droplets, it is necessary to accurately judge the moment when the target droplet flows through the sorting device. In combination with Figure 7 shown in, the abscissa is time and the ordinate is the fluorescence signal intensity. When the target droplet flows through the fluorescence signal detection device, the fluorescence signal intensity first increases and then decreases with time. In the intensity-time graph of the fluorescence signal, it is a wave peak. When the droplet size is relatively uniform and the position of the fluorescence signal detection device remains unchanged, the droplet movement distance corresponding to the wave peak (that is, the working length of the fluorescence signal detection device) is certain. Exemplarily, if the working length of the fluorescence signal detection device is s2 and the width of the wave peak is t2, then there is:

[0176] V = s2 / t2;

[0177] In this way, the flow rate of the droplet can be accurately determined according to the wave peak width of the fluorescence signal and the working length of the fluorescence signal detection device. In addition, the fluorescence signal detection device is used to identify the target droplet and determine the flow rate of the target droplet at the same time, which can reduce the volume of the droplet dispensing device and the cost of the droplet sorting device.

[0178] In addition, the above-mentioned first duration is determined by using the fluorescence signal bandwidth, which is sensitive in response and has a relatively fast detection speed, allowing the droplets to flow through the fluorescence signal detection device at a higher speed. This can increase the throughput of sorted droplets.

[0179] Optionally, as shown in Figure 10 Step S100 of obtaining the flow rate of the target droplet includes:

[0180] S121, the shooting control unit controls the high-speed camera to continuously shoot droplet images at intervals of a second duration.

[0181] S122, the comparison unit compares the continuously shot droplet images to determine the displacement distance of the droplets.

[0182] S123, the second calculation unit determines the flow rate of the droplets based on the droplet displacement distance and the second duration.

[0183] Optionally, the obtaining module includes a shooting control unit, a comparison unit, and a second calculation unit. Among them, the shooting control unit is used to control the high-speed camera to continuously shoot droplet images at intervals of a second duration; the comparison unit is used to compare the continuously shot droplet images to determine the displacement distance of the droplets; the second calculation unit is configured to determine the flow rate of the droplets based on the droplet displacement distance and the second duration.

[0184] The ratio of the displacement distance determined by the comparison unit to the second duration can accurately reflect the flow rate of the droplets. In the case where it is necessary to record droplet images through a high-speed camera, this method has a lower cost and accurate results. In addition, the high-speed camera is used simultaneously for taking pictures of the target droplets and determining the flow rate of the target droplets, which can reduce the volume of the droplet dispensing device and the cost of the droplet sorting device.

[0185] Determining the flow rate of the droplets through droplet images can improve the accuracy of the obtained droplet flow rate in the case where the sample sizes in the droplets are not uniform. Since the droplet flow rate is more accurate, the droplet sorting system can more precisely control the energization of the positive electrodes or energize them one by one. This can improve the accuracy of sorted droplets.

[0186] Optionally, as shown in Figure 9 Step S300 of controlling the multiple positive electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one starting from the first moment includes:

[0187] S311, the third calculation unit determines the energization interval of the electrodes based on the flow rate of the target droplet.

[0188] S312, the first execution unit controls the multiple electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one starting from the first moment according to the energization interval.

[0189] When the multiple electrodes are energized one by one, the distance between adjacent positive electrodes is determined, while the flow rate of the target droplet is adjustable. If the energization intervals of the multiple electrodes do not match the droplet flow rate, it is easy to break the droplet or prevent the droplet from deflecting to the target side. Determining the energization intervals of the electrodes according to the flow rate of the target droplet can match the droplet flow rate with the energization intervals, improving the efficiency and effect of the electrode assembly in pulling the target droplet to the target side.

[0190] Optionally, as shown in Figure 10 Step S300 controls the multiple positive electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one starting from the first moment, including:

[0191] 321. The fourth calculation unit determines the target voltages of the multiple electrodes according to the flow rate of the target droplet.

[0192] 322. The second execution unit controls the multiple electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one starting from the first moment according to the determined energization voltages.

[0193] When the flow rate of the target droplet is relatively fast, the time duration for passing through the working area of the electrode assembly is shorter. In order to deflect the target droplet within a shorter time duration, the electrode assembly requires a larger voltage to apply a greater electrophoretic force to the target droplet. When the flow rate of the target droplet is relatively slow, the time duration for passing through the working area of the electrode assembly is longer. In order to avoid breaking the droplet due to excessive electrophoretic force, the electrode assembly requires a smaller voltage.

[0194] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are configured to execute the above-mentioned droplet sorting method.

[0195] The above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium may be a transient computer-readable storage medium or a non-transient computer-readable storage medium.

[0196] The technical solution of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes one or more instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The foregoing storage medium may be a non-transient storage medium, including: various media such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM, Read-Only Memory), a random access memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), a magnetic disk, or an optical disc that can store program codes, or may also be a transient storage medium.

[0197] The above description and the accompanying drawings fully illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure, enabling those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural, logical, electrical, process, and other changes. The embodiments merely represent possible variations. Unless explicitly required, individual components and functions are optional, and the order of operations may vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace parts and features of other embodiments. Moreover, the terms used in this application are only for describing the embodiments and do not limit the claims. As used in the description of the embodiments and the claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to also include the plural forms. Similarly, as used in this application, the term "and / or" refers to any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Additionally, when used in this application, the term "comprise" and its variants "comprises" and / or "comprising" etc. mean the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "comprising an..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, or apparatus that includes the element. Herein, each embodiment may focus on the differences from other embodiments, and the same or similar parts among the embodiments may be referred to each other. For the methods, products, etc. disclosed in the embodiments, if they correspond to the method parts disclosed in the embodiments, the relevant parts may refer to the description of the method parts.

[0198] Those skilled in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are executed in a hardware or software manner may depend on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. The skilled person may use different methods for each specific application to implement the described functions, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The skilled person can clearly understand that for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments and will not be elaborated herein.

[0199] In the embodiments disclosed in this document, the disclosed methods, products (including but not limited to devices, equipment, etc.) can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units can be merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there can be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Additionally, the displayed or discussed coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between each other can be through some interfaces. The indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units can be in electrical, mechanical, or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated. The components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place or distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to implement this embodiment. Additionally, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, each functional unit can be integrated in a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit.

[0200] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the possible architectures, functions, and operations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram can represent a module, a program segment, or a part of code that contains one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the block can occur in a different order than that marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks can actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, which can depend on the functions involved. In the descriptions corresponding to the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings, the operations or steps corresponding to different blocks can also occur in a different order than that disclosed in the description. Sometimes, there is no specific order between different operations or steps. For example, two consecutive operations or steps can actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, which can depend on the functions involved. Each block in the block diagram and / or flowchart, as well as the combination of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system for performing the specified functions or actions, or can be implemented by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. An electrode assembly, characterized in that, Comprising: A positive electrode; A negative electrode, disposed on the same side of the droplet flow channel as the positive electrode. When the positive electrode and the negative electrode are energized, an electric field acting on the liquid outlet section of the droplet flow channel is formed, and the target droplet deflects to the side where the positive electrode and the negative electrode are located under the action of electrophoresis force.

2. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein: It comprises a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes, the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes are alternately arranged, and the plurality of negative electrodes are connected to each other.

3. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein: It comprises a plurality of positive electrodes and two negative electrodes, and the two negative electrodes are respectively located on both sides of the plurality of positive electrodes.

4. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein: It comprises a plurality of positive electrodes, the distances between the plurality of positive electrodes and the droplet flow channel are not completely the same, or, when the target droplet flows through the liquid outlet section of the droplet flow channel, the plurality of positive electrodes are sequentially activated.

5. An electrode assembly, characterized in that, Comprising: At least one electrode unit, disposed on one side of the droplet flow channel; Wherein, the electrode unit comprises: One or more positive electrodes, arranged on the first side of the droplet flow channel; Two negative electrodes, arranged on the first side of the droplet flow channel, and the two negative electrodes are respectively located on both sides of the one or more positive electrodes.

6. The electrode assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The electrode unit comprises a plurality of positive electrodes, and the two negative electrodes are respectively located on both sides of the plurality of positive electrodes.

7. The electrode assembly according to claim 6, wherein: Along the droplet flow direction, the distances between the plurality of positive electrodes and the droplet flow channel gradually increase; and / or, Along the droplet flow direction, the voltages of the plurality of positive electrodes gradually decrease.

8. The electrode assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The electrode assembly comprises a plurality of electrode units, and the plurality of electrode units are arranged on the first side of the droplet flow channel.

9. The electrode assembly according to claim 8, wherein: Along the droplet flow direction, the distances between the plurality of electrode units and the droplet flow channel gradually increase; and / or, Along the droplet flow direction, the voltages of the positive electrodes of the plurality of electrode units gradually decrease.

10. The electrode assembly according to claim 8, wherein: Two adjacent electrode units share a negative electrode.

11. The electrode assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The electrode unit comprises one positive electrode and two negative electrodes, and the positive electrodes and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly are alternately arranged.

12. The electrode assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The positive electrodes and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly are alternately arranged at equal intervals.

13. The electrode assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein: The negative electrodes of the electrode assembly are connected, and the positive electrodes of the electrode assembly are independently controlled to conduct electricity.

14. The electrode assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, Further comprising: A first shielding electrode, disposed on the second side of the droplet flow channel, and the first shielding electrode is opposite to the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

15. The electrode assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The first shielding electrode is connected to the negative electrode.

16. The electrode assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 12, characterized in that, Further comprising: A second shielding electrode, disposed on the first side of the droplet flow channel, and the second shielding electrode is disposed on the circumferential outer side of the electrode unit and surrounds the electrode unit.

17. The electrode assembly according to claim 16, wherein the second shielding electrode is connected to the negative electrode of the electrode unit.

18. The electrode assembly according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the electrode unit are connected to a power source through a high-voltage isolation pulse transformer.

19. A microfluidic chip, wherein the microfluidic chip defines a positive electrode flow channel and a negative electrode flow channel. A conductive medium is filled in the positive electrode flow channel to form the positive electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 18, and a conductive medium is filled in the negative electrode flow channel to form the negative electrode according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The microfluidic chip according to claim 19, wherein the material of the conductive medium is metal, and the metal conductive medium is filled into the positive electrode flow channel and / or the negative electrode flow channel in a liquid form.

21. The microfluidic chip according to claim 19, wherein when the electrode assembly further includes a first shielding electrode, the microfluidic chip further defines a first shielding electrode flow channel. A conductive medium is filled in the first shielding electrode flow channel to form the first shielding electrode, and the negative electrode flow channel is further connected to the first shielding electrode flow channel; and / or when the electrode assembly further includes a second shielding electrode, the microfluidic chip further defines a second shielding electrode flow channel. A conductive medium is filled in the second shielding electrode flow channel to form the second shielding electrode, and the negative electrode flow channel is further connected to the second shielding electrode flow channel.

22. The microfluidic chip according to claim 21, wherein the microfluidic chip further defines a connecting flow channel. The first end of the connecting flow channel is connected to the first shielding electrode flow channel, the second end of the connecting flow channel is connected to the second shielding electrode flow channel, the second shielding electrode flow channel is directly connected to the negative electrode flow channel, and the first shielding electrode flow channel is connected to the negative electrode flow channel through the connecting flow channel and the second shielding electrode flow channel.

23. A droplet sorting device adapted to the microfluidic chip according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that, Comprising: a control device configured to control the plurality of positive electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one when a target droplet flows through the electrode assembly.

24. The droplet sorting device according to claim 23, wherein The control device includes: an acquisition module for acquiring the flow rate of the target droplet; a determination module configured to determine a first moment when the target droplet flows through the working area of the electrode assembly according to the flow rate of the target droplet; a control module configured to control the plurality of positive electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one starting from the first moment.

25. The droplet sorting device according to claim 24, wherein The acquisition module includes: a determination unit configured to determine a first duration required for the droplet to flow through the fluorescence signal detection device according to the wave width of the fluorescence signal; a first calculation unit configured to determine the flow rate of the droplet according to the first duration and the working length of the fluorescence signal detection device.

26. The droplet sorting device according to claim 24, wherein, The acquisition module includes: a shooting control unit for controlling the high-speed camera to continuously shoot droplet images at intervals of a second duration; a comparison unit for comparing the continuously shot droplet images to determine the displacement distance of the droplet; a second calculation unit configured to determine the flow rate of the droplet according to the droplet displacement distance and the second duration.

27. The droplet sorting device according to claim 24, wherein, The control module includes: a third calculation unit for determining the power-on interval of the electrode according to the flow rate of the target droplet; The first execution unit is configured to control multiple electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one at an energization interval starting from the first moment.

28. The droplet sorting device according to claim 24, wherein The control module includes: The fourth calculation unit is used to determine the target voltage of multiple electrodes according to the flow rate of the target droplet; The second execution unit is configured to control multiple electrodes of the electrode assembly to be energized one by one at the determined energization voltage starting from the first moment.

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