Vertical direction water focusing micro-fluidic detection chip for direct detection of microscope
By setting left and right flow channels in the microscope detection chip for vertical water focusing and using a reflective component to reflect light, the problems of complex chip channels and insufficient detection accuracy in the prior art are solved, and high-precision image acquisition and detection are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520010428.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-01-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing microscope inspection chips with vertical water focusing designs have complex chip channels and are difficult to manufacture, making it impossible to perform high-precision image acquisition and inspection. Furthermore, existing horizontal water focusing designs cannot meet the inspection requirements of microscopes with magnifications of 10×, 20×, and above.
Vertical water focusing is achieved by setting up left and right clamping channels on the left and right sides of the sample channel, and reflective components, including a first reflector and a second reflector, are set on the left and right sides of the detection channel. High-precision image acquisition and detection in the vertical direction are achieved through light reflection.
It achieves a simple chip structure and convenient processing, enabling high-precision image acquisition and detection, and is suitable for conventional microscopes. It overcomes the problems of high flow ratio between the entrained flow and the sample flow, high sample dilution, and excessive flow rate in existing technologies.
Smart Images
Figure CN223970001U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of microfluidic detection, and in particular to a vertical water-focusing microfluidic detection chip for direct microscopic detection. Background Technology
[0002] Microfluidic chips are a scientific technology characterized by the manipulation of fluids in micro- and nano-scale spaces. They can miniaturize basic laboratory functions in biology, chemistry, and other fields, such as sample preparation, reaction, separation, and detection, onto a chip of just a few square centimeters.
[0003] In microfluidic chip technology for analyzing aquatic pollutants using microscopy, water focusing is often employed to compress the sample flow thickness. This involves focusing the sample flow through two-end clamping, and by precisely controlling the flow rate and channel structure, the potentially turbulent sample flow is transformed into a stable, thin laminar flow under sheath fluid compression, meeting the detection requirements of microscope objectives with small depths of field. Existing designs often employ vertical clamping, four-directional clamping, or three-dimensional water focusing, resulting in extremely complex chip channel designs and difficult fabrication. While existing designs using horizontal clamping and vertical water focusing simplify the chip channel design, the resulting thin sample flow layer is located in the vertical direction of focus. This makes it unsuitable for high-precision image acquisition and detection from the vertical direction of the focal plane using 10×, 20×, or higher magnification microscope objectives. Such designs are only suitable for relatively low-precision optical detection or counting analysis in the horizontal direction of the chip using fiber optics or electrochemical sensors. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a vertical water focusing microfluidic detection chip that can directly perform high-precision image acquisition and detection using conventional microscopes, while also being simple in structure and easy to fabricate. Utility Model Content
[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a vertical water-focusing microfluidic detection chip for direct microscope detection, which has the function of directly performing high-precision image acquisition and detection with conventional microscopes, and also has the advantages of simple structure and convenient processing.
[0005] A vertical water-focusing microfluidic detection chip for direct microscopic detection according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:
[0006] The chip body is transparent and has a sample channel extending from front to back. A left clamping channel and a right clamping channel are connected to the left and right sides of the sample channel, respectively. A detection channel extending from front to back is connected to the rear end of the sample channel.
[0007] The reflective component includes a first reflective part and a second reflective part, which are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the detection channel. The first reflective part is configured to reflect light from below horizontally to the right and allow the reflected light to pass through the detection channel. The second reflective part is configured to reflect the light reflected by the first reflective part after it passes through the detection channel in the horizontal direction vertically upward.
[0008] The vertical water-focusing microfluidic detection chip for direct microscope detection according to the embodiments of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0009] In this embodiment, a left-hand flow channel and a right-hand flow channel are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the sample channel to perform left-right flow clamping and vertical water focusing on the sample flow. The chip structure design is simple and easy to process. In addition, a first reflector and a second reflector are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the detection channel. The first reflector can reflect light from bottom to top horizontally to the right and make the reflected light pass horizontally through the vertically focused sample layer in the detection channel and then illuminate the second reflector. The second reflector can reflect the horizontal light reflected by the first reflector vertically upward, so that it enters the objective lens of the microscope. This allows the conventional microscope to directly perform high-precision image acquisition and detection analysis on the vertically focused sample layer.
[0010] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the chip body includes:
[0011] A substrate, wherein the sample channel, the left clamping channel, the right clamping channel and the detection channel are disposed on the upper surface of the substrate;
[0012] A cover plate is provided on the upper surface of the substrate. The cover plate is provided with a first sample inlet hole connected to the sample channel, a second sample inlet hole connected to the left clamping channel, a third sample inlet hole connected to the right clamping channel, and a drain hole connected to the detection channel.
[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the right end of the first reflective part has a first reflective surface, which extends back and forth and tilts upward and to the right at a 45-degree angle; the left end of the second reflective part has a second reflective surface, which is parallel to the first reflective surface.
[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the upper end of the first reflective surface is flush with or higher than the upper end of the detection channel, the lower end of the first reflective surface is flush with or lower than the lower end of the detection channel, the upper end of the second reflective surface is flush with or higher than the upper end of the detection channel, and the lower end of the second reflective surface is flush with or lower than the lower end of the detection channel.
[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the upper surface of the chip body is provided with a first rectangular groove and a second rectangular groove extending from front to back. The first rectangular groove and the second rectangular groove are respectively located on the left and right sides of the detection channel to install the first reflective part and the second reflective part respectively. The lower end of the second rectangular groove is lower than the lower end of the detection channel, and the vertical dimension of the second reflective surface is greater than the depth of the detection channel.
[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the second reflective part is bonded to the side wall of the second rectangular groove.
[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the dimension of the second rectangular groove in the left-right direction is greater than the dimension of the second reflective part in the left-right direction, and the front and rear sidewalls of the second reflective part are respectively attached to the front and rear sidewalls of the second rectangular groove.
[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, both the first reflective portion and the second reflective portion are configured as triangular prisms with cross-sections of isosceles right triangles. The first reflective surface is formed on the sidewall corresponding to the hypotenuse of the cross-section of the first reflective portion, and the second reflective surface is formed on the sidewall corresponding to the hypotenuse of the cross-section of the second reflective portion.
[0019] According to some embodiments of this utility model, both the left and right flow clamping channels are arc-shaped and tangent to the sample channel, respectively.
[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the left clamping channel and the right clamping channel are symmetrically distributed relative to the sample channel.
[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0022] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:
[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of light transmission during the use of an embodiment of this utility model.
[0026] Icon labels:
[0027] Chip body 100, sample channel 101, left clamping channel 102, right clamping channel 103, detection channel 104, substrate 105, cover plate 106, first sample inlet 107, second sample inlet 108, third sample inlet 109, drain hole 110, first rectangular groove 111, second rectangular groove 112;
[0028] First reflective part 200, first reflective surface 201;
[0029] Second reflector 300, second reflector 301;
[0030] Objective lens 400, light source 401;
[0031] The sample layer to be tested is 500, which is focused vertically. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown 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 utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0034] In the description of this utility model, "multiple" refers to two or more. The use of "first" and "second" is for distinguishing technical features only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of technical features or their sequential relationship.
[0035] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.
[0036] Reference Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a vertical water-focusing microfluidic detection chip for direct microscopic detection, comprising: a chip body 100 and a reflective component.
[0037] The chip body 100 is transparent and has a sample channel 101 extending from front to back. The left and right sides of the sample channel 101 are respectively connected to a left clamping channel 102 and a right clamping channel 103. The rear end of the sample channel 101 is connected to a detection channel 104 extending from front to back, wherein the detection channel 104 is aligned with the sample channel 101.
[0038] The reflective assembly includes a first reflective part 200 and a second reflective part 300. Both the first reflective part 200 and the second reflective part 300 are disposed on the chip body 100. The first reflective part 200 and the second reflective part 300 are located on the left and right sides of the detection channel 104, respectively, with the first reflective part 200 on the left and the second reflective part 300 on the right. The first reflective part 200 is configured to reflect light from below horizontally to the right and allow the reflected light to pass through the detection channel 104 and illuminate the second reflective part 300. The second reflective part 300 is configured to reflect the light reflected by the first reflective part 200 in the horizontal direction vertically upward.
[0039] In use, the chip body 100 is placed on the stage of the microscope. The stage is adjusted so that the second reflector 300 is directly below the microscope objective lens 400, and the microscope light source 401 is positioned below the first reflector 200. Then, the water sample to be tested is introduced into the sample channel 101, and water samples are introduced into the left and right clamping channels 102 and 103 respectively as clamping liquids, forming a stable laminar flow in the detection channel 104. By adjusting the flow rate ratio of the liquids in the left clamping channel 102, right clamping channel 103, and sample channel 101, the sample to be tested is vertically compressed and focused, and the thickness of the vertically focused sample layer 500 is controlled within the depth of field of the microscope objective lens 400. During sample observation and analysis, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the light emitted from the upward-facing light source 401 is reflected horizontally to the right by the first reflector 200, passes through the vertically focused sample layer 500 in the detection channel 104, and is then reflected vertically upward by the second reflector 300 to enter the objective lens 400 of the microscope. This allows for direct detection of samples with vertically focused water using a conventional microscope. It should be noted that vertically focused water refers to the compression and focusing of the sample by the liquid adsorbed on both sides, making the sample layer perpendicular to the horizontal plane; the vertical direction is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.
[0040] The vertical water-focusing microfluidic detection chip for direct microscope detection according to this embodiment of the invention has a left flow-clamping channel 102 and a right flow-clamping channel 103 respectively set on the left and right sides of the sample channel 101 to perform left and right flow clamping and vertical water focusing on the sample flow. The chip structure design is simple and easy to process. In addition, a first reflector 200 and a second reflector 300 are respectively set on the left and right sides of the detection channel 104. The first reflector 200 can reflect light from bottom to top horizontally to the right and make the reflected light pass through the detection channel 104 to illuminate the second reflector 300. The second reflector 300 can reflect the light reflected by the first reflector 200 vertically upward, so that it enters the objective lens 400 of the microscope. This allows the conventional microscope to directly perform high-precision image acquisition and detection analysis on the vertically focused sample layer 500.
[0041] In addition, since the structural design of this embodiment is simpler, it can also overcome the problems of high flow ratio between the clamped flow and the sample flow, high sample dilution and excessive flow rate caused by the complex chip structure design in the existing technology during detection and analysis.
[0042] In some embodiments of this utility model, the chip body 100 includes a substrate 105 and a cover plate 106, the length and width dimensions of the cover plate 106 being the same as those of the substrate 105. A sample channel 101, a left flow channel 102, a right flow channel 103, and a detection channel 104 are disposed on the upper surface of the substrate 105. The cover plate 106 is placed on the upper surface of the substrate 105 and bonded together with a strong adhesive. The cover plate 106 is used to seal the sample channel 101, the left flow channel 102, the right flow channel 103, and the detection channel 104.
[0043] The cover plate 106 is provided with a first inlet hole 107 connected to the front end of the sample channel 101 for introducing the sample to be tested into the sample channel 101. The cover plate 106 is also provided with a second inlet hole 108 connected to the left clamping channel 102 for introducing clamping liquid into the left clamping channel 102. The cover plate 106 is also provided with a third inlet hole 109 connected to the right clamping channel 103 for introducing clamping liquid into the right clamping channel 103. The cover plate 106 is also provided with a drain hole 110 connected to the rear end of the detection channel 104 for discharging waste liquid.
[0044] In some embodiments of this utility model, the right end of the first reflective part 200 has a first reflective surface 201, which is coated with a reflective layer. The first reflective surface 201 extends back and forth and is tilted upward and to the right at a 45-degree angle. By setting the first reflective surface 201 tilted upward and to the right at a 45-degree angle, light rays from below can be reflected horizontally to the right. In addition, the left end of the second reflective part 300 has a second reflective surface 301, which is coated with a reflective layer. The second reflective surface 301 is parallel to the first reflective surface 201, that is, the second reflective surface 301 is also tilted upward and to the right at a 45-degree angle. This allows light rays in the horizontal direction reflected by the first reflective surface 201 to be reflected vertically upward and enter the objective lens 400 of the microscope, so that the microscope can directly perform image acquisition and detection analysis on the sample layer 500 to be tested, which is focused in the vertical direction.
[0045] In some embodiments of this utility model, the upper end of the first reflective surface 201 is flush with or higher than the upper end of the detection channel 104, and the lower end of the first reflective surface 201 is flush with or lower than the lower end of the detection channel 104. The upper end of the second reflective surface 301 is flush with or higher than the upper end of the detection channel 104, and the lower end of the second reflective surface 301 is flush with or lower than the lower end of the detection channel 104. This arrangement allows the first reflective surface 201 to completely project the vertically focused microscopic image of the sample layer 500 to be tested onto the second reflective surface 301, and then the second reflective surface 301 completely reflects the vertically focused image of the sample layer 500 to be tested onto the objective lens 400 of the microscope, thereby ensuring the detection field of view of the objective lens 400 of the microscope and improving the detection accuracy.
[0046] In some embodiments of this utility model, the upper surface of the chip body 100 is provided with a first rectangular groove 111 and a second rectangular groove 112 extending from front to back. The first rectangular groove 111 and the second rectangular groove 112 are located on the left and right sides of the detection channel 104, respectively, and are spaced apart from the detection channel 104. A first reflective part 200 is installed in the first rectangular groove 111, and a second reflective part 300 is installed in the second rectangular groove 112. The first rectangular groove 111 and the second rectangular groove 112 provide installation positions for the first reflective part 200 and the second reflective part 300.
[0047] In some specific embodiments, the chip body 100 includes a substrate 105 and a cover plate 106. Therefore, the first rectangular groove 111 and the second rectangular groove 112 are both divided into two segments, one segment formed on the substrate 105 and the other segment formed on the cover plate 106. In addition, the lengths of the first rectangular groove 111 and the second rectangular groove 112 can be consistent, the widths of the first rectangular groove 111 and the second rectangular groove 112 can be consistent, and the depths of the first rectangular groove 111 and the second rectangular groove 112 can be consistent to facilitate processing.
[0048] Based on the above settings, the lower end of the second rectangular groove 112 is lower than the lower end of the detection channel 104, and the vertical dimension of the second reflective surface 301 is greater than the depth of the detection channel 104. Thus, while ensuring that the second reflective surface 301 can completely reflect the sample microscopic image of the sample layer 500 to be tested, which is focused vertically, to the objective lens 400 of the microscope, the second reflective part 300 has a certain vertical adjustment space. Therefore, by adjusting the installation height of the second reflective part 300 relative to the second rectangular groove 112 in the vertical direction, the focusing and detection needs of the objective lens 400 with different magnifications can be matched (the working distance, depth of field, and field of view parameters of the objective lens 400 with different magnifications are all different).
[0049] In some embodiments of this utility model, the second reflective part 300 is bonded to the side wall of the second rectangular groove 112, which is convenient and stable to install. It should be noted that the second reflective part 300 and the second rectangular groove 112 can be bonded with a hot melt adhesive that can be removed after heating. When adjusting the installation height of the second reflective part 300 relative to the second rectangular groove 112 in the vertical direction, it can be adjusted during the first assembly. If further adjustment is needed, the second reflective part 300 can be heated to loosen it from the side wall of the second rectangular groove 112, adjusted to the corresponding height, and then re-bonded.
[0050] In some embodiments of this utility model, the dimension of the second rectangular groove 112 in the left-right direction is larger than the dimension of the second reflective part 300 in the left-right direction, and the front and rear sidewalls of the second reflective part 300 are respectively attached to the front and rear sidewalls of the second rectangular groove 112. This arrangement allows the installation position of the second reflective part 300 relative to the second rectangular groove 112 in the left-right direction to have a certain adjustment space. Thus, by adjusting the installation position of the second reflective part 300 relative to the second rectangular groove 112 in the left-right direction, the focusing and detection needs of objective lenses 400 with different magnifications can be matched (the working distance, depth of field, and field of view parameters of objective lenses 400 with different magnifications are all different).
[0051] Clearly, the front and rear sidewalls of the second reflector 300 are respectively attached to the front and rear sidewalls of the second rectangular groove 112 so that when the position of the second reflector 300 is adjusted in the left-right direction, the front and rear sidewalls of the second rectangular groove 112 can provide mounting surfaces for the second reflector 300. The front and rear sidewalls of the second reflector 300 can be respectively bonded to the front and rear sidewalls of the second rectangular groove 112. It is conceivable that the front and rear sidewalls of the second reflector 300 and the front and rear sidewalls of the second rectangular groove 112 can be bonded together using a removable hot melt adhesive after heating. When adjusting the installation position of the second reflector 300 relative to the second rectangular groove 112 in the left-right direction, it can be adjusted during the first assembly. If further adjustments are needed, the second reflector 300 can be heated to loosen it from the side wall of the second rectangular groove 112, adjusted to the corresponding position, and then reattached. In addition, when adjusting the installation height of the second reflector 300 relative to the second rectangular groove 112 in the vertical direction, it is only necessary to adjust the bonding height of the second reflector 300 on the front and rear side walls of the second rectangular groove 112.
[0052] In some embodiments of this utility model, both the first reflective part 200 and the second reflective part 300 are configured as triangular prisms with an isosceles right triangle cross section. The first reflective surface 201 is formed on the side wall corresponding to the hypotenuse of the cross section of the first reflective part 200, and the second reflective surface 301 is formed on the side wall corresponding to the hypotenuse of the cross section of the second reflective part 300. The structure is simple and easy to manufacture.
[0053] It is conceivable that the first reflector 200 and the second reflector 300 can be configured to have the same specifications.
[0054] In some embodiments of this invention, both the left and right clamping channels 102 and 103 are arc-shaped and tangential to the sample channel 101, allowing the clamping liquid in the left and right clamping channels 102 and 103 to be input into the sample channel 101 tangentially. This compresses and focuses the sample in the sample channel 101, forming a stable laminar flow, reducing fluctuations, and improving detection accuracy. Similarly, to form a stable laminar flow and improve detection accuracy, the left and right clamping channels 102 and 103 can be symmetrically distributed relative to the sample channel 101.
[0055] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. 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. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.
[0056] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model 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 the present utility model.
Claims
1. A vertical direction water focusing microfluidic detection chip for microscope direct detection, characterized in that, The chip body is transparent, and is provided with a sample channel extending front-to-back, left and right sides of the sample channel being connected with a left clamping flow channel and a right clamping flow channel respectively, and a detection channel extending front-to-back being connected with a rear end of the sample channel; The reflection assembly includes a first reflection part and a second reflection part, and is respectively arranged on left and right sides of the detection channel, the first reflection part is configured to reflect light from bottom to top horizontally to the right and make the reflected light pass through the detection channel, and the second reflection part is configured to reflect the light reflected by the first reflection part vertically upward after passing through the detection channel in the horizontal direction. The chip body includes:
2. The vertical water focusing microfluidic detection chip for microscope direct detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: A substrate, an upper surface of the substrate being provided with the sample channel, the left clamping flow channel, the right clamping flow channel and the detection channel; A cover plate, the cover plate being arranged on the upper surface of the substrate, the cover plate being provided with a first sample inlet connected with the sample channel, a second sample inlet connected with the left clamping flow channel, a third sample inlet connected with the right clamping flow channel, and a liquid discharge hole connected with the detection channel. The right end of the first reflection part has a first reflection surface, the first reflection surface extending front-to-back and being inclined upward and to the right by 45 degrees; the left end of the second reflection part has a second reflection surface, the second reflection surface being parallel to the first reflection surface. 3.The vertically water-focused microfluidic detection chip for microscope direct detection according to claim 1, wherein: The upper end of the first reflection surface is flush with or higher than the upper end of the detection channel, the lower end of the first reflection surface is flush with or lower than the lower end of the detection channel, the upper end of the second reflection surface is flush with or higher than the upper end of the detection channel, and the lower end of the second reflection surface is flush with or lower than the lower end of the detection channel.
4. The vertical water focusing microfluidic detection chip for microscope direct detection according to claim 3, characterized in that: The upper surface of the chip body is provided with a first rectangular groove and a second rectangular groove extending front-to-back, the first rectangular groove and the second rectangular groove being respectively located on the left and right sides of the detection channel to respectively install the first reflection part and the second reflection part; wherein the lower end of the second rectangular groove is lower than the lower end of the detection channel, and the dimension of the second reflection surface in the vertical direction is greater than the depth of the detection channel.
5. The vertically directional water focusing microfluidic detection chip for microscope direct detection according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second reflection part is bonded to the side wall of the second rectangular groove.
6. The vertically directional water focusing microfluidic detection chip for microscope direct detection according to claim 5, characterized in that: The dimension of the second rectangular groove in the left-right direction is greater than the dimension of the second reflection part in the left-right direction, and the front and rear side walls of the second reflection part are respectively fitted to the front and rear side walls of the second rectangular groove.
7. The vertically water-focused microfluidic detection chip for microscope direct detection according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first reflection part and the second reflection part are both arranged in a triangular prism shape and have an isosceles right triangle cross section, the first reflection surface is formed on the side wall corresponding to the hypotenuse of the cross section of the first reflection part, and the second reflection surface is formed on the side wall corresponding to the hypotenuse of the cross section of the second reflection part.
8. The vertically water-focused microfluidic detection chip for direct detection of microscope according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that: The left clamping flow channel and the right clamping flow channel are both in a circular arc shape and are respectively tangent to the sample channel.
9. The vertical water focusing microfluidic detection chip for microscope direct detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The left clamping flow channel and the right clamping flow channel are symmetrically distributed with respect to the sample channel.
10. The vertically directional water focusing microfluidic detection chip for microscope direct detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: