Micro-fluidic channel and micro-fluidic chip
By setting up elastic components in the microfluidic channel to form a single-particle channel, the deformability and resilience of the components are used to break up agglomerated particles, which solves the problem of double or multiple packing caused by random entry of particles into droplets in microfluidics, improves the single packing rate, and meets the requirements of high-quality applications.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423305541.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-30
AI Technical Summary
In microfluidic applications, the Poisson distribution of particles entering droplets results in a low single-packet ratio, often leading to double or multiple packing, which affects high-quality applications such as single-cell sequencing.
Design a microfluidic channel containing an elastic component between the inlet and outlet to form a channel for individual particles to pass through. Utilize the deformability and resilience of the elastic component to break up agglomerated and closely spaced particles, reducing the rate of double and multiple packings.
It effectively breaks up agglomerated and closely spaced particles, increases the single-packing rate, breaks through the Poisson distribution, improves the single-packing efficiency of droplets, and prevents particles from forming double or multiple packs due to agglomeration.
Smart Images
Figure CN223832346U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of microfluidics, and in particular to a microfluidic channel and a microfluidic chip. Background Technology
[0002] In related technologies, encapsulating a single particle into a droplet can be referred to as single-encapsulation; encapsulating two or more particles into a droplet can be referred to as double-encapsulation or multi-encapsulation. Optionally, the particle can be a cell.
[0003] In some microfluidic applications, single-packing is a prerequisite for achieving high-quality microfluidic performance, such as single-cell sequencing. However, the encapsulation process described above completely follows a Poisson distribution, meaning that particles enter the droplet randomly. This can lead to double or multiple encapsulations when single encapsulation is required, resulting in a low droplet single-packing rate. Utility Model Content
[0004] To solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a microfluidic channel and a microfluidic chip, and the technical solution adopted is as follows.
[0005] This application provides a microfluidic channel, comprising: a channel body having an inlet and an outlet that are interconnected; and an elastic component disposed in the channel body and located between the inlet and the outlet, the elastic component forming a channel for a single particle to pass through.
[0006] The microfluidic channel provided in this application has at least the following technical effects: On the one hand, the elastic component forms a channel for individual particles to pass through, which can effectively disperse agglomerated and closely flowing particles, reduce the double and multiple encapsulation rates of particles in the droplet, and break through the Poisson distribution of particles when they are encapsulated in the droplet. On the other hand, the elastic component itself can also disperse agglomerated particles through its rebound force, preventing particles from exhibiting double or multiple encapsulation due to agglomeration, reducing the double and multiple encapsulation rates of particles in the droplet, and increasing the single encapsulation rate of particles.
[0007] In some embodiments of this application, the elastic component includes at least two elastic elements, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the flow channel body to form the channel.
[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the elastic component includes two elastic elements, which are symmetrically arranged about the axis of the flow channel body.
[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the diameter of the particle is d, and the inner diameter of the channel is a first inner diameter r, where 0.7d ≤ r < 2d.
[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the elastic components are provided in multiples, and the multiple elastic components are spaced apart along the length direction of the flow channel body.
[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the elastic element includes a baffle that extends radially along the flow channel body.
[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the thickness of the baffle is less than 5 μm.
[0013] In some embodiments of this application, at least one of the flow channel body and the elastic component is made of a flexible material.
[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the inner diameter of the flow channel body is a second inner diameter R, where R < 1 mm.
[0015] This application also provides a microfluidic chip, which includes the microfluidic channels described above.
[0016] The microfluidic chip provided in this application has the same beneficial effects as the microfluidic channel provided in this application, which will not be elaborated here. Attached Figure Description
[0017] The aspects and advantages described and / or added to the embodiments of this application will become apparent and readily understood in conjunction with the following drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments illustrated in the following drawings are exemplary and are used only to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the microfluidic channel provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the first and second inner diameters of the microfluidic channel provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0020] Figure 3 This is another schematic diagram of the microfluidic channel provided in the embodiments of this application.
[0021] Figure label:
[0022] The flow channel body is 100, the inlet is 110, the outlet is 120, and the second inner diameter is R;
[0023] Elastic component 200, elastic element 210, channel 220, first inner diameter r;
[0024] 300 particles. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The following is combined Figures 1 to 3The embodiments of this application are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.
[0026] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the use of terms such as "center," "middle," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0027] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0028] In related technologies, encapsulating a single particle 300 into a droplet can be referred to as single encapsulation; encapsulating two or more particles 300 into a droplet can be referred to as double encapsulation or multiple encapsulation. Optionally, the particle 300 can be a cell.
[0029] In some microfluidic applications, single-packing is a prerequisite for achieving high-quality microfluidic performance, such as single-cell sequencing. However, the encapsulation process described above completely follows a Poisson distribution, meaning that particles enter the droplet randomly. This can lead to double or multiple encapsulations when single-packing is required, resulting in a low droplet single-packing rate.
[0030] See Figure 1 This application provides a microfluidic channel that can effectively disperse aggregated and closely spaced incoming particles 300, thereby reducing the double and multiple packing rates of particles 300 in droplets, breaking through the Poisson distribution of particles 300 when they are encapsulated in droplets, and improving the single packing rate of particles 300.
[0031] For example, see Figure 1 The microfluidic channel includes a channel body 100 and an elastic component 200. The channel body 100 has an inlet 110 and an outlet 120 that are interconnected. The elastic component 200 is disposed in the channel body 100 and is located between the inlet 110 and the outlet 120. The elastic component 200 forms a channel 220 for a single particle 300 to pass through.
[0032] Understandably, on the one hand, the elastic component 200 forms a channel 220 for individual particles 300 to pass through, which can effectively disperse agglomerated and closely flowing particles 300, reduce the double or multiple encapsulation rate of particles 300 in the droplet, and break through the Poisson distribution of particles 300 when they are encapsulated in the droplet. On the other hand, the elastic component 200 itself can also disperse agglomerated particles 300 through its rebound force, preventing particles 300 from exhibiting double or multiple encapsulation due to agglomeration, reducing the double or multiple encapsulation rate of particles 300 in the droplet, and increasing the single encapsulation rate of particles 300.
[0033] Optionally, particle 300 can be cellular particle 300, without specific limitations.
[0034] Optionally, in some embodiments, the elastic component 200 includes at least two elastic elements 210, which are arranged circumferentially spaced along the flow channel body 100 to form a channel 220.
[0035] Optionally, in some other embodiments, the elastic component 200 may also include an elastic element 210. Exemplarily, one end of the elastic element 210 is connected to the flow channel body 100, and the elastic element 210 may form a channel 220 together with the inner wall of the flow channel body 100, which will not be described in detail here.
[0036] Alternatively, in some embodiments, see Figure 1 The elastic component 200 includes two elastic elements 210, which are symmetrically arranged about the axis of the flow channel body 100.
[0037] Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the two elastic elements 210 in the elastic component 200 can be staggered and do not necessarily have to be symmetrical about the axis of the flow channel body 100, as long as they can form a channel 220 for a single particle 300 to pass through. No specific limitation is made here.
[0038] It is understood that the elastic component 200 may also include three, four, five or more elastic elements 210. The number and distribution of the elastic elements 210 in the elastic component 200 can be set according to actual needs, and can form a channel 220 for a single particle 300 to pass through. No specific restrictions are imposed here.
[0039] Optionally, in some embodiments, the diameter of particle 300 is d, and the inner diameter of channel 220 is a first inner diameter r (see...). Figure 2 ), 0.7d≤r<2d.
[0040] It is understandable that the elastic element 210 itself is deformable. Therefore, even if the inner diameter r of the channel 220 (i.e., the first inner diameter r) is smaller than the diameter d of the particle 300, there is still a possibility that a single particle 300 can pass through. Optionally, r ≥ 0.7d. The dispersing effect can be achieved if the inner diameter of the channel 220 is less than twice the diameter d of the particle 300. Therefore, optionally, r < 2d. In summary, the range of values for the inner diameter r of the channel 220 is 0.7d ≤ r < 2d.
[0041] It should be noted that the specific inner diameter of channel 220 can be determined based on the actual size and flow rate of particle 300, and no specific restrictions are imposed here.
[0042] Optionally, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The elastic component 200 includes two elastic elements 210. The two elastic elements 210 in the elastic component 200 are symmetrically arranged about the axis of the flow channel body 100. The opposite ends of the two elastic elements 210 in the elastic component 200 are respectively connected to the flow channel body 100. The inner diameter r of the channel 220 is the distance between the two elastic elements 210 in the elastic component 200.
[0043] Optionally, in some embodiments, multiple elastic components 200 are provided, and the multiple elastic components 200 are spaced apart along the length direction of the flow channel body 100.
[0044] It is understandable that the spacing between two adjacent elastic components 200 can be determined based on the overall length of the flow channel body 100 and specific requirements, and no specific restrictions are imposed here. It should be noted that the more elastic components 200 are set, the stronger the dispersing effect on the incoming flow particles 300.
[0045] Alternatively, in some embodiments, see Figure 1 The elastic element 210 includes a baffle that extends radially along the flow channel body 100.
[0046] For example, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The elastic component 200 includes two baffles. The two baffles in the elastic component 200 are symmetrically arranged about the axis of the flow channel body 100, and the opposite ends of the two baffles in the elastic component 200 are respectively connected to the flow channel body 100. The distance between the opposite ends of the two baffles in the elastic component 200 is the inner diameter r of the channel 220.
[0047] It is understandable that when 0.7d≤r<d, when particle 300 passes through channel 220, particle 300 can squeeze the baffle to make the baffle bend and deform in the direction of particle 300's movement (i.e., from the inlet 110 to the outlet 120 of the self-flowing channel body 100), thereby increasing the distance between the two baffles in the elastic component 200 (i.e., the inner diameter r of channel 220), so that a single particle 300 can pass through channel 220.
[0048] Optionally, the thickness of the baffle is less than 5 μm to ensure that the prepared baffle is elastic.
[0049] Understandably, if the baffle is too thick, it will increase the rigidity of the baffle and weaken the elastic deformation force of the baffle, that is, the rebound force of the baffle will also be weakened, which is not conducive to breaking up the agglomerated particles 300 through the rebound force; at the same time, if the baffle is too thick, it will also easily cause particle blockage.
[0050] Optionally, in other embodiments, the elastic member 210 may further include a protrusion disposed on the inner wall of the flow channel body 100. Optionally, the protrusion may be a bulge or a block. For example, see Figure 3 The protrusion can be an arc-shaped convex hull. The surfaces of the two convex hulls and the area outside the convex hulls on the inner wall of the flow channel body 100 together form the channel 220, which will not be elaborated here.
[0051] It is understandable that the specific structural shape of the elastic element 210 can be set according to actual needs, and no specific restrictions are imposed here.
[0052] Optionally, in some embodiments, at least one of the flow channel body 100 and the elastic component 200 is made of a flexible material.
[0053] For example, both the flow channel body 100 and the elastic component 200 are made of flexible materials. It is understood that making the flow channel body 100 of a flexible material allows for appropriate deformation, preventing blockage within the flow channel body 100. Making the elastic component 200 of a flexible material ensures its elasticity, preventing excessive rigidity, low rebound force, and low deformability. This facilitates the dispersal of agglomerated particles 300 through rebound force and also prevents blockage at the channel 220.
[0054] Optionally, in some embodiments, the flow channel body 100 can be manufactured by a mold. Optionally, the mold structure of the flow channel body 100 can be prepared by soft photolithography or precision 3D printing.
[0055] Optionally, in some embodiments, the inner diameter of the flow channel body 100 is a second inner diameter R (see...). Figure 2 ), R < 1 mm.
[0056] Optionally, the inner diameter (i.e., the second inner diameter R) of the flow channel body 100 can be set to 1 to 900 μm.
[0057] The working principle of the microfluidic channel in this embodiment is as follows: The particle flow is injected into the channel body 100 from the inlet 110 at a preset speed. Since the channel 220 formed by the elastic component 200 can only allow a single particle 300 to pass through, when clustered or similar double or multiple particles 300 pass through the channel 220, they will be broken into single particles 300. The baffle can also break up the clustered or similar double or multiple particles 300 through its rebound force, and finally disperse them into single particles 300. This breaks through the Poisson distribution of particles 300 in the droplet in subsequent applications and improves the single droplet packing efficiency.
[0058] Other configurations and operations of the microfluidic channels according to the embodiments of this application are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.
[0059] This application also provides a microfluidic chip, which includes the microfluidic channels described above.
[0060] Optionally, in some embodiments, the microfluidic chip further includes an injection element for injecting a flow of particles from the inlet 110 of the channel body 100 into the channel body 100 at a preset speed.
[0061] Optionally, the injection device can be a micropump, without specific limitations.
[0062] Other configurations and operations of the microfluidic chip according to the embodiments of this application are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.
[0063] In the description of this specification, the use of terms such as "an embodiment," "some examples," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" indicates that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in the embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0064] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application.
[0065] In the description of this application, the presence of a comma ("、") in the patent title indicates an "and" relationship, not an "or" relationship. For example, if the patent title is "A type A, B type", it means that the content claimed in this application is: a technical solution with the subject matter title A and a technical solution with the subject matter title B.
Claims
1. A microfluidic channel, characterized in that, include: The flow channel body has an inlet and an outlet that are interconnected. An elastic component is disposed in the flow channel body and located between the inlet and the outlet, the elastic component forming a channel for a single particle to pass through.
2. The microfluidic channel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic component includes at least two elastic elements, which are arranged circumferentially spaced along the flow channel body to form the channel.
3. The microfluidic channel according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elastic component includes two elastic elements, which are symmetrically arranged about the axis of the flow channel body.
4. The microfluidic channel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The diameter of the particle is d, and the inner diameter of the channel is a first inner diameter r, where 0.7d ≤ r < 2d.
5. The microfluidic channel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The elastic components are configured in multiple ways, and the multiple elastic components are spaced apart along the length direction of the flow channel body.
6. The microfluidic channel according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The elastic element includes a baffle that extends radially along the flow channel body.
7. The microfluidic channel according to claim 6, characterized in that: The thickness of the baffle is less than 5 μm.
8. The microfluidic channel according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one of the flow channel body and the elastic component is made of a flexible material.
9. The microfluidic channel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the flow channel body is the second inner diameter R, where R < 1 mm.
10. A microfluidic chip, characterized in that, Includes the microfluidic channel as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.