Micro-fluidic channel and micro-fluidic chip

Abstract

The utility model discloses a micro-fluidic channel and a micro-fluidic chip, the micro-fluidic channel comprises a flow channel body, a filter array and a micro-valve assembly, and the flow channel body is provided with an inlet and an outlet which are communicated with each other; the filter array is arranged in the runner body and located between the inlet and the outlet, and a filter channel is formed in the filter array; the micro-valve assembly is at least arranged on the top face or the bottom face of the flow channel body and comprises a deformation piece, the deformation piece can deform towards the filtering channel so as to change the size of the filtering channel, and the filtering channel is used for allowing to-be-screened particles to pass through. The micro-valve assembly is arranged, and the deformation piece deforms towards the filtering channel, so that the deformation piece can occupy a part of space of the filtering channel, the space of the filtering channel is extruded, and the size of the filtering channel is changed. The particles with different specific sizes can be screened through the change of the size of the filtering channel, the requirement for screening the particles with different sizes is met, and the adaptability and universality of the micro-fluidic chip are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of microfluidic chip technology, and in particular to a microfluidic channel and a microfluidic chip. Background Technology

[0002] In microfluidic biochemical applications, such as single-cell sequencing, the particles, cells, or hydrogel microspheres used need to meet or be screened to achieve a uniform size to ensure the stable operation of the microfluidic system. Related technologies typically utilize cell filters or fixed array structures to screen particles (or cells, hydrogel microspheres, etc.). However, the screening size of cell filters or array structures is fixed. When screening particles of different sizes is required, cell filters or array structures with specific screening sizes must be selected, making it difficult to meet the needs of screening particles of various sizes. Utility Model Content

[0003] To solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a microfluidic channel to screen particles of different specific sizes, and the technical solution adopted is as follows.

[0004] The microfluidic channel provided in the first aspect of this application includes a channel body, a filter array, and a microvalve assembly. The channel body has an inlet and an outlet that are interconnected. The filter array is disposed in the channel body and located between the inlet and the outlet, and a filter channel is formed in the filter array. The microvalve assembly is disposed at least on the top or bottom surface of the channel body. The microvalve assembly includes a deformable member that is deformable toward the filter channel to change the size of the filter channel. The filter channel is used for the passage of particles to be screened.

[0005] As an optional implementation, in some embodiments of this application, the filter array includes a plurality of filter bumps, which are spaced apart in the flow channel body, and the gap between two adjacent filter bumps constitutes the filter channel.

[0006] As an optional implementation, in some embodiments of this application, a plurality of the filter bumps are equally spaced along a first direction in the flow channel body, and the inlet and the outlet are spaced along a second direction in the flow channel body, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0007] As an optional implementation, in some embodiments of this application, the filter array is configured as multiple groups, the multiple groups of filter arrays are spaced apart along the second direction, and the filter bumps of adjacent groups of filter arrays are staggered.

[0008] As an optional implementation, in some embodiments of this application, the filter bump includes at least one of a circle and a polygon.

[0009] As an optional implementation, in some embodiments of this application, the microvalve assembly is disposed on the bottom surface of the flow channel body, the microvalve assembly further includes an air chamber, the deformable member includes a deformable film, the deformable film is disposed between the air chamber and the flow channel body, the deformable film is used to bulge toward the filter channel when the air chamber is inflated, so as to compress the space of the filter channel.

[0010] As an optional implementation, in some embodiments of this application, the deformable film is used to bulge in a direction away from the filter channel when the air chamber is under negative pressure, so as to increase the space of the filter channel.

[0011] As an optional implementation, in some embodiments of this application, the deformable film is connected to the bottom surface of the filter array by plasma bonding.

[0012] As an optional implementation, in some embodiments of this application, the flow channel body includes a filtering section, an inlet channel, and an outlet channel. The inlet channel and the outlet channel are respectively connected to both ends of the filtering section. The inlet is disposed in the inlet channel, and the outlet is disposed in the outlet channel. The outlet channel is disposed corresponding to the inlet channel, and the filter array is disposed in the filtering section.

[0013] Secondly, this application also provides a microfluidic chip, including the microfluidic channel provided in the first aspect. The microfluidic chip includes a first structural layer and a second structural layer stacked along the thickness direction. The flow channel body and the filter array are disposed in the first structural layer, and the microvalve assembly is disposed in the second structural layer. The first structural layer and the second structural layer are encapsulated and connected.

[0014] The embodiments of this application have at least the following beneficial effects: by setting a microvalve assembly and utilizing the deformable member to deform toward the filter channel, the deformable member can occupy a portion of the space of the filter channel, thereby compressing the space of the filter channel and changing its size. The change in the size of the filter channel enables the screening of particles of different specific sizes, meeting the needs of screening particles of different sizes and improving the adaptability and versatility of the microfluidic chip. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The present application will be further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that the embodiments illustrated in the following drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example structure of a microfluidic channel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating another example of the microfluidic channel provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 1 AA cross-section view;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the microfluidic channel provided in the embodiment of this application in the air chamber inflation state;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the microfluidic channel provided in the embodiments of this application under negative pressure in the air chamber.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the microfluidic chip provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0022] Reference numerals: 100, microfluidic channel; 10, channel body; 11, inlet; 12, outlet; 13, filtration section; 14, inlet channel; 15, outlet channel; 20, filter array; 21, filter channel; 22, filter bump; 30, microvalve assembly; 31, deformable part; 32, air chamber; 200, microfluidic chip; 201, first structural layer; 202, second structural layer. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to 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.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "middle", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do 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.

[0025] In the description of this application, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0026] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" 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 of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] In the description of this application, the use of terms such as "as one implementation," "an embodiment," "some examples," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," "some examples," etc., indicates that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one 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. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0028] The contents of this application are described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that the following description is merely illustrative and not a specific limitation of this application.

[0029] In related technologies, cellular filters or fixed array structures are typically used to screen particles (or cells, hydrogel microspheres, etc.) to obtain particles of uniform size. Taking a fixed array structure as an example, the literature with publication number CN107999153A provides a microchannel filter with a four-level decreasing spacing multi-cylinder array structure. This array structure can only screen particles of one size, which not only makes it difficult to meet the needs of screening particles of multiple sizes, but also poses a risk of large particles clogging the array structure.

[0030] To address the aforementioned problems, the first aspect of this application provides a microfluidic channel 100, which, in conjunction with... Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4The microfluidic channel 100 includes a channel body 10, a filter array 20, and a microvalve assembly 30. The channel body 10 has an inlet 11 and an outlet 12 that are interconnected. The filter array 20 is disposed in the channel body 10 and located between the inlet 11 and the outlet 12. A filter channel 21 is formed in the filter array 20. The microvalve assembly 30 is disposed at least on the top or bottom surface of the channel body 10. The microvalve assembly 30 includes a deformable member 31 that is deformable toward the filter channel 21 to change the size of the filter channel 21, which is used for the passage of particles to be screened. By setting the microvalve assembly 30 and using the deformable member 31 to deform toward the filter channel 21, the deformable member 31 can occupy a portion of the space of the filter channel 21, thereby compressing the space of the filter channel 21 and changing its size. The change in the size of the filter channel 21 enables the screening of particles of different specific sizes, meeting the needs of screening particles of different sizes and improving the adaptability and versatility of the microfluidic chip 200.

[0031] Optionally, the microvalve assembly 30 can be disposed on the top or bottom surface of the flow channel body 10, or simultaneously disposed on both the top and bottom surfaces of the flow channel body 10; this is not limited here. It is understood that the filter array 20 constitutes the horizontal sidewall of the filter channel 21, and the microvalve assembly 30 constitutes the vertical wall (top or bottom wall) of the filter channel 21. The horizontal dimension of the filter channel 21 is fixed, while the vertical dimension is varied due to the deformation of the deformable member 31, allowing particles smaller than a set size to pass through while intercepting particles larger than the set size, thus achieving the screening function for particles of a specific size.

[0032] In some embodiments, the filter array 20 includes a plurality of filter bumps 22, which are spaced apart in the flow channel body 10, and the gap between two adjacent filter bumps 22 forms a filter channel 21. By spaced apart the filter bumps 22, gaps can be formed between adjacent filter bumps 22, which allow particles to be screened to pass through, thereby achieving particle size screening.

[0033] For example, the filter bump 22 structure can be formed by photolithography, machining, or precision 3D printing and then casting on the surface of the substrate constituting the flow channel body 10, and is not limited here. As an alternative implementation, the filter array 20 can be formed into the filter channel 21 in the form of filter blocks or filter grooves, and is not limited here.

[0034] In some embodiments, a plurality of filter bumps 22 are located in the flow channel body 10 along a first direction (e.g., Figure 1The inlet 11 and outlet 12 are evenly spaced along the second direction (as shown in the x-direction) in the flow channel body 10. Figure 1 The filter protrusions 22 are spaced apart along the y-direction (as shown), with the first direction and the second direction perpendicular to each other. By arranging the filter protrusions 22 at equal intervals along the first direction, the area used for filtration in the flow channel body 10 can be widened, increasing the filtration area and improving the filtration efficiency. By arranging the outlet 12 and inlet 11 at intervals along the second direction, and setting the second direction to be perpendicular to the first direction, the particles to be filtered can enter the filter array 20 vertically, allowing the particles to meet the filter array 20 in a vertical direction, shortening the particle flow path and improving the filtration efficiency.

[0035] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 The filter array 20 is configured as multiple groups, which are spaced apart along the second direction, and the filter protrusions 22 of adjacent filter arrays 20 are staggered. By using multiple groups of filter arrays 20 spaced apart and with the filter protrusions 22 staggered, a multi-row array structure can be formed, which helps to further improve the filtering and screening effect.

[0036] In some embodiments, the filter bump 22 includes at least one of circular and polygonal shapes. A circular structure for the filter bump 22 provides a smooth outer contour, reducing friction between the particles to be filtered and the filter bump 22, facilitating particle passage. Setting the filter bump 22 to other polygonal shapes is easily implemented. Optionally, the filter array 20 may have only one type of filter bump 22, or it may have multiple different shapes of filter bump 22 simultaneously.

[0037] In some embodiments, please combine Figure 4 and Figure 5 The microvalve assembly 30 is disposed on the bottom surface of the flow channel body 10. The microvalve assembly 30 also includes an air chamber 32. The deformable component 31 includes a deformable membrane, which is disposed between the air chamber 32 and the flow channel body 10. The deformable membrane bulges towards the filter channel 21 when the air chamber 32 is inflated, thereby compressing the space of the filter channel 21. By setting the air chamber 32 and the deformable membrane, the pressure change of the air chamber 32 can be used to drive the deformable membrane. By pressurizing the air chamber 32, the deformable membrane can bulge towards the filter channel 21, thereby compressing the space of the filter channel 21 and changing the size of the filter channel 21, thus achieving adjustment of the screening size. Furthermore, by continuously inflating the air chamber 32, the air pressure within the air chamber 32 can continuously change. Within the deformation range of the deformable membrane, the filter channel 21 can be compressed to any size by adjusting the deformable membrane, thereby steplessly adjusting the degree of bulging of the deformable membrane and achieving continuous control of the filtration size.

[0038] In some embodiments, the deformable film is used to bulge in the direction away from the filter channel 21 when the air chamber 32 is under negative pressure, thereby increasing the space of the filter channel 21. By adjusting the negative pressure of the air chamber 32, the deformable film can bulge in the direction away from the filter channel 21, that is, the deformable film exhibits a concave shape in the filter channel 21, thereby increasing the space of the filter channel 21 and facilitating the passage of particles in the filter channel 21. When the filter channel 21 is blocked by large particles, this method can quickly remove the blocking particles and ensure that the microfluidic channel 100 can be used normally.

[0039] In some embodiments, the deformable film is connected to the bottom surface of the filter array 20 via plasma bonding. Plasma bonding facilitates the connection between the deformable film and the filter array 20.

[0040] In some embodiments, the microfluidic channel 100 may also be provided with a pneumatic structure (e.g., an air pump), which is connected to the air chamber 32 to regulate the air pressure within the air chamber 32. For example, gas may be introduced into the air chamber 32 to increase its pressure, or negative pressure may be applied to the air chamber 32 to reduce its pressure, thereby regulating the air pressure within the air chamber 32 to achieve the effect of bulging or concave deformation of the film. Of course, in other examples, the air chamber 32 may be connected to other microfluidic structures, which can be used to regulate the air pressure within the air chamber 32; this is not limited here.

[0041] In some embodiments, the flow channel body 10 includes a filtration section 13, an inlet channel 14, and an outlet channel 15. The inlet channel 14 and the outlet channel 15 are respectively connected to both ends of the filtration section 13. The inlet 11 is disposed in the inlet channel 14, and the outlet 12 is disposed in the outlet channel 15. The outlet channel 15 is disposed corresponding to the inlet channel 14. The filter array 20 is disposed in the filtration section 13. By setting the inlet channel 14 and the outlet channel 15, the inlet 11, the outlet 12 and the filtration section 13 can be interconnected, and a certain distance is ensured between the inlet 11, the outlet 12 and the filtration section 13. When the particles to be separated are introduced into or discharged from the filtration section 13, the liquid inlet and outlet functions of the microfluidic channel and the filtration function can operate independently, reducing the influence of mutual interference.

[0042] As an alternative implementation, in addition to taking the form of a deformable film, the deformable member 31 in the microvalve assembly 30 can also enter or leave the filter channel 21 by deforming or moving other deformable structures, so that the space of the filter channel 21 can be squeezed or expanded, thereby achieving the effect of changing the size of the filter channel 21.

[0043] Secondly, please refer to Figure 6This application also provides a microfluidic chip 200, which includes the microfluidic channel provided in the first aspect. The microfluidic chip 200 includes a first structural layer 201 and a second structural layer 202 stacked along the thickness direction. The flow channel body 10 and the filter array 20 are disposed in the first structural layer 201, and the microvalve assembly 30 is disposed in the second structural layer 202. The first structural layer 201 and the second structural layer 202 are encapsulated and connected. By disposing of the flow channel body 10 and the filter array 20 in one structural layer and the microvalve assembly 30 in another structural layer, the flow channel body 10, the filter array 20 and the microvalve assembly 30 can be disposed separately. By utilizing the mutual encapsulation and connection of the first structural layer 201 and the second structural layer 202, the flow channel body 10, the filter array 20 and the microvalve assembly 30 can be quickly connected and assembled, making the structure of the microfluidic chip 200 easier to realize and improving the manufacturing efficiency of the microfluidic chip 200.

[0044] 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. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. A microfluidic channel, characterized in that: include The flow channel body has an inlet and an outlet that are interconnected. A filter array is disposed in the flow channel body and located between the inlet and the outlet, and a filter channel is formed in the filter array; A microvalve assembly is disposed at least on the top or bottom surface of the flow channel body. The microvalve assembly includes a deformable member that is deformable toward the filter channel to change the size of the filter channel, which is used for the passage of particles to be screened.

2. The microfluidic channel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter array includes multiple filter bumps, which are spaced apart in the flow channel body, and the gap between two adjacent filter bumps forms the filter channel.

3. The microfluidic channel according to claim 2, characterized in that: The plurality of filter bumps are equally spaced along a first direction in the flow channel body, and the inlet and the outlet are spaced along a second direction in the flow channel body, wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

4. The microfluidic channel according to claim 3, characterized in that: The filter array is configured as multiple groups, and the multiple groups of filter arrays are spaced apart along the second direction, with the filter bumps of adjacent groups of filter arrays being staggered.

5. The microfluidic channel according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that: The filter bumps include at least one of circular and polygonal shapes.

6. The microfluidic channel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The microvalve assembly is disposed on the bottom surface of the flow channel body. The microvalve assembly also includes an air chamber. The deformable member includes a deformable film. The deformable film is disposed between the air chamber and the flow channel body. The deformable film is used to bulge towards the filter channel when the air chamber is inflated, so as to compress the space of the filter channel.

7. The microfluidic channel according to claim 6, characterized in that: The deformable film is used to bulge in a direction away from the filter channel when the air chamber is under negative pressure, so as to increase the space of the filter channel.

8. The microfluidic channel according to claim 6, characterized in that: The deformable film is connected to the bottom surface of the filter array by plasma bonding.

9. The microfluidic channel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The flow channel body includes a filtration section, an inlet channel, and an outlet channel. The inlet channel and the outlet channel are respectively connected to both ends of the filtration section. The inlet is located in the inlet channel, and the outlet is located in the outlet channel. The outlet channel is located corresponding to the inlet channel. The filter array is located in the filtration section.

10. A microfluidic chip, characterized in that: The microfluidic chip includes a microfluidic channel as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the microfluidic chip includes a first structural layer and a second structural layer stacked along the thickness direction, the channel body and the filter array are disposed in the first structural layer, the microvalve assembly is disposed in the second structural layer, and the first structural layer and the second structural layer are encapsulated and connected.

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