Nucleic acid detection card box and nucleic acid detection system
By setting a pressure relief chamber and a deformable wall in the liquid injection channel of the nucleic acid test cartridge, the problem of damage caused by pressure concentration in the reaction chamber during the liquid injection process is solved, and the pressure buffering and sealing performance are improved, thereby reducing production costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
AI Technical Summary
During the liquid filling process, the reaction chamber of the existing nucleic acid test kit is easily damaged due to pressure concentration, resulting in impaired sealing and leakage of the test liquid.
A pressure relief chamber with an increased cross-sectional area is set on the injection channel, and a deformable wall is used. The pressure relief chamber shares part of the pressure, avoiding pressure concentration in the reaction chamber. The deformable wall is used to release the pressure in the pressure relief chamber when the pressure is too high.
This effectively avoids structural damage to the reaction chamber, ensures the accuracy and sealing of the test, reduces production costs, and improves production efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN223983649U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of in vitro medical diagnostic devices, specifically to a nucleic acid detection cartridge and a nucleic acid detection system. Background Technology
[0002] Existing test cartridges typically involve first treating the sample solution in a sample processing chamber, then introducing positive pressure into the chamber and injecting the treated sample solution into a reaction chamber. The sample solution reacts with reagents in the reaction chamber to form a test solution, which is then analyzed optically to obtain the test result. During the injection of the sample solution into the reaction chamber, because the reaction chamber has a larger cross-sectional area than the connected flow channel, a greater pressure is concentrated there, making the reaction chamber susceptible to damage under high pressure. Utility Model Content
[0003] In view of the above problems, this application provides a nucleic acid detection cartridge and a nucleic acid detection system to solve the problem that the pressure of existing nucleic acid detection cartridges will concentrate in the reaction chamber during liquid injection, which will easily damage the structure of the reaction chamber.
[0004] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a nucleic acid detection cartridge is provided. The cartridge contains a sample processing chamber and a reaction chamber. The sample processing chamber is connected to the reaction chamber through an injection channel on the cartridge. The injection channel is used to inject sample liquid from the sample processing chamber into the reaction chamber. The injection channel is provided with a pressure relief chamber with an increased cross-sectional area. The wall of the cartridge that surrounds the pressure relief chamber includes a deformable wall, which is used to deform when subjected to pressure from the sample liquid in the pressure relief chamber.
[0005] In one alternative embodiment, the card holder includes a card holder body and a film. A groove is formed on one side of the card holder body. The film is attached to the card holder body and closes the opening of the groove, so that the internal space of the groove forms a pressure relief chamber, and the film forms a deformable wall.
[0006] In one alternative approach, the output end of the pressure relief chamber is funnel-shaped.
[0007] In one alternative embodiment, the injection channel has a horizontal channel; the horizontal channel is provided with a downwardly recessed sedimentation tank for depositing particulate matter in the flowing sample solution, and / or, the horizontal channel is provided with an upwardly protruding receiving cavity for allowing gas in the flowing sample solution to float to the surface.
[0008] In one alternative approach, the sidewall of the inlet end of the sedimentation tank is inclined to form a slope, which is used to allow the sample solution to fill the sedimentation tank.
[0009] In one alternative embodiment, the cartridge also includes a waste liquid chamber. The input end of the reaction chamber is connected to the injection channel, and the output end of the reaction chamber is connected to the waste liquid chamber through a water-blocking channel. A water-proof and air-permeable membrane is provided in the water-blocking channel. The water-proof and air-permeable membrane is used to block the sample liquid and allow the gas in the injection channel, reaction chamber, and sample liquid to be discharged into the waste liquid chamber.
[0010] In one alternative approach, both the injection channel and the water-blocking channel are equipped with shut-off valves, which are configured to close after the injection of liquid into the reaction chamber is completed.
[0011] In one alternative, the water-blocking channel is connected above to a pressure-relief channel, which is used to relieve pressure in the reaction chamber when the pressure in the reaction chamber increases.
[0012] In one alternative approach, the pressure relief channel extends in a serpentine, meandering pattern.
[0013] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a nucleic acid detection system is provided, including a detection device and a nucleic acid detection cartridge as described in any of the above claims, wherein the detection device is used to fix and operate the nucleic acid detection cartridge to perform nucleic acid detection.
[0014] This embodiment of the application incorporates a pressure relief chamber with an increased cross-sectional area in the liquid injection channel between the sample processing chamber and the reaction chamber. This pressure relief chamber distributes some of the pressure, preventing pressure concentration in the reaction chamber. This is particularly effective when the reaction chamber is filled with the detection liquid and positive pressure is continuously being introduced into the sample processing chamber. This prevents excessive pressure buildup in the reaction chamber and avoids structural damage. Furthermore, the wall enclosing the pressure relief chamber on the cartridge includes a deformable wall. When the pressure inside the pressure relief chamber is high, the deformable wall can deform to release some of the pressure, further preventing pressure concentration in the reaction chamber.
[0015] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:
[0017] Figure 1 A perspective view of one side of the nucleic acid detection card box provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 2 A perspective view of the nucleic acid testing card box from another side, provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0019] Figure 3 A perspective view of the nucleic acid detection card box provided in this embodiment of the utility model from the front view;
[0020] Figure 4 An exploded view of one side of the nucleic acid testing cartridge provided in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 5 An exploded view of the nucleic acid test kit provided in this embodiment of the present invention from another side.
[0022] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows:
[0023] 100. Card box;
[0024] 110. Sample processing chamber; 120. Reaction chamber; 130. Liquid injection channel; 140. Deformable wall; 150. Pore; 160. Cartridge body; 170. Membrane; 180. Waste liquid chamber; 190. Water-blocking channel;
[0025] 121. Shut-off valve; 122. Pressure relief channel;
[0026] 131. Pressure relief chamber; 1311. Output end of pressure relief chamber; 132. Horizontal flow channel; 133. Sedimentation tank; 1331. Slope; 134. Receptacle;
[0027] 161, groove; 1611, slot opening;
[0028] 191. Waterproof and breathable membrane; 192. First flow channel; 193. Second flow channel. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.
[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.
[0031] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.
[0032] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.
[0033] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A exists, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the related objects before and after it have an "or" relationship.
[0034] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).
[0035] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the technical terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 the embodiments of this application.
[0036] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0037] Nucleic acid detection technology typically includes steps such as lysis, binding, washing, elution, and subsequent PCR and optical detection. These steps process the sample solution to extract nucleic acids carried by cells and / or viruses from the sample. Specifically, the sample solution is treated in the sample processing chamber of the cartridge using specific reagents (e.g., lysis agents, binding agents, detergents, eluting agents, etc.). Next, positive pressure is introduced into the sample processing chamber, increasing the pressure within. The treated sample solution is then injected into the reaction chamber, where it reacts with the reagents to form a detection solution. The detection result is obtained by optically analyzing the detection solution within the reaction chamber.
[0038] During the liquid injection process, because the reaction chamber has a larger cross-sectional area than the flow channel it connects to, and to ensure sufficient liquid injection into the reaction chamber, a short period of positive pressure is often introduced into the sample processing chamber after the reaction chamber is filled with sample liquid. Due to these factors, the pressure concentrates in the relatively large reaction chamber during liquid injection, which may lead to excessive pressure within the reaction chamber, causing damage, impairing the cartridge's seal, and resulting in leakage of the detection liquid within the reaction chamber.
[0039] Based on this, this application provides a nucleic acid detection cartridge. A pressure relief structure is provided on the injection channel connecting the sample processing chamber and the reaction chamber on the cartridge. This structure releases pressure when positive pressure is introduced into the sample processing chamber after the reaction chamber is filled with sample solution, preventing excessive pressure in the reaction chamber. Specifically, a pressure relief chamber with an increased cross-sectional area is provided on the injection channel. During the injection of sample solution into the reaction chamber, the sample solution first passes through the pressure relief chamber before being injected into the reaction chamber, allowing some pressure to be released at the pressure relief chamber, thus achieving a pressure buffering effect during injection. Furthermore, when the reaction chamber is filled with sample solution and positive pressure is introduced into the sample processing chamber for a short period, the pressure first concentrates in the pressure relief chamber before being transmitted to the reaction chamber. This allows the pressure relief chamber to distribute some of the pressure, preventing excessive pressure concentration in the reaction chamber and potential damage. Specifically, at least one wall of the pressure relief chamber formed on the cartridge is made of a flexible material, allowing the wall to deform under pressure and release some of the pressure within the chamber.
[0040] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, a nucleic acid detection kit is provided, please refer to [the specific details]. Figures 1 to 3 , Figure 1 and Figure 2 The three-dimensional structure of the two sides of the card case is shown respectively. Figure 3 The image shows the perspective structure of the card box from a frontal view. It should be noted that... Figure 3In the specific embodiment shown, each flow channel and cavity is formed by a groove on the card box, and the groove opening is covered with a film or baffle to seal the cavity and flow channel. The black solid line in the figure represents the groove structure that can be seen from the front, and the gray dashed line represents the groove structure that cannot be seen from the back. The slender extension in the figure is the flow channel. The flow channels are interconnected by through holes that penetrate the card box at the junction of the solid and dashed lines. It should be understood that the figure is only an example of a card box provided in this application. In other embodiments, all flow channels and cavities may be provided on one side of the card box, or an integrally molded card box may be used, and the cavity and flow channel may be formed inside the card box during the molding process.
[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 The exploded structure of the cartridge is shown from one side view. The cartridge 100 contains a sample processing chamber 110 and a reaction chamber 120. The sample processing chamber 110 is connected to the reaction chamber 120 via a liquid injection channel 130 on the cartridge 100. The liquid injection channel 130 is used to inject sample liquid from the sample processing chamber 110 into the reaction chamber 120. A pressure relief chamber 131 with an increased cross-sectional area is provided on the liquid injection channel 130. The wall surrounding the pressure relief chamber 131 on the cartridge 100 includes a deformable wall 140, which is designed to deform under pressure from the sample liquid within the pressure relief chamber 131.
[0042] In the specific testing process, the sample solution processed in the sample processing chamber 110 is generally a sample solution mixed with nucleic acid. As the sample solution is injected from the sample processing chamber 110 into the reaction chamber 120 through the injection channel 130, positive pressure is applied to the vent 150 on the cartridge 100, which communicates with the sample processing chamber 110. This increases the pressure within the sample processing chamber 110, thereby driving the sample solution in the sample processing chamber 110 to be injected into the reaction chamber 120 through the injection channel 130. Specifically, during nucleic acid testing, the cartridge 100 can be used in conjunction with a testing device. The testing device is equipped with a gas pipeline connected to the vent 150, through which gas is blown into the vent 150 to achieve positive pressure access.
[0043] The space of the pressure relief chamber 131 is larger than the space at other locations on the injection channel 130. When the sample processing chamber 110 injects sample solution into the reaction chamber 120, the sample solution first passes through the pressure relief chamber 131 and then into the reaction chamber 120. That is, the pressure is first concentrated in the larger pressure relief chamber 131 on the injection channel 130 before being transferred to the reaction chamber 120. Therefore, the pressure in the injection channel 130 is partially released at the pressure relief chamber 131, thereby alleviating the pressure in the reaction chamber 120 and preventing excessive pressure concentration in the reaction chamber 120, which could damage the structure of the reaction chamber 120.
[0044] Furthermore, when injecting sample solution into reaction chamber 120, it is often difficult to accurately control the time when reaction chamber 120 is exactly filled with sample solution. If the injection time is too short, reaction chamber 120 will not be completely filled with the detection solution, resulting in inaccurate test results due to air bubbles or other problems within reaction chamber 120. Therefore, in order to ensure that reaction chamber 120 is filled with the detection solution, the injection time into reaction chamber 120 is usually extended, that is, the actual injection time is longer than the time it takes for reaction chamber 120 to be filled with the detection solution. This results in the pressure in sample processing chamber 110 continuing to be transmitted to injection channel 130 and reaction chamber 120 after reaction chamber 120 is filled with the detection solution, and the pressure is concentrated in the larger space, that is, the pressure is concentrated in pressure relief chamber 131 and reaction chamber 120.
[0045] Specifically, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a pressure relief chamber 131 is provided on the injection channel 130 between the sample processing chamber 110 and the reaction chamber 120. The cross-sectional area of the pressure relief chamber 131 is larger than the cross-sectional area of other locations on the injection channel 130. As an example, when each channel and cavity is formed by a groove opened on the cartridge 100, the depth of the pressure relief chamber 131 is greater than the depth of other locations on the injection channel 130, or the groove area of the pressure relief chamber 131 is greater than the groove area of other locations on the injection channel 130. In this way, during the injection process, the pressure relief chamber 131 can hold more sample liquid than other locations on the injection channel 130, and its internal hydraulic pressure will also be higher. When the reaction chamber 120 is filled with the detection liquid, the pressure in the sample processing chamber 110 will first be transmitted to the pressure relief chamber 131, and part of the pressure will be concentrated in the pressure relief chamber 131, while the other part of the pressure will be transmitted to the reaction chamber 120 and concentrated in the reaction chamber 120. Thus, the pressure relief chamber 131 will share part of the pressure to avoid the pressure being concentrated in the reaction chamber 120.
[0046] Based on this, the wall surrounding the pressure relief cavity 131 on the card holder 100 includes a deformable wall 140. When the pressure inside the pressure relief cavity 131 increases, the deformable wall 140 deforms and bulges outward, increasing the internal space of the pressure relief cavity 131 and releasing a portion of the pressure inside. The wall surrounding the pressure relief cavity 131 on the card holder 100 can be only partially a deformable wall 140. For example, only the wall with the larger area surrounding the pressure relief cavity 131 on the card holder 100 can be designated as a deformable wall 140. Alternatively, all the walls surrounding the pressure relief cavity 131 on the card holder 100 can be deformable walls 140. Specifically, the card holder 100 can be integrally molded, and can be made of a material with a certain degree of elasticity (e.g., rubber, silicone, etc.) so that the walls surrounding the pressure relief cavity 131 on the card holder 100 can deform and release a portion of the pressure when the pressure inside the pressure relief cavity 131 becomes too high.
[0047] Considering the complexity and high cost of the one-piece molding of the microchannels inside the card holder 100, this application proposes a manufacturing method that facilitates mass production of the card holder 100 and effectively reduces costs. Please refer to [link / reference] for details. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , Figure 5 The exploded structure of the card holder is shown from another angle. The card holder 100 includes a card holder body 160 and a membrane 170. A groove 161 is formed on one side of the card holder body 160. The membrane 170 is attached to the card holder body 160 and seals the slot 1611 of the groove 161, so that the internal space of the groove 161 forms a pressure relief chamber 131. The membrane 170 forms a deformable wall 140.
[0048] In the actual production process, to ensure structural strength, the card holder body 160 can be made of rigid material, while to ensure sealing performance and form a deformable wall 140, the membrane 170 can be made of flexible material. The two can be assembled and fixed by means of bonding, heat fusion, etc. When the pressure in the pressure relief chamber 131 is high, the membrane 170 will be squeezed by the sample liquid and bulge outward to release part of the pressure in the pressure relief chamber 131.
[0049] Compared to the method of integrally molding the flow channels and cavities internally, the method provided in this embodiment, which involves creating a groove 161 in the card holder body 160 and sealing the groove 161 with a film 170, is more convenient for the production and manufacturing of the card holder 100, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing production costs. Moreover, the deformable wall 140 formed by the film 170 is thinner than the integrally molded deformable wall 140, making it easier to deform under the pressure of the sample liquid and release some of the pressure in the pressure relief chamber 131.
[0050] In the nucleic acid detection cartridge provided in this application embodiment, a pressure relief chamber 131 with an increased cross-sectional area is provided on the injection channel 130 between the sample processing chamber 110 and the reaction chamber 120. On the one hand, during the injection of sample liquid into the reaction chamber 120, the pressure is released to a certain extent at the pressure relief chamber 131, thereby achieving a pressure buffering effect during the injection process. On the other hand, the pressure relief chamber 131 can share some of the pressure, avoiding excessive pressure concentration in the reaction chamber 120. Especially when the reaction chamber 120 is filled with test liquid and positive pressure is still being introduced into the sample processing chamber 110, it can prevent the problem of excessive pressure concentration in the reaction chamber 120, thus avoiding damage to the structure of the reaction chamber 120. In addition, the wall surrounding the pressure relief chamber 131 on the cartridge 100 includes a deformable wall 140, so that when the pressure in the pressure relief chamber 131 is high, the deformable wall 140 can release part of the pressure in the pressure relief chamber 131 by deformation, further preventing pressure concentration in the reaction chamber 120.
[0051] Because the cross-sectional area of the pressure relief chamber 131 is larger than that of other locations on the injection channel 130, when the sample liquid is injected into the subsequent channel from the output end of the pressure relief chamber 131, the wall at the output end of the pressure relief chamber 131 may obstruct the sample liquid from entering the subsequent channel due to the reduced cross-sectional area of the channel. Therefore, in order to allow the sample liquid to smoothly enter the subsequent channel of the pressure relief chamber 131, in some embodiments, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the output end 1311 of the pressure relief chamber is funnel-shaped, meaning the wall at the output end 1311 is inclined. When the sample solution is injected into the reaction chamber 120 from the pressure relief chamber 131, the wall at the output end 1311 of the pressure relief chamber can act as a guide, directing the sample solution to the flow channel behind the pressure relief chamber 131, allowing the sample solution to be smoothly injected into the reaction chamber 120.
[0052] The sample solution obtained in the sample processing chamber 110 is generally a mixture of nucleic acid and magnetic beads. During the injection process, the magnetic beads (i.e., lyophilized beads) are first adsorbed, and then the liquid mixed with nucleic acid is injected into the reaction chamber 120. However, since there are a large number of magnetic beads, if some magnetic beads are not completely adsorbed, they may be mixed in with the liquid and injected into the reaction chamber 120, which may affect the detection results.
[0053] To prevent any unadsorbed magnetic beads from entering the reaction chamber 120, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the injection channel 130 has a horizontal channel 132, on which a downwardly recessed sedimentation tank 133 is provided. The sedimentation tank 133 is used to deposit particulate matter in the flowing sample solution. The horizontal channel 132 is a section of the injection channel 130 that extends horizontally (i.e., in the direction shown by the double arrow A in the figure). Specifically, when the magnetic beads mixed in the sample solution move horizontally to the sedimentation tank 133 in the horizontal channel 132, the magnetic beads sink to the bottom of the sedimentation tank 133 under their own gravity, while the sample solution flows through the sedimentation tank 133 and enters the reaction chamber 120. Thus, during the injection process, the unadsorbed magnetic beads are filtered out, preventing the magnetic beads from entering the reaction chamber 120 and affecting the detection results.
[0054] Furthermore, to prevent gas from the sample solution from entering the reaction chamber, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the horizontal flow channel 132 is provided with an upwardly protruding receiving cavity 134, which is used to allow gas in the flowing sample liquid to float upward. When the sample liquid carries gas, as the sample liquid flows through the receiving cavity 134, the gas floats upward into the receiving cavity 134 under the action of buoyancy, thereby preventing gas from entering the reaction chamber 120 and affecting the detection results.
[0055] Furthermore, to simplify the structure of the card holder 100, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the pressure relief chamber 131 can be set on the horizontal flow channel 132. The sedimentation tank 133 is formed by the downward indentation of the pressure relief chamber 131, and the receiving chamber 134 is formed by the upward protrusion of the pressure relief chamber 131. In this way, by setting the pressure relief chamber 131 only on the injection flow channel 130, the purposes of pressure relief, particulate matter deposition, and gas discharge can be achieved simultaneously. Of course, the pressure relief chamber 131, sedimentation tank 133, and receiving chamber 134 can also be set separately, so that multiple large cavities are formed on the injection flow channel 130. Then, when the pressure inside the cartridge 100 is high, the pressure is distributed through the multiple cavities on the injection flow channel 130, effectively avoiding pressure concentration in the reaction chamber 120 and damage to the structure of the reaction chamber 120.
[0056] Furthermore, before the sample solution is injected into the reaction chamber 120, air is usually present in the sedimentation tank 133. During the injection of the sample solution into the reaction chamber 120, the sample solution, upon reaching the sedimentation tank 133, will push the air in the sedimentation tank 133 out of the output end. However, since the cross-sectional area of the sedimentation tank 133 is larger than the cross-sectional area of other positions on the horizontal flow channel 132, when the flow velocity of the sample solution in the horizontal flow channel 132 is relatively fast, the sample solution may form a jet when entering the sedimentation tank 133 from other positions on the horizontal flow channel 132. At this time, the air at the bottom corner of the input end of the sedimentation tank 133 cannot be pushed out of the output end of the sedimentation tank 133 by the sample solution and remains in the sedimentation tank 133. When the subsequent sample solution flows through the sedimentation tank 133, the air remaining in the sedimentation tank 133 may mix into the sample solution, resulting in air bubbles in the sample solution, which in turn affects the test results.
[0057] Therefore, in order to ensure that sedimentation tank 133 can be filled with sample solution, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the side wall of the input end of the sedimentation tank 133 is inclined to form a slope 1331. The slope 1331 is used to allow the sample liquid to fill the sedimentation tank 133. Specifically, the angle between the side wall of the input end of the sedimentation tank 133 and the bottom wall of the sedimentation tank 133 is an obtuse angle, and the slope 1331 can provide a smooth flow path for the sample liquid. When the sample liquid enters the sedimentation tank 133, it can enter the sedimentation tank 133 along the slope 1331 and fully expel the air in the corner of the input end of the sedimentation tank 133 to avoid the formation of bubbles.
[0058] Furthermore, in order to ensure that the pressure relief chamber 131 and the sedimentation tank 133 can be filled with sample liquid, the sidewalls at the input end of the pressure relief chamber 131 and the output end of the sedimentation tank 133 can be inclined, for example, as shown. Figure 4The input and output ends of the pressure relief chamber 131 and the input and output ends of the sedimentation tank 133 are funnel-shaped to avoid forming acute or right angles in the pressure relief chamber 131 and the sedimentation tank 133, thereby reducing the probability of air bubbles forming in the pressure relief chamber 131 and the sedimentation tank 133.
[0059] Furthermore, during the injection process, if gas is present in the sample solution, in order to smoothly expel the gas and ensure that the reaction chamber 120 can be better filled with the sample solution, venting can be performed at the tail end of the reaction chamber 120. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation] for details. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the cartridge 100 is also provided with a waste liquid chamber 180. The input end of the reaction chamber 120 is connected to the injection channel 130, and the output end of the reaction chamber 120 is connected to the waste liquid chamber 180 through a water-blocking channel 190. A water-proof and air-permeable membrane 191 is provided in the water-blocking channel 190. The water-proof and air-permeable membrane 191 is used to block the sample liquid and allow the gas in the injection channel 130, the reaction chamber 120 and the sample liquid to be discharged into the waste liquid chamber 180.
[0060] like Figure 3 In the specific embodiment shown, regarding the setting of the water-proof and breathable membrane 191, specifically, the cartridge 100 is provided with two adjacent through holes. The output end of the reaction chamber 120 is connected to one of the through holes through the first flow channel 192 of the water-blocking flow channel 190, and the other through hole is connected to the waste liquid chamber 180 through the second flow channel 193 of the water-blocking flow channel 190. The water-proof and breathable membrane 191 covers both of these through holes, so that during the liquid injection process, the gas reaching the water-proof and breathable membrane 191 from the first flow channel 192 can pass through the water-proof and breathable membrane 191 and then be discharged into the waste liquid chamber 180 through the second flow channel 193, ensuring the stability of the pressure in the reaction chamber 120 during the liquid injection process. The sample liquid reaching the water-proof and breathable membrane 191 from the first flow channel 192 is blocked by the water-proof and breathable membrane 191, ensuring that the sample liquid can be filled into the reaction chamber 120.
[0061] Furthermore, when the cartridge 100 includes multiple reaction chambers 120, to simplify the structure, the multiple reaction chambers 120 and the waste liquid chamber 180 share a single waterproof and breathable membrane 191. As an example, such as... Figure 3As shown, assuming the cartridge 100 includes two reaction chambers 120, a new through-hole can be added near the two existing through-holes. This new through-hole connects to the other two through-holes and another reaction chamber 120. A water-proof and breathable membrane 191 covers all three through-holes, allowing gas from both reaction chambers 120 to reach the water-proof and breathable membrane 191 and then be discharged into the waste liquid chamber 180 via the second flow channel 193. Similarly, when the cartridge 100 has multiple reaction chambers 120, multiple adjacent and interconnected through-holes can be provided. One through-hole connects to the waste liquid chamber 180, and the other through-holes connect to each of the reaction chambers 120. The water-proof and breathable membrane 191 then covers all these through-holes, allowing gas from each reaction chamber 120 to reach the water-proof and breathable membrane 191 and be discharged into the waste liquid chamber 180 via it.
[0062] In another embodiment, these through holes may be omitted, and the water-proof and breathable membrane 191 may be directly disposed in the water-blocking channel 190. Specifically, when the cartridge 100 includes multiple reaction chambers 120, the water-blocking channel 190 may include multiple first channels 192 respectively connected to the output ends of the reaction chambers 120, and a second channel 193 connecting the multiple first channels 192 to the waste liquid chamber 180. In this case, the water-proof and breathable membrane 191 may be disposed in the second channel 193, or the water-proof and breathable membrane 191 may be disposed in the multiple first channels 192. Of course, the water-blocking channel 190 may also not include the second channel 193, and instead the output ends of each reaction chamber 120 may be directly connected to the waste liquid chamber 180 through the corresponding first channel 192, and a water-proof and breathable membrane 191 may be disposed in each first channel 192.
[0063] In addition, in order to improve the accuracy of detection, such as Figure 3 As shown, both the injection channel 130 and the water-blocking channel 190 are equipped with shut-off valves 121. The shut-off valves 121 are configured to close after injection into the reaction chamber 120. The shut-off valves 121 can be... Figure 3 Specifically, the cassette 100 has a through-hole at the shut-off valve 121. The corresponding flow channels are located at both ends of the cassette 100, and the flow channels on both sides are connected through this through-hole. The shut-off valve 121 is formed by a diaphragm located at the through-hole. After liquid injection, the through-hole on the corresponding flow channel is sealed by pressing the diaphragm, thus isolating the flow channels on both sides from each other. After liquid injection into the reaction chamber 120 is completed, the shut-off valve 121 closes, sealing the reaction chamber 120. This ensures that the reaction chamber 120 maintains a certain volume for thermal cycling and detection, guaranteeing the accuracy of the detection results.
[0064] Furthermore, since the shut-off valve 121 seals the reaction chamber 120 after closing, during the thermal cycling reaction, the internal pressure of the reaction chamber 120 may increase due to heating or the reaction between the sample liquid and the reaction reagents, which could damage the structure of the reaction chamber 120. Therefore, to ensure the stability of the reaction chamber 120, such as... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the water blocking channel 190 is connected to a pressure relief channel 122 above. The pressure relief channel 122 is used to relieve pressure in the reaction chamber 120 when the pressure in the reaction chamber 120 increases.
[0065] Specifically, since the pressure relief channel has no output end, under pressure, the sample liquid enters the reaction chamber 120 and flows along the water-blocking channel 190 to the water-proof and breathable membrane 191. No sample liquid enters the pressure relief channel 122, or only a small amount of sample liquid enters the pressure relief channel 122. The gas mixed in with the sample liquid enters the pressure relief channel 122 due to buoyancy as the sample liquid flows through it, thus filling most of the space within the pressure relief channel 122 with gas. When the shut-off valve 121 is closed, the pressure of the gas in the pressure relief channel 122 and the pressure of the liquid in the reaction chamber 120 remain balanced; that is, the pressure of the gas in the pressure relief channel 122 is equal to the pressure of the liquid in the reaction chamber 120. When the pressure inside the reaction chamber 120 increases due to the reaction of the sample liquid and the reaction reagent to form the detection liquid, the pressure inside the reaction chamber 120 will be greater than the pressure inside the pressure relief channel 122. Some of the detection liquid in the reaction chamber 120 will be squeezed into the pressure relief channel 122, compressing the volume of gas within the pressure relief channel 122. This increases the pressure inside the pressure relief channel 122 and decreases the pressure inside the reaction chamber 120, allowing the pressure in the reaction chamber 120 and the pressure in the pressure relief channel 122 to reach a new equilibrium. The pressure relief channel 122 allows for pressure adjustment within the reaction chamber 120 when the pressure increases, preventing excessive pressure from damaging the structure of the reaction chamber 120.
[0066] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the pressure relief channel 122 extends in a serpentine bend. The serpentine bend has a bending structure that changes the direction of the channel extension, so that the length of the pressure relief channel 122 can be increased by changing the direction of extension. In particular, when the space on the cartridge 100 is small, the length of the pressure relief channel 122 can be increased by extending in a serpentine bend, so that there is more space in the pressure relief channel 122, which can accommodate more gas, thereby reducing the pressure in the reaction chamber 120.
[0067] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a nucleic acid detection system is also provided, the system including a detection device (not shown) and a nucleic acid detection cartridge 100 as described in any of the above embodiments, the detection device being used to fix and operate the nucleic acid detection cartridge for nucleic acid detection.
[0068] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A nucleic acid testing cartridge, characterized by, The cartridge is provided with a sample processing cavity and a reaction cavity, the sample processing cavity is communicated with the reaction cavity through a liquid injection channel on the cartridge, and the liquid injection channel is used for injecting sample liquid in the sample processing cavity into the reaction cavity. The liquid injection channel is provided with a pressure relief cavity with an increasing cross-sectional area, and the wall of the cartridge that encloses the pressure relief cavity includes a deformable wall that deforms when subjected to the pressure of the sample liquid in the pressure relief cavity.
2. The nucleic acid testing cartridge of claim 1, wherein, The cartridge includes a cartridge body and a film, one side of the cartridge body is provided with a groove, and the film is attached to the cartridge body and closes the notch of the groove, so that the internal space of the groove forms the pressure relief cavity, and the film forms the deformable wall.
3. The nucleic acid testing cartridge of claim 1, wherein, The output end of the pressure relief cavity is funnel-shaped.
4. The nucleic acid testing cartridge of claim 1, wherein, The liquid injection channel has a horizontal channel. The horizontal channel is provided with a downwardly recessed sedimentation pool for depositing particulate matter in the flowing sample liquid, and / or the horizontal channel is provided with an upwardly protruding accommodation cavity for floating gas in the flowing sample liquid.
5. The nucleic acid testing cartridge of claim 4, wherein, The side wall of the input end of the sedimentation pool is inclined to form a slope surface for filling the sedimentation pool with the sample liquid.
6. The nucleic acid testing cartridge of claim 1, wherein, The cartridge is also provided with a waste liquid cavity, the input end of the reaction cavity is communicated with the liquid injection channel, and the output end of the reaction cavity is communicated with the waste liquid cavity through a water-blocking channel. The water-blocking channel is provided with a water-blocking and air-permeable film, which blocks the sample liquid and allows gas in the sample liquid, the liquid injection channel, the reaction cavity and the waste liquid cavity to be discharged into the waste liquid cavity.
7. The nucleic acid testing cartridge of claim 6, wherein, The liquid injection channel and the water-blocking channel are both provided with a blocking valve configured to be closed after the liquid injection in the reaction cavity is completed.
8. The nucleic acid testing cartridge of claim 7, wherein, The water-blocking channel is communicated with a pressure relief channel at the top, and the pressure relief channel is used for relieving the pressure in the reaction cavity when the pressure in the reaction cavity increases.
9. The nucleic acid testing cartridge of claim 8, wherein, The pressure relief channel extends in a serpentine shape.
10. A nucleic acid detection system, characterized by, The nucleic acid detection cartridge of any one of claims 1-9 is used in a detection device for fixing and operating the nucleic acid detection cartridge to perform nucleic acid detection.