Micro-fluidic chip for cell culture

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of micro-fluidic chips, and particularly relates to a micro-fluidic chip for cell culture, which comprises an upper cover plate, a middle runner layer and a lower bottom plate, the cover plate is provided with a sample inlet and a sample outlet, the runner layer is provided with a sample inlet groove and a sample outlet groove, the sample inlet is communicated with the sample inlet groove, and the sample outlet is communicated with the sample outlet groove; main pipelines correspondingly connected with the sample feeding groove and the sample discharging groove and at least two flow dividing channels connected with the main pipelines are distributed on the two sides of the flow channel layer, the middle of each flow dividing channel is connected with at least two cell culture areas, and the cell culture areas are the same in size and are evenly distributed on the flow channel layer in parallel; the bottom surface areas and the cross-sectional areas of the flow dividing channels are the same, the bottom surface of each flow dividing channel and the bottom surfaces of the sample feeding groove and the sample discharging groove are located at the same height, and the top surfaces of the flow dividing channels, the sample feeding groove and the sample discharging groove are located at the same height. According to the utility model, one-stop repeated group inoculation of one or more cells is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of microfluidic chip technology, specifically relating to a microfluidic chip for cell culture. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional cell culture methods usually rely on manual operation. When establishing multiple replicate groups, repeated cell seeding is required, and operations such as changing the medium and adding drugs during the culture process also need to be repeated, which is quite cumbersome.

[0003] Microfluidic chip technology, through the cross-disciplinary integration of chemistry, fluid physics, microelectronics, new materials, and biology, can simulate the environment within living organisms on a chip, constructing more biomimetic microenvironments to establish and culture cell or organ models. With the development of microfluidic technology, microfluidic chips are used in cell culture experiments, employing fluid-driven processes for cell seeding and culture medium replacement.

[0004] However, existing microfluidic cell culture chips often suffer from problems such as uneven flow distribution and inconsistent seeding densities. Most microfluidic chips still require cumbersome manual operations for cell seeding, culture medium replacement, drug administration, and detection, making it difficult to achieve one-stop, automated experimental operations.

[0005] Therefore, this invention proposes a microfluidic chip for cell culture. Utility Model Content

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is that the cell culture method requires repeated inoculation when establishing multiple replicate groups, and the operation of changing medium and adding drugs during the culture process also requires repeated actions, which is cumbersome; and there are technical problems such as uneven diversion and different inoculation density.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A microfluidic chip for cell culture includes an upper cover plate, a middle channel layer and a lower base plate connected together. The cover plate is provided with an inlet and an outlet, and the channel layer is provided with an inlet groove and an outlet groove. The inlet and the inlet groove are connected to each other, and the outlet and the outlet groove are connected to each other.

[0009] The flow channel layer is provided with main pipes connected to the sample inlet groove and sample outlet groove on both sides, and at least two branch channels connected to the main pipes. Each branch channel is connected to at least two cell culture zones in the middle. The cell culture zones are evenly distributed on the flow channel layer with the same size and parallel to each other.

[0010] Each diversion channel has the same bottom surface area and cross-sectional area, and the bottom surface of each diversion channel is at the same height as the bottom surface of the sample inlet groove and the sample outlet groove, and the top surfaces of the three are at the same height.

[0011] Furthermore, the number of diversion channels is odd and ≥3.

[0012] Furthermore, the diversion channels include first diversion channels on both sides and a second diversion channel in the middle.

[0013] Furthermore, the diversion channel is at a right angle at the bend.

[0014] Furthermore, the number of diversion channels is even and ≥2.

[0015] Furthermore, the diversion channel is arc-shaped at the bend.

[0016] Furthermore, the inlet and outlet have the same shape and size.

[0017] Furthermore, the inlet and outlet are circular.

[0018] Furthermore, the sample inlet groove and the sample outlet groove have the same structure, shape, and size.

[0019] Furthermore, the cover plate is circular or rectangular, and the base plate has the same shape as the cover plate.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] This invention features multiple distribution channels with identical bottom areas. Since the bottom surface of each distribution channel is at the same height as the bottom surfaces of the inlet and outlet grooves, the resistance experienced by the fluid within these distribution channels is considered uniform. Therefore, the flow velocity of the liquid flowing through the distribution channels will remain constant. Furthermore, each distribution channel has the same cross-sectional area. Based on the fluid mechanics formula Q = Av (where Q is the flow rate, A is the cross-sectional area, and v is the flow velocity), it can be deduced that the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the distribution channels will also remain equal. This ensures that the cell seeding density and liquid volume are equal in different distribution channels, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the cell culture zone is also the same, ultimately resulting in the same flow rate of liquid flowing into multiple parallel and identical cell culture zones. Therefore, this invention provides a microfluidic cell culture chip with equal distribution and one-stop repeated group seeding functions.

[0022] The parallel arrangement of multiple units in the cell culture area of ​​this invention multiplies the throughput of the microfluidic chip, enabling multiple experimental operations to be completed at once.

[0023] The microfluidic cell culture chip of this invention can be applied to a variety of cells, enabling rapid, standardized, and reproducible construction of repetitive experimental groups. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the microfluidic chip provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the exploded structure of a microfluidic chip.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic of the flow channel layer in a microfluidic chip from one perspective.

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a partial structure of the flow channel layer in a microfluidic chip is shown.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the microfluidic chip provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows the exploded structure of a microfluidic chip.

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows a schematic of the flow channel layer in a microfluidic chip from one perspective.

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows a partial structural diagram of the flow channel layer in a microfluidic chip.

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] 1 is the microfluidic chip; 2 is the main channel; 3 is the cover plate; 4 is the flow channel layer; 41 is the sample inlet groove; 42 is the sample outlet groove; 5 is the base plate; 6 is the diversion channel; 61 is the first diversion channel; 62 is the second diversion channel; 7 is the cell culture area; 71 is the input end; 72 is the output end; 8 is the sample inlet; 9 is the sample outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solution of this utility model will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are not all embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0035] It should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "horizontal", "left", "right", "front", "back", "lateral", "longitudinal", etc., 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 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.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] Combination Figures 1-4 As shown, this utility model provides a microfluidic chip for cell culture. The microfluidic chip 1 includes an upper cover plate 3, a middle channel layer 4, and a lower base plate 5. The cover plate 3, the channel layer 4, and the base plate 5 are substrates.

[0038] The cover plate 3 is provided with a circular inlet 8 and an outlet 9. The outlet 9 and the inlet 8 have the same shape and size.

[0039] The flow channel layer 4 is provided with a circular sample inlet groove 41 and a sample outlet groove 42. The sample inlet groove 41 and the sample outlet groove 42 have the same shape, the same size, the same bottom height, and the same top height.

[0040] The inlet 8 is connected to the inlet groove 41, and the outlet 9 is connected to the outlet groove 42.

[0041] The cover plate 3 is circular or rectangular, or can be configured into the desired shape as needed.

[0042] The lower base plate 5 is processed to match the upper cover plate 3 of different specifications. Its shape is the same as the matching upper cover plate 3, which is round or rectangular, or can be set to the required shape as needed.

[0043] The cover plate 3, the flow channel layer 4, and the bottom plate 5 are connected together in a sealed manner.

[0044] The flow channel layer 4 is provided with several flow channels arranged symmetrically, including a main pipe 2 connected to the sample inlet groove 41 and the sample outlet groove 42, and several branch channels 6 connected to the main pipe 2. Each branch channel 6 is connected to at least two cell culture zones 7 in the middle. The bottom surface area and cross-sectional area of ​​each branch channel 6 are the same, and the bottom surface of each branch channel 6 is at the same height as the bottom surface of the sample inlet groove 41 and the sample outlet groove 42, and the top surfaces of the three are at the same height.

[0045] Specifically,

[0046] The sample inlet groove 41 is connected to the upstream main pipe 2, and the upstream main pipe 2 branches to connect to at least two upstream branch channels 6.

[0047] The sample outlet groove 42 is connected to the downstream main pipe 2, and the downstream main pipe 2 branches to connect to at least two downstream branch channels 6.

[0048] At least two cell culture zones 7 are connected between each upstream shunt channel 6 and its corresponding downstream shunt channel 6. Each cell culture zone 7 has an input end 71 and an output end 72, with the input end 71 connected to the corresponding upstream shunt channel 6 and the output end 72 connected to the corresponding downstream shunt channel 6.

[0049] The cell culture zones 7 are uniformly distributed in parallel on the flow channel layer 4 with the same size.

[0050] This embodiment provides an arrangement of the diversion channel 6.

[0051] The number of diversion channels 6 is odd (≥3), with the first diversion channel 61 symmetrically distributed on both sides and a second diversion channel 62 distributed in the middle, thus forming an odd number of diversion channels 6.

[0052] In one specific embodiment, there are three diversion channels 6, including first diversion channels 61 on both sides and a second diversion channel 62 in the middle.

[0053] The diversion channel 6 is at a right angle with rounded corners at the bend, and has a total of 6 cell culture zones 7. Of course, rounded corners can also be used to reduce flow resistance at the bend.

[0054] Each diversion channel 6 has the same bottom surface area, and the bottom surface of each diversion channel 6 is at the same height as the bottom surface of the sample inlet groove 41 and the sample outlet groove 42.

[0055] Working principle:

[0056] The cell culture medium enters the sample inlet 8 into the sample inlet groove 41, flows through the upstream main pipe 2, is split by the upstream diversion channel 6, and flows through the cell culture zone 7, becoming cell culture medium waste liquid.

[0057] After the cell culture waste liquid flows into the downstream branch channel 6, it flows into the downstream main pipe 2, and finally flows into the outlet 9 for discharge.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] Combination Figures 5-8 As shown, unlike Embodiment 1, the diversion channel 6 in this embodiment is arc-shaped at the bend to reduce flow resistance at the bend.

[0060] The number of diversion channels 6 is even (≥2). The even-numbered diversion channels 6 are arranged symmetrically from left to right.

[0061] In one specific embodiment, the number of diversion channels 6 is 2.

[0062] The above technical features constitute the preferred embodiment of this utility model, which has strong adaptability and optimal implementation effect. Non-essential technical features can be added or removed according to actual needs to meet the needs of different situations.

[0063] Finally, it should be noted that the above content is only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Simple modifications or equivalent substitutions made by those skilled in the art to the technical solution of this utility model do not depart from the essence and scope of the technical solution of this utility model.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip for cell culture, comprising a connected upper cover plate, a middle channel layer, and a lower base plate, characterized in that, The cover plate is provided with an inlet and an outlet, and the flow channel layer is provided with an inlet groove and an outlet groove. The inlet and the inlet groove are connected to each other, and the outlet and the outlet groove are connected to each other. The flow channel layer is provided with main pipes connected to the sample inlet groove and sample outlet groove on both sides, and at least two branch channels connected to the main pipes. Each branch channel is connected to at least two cell culture zones in the middle. The cell culture zones are evenly distributed on the flow channel layer with the same size and parallel to each other. Each diversion channel has the same bottom surface area and the same cross-sectional area. The bottom surface of each diversion channel is at the same height as the bottom surface of the sample inlet groove and the sample outlet groove, and the top surfaces of the three channels are at the same height.

2. The microfluidic chip for cell culture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of shunt channels is odd and ≥3.

3. The microfluidic chip for cell culture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The diversion channels include first diversion channels on both sides and a second diversion channel in the middle.

4. The microfluidic chip for cell culture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The diversion channel is at a right angle at the bend.

5. The microfluidic chip for cell culture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of shunt channels is even and ≥2.

6. The microfluidic chip for cell culture according to claim 5, characterized in that, The diversion channel is arc-shaped at the bend.

7. The microfluidic chip for cell culture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet and outlet have the same structure, shape, and size.

8. The microfluidic chip for cell culture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet and outlet are circular.

9. The microfluidic chip for cell culture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample inlet groove and the sample outlet groove have the same structure, shape and size.

10. The microfluidic chip for cell culture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover plate is round or rectangular, and the base plate has the same shape as the cover plate.

Images