Micro-fluidic chip and micro-fluidic system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a micro-fluidic chip, which comprises a chip body, a liquid temporary storage pool; the uniform mixing pool is located on the telecentric side of the liquid temporary storage pool; the first end of the siphon is communicated with the liquid temporary storage pool; the proximal end of the suction pipe is communicated with the second end of the siphon, the second end of the siphon is a distal end, a pipe section higher than the proximal end of the liquid temporary storage pool is arranged between the first end and the second end of the siphon, and the diameter of the suction pipe is larger than that of the siphon; the transfer structure is communicated with the proximal end of the suction pipe, and at least part of the structure is higher than the proximal end of the suction pipe. The micro-fluidic chip pulls gas and target liquid in the siphon under the action of negative pressure generated at the proximal end of the suction pipe, so that the target liquid fills the siphon and crosses the proximal end of the siphon, and the liquid level is lower than the liquid level in the liquid temporary storage pool, thereby generating a siphonic effect; and the target liquid is transferred into the uniform mixing pool through the suction pipe, so that the transfer of the target liquid is completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of biological detection, in particular to a microfluidic chip and a microfluidic system. Background Art

[0002] With the rise and development of the in vitro diagnostic industry, centrifugal force-driven microfluidic technology has become increasingly popular due to its small size, easy control, low cost and simple operation, and is widely used in various biochemical, immunological and molecular diagnostic products.

[0003] On a microfluidic chip driven by centrifugal force, the main flow direction of the liquid sample is the direction of the centrifugal force, that is, it flows from the centrifugal center to the outside. Therefore, in the design of the microfluidic chip, the structures involved in the liquid flow process are also arranged from the inside to the outside. Specifically, the liquid sample in the structure close to the centrifugal center (also known as the proximal side or the higher point) will be transferred to the structure away from the centrifugal center (also known as the distal side or the lower point) under the action of centrifugal force. It can be understood that on such chips, the distances from different structures to the centrifugal center are often described as "high" and "low", and the distances from different structures to the centrifugal center can also be described as "near" and "far".

[0004] During the transfer of liquid samples within a microfluidic chip, a siphon is a structure that regulates the order in which the liquid samples are transferred. Because the siphon has a proximal end close to the centrifugal center, when connected to a higher structure, when the liquid level in the higher structure is lower than the proximal end of the siphon, the siphon can be used to temporarily retain the liquid within the higher structure under the action of centrifugal force. By controlling the liquid to fill the siphon and pass through the proximal end of the siphon, the liquid level in the siphon is lower than that in the higher structure, thus creating a siphon effect. This allows the liquid in the higher structure to be transferred to the lower structure through the siphon when the microfluidic chip is centrifuged.

[0005] Based on the above analysis, it can be seen that in order to ensure the normal flow of the liquid sample, a sufficient amount of liquid needs to be filled into the siphon tube to induce the siphon effect.

[0006] Therefore, how to provide a microfluidic chip that can stably achieve the filling of the siphon tube and ensure the siphon effect is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of this, the present invention provides a microfluidic chip to stably fill the siphon tube and ensure the siphon effect. In addition, the present invention also provides a microfluidic system having the microfluidic chip.

[0008] To achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0009] A microfluidic chip, comprising:

[0010] a chip body capable of generating centrifugal force around a centrifugal center;

[0011] A liquid temporary storage tank, the liquid temporary storage tank is provided on the chip body and is used to hold the target liquid;

[0012] A mixing tank, the mixing tank is provided on the chip body, and the liquid temporary storage tank and the mixing tank are both liquid accommodating spaces, and the mixing tank is located at the distal side of the liquid temporary storage tank;

[0013] a siphon tube, wherein a first end of the siphon tube is connected to the liquid temporary storage tank;

[0014] a suction pipe, wherein the proximal end of the suction pipe is connected to the second end of the siphon pipe, the second end of the siphon pipe is a distal end, a pipe section is provided between the first end and the second end of the siphon pipe that is higher than the proximal end of the liquid temporary storage tank, and the highest point of the pipe section that is higher than the proximal end of the liquid temporary storage tank forms the proximal end of the siphon pipe, and the diameter of the suction pipe is larger than the diameter of the siphon pipe;

[0015] a transfer structure, wherein the transfer structure is in communication with the proximal end of the suction tube, and at least a portion of the transfer structure is higher than the proximal end of the suction tube, so that under the action of centrifugal force, liquid in the transfer structure that is higher than the proximal end of the suction tube can flow through the suction tube to the mixing tank, and a preset negative pressure value is generated at the proximal end of the suction tube;

[0016] The height is the distance to the centrifugal center, and the closer the distance to the centrifugal center is, the higher the height is.

[0017] Preferably, in the above-mentioned microfluidic chip, the siphon comprises:

[0018] a first pipe section, one end of which is connected to the distal end of the liquid temporary storage tank;

[0019] A second pipe segment, one end of the second pipe segment is connected to the other end of the first pipe segment, and the other end of the second pipe segment is connected to the proximal end of the suction pipe, and the height of the connection position between the first pipe segment and the second pipe segment is higher than the height of the proximal end of the liquid storage tank.

[0020] Preferably, in the above-mentioned microfluidic chip, the first tube segment and the second tube segment are connected in an N-type structure.

[0021] Preferably, in the above-mentioned microfluidic chip, the transfer structure includes:

[0022] a transfer tank for holding auxiliary transfer liquid, wherein at least a portion of the transfer tank has a height higher than a height of a proximal end of the suction tube;

[0023] The proximal end of the suction tube is communicated with a position of the transfer tank that is lower than the proximal end of the transfer tank.

[0024] Preferably, in the above-mentioned microfluidic chip, the transfer structure further comprises:

[0025] A transfer pipe, wherein the proximal end of the transfer pipe is connected to the distal end of the transfer tank, and the distal end of the transfer pipe is connected to the proximal end of the suction pipe, and the transfer pipe, the suction pipe and the siphon pipe are arranged in a Y shape.

[0026] Preferably, in the above-mentioned microfluidic chip, the transfer structure further comprises:

[0027] a transfer tube, wherein the proximal end of the transfer tube is connected to the distal end of the suction tube;

[0028] The transfer pool is a curved structure, and the first end of the transfer pool is connected to the proximal end of the suction tube, the second end of the transfer pool is the distal end and is connected to the mixing pool, and the two ends of the transfer pool are bent to form the proximal end of the transfer pool. The height of the proximal end of the transfer pool is higher than the height of the proximal end of the suction tube, and the transfer tube is connected to the distal end of the transfer pool; the suction tube, the siphon tube and the position in the transfer pool that is higher than the proximal end of the suction tube are arranged in a Y shape.

[0029] Preferably, in the above-mentioned microfluidic chip, the transfer pool is S-shaped and curved from the first end of the transfer pool to the second end of the transfer pool, and the height of the second end of the transfer pool is lower than the height of the first end of the transfer pool.

[0030] Preferably, in the above-mentioned microfluidic chip, the liquid storage pool, the mixing pool, and / or the transfer pool are connected.

[0031] Preferably, in the above-mentioned microfluidic chip, the transfer tube is a straight tube or a siphon tube. A microfluidic system includes a microfluidic chip, wherein the microfluidic chip is any one of the above-mentioned microfluidic chips.

[0032] The embodiment of the present invention discloses a microfluidic chip, which utilizes a siphon tube to connect a liquid temporary storage pool on the proximal side and a mixing pool on the distal side, and utilizes a suction tube to connect the distal end of the siphon tube, utilizes centrifugal force to make auxiliary transfer liquid enter the suction tube, and continues to be discharged from the suction tube under the action of centrifugal force. During the discharge process of the liquid in the suction tube, a local gas negative pressure is formed at the proximal end of the suction tube. Under the action of the negative pressure, the gas and target liquid in the siphon tube are pulled, so that the target liquid fills the siphon tube, and after crossing the proximal end of the siphon tube, the liquid level in the siphon tube is lower than the liquid level in the liquid temporary storage pool, thereby triggering a siphon effect, so that the target liquid is transferred into the mixing pool through the siphon tube and the suction tube in sequence, thereby completing the transfer of the target liquid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0034] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the first structure of the microfluidic chip disclosed in the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0035] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the liquid in the microfluidic chip in the first state;

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the liquid in the microfluidic chip in the second state;

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the liquid in the microfluidic chip in the third state;

[0038] Figure 5 Based Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the liquid in the microfluidic chip in the fourth state;

[0039] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the second structure of the microfluidic chip disclosed in the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0040] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the liquid in the microfluidic chip in the first state;

[0041] Figure 8 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the liquid in the microfluidic chip in the second state;

[0042] Figure 9 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the liquid in the microfluidic chip in the third state;

[0043] Figure 10 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the liquid in the microfluidic chip in the fourth state;

[0044] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the third structure of the microfluidic chip disclosed in the embodiment of the present utility model;

[0045] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the liquid in the microfluidic chip in the first state;

[0046] Figure 13 for Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the liquid in the microfluidic chip in the second state;

[0047] Figure 14 for Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the liquid in the microfluidic chip in the third state;

[0048] Figure 15 for Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the liquid in the microfluidic chip in the fourth state;

[0049] Figure 16 for Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the liquid in the microfluidic chip in the fifth state;

[0050] in,

[0051] O is the centrifugal center, 1 is the chip body, 2 is the liquid storage tank, 3 is the siphon tube, 31 is the first pipe section, 32 is the second pipe section, 4 is the suction tube, 5 is the mixing tank, 6 is the transfer structure, 61 is the transfer tank, 62 is the transfer tube, 71 is the first ventilation structure, and 72 is the second ventilation structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The utility model discloses a microfluidic chip, which can stably realize the filling of a siphon tube and ensure the siphon effect. In addition, the utility model also discloses a microfluidic system having the microfluidic chip.

[0053] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0054] In a microfluidic chip driven by centrifugal force, the main flow direction of the liquid sample is the direction of the centrifugal force, that is, it flows from the centrifugal center to the outside. Therefore, in the design of the microfluidic chip, the structures involved in the liquid flow process are also arranged from the inside to the outside. Specifically, the liquid sample in the structure close to the centrifugal center (also known as the proximal side or the higher part) will be transferred to the structure away from the centrifugal center (also known as the distal side or the lower part) under the action of centrifugal force. It can be understood that on such chips, the distances of different structures to the centrifugal center are often described by "high" and "low", and the distances of different structures to the centrifugal center can also be described by "near" and "far". For all embodiments herein, please refer to the above description.

[0055] During the transfer of liquid samples within a microfluidic chip, a siphon is a structure that regulates the order in which the liquid samples are transferred. Because the siphon has a proximal end close to the centrifugal center, when the siphon is connected to a higher structure, when the liquid level in the higher structure is lower than the proximal end of the siphon, it can be used to temporarily retain the liquid within the higher structure under the action of centrifugal force. By controlling the liquid to fill the siphon and pass through the proximal end of the siphon, the liquid level in the siphon is lower than that in the higher structure, thus meeting the conditions for triggering the siphon effect. This allows the siphon to produce a siphon effect, and thus allows the liquid in the higher structure to be transferred to the lower structure through the siphon when the microfluidic chip is centrifuged.

[0056] Based on the above analysis, it can be seen that in order to ensure the normal flow of the liquid sample, the siphon tube needs to be filled with a sufficient amount of liquid to induce the siphon effect.

[0057] Based on this, the utility model discloses a microfluidic chip, which uses a suction tube to generate negative pressure. The negative pressure drives the distal end of the siphon tube connected to the suction tube, and then drives the liquid in the siphon tube, so that the liquid in the siphon tube passes over the proximal end of the siphon tube, thereby ultimately triggering siphoning.

[0058] like Figure 1 The microfluidic chip shown includes a chip body 1 , a liquid temporary storage tank 2 , a siphon tube 3 , a suction tube 4 , a mixing tank 5 , a transfer structure 6 , a first ventilation structure 71 and a second ventilation structure 72 .

[0059] The microfluidic chip comprises a concave pool and a conduit, which can be closed by fastening the chip body 1 and the cover plate together. The concave pool includes, but is not limited to, the liquid storage pool 2 and mixing pool 5 disclosed in this utility model, and the conduit includes, but is not limited to, the siphon tube 3, the suction tube 4, the first ventilation structure 71, and the second ventilation structure 72 disclosed in this utility model.

[0060] The chip body 1 rotates around the centrifugal center O to generate centrifugal force. The shape and size of the chip body 1 can be set according to different needs and are all within the protection range.

[0061] The liquid holding tank 2 and the mixing tank 5 are both liquid storage spaces provided on the chip body 1. Their shapes and sizes are not specifically limited. For example, the liquid holding tank 2 is located proximal to the chip body 1, and the mixing tank 5 is located distal to the chip body 1. It can be understood that the mixing tank 5 is the liquid storage space distal to the liquid holding tank 2. The mixing tank 5 and the liquid holding tank 2 in the present invention can serve as storage spaces for any function during microfluidic chip detection.

[0062] The siphon tube 3 has an N-shaped structure, so that the middle position of the siphon tube 3 forms a proximal end. One end of the siphon tube 3 is connected to the liquid storage tank 2, and the distal end of the siphon tube 3 is connected to the proximal end of the suction tube 4, and the proximal end of the siphon tube 3 is higher than the proximal end of the liquid storage tank 2 (it should be noted that the proximal end of the siphon tube 3 is higher than the liquid level in the liquid storage tank 2, which can ensure that the centrifugal force will not cause the target liquid to be transferred before the siphon effect occurs).

[0063] Illustratively, the siphon tube 3 includes a first tube segment 31 and a second tube segment 32. The first end of the first tube segment 31 is connected to the distal end of the liquid holding tank 2. The second end of the first tube segment 31 extends from the liquid holding tank 2 toward a higher point, i.e., toward the centrifugal center O. The first end of the second tube segment 32 is connected to and communicates with the second end of the first tube segment 31. The second end of the second tube segment 32 extends away from the centrifugal center O and communicates with the proximal end of the suction tube 4. That is, the point where the first tube segment 31 and the second tube segment 32 of the siphon tube 3 are connected forms the proximal end, and the second end of the second tube segment 32 forms the distal end.

[0064] Exemplarily, the suction tube 4 is a straight tube, and its proximal end is connected to the distal side of the siphon tube 3, and its distal end is connected to the mixing tank 5. In some embodiments, the suction tube 4 extends in a centrifugal direction, including but not limited to extending in the radial direction of the chip body 1, and the suction tube 4 can also be a bent tube section.

[0065] The transfer structure 6 includes a transfer tank 61 and a transfer tube 62. The transfer tank 61 is a space for accommodating liquid and is higher than the proximal end of the suction tube 4. The transfer tank 61 is connected to the proximal end of the suction tube 4 through the transfer tube 62. Optionally, the distal end of the transfer tank 61 is connected to the proximal end of the transfer tube 62, and the distal end of the transfer tube 62 is connected to the proximal end of the suction tube 4.

[0066] Since the distal ends of the transfer pipe 62 and the siphon pipe 3 are both connected to the proximal end of the suction pipe 4 , the transfer pipe 62 , the suction pipe 4 and the second pipe section 32 can form a Y-shaped structure.

[0067] The first vent structure 71 connects the mixing tank 5 and the transfer tank 61, and the second vent structure 72 connects the first vent structure 71 and the liquid temporary storage tank 2. Specifically, the first vent structure 71 and the second vent structure 72 can both be channel structures, with one end of the first vent structure 71 connected to the proximal end of the mixing tank 5 and the other end connected to the proximal end of the transfer tank 61. The second vent structure 72 connects one end to the proximal end of the liquid temporary storage tank 2 and the other end to the first vent structure 71. In this way, the vent structures are used to connect all liquid-containing spaces in the microfluidic chip, thereby maintaining the pressure within each space and ensuring that the liquid can flow smoothly out of the corresponding space.

[0068] The ventilation structure in the present invention can be a number of connected or unconnected ventilation pipes or ventilation holes. The ventilation structure can be connected to all recessed pools or pipes on the chip body 1 that require ventilation. The specific ventilation method can be that the recessed pools, pipes or ventilation holes are directly connected to the atmosphere, or the internal structures of the chip body 1 are ventilated with each other but not connected to the atmosphere, so as to replenish gas to the recessed pools or pipes.

[0069] Refer to the structure disclosed above for the microfluidic chip, and combine Figures 2 to 5 right Figure 1 The flow of internal liquid during the use of the microfluidic chip is described, wherein, Figures 2 to 5 The shaded area is liquid.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 The liquid temporary storage tank 2 is filled with the target liquid, and the transfer tank 61 is filled with the auxiliary transfer liquid, which can be set according to different requirements.

[0071] The first end of the first section 31 of the siphon tube 3 is connected to the distal end of the liquid storage tank 2. Due to the communicating vessel effect, the liquid in the liquid storage tank 2 flows into the first section 31 and fills the first section 31. Because the liquid level in the proximal end of the liquid storage tank 2 is lower than the proximal end of the siphon tube 3, the liquid in the first section 31 is lower than the proximal end of the siphon tube 3 and does not flow beyond the proximal end of the siphon tube 3.

[0072] The space between the proximal end of the suction tube 4 and the liquid surface in the siphon tube 3 is the air in the siphon tube 3 .

[0073] Depend on Figures 2 to 3 Process: Under the action of centrifugal force, the auxiliary transfer liquid in the transfer tank 61 enters the suction pipe 4 through the transfer pipe 62. However, since the liquid in the siphon tube 3 does not pass through the proximal end, the liquid in the siphon tube 3 does not change under the action of centrifugal force.

[0074] Depend on Figures 3 to 5Process: Since the suction tube 4 is located at a lower position, the centrifugal force it is subjected to is greater. Therefore, the centrifugal force exerted on the liquid in the suction tube 4 is greater than the centrifugal force exerted on the liquid in the transfer structure 6, so that the centrifugal force at the distal end of the suction tube 4 is greater than the pressure at the proximal end. In the process of the liquid in the suction tube 4 flowing from the distal end of the suction tube 4 to the mixing tank 5, since the mixing tank 5 and the transfer tank 61 form a gas-liquid exchange with air pressure balance, the liquid at the distal end of the suction tube 4 is not subject to gas resistance when it is centrifugally flowed down, and the height difference between the two ends of the suction tube 4 is sufficient, so the centrifugal force exerted on the liquid at the distal end of the suction tube 4 at this time is greater than the sum of the centrifugal force exerted on the liquid at its proximal end and the pressure exerted on the suction tube 4 by the liquid in the transfer tank 61 and the transfer tube 62. Therefore, the proximal end of the suction tube 4 will generate negative pressure, and the structure connected to the proximal end of the suction tube 4 will be pulled by the negative pressure.

[0075] Because the second section 32 of the siphon tube 3 and the transfer tube 62 are both connected to the proximal end of the suction tube 4, negative pressure simultaneously draws the air within the siphon tube 3 and the auxiliary transfer liquid in the transfer tank 61 into the suction tube 4. As the air within the siphon tube 3 is continuously drawn, the liquid filling the first section 31 of the siphon tube 3 flows past the proximal end of the siphon tube 3 and into the second section 32. When the liquid level within the siphon tube 3 falls below the liquid level within the temporary liquid storage tank 2, centrifugal force causes the liquid within the temporary liquid storage tank 2 to pass through the siphon tube 3, undergoing siphon transfer and then entering the mixing tank 5 through the suction tube 4.

[0076] In some embodiments, by adjusting the size, shape, relative position of the suction tube 4, the second tube section 32 and the transfer tube 62 and the rotation speed of the chip body 1 during rotation, the negative pressure in the suction tube 4 and the volume of the air in the siphon tube 3 can be changed, thereby controlling the order in which the target liquid and the auxiliary transfer liquid enter the mixing tank 5.

[0077] Exemplary:

[0078] If the negative pressure that the suction tube 4 can generate is less than the preset value, the volume of air pulled into the siphon tube 3 is insufficient, resulting in the liquid level in the siphon tube 3 being unable to cross the proximal end of the siphon tube 3 and enter the second tube section 32, so that the liquid in the liquid storage tank 2 will not be transferred by siphoning. During the rotation of the microfluidic chip, only the auxiliary transferred liquid enters the mixing tank 5.

[0079] If the maximum negative pressure that the suction tube 4 can generate can pull a sufficient volume of air in the siphon tube 3, however, the liquid in the transfer tank 61 offsets part of the pulling force caused by the negative pressure in the process of entering the suction tube 4, which will result in the pulling force not being able to reach a value that can pull the air in the siphon tube 3 before the liquid transfer in the transfer tank 61 is completed. Therefore, only after the auxiliary transfer liquid in the transfer tank 61 completely enters the suction tube 4 and the negative pressure value at the proximal end of the suction tube 4 reaches the maximum suction force, can the air in the siphon tube 3 be pulled, and the liquid level filled in the siphon tube 3 be pulled over the proximal end of the siphon tube 3 and enter the second pipe section. When the liquid level in the siphon tube 3 is lower than the liquid level in the liquid temporary storage tank 2, under the action of centrifugal force, the liquid in the liquid temporary storage tank 2 will pass through the siphon tube 3, undergo siphon transfer, and enter the mixing tank 5 through the suction tube 4. Under the above-mentioned negative pressure corresponding conditions, the auxiliary transfer liquid will enter the mixing tank 5 before the target liquid.

[0080] If the negative pressure generated by the suction pipe 4 is high enough, it can pull the gas in the siphon pipe 3 while the auxiliary transfer liquid flows, so that the target liquid in the siphon pipe 3 has been siphoned before the auxiliary transfer liquid completely enters the mixing tank 5. Under the above negative pressure conditions, except for the auxiliary transfer liquid that initially fills the suction pipe 4, during the entire liquid transfer process, the target liquid and the auxiliary transfer liquid flow simultaneously through the suction pipe 4 to the mixing tank 5, and a certain degree of mixing occurs during the flow process, that is, Figure 4 shown.

[0081] The microfluidic chip in the present invention utilizes a siphon tube 3 to connect the liquid temporary storage pool 2 on the proximal side and the mixing pool 5 on the distal side, and utilizes a suction tube 4 to connect the distal end of the siphon tube 3, utilizes centrifugal force to make the auxiliary transfer liquid enter the suction tube 4, and continues to be discharged from the suction tube 4 under the action of centrifugal force. During the discharge process of the liquid in the suction tube 4, a local gas negative pressure is formed at the proximal end of the suction tube 4. Under the action of the negative pressure, the gas and target liquid in the siphon tube 3 are pulled, so that the target liquid fills the siphon tube 3, and the liquid level in the siphon tube 3 is lower than the liquid level in the liquid temporary storage pool 2 after passing the proximal end of the siphon tube 3, thereby triggering a siphon effect, so that the target liquid is transferred into the mixing pool through the suction tube, and the transfer of the target liquid is completed.

[0082] like Figure 6 The embodiment shown discloses another structure of the microfluidic chip. Figure 1 Compared with the structure of the microfluidic chip shown in FIG, the difference is that the liquid temporary storage pool 2 is not provided with the second ventilation structure 72, that is, the liquid temporary storage pool 2 is not replenished with gas.

[0083] It should be noted that due to Figure 6 The structure of the microfluidic chip shown is similar to Figure 1The structure of the microfluidic chip shown in the figure is the same, and the principle of liquid flow is also the same. Figure 6 The flow process of the liquid in the microfluidic chip shown will not be described in detail. Figure 7 For instructions, see Figure 2 Description, Figure 8 For instructions, see Figure 3 Description, Figure 9 For instructions, see Figure 4 Description, Figure 10 For instructions, see Figure 5 Description.

[0084] Given that liquid holding tank 2 lacks a ventilation structure, once connected to it, centrifugal force overcomes air pressure during high-speed centrifugation, forcing the liquid level in siphon tube 3 to be equal to the liquid level in holding tank 2. The target liquid in holding tank 2 fills first section 31 of siphon tube 3. Because holding tank 2 lacks a ventilation channel connected to other structures or the outside atmosphere for gas replenishment, when negative pressure builds up in second section 32, pulling the liquid level in first section 31 forward, a certain negative pressure builds up in holding tank 2, hindering the target liquid from filling siphon tube 3.

[0085] Therefore, when the liquid temporary storage tank 2 is not connected to the ventilation structure, when the target liquid in the liquid temporary storage tank 2 fills the siphon tube 3, the suction tube 4 is required to generate a higher negative pressure, so that the suction tube 4 can pull the target liquid in the liquid temporary storage tank 2 to fill the siphon tube 3 while resisting the negative pressure in the liquid temporary storage tank 2, thereby generating a siphon effect.

[0086] An example of a non-air-replenishing chip application scenario involves using the chip for nucleic acid amplification experiments without using specialized materials. For any chip / cartridge involving nucleic acid amplification, the internal gas path should not be directly connected to the atmosphere unless a special hydrophobic, breathable membrane is used.

[0087] Exemplary application scenarios for the non-ventilated liquid storage tank 2 are: if the target liquid is an aqueous liquid, and there is a small amount of oil-phase liquid at the liquid surface of the first tube section 31 of the siphon tube 3, the oil-phase liquid blocks the contact between the target liquid and the air, thereby avoiding the evaporation of the target liquid, thereby achieving long-term storage of the target liquid; because the oil-phase liquid covers the only outward channel of the target liquid, the target liquid is also fixed, and only when the suction tube 4 generates sufficient negative pressure can this fixation be destroyed, allowing the target liquid level to pass through the proximal end of the siphon tube 3, completing the transfer of the target liquid.

[0088] In the above Figure 1 and Figure 2As can be seen from the illustrated embodiment, the required negative pressure generated by the suction tube 4 can be varied by adjusting whether the liquid holding reservoir 2 is connected to the vent structure. Persons skilled in the art can determine whether the liquid holding reservoir 2 is provided with a vent structure based on the specific fluid requirements of the microfluidic chip. The liquid holding reservoir 2 is connected to the second vent structure 72 to replenish gas within the liquid holding reservoir 2, reducing the negative pressure generated within the liquid holding reservoir 2 after the liquid is drained, thereby lowering the pressure requirement at the proximal end of the suction tube 4.

[0089] In some embodiments, the transfer tube 62 disclosed above may be a straight tube or an N-shaped siphon tube. If the transfer tube 62 is a siphon tube, for example, the diameter of the transfer tube 62 may be set to be larger than the diameter of the siphon tube 3 herein. One end of the transfer tube 62 is connected to the transfer pool 61, and the other end of the transfer tube 62 is connected to the suction tube 4. Since the diameter of the transfer tube 62 is relatively thick, during the shaking of the microfluidic chip, the Euler force generated by the shaking can fill the liquid in the transfer pool 61 into the transfer tube 62 and pass over the proximal end of the transfer tube 62, thereby triggering a siphon effect, so that the liquid in the transfer pool 61 passes through the transfer tube 62 and enters the suction tube 4.

[0090] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the shape and size of the transfer pipe 62 can be selected according to different needs and are all within the scope of protection. In some embodiments, different arrangements of the suction pipe 4, the transfer structure 6 and the siphon pipe 3 are also disclosed, such as Figure 11 shown.

[0091] like Figure 11 The structure of the microfluidic chip shown includes: a chip body 1, a liquid temporary storage tank 2, a siphon tube 3, a suction tube 4, a mixing tank 5, a transfer structure 6, a first ventilation structure 71 and a second ventilation structure 72.

[0092] in, Figure 11 The structure and arrangement of the chip body 1, liquid storage tank 2 and siphon 3 can be seen in Figure 1 The description of the structure and arrangement of the chip body 1 , the liquid storage tank 2 and the siphon tube 3 in the microfluidic chip shown is not repeated here.

[0093] Figure 11 The mixing pool 5 is located at the distal side of the chip body 1. It can be understood that the mixing pool 5 is the liquid accommodating space at the distal side of the liquid temporary storage pool 2.

[0094] The transfer structure 6 includes a transfer tank 61 and a transfer pipe 62 .

[0095] The transfer pool 61 is a space for accommodating liquid, and at least a portion of the transfer pool 61 is located above the proximal end of the suction tube 4. Exemplarily, the transfer pool 61 has a curved structure, with a first end of the transfer pool 61 connected to the proximal end of the suction tube 4, and a second end of the transfer pool 61 connected to the mixing pool 5. The transfer pool 61 is a structure that bends from the first end to the second end. Specifically, after the first end of the transfer pool 61 is connected to the suction tube 4, it bends first toward the centrifugal center O and then away from the centrifugal center O, before finally connecting to the mixing pool 5.

[0096] The transfer pool 61 is curved so that the point closest to the center O of the transfer pool 61 is the proximal end of the transfer pool 61 .

[0097] One end of the transfer tube 62 is connected to the distal end of the suction tube 4. The distal end of the transfer tube 62 is higher than the distal end of the mixing tank 5. The transfer tube 62 ensures that all liquid is ultimately within the mixing tank 5. In some embodiments, the end of the transfer tube 62 connected to the suction tube 4 is the proximal end, and the end connected to the transfer tank 61 is the distal end.

[0098] The distal end of the second pipe section 32 is connected to the proximal end of the suction pipe 4 , so that the second pipe section 32 , the suction pipe 4 and the curved portion of the transfer tank 61 form a Y-shaped structure.

[0099] The transfer tube 62 is connected to atmospheric pressure via a first vent structure 71, including but not limited to, to prevent air blockage within the transfer tube 62. The liquid holding tank 2 is connected to the mixing tank 5 via a second vent structure 72 and another first vent structure 71, enabling circulation of gas within the liquid holding tank 2, the mixing tank 5, and the transfer tank 61, achieving pressure balance during the liquid inlet process. This ensures that there is no air blockage that could hinder liquid flow.

[0100] It should be noted that, as the liquid in the mixing tank 5 rushes to the left, the transfer tank 61 is venting and liquid is entering. The ample internal space of the transfer tank 61 is sufficient to achieve gas-liquid exchange within itself, without relying on the external structure being thick enough. Therefore, gas-liquid exchange can be achieved within itself. Combined with the above-mentioned connection method, Figure 11 In the microfluidic chip shown, the auxiliary transfer liquid is present in the mixing pool 5, so Figure 11 The siphon 3 in the Figure 1 The siphon tube 3 in the microfluidic chip shown utilizes centrifugal force to directly transfer the auxiliary transfer liquid in the transfer pool 61 to the suction tube 4, which can be understood as: Figure 1 The siphon tube 3 of the microfluidic chip can only be centrifuged to allow the auxiliary transfer liquid to enter the suction tube 4 and drive the filling siphon tube 3, while Figure 11 The position of the siphon 3 in the microfluidic chip for assisting in transferring liquid determines that it cannot do this.

[0101] Based on this, Figure 11 The microfluidic chip in the invention adopts the method of controlling the rotation of the motor. Specifically, the motor is controlled to rotate at a low speed and high acceleration. Figure 12 The liquid in the mixing pool 5 is subjected to the Euler force, and under the influence of the Euler force, the auxiliary transfer liquid in the mixing pool 5 flows in a swinging manner. By adjusting the control motor on both sides of the chip body 1 (the mixing pool 5 is at both ends of the extending direction of the chip body 1, which can be exemplified as Figure 11 The acceleration of the left and right sides of the mixing tank 5 makes the auxiliary transfer liquid in the mixing tank 5 receive a stronger Euler force on one side than on the other side, so that the auxiliary transfer liquid in the mixing tank 5 gradually flows into the transfer tank 61. Figure 13 shown.

[0102] It should be noted that during the shaking of the microfluidic chip, the auxiliary transfer liquid in the mixing tank 5 can flow toward the transfer tank 61 under the action of the Euler force. However, the liquid in the liquid storage tank 2 cannot enter the siphon tube 3. Specifically, because the siphon tube 3 is very thin (the specific size is not specified) and the liquid in the liquid storage tank 2 is usually full, the liquid in the liquid storage tank 2 is difficult to shake. Therefore, during the shaking of the microfluidic chip, the liquid in the liquid storage tank 2 cannot enter the siphon tube 3.

[0103] like Figure 13 As shown, under the action of the Euler force, the auxiliary transfer liquid in the mixing tank 5 is transferred to the transfer tank 61, and part of the liquid passes over the proximal end of the transfer tank 61 and contacts the proximal end of the suction tube 4; in some embodiments, part of the auxiliary transfer liquid is transferred to the transfer tube 62.

[0104] Because the first section 31 of the siphon tube 3 is connected to the liquid storage tank 2, forming a communicating vessel, the target liquid in the liquid storage tank 2 flows into the first section 31 due to the communicating vessel effect and fills the first section 31. Because the liquid level in the proximal end of the liquid storage tank 2 is lower than the proximal end of the siphon tube 3, the height of the liquid filling the first section 31 is lower than the proximal end of the siphon tube 3, that is, it will not exceed the proximal end of the siphon tube 3.

[0105] Depend on Figure 13 The state of the microfluidic chip shown is Figure 14In the state of the microfluidic chip shown, the chip body 1 generates centrifugal force. Under the action of centrifugal force, the auxiliary transfer liquid near the proximal end of the transfer pool 61, or between the proximal end and the first end, enters the suction tube 4 under the action of centrifugal force, enters the transfer tube 62 through the suction tube 4, and then flows back to the mixing pool 5 through the transfer tube 62 together with the auxiliary transfer liquid temporarily stored in the transfer tube 62. During the transfer of the auxiliary transfer liquid in the transfer pool 61 through the suction tube 4, negative pressure is generated at the proximal end of the suction tube 4. This negative pressure simultaneously generates tension on the first end of the transfer pool 61 and the distal end of the siphon tube 3 connected to the proximal end of the suction tube 4.

[0106] like Figure 15 As shown, when the negative pressure generated by the proximal end of the suction tube 4 is large enough, the target liquid in the siphon tube 3 will be pulled and fill the siphon tube 3, thereby forming a siphon effect to transfer the target liquid in the liquid temporary storage tank 2.

[0107] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, when the liquid level in the siphon tube 3 is lower than the liquid level in the liquid temporary storage tank 2, under the action of centrifugal force, the liquid in the liquid temporary storage tank 2 will pass through the siphon tube 3, undergo siphon transfer, and enter the mixing tank 5 through the suction pipe 4.

[0108] like Figures 11 to 15 In the manner shown, the filling of the liquid in the transfer tank 61 applies the Euler force. In some cases, under the action of the Euler force, the liquid in the liquid temporary storage tank 2 can directly fill the siphon tube 3. However, when the liquid in the liquid temporary storage tank 2 is very full and difficult to shake, or the liquid temporary storage tank 2 is as Figure 6 Generally, when there is no ventilation or the siphon tube 3 is very thin, the liquid in the liquid temporary storage tank 2 cannot provide enough impact force to fill the siphon tube 3, so a suction tube 4 is required to suck the siphon tube 3. At this time, the auxiliary transfer liquid is located in the mixing tank 5 at a lower position, so a transfer structure 6 is required.

[0109] It should be noted that the auxiliary transfer liquid is a liquid that does not react with the target liquid and does not affect the detection process of the target liquid.

[0110] Several existing solutions for filling the siphon tube 3 disclosed in the present invention (e.g., static capillary filling and Euler force filling) have their own limitations. For example, existing filling methods are significantly limited when the siphon tube 3 is too thin, the sidewalls of the siphon tube 3 are irregular, there are small amounts of solid particles in the siphon tube 3, the liquid holding tank 2 is overfilled, or the liquid holding tank 2 lacks ventilation. However, the present invention utilizes negative pressure, creating a similar "air extraction" solution. As long as the negative pressure is sufficiently high, stable siphoning can be achieved.

[0111] In summary, the core of the present invention lies in the ability to generate sufficient negative pressure, the suction tube 4 being thicker than the siphon tube 3, and sufficient centrifugal force (i.e., a stable motor speed). There is no need to pre-treat the siphon tube 3 or coat it with special consumables, which is conducive to reducing costs. In addition, the shape of the liquid storage tank 2 and the size, precision, and smoothness of the siphon tube 3 are low, and the success rate of achieving the siphon effect is high.

[0112] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0113] The above description of the disclosed embodiments will enable one skilled in the art to implement or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein but is intended to conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip, characterized in that: include: A chip body (1), wherein the chip body (1) is capable of generating centrifugal force around a centrifugal center; a liquid temporary storage tank (2), the liquid temporary storage tank (2) being arranged on the chip body (1) and being used for holding target liquid; A mixing pool (5), the mixing pool (5) is arranged on the chip body (1), and the liquid temporary storage pool (2) and the mixing pool (5) are both liquid accommodating spaces, and the mixing pool (5) is located on the distal side of the liquid temporary storage pool (2); a siphon tube (3), wherein a first end of the siphon tube (3) is in communication with the liquid temporary storage tank (2); A suction pipe (4), wherein the proximal end of the suction pipe (4) is in communication with the second end of the siphon pipe (3), the second end of the siphon pipe (3) being the distal end, a pipe section higher than the proximal end of the liquid temporary storage tank (2) is provided between the first end and the second end of the siphon pipe (3), and the highest point of the pipe section higher than the proximal end of the liquid temporary storage tank (2) forms the proximal end of the siphon pipe (3), and the diameter of the suction pipe (4) is greater than the diameter of the siphon pipe (3); A transfer structure (6), wherein the transfer structure (6) is in communication with the proximal end of the suction pipe (4), and the height of at least a portion of the transfer structure (6) is higher than the height of the proximal end of the suction pipe (4), and under the action of centrifugal force, liquid in the transfer structure (6) that is higher than the proximal end of the suction pipe (4) can flow through the suction pipe (4) to the mixing tank (5), and a preset negative pressure value is generated at the proximal end of the suction pipe (4); The height is the distance to the centrifugal center, and the closer the distance to the centrifugal center is, the higher the height is.

2. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that The siphon (3) comprises: a first pipe section (31), one end of which is in communication with the distal end of the liquid temporary storage tank (2); A second pipe section (32), one end of the second pipe section (32) is connected to the other end of the first pipe section (31), and the other end of the second pipe section (32) is connected to the proximal end of the suction pipe (4), and the height of the connection position between the first pipe section (31) and the second pipe section (32) is higher than the height of the proximal end of the liquid temporary storage tank (2).

3. The microfluidic chip according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first pipe section (31) and the second pipe section (32) are connected to form an N-type structure.

4. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that The transfer structure (6) comprises: A transfer tank (61), the transfer tank (61) is used to hold auxiliary transfer liquid, and the height of at least part of the transfer tank (61) is higher than the height of the proximal end of the suction tube (4); The proximal end of the suction pipe (4) is in communication with the transfer pool (61) at a position lower than the proximal end of the transfer pool (61).

5. The microfluidic chip according to claim 4, characterized in that: The transfer structure (6) further comprises: A transfer pipe (62), wherein the proximal end of the transfer pipe (62) is communicated with the distal end of the transfer tank (61), and the distal end of the transfer pipe (62) is communicated with the proximal end of the suction pipe (4), and the transfer pipe (62), the suction pipe (4) and the siphon pipe (3) are arranged in a Y shape.

6. The microfluidic chip according to claim 4, characterized in that: The transfer structure (6) further comprises: a transfer tube (62), wherein the proximal end of the transfer tube (62) is in communication with the distal end of the suction tube (4); The transfer pool (61) is a curved structure, and the first end of the transfer pool (61) is connected to the proximal end of the suction pipe (4), the second end of the transfer pool (61) is the distal end and is connected to the mixing pool (5), the two ends of the transfer pool (61) are bent to form the proximal end of the transfer pool (61), the height of the proximal end of the transfer pool (61) is higher than the height of the proximal end of the suction pipe (4), and the transfer pipe (62) is connected to the distal end of the transfer pool (61); The suction pipe (4), the siphon pipe (3) and the position of the transfer tank (61) higher than the proximal end of the suction pipe (4) are arranged in a Y shape.

7. The microfluidic chip according to claim 6, characterized in that: From the first end of the transfer pool (61) to the second end of the transfer pool (61), the transfer pool (61) is S-shaped and the height of the second end of the transfer pool (61) is lower than the height of the first end of the transfer pool (61).

8. The microfluidic chip according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: The liquid temporary storage tank (2), the mixing tank (5), and / or the transfer tank (61) are connected.

9. The microfluidic chip according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The transfer pipe (62) is a straight pipe or a siphon pipe.

10. A microfluidic system, comprising a microfluidic chip, characterized in that: The microfluidic chip is the microfluidic chip according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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