A microfluidic device for separating and purifying exosomes from stem cell culture medium

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of microfluidics technology and discloses a microfluidic device for the separation and purification of exosomes from stem cell culture medium. The device includes a protective shell: five first support pillars are fixed to the bottom of the inner part of the protective shell; a microfluidic chip is mounted on the top of each first support pillar; a shell cover is mounted on the top of the protective shell; and corner protectors for use with the microfluidic chip are fixed to the four corners of the inner part of the protective shell. This microfluidic device for the separation and purification of exosomes from stem cell culture medium, through the coordinated use of the first support pillars, second support pillars, sealing protrusions, and sealing grooves, effectively protects the microfluidic chip from damage caused by normal transportation bumps, accidental drops, or slight vibrations in the working environment. This solves the problem of poor shock and vibration resistance, which easily affects overall stability and accuracy, and thus the reliability of experimental results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of microfluidics, and in particular to a microfluidic device for separating and purifying exosomes from stem cell culture medium. Background Technology

[0002] Microfluidics refers to the science and technology involved in systems that use microchannels (tens to hundreds of micrometers in size) to process or manipulate tiny fluids (volumes from picoliters to nanoliters). It is an emerging interdisciplinary field involving chemistry, fluid physics, microelectronics, new materials, biology, and biomedical engineering.

[0003] Regarding the above and existing related technologies, the inventors believe that the following defects often exist: existing microfluidic devices have poor shock and vibration resistance, making the equipment prone to internal structural damage or displacement when faced with normal transportation bumps, accidental drops, or slight vibrations in the working environment, thereby affecting the overall stability and accuracy, and affecting the reliability of test results. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is that the existing microfluidic devices have poor impact and shock resistance and are easily damaged during transportation or accidental drops. To address this, we propose a microfluidic device for the separation and purification of stem cell culture medium exosomes.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: a microfluidic device for separating and purifying exosomes from stem cell culture medium, comprising a protective shell: five first support pillars are fixed at the bottom inside the protective shell, a microfluidic chip is installed on the top of the first support pillars, a shell cover is installed on the top of the protective shell, corner protectors for use with the microfluidic chip are fixed at the four corners inside the protective shell, five second support pillars for use with the microfluidic chip are fixed inside the shell cover, a sealing strip is fixed on the top of the protective shell, and a sealing groove for use with the sealing strip is opened at the bottom of the shell cover; The protective housing is equipped with an ejection mechanism for the microfluidic chip. Both ends inside the protective shell are equipped with limiting components to limit the ejection mechanism.

[0006] Preferably, the ejection mechanism includes two top blocks disposed inside the protective housing. The bottom of each top block has a groove, and a first spring is fixed at both ends inside the groove. The bottom end of the first spring is fixed to the bottom end inside the protective housing.

[0007] Preferably, the limiting component includes a housing fixed to both ends inside the protective housing. A movable block is slidably connected to one end of the housing near the top block. A locking block is fixed to one end of the movable block. An extension block is fixed to the side of the top block near the movable block. A limiting groove for cooperating with the locking block is opened on the side of the extension block away from the top block. A control rod is fixed to the side of the movable block away from the locking block. A through groove for slidably connecting with the control rod is opened on the side of the housing away from the top block. The other end of the control rod passes through the protective housing and is fixed to a control block.

[0008] Preferably, both ends of the groove are fixed with sliding rods, and the surface of the sliding rods is slidably connected with guide sleeves. The bottom end of the guide sleeve is fixed to the bottom end of the protective shell, and the first spring is sleeved on the outer surface of the guide sleeve.

[0009] Preferably, sliders are fixed on both sides of the movable block, and grooves that slide and connect with the sliders are provided on both sides inside the housing.

[0010] Preferably, the movable block is fixed with a second spring at both ends near the control lever, and the other end of the second spring is connected to the inside of the housing.

[0011] Preferably, the card block has a triangular structure, with the inclined surface of the card block located at the top.

[0012] The technical effects and advantages of this utility model are as follows: In this invention, the combined use of the first support column, the second support column, the sealing protrusion and the sealing groove effectively protects the microfluidic chip from damage caused by normal transportation bumps, accidental drops or slight vibrations in the working environment. This solves the problem that the original chip had poor shock and vibration resistance, which easily affected the overall stability and accuracy and the reliability of the test results. In this invention, when the microfluidic chip needs to be replaced, the control block pulls the control rod, which in turn moves the movable block, causing the locking block to disengage from the limiting groove. This allows the top block to move upwards due to the elastic force generated by the first spring, thus pushing the microfluidic chip upwards and making it easier to pick up. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The disclosure of this utility model is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same parts: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the box lid structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the protective shell of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ejection mechanism and limiting component of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the top block and the shell of this utility model.

[0014] Legend: 1. Protective shell; 2. Microfluidic chip; 3. Shell cover; 4. First support post; 5. Corner protector; 6. Second support post; 7. Sealing protrusion; 8. Sealing groove; 9. Guide sleeve; 10. Slide rod; 11. Top block; 12. Groove; 13. First spring; 14. Shell; 15. Movable block; 16. Locking block; 17. Extension block; 18. Limiting groove; 19. Control rod; 20. Control block; 21. Slider; 22. Slide groove; 23. Through groove; 24. Second spring. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Based on the technical solution of this utility model, without changing the essential spirit of this utility model, those skilled in the art can propose various interchangeable structural methods and implementation methods. Therefore, the following detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative descriptions of the technical solution of this utility model, and should not be regarded as the entirety of this utility model or as a limitation or restriction of the technical solution of this utility model.

[0016] Reference Figures 1-4As shown, this utility model provides a technical solution: a microfluidic device for separating and purifying exosomes from stem cell culture medium, comprising a protective shell 1; five first support pillars 4 are fixed to the bottom of the inner part of the protective shell 1, a microfluidic chip 2 is installed on the top of the first support pillars 4, a shell cover 3 is installed on the top of the protective shell 1, corner protectors 5 for use with the microfluidic chip 2 are fixed to the four corners of the inner part of the protective shell 1, five second support pillars 6 for use with the microfluidic chip 2 are fixed to the inner part of the shell cover 3, a sealing protrusion 7 is fixed to the top of the protective shell 1, a sealing groove 8 for use with the sealing protrusion 7 is opened at the bottom of the shell cover 3, an ejection mechanism for the microfluidic chip 2 is installed inside the protective shell 1, and limiting components for limiting the ejection mechanism are installed at both ends of the inner part of the protective shell 1. The ejection mechanism includes two components disposed on the protective shell 1. The protective shell 1 has a top block 11 inside, and a groove 12 is provided at the bottom of the top block 11. A first spring 13 is fixed at both ends inside the groove 12. The bottom end of the first spring 13 is fixed to the bottom end inside the protective shell 1. The limiting component includes a shell 14 fixed at both ends inside the protective shell 1. A movable block 15 is slidably connected to one end of the shell 14 near the top block 11. A locking block 16 is fixed to one end of the movable block 15. An extension block 17 is fixed to one side of the top block 11 near the movable block 15. A limiting groove 18 that cooperates with the locking block 16 is provided on the side of the extension block 17 away from the top block 11. A control rod 19 is fixed to one side of the movable block 15 away from the locking block 16. A through groove 23 that is slidably connected to the control rod 19 is provided on one side of the shell 14 away from the top block 11. A control block 20 is fixed to the other end of the control rod 19 through the protective shell 1. Specifically: When the user places the microfluidic chip 2 inside the protective shell 1, the first support column 4 supports the microfluidic chip 2. The microfluidic chip 2 is made of polyurethane material, which maintains a certain rigidity while also possessing some flexibility, and absorbs energy during vibration, effectively protecting the microfluidic chip 2. Simultaneously, the corner protectors 5 installed at the four corners inside the protective shell 1 also protect the four corners of the microfluidic chip 2, preventing collisions between the corners of the microfluidic chip 2 and the inner wall of the protective shell 1. The corner protectors 5 are also made of polyurethane material and have a certain energy-absorbing effect. When it is necessary to move the microfluidic chip 2, the shell cover 3 is fastened onto the protective shell. The top of the shell 1, through the cooperation of the second support column 6 and the first support column 4, limits the microfluidic chip 2 and prevents the microfluidic chip 2 from jumping longitudinally. When the protective shell 1 and the shell cover 3 are closed, the sealing protrusion 7 and the sealing groove 8 are fastened to provide dust and water protection. Through the combined use of the first support column 4, the second support column 6, the sealing protrusion 7 and the sealing groove 8, the microfluidic chip 2 can be effectively protected from normal transportation bumps, accidental drops or slight vibrations in the working environment, and damage to the microfluidic chip 2 can be avoided. This solves the problem that the original impact and shock resistance was poor, which easily affected the overall stability and accuracy and affected the reliability of the test results. When the microfluidic chip 2 needs to be replaced, the control block 20 pulls the control rod 19, causing the control rod 19 to move the movable block 15, so that the locking block 16 disengages from the inside of the limiting groove 18. This allows the top block 11 to move upward by the elastic force generated by the first spring 13. The top block 11 is made of silicone, which has a good energy absorption effect, and the elastic force generated by the first spring 13 will not damage the microfluidic chip 2 when the top block 11 is made of silicone. The top block 11 pushes the microfluidic chip 2 upward, making it easier to pick up. After removing the microfluidic chip 2, the top block 11 is pressed downward, and then the control block 20 is controlled to make the control rod 19 move the movable block 15, so that the locking block 16 is inserted into the inside of the limiting groove 18, limiting the position of the top block 11. Then, the microfluidic chip 2 to be installed is placed on top of the first support column 4 installed inside the protective shell 1, thus completing the replacement.

[0017] Reference Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment: both ends of the groove 12 are fixed with slide rods 10, and the surface of the slide rods 10 is slidably connected with guide sleeves 9. The bottom end of the guide sleeves 9 is fixed to the bottom end of the protective shell 1, and the first spring 13 is sleeved on the outer surface of the guide sleeves 9. Specifically: the sliding connection between the guide sleeve 9 and the slide rod 10 guides the movement trajectory of the top block 11, preventing the top block 11 from deviating during movement.

[0018] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment: sliders 21 are fixed on both sides of the movable block 15, and grooves 22 that are slidably connected to the sliders 21 are opened on both sides inside the housing 14. Specifically: the sliding connection between slider 21 and groove 22 limits the movement of block 15. Since groove 22 is not designed to penetrate the housing 14, block 15 can limit slider 21 through groove 22, preventing it from detaching from the housing 14.

[0019] Reference Figure 4 As shown in this embodiment: both ends of the movable block 15 near the control rod 19 are fixed with second springs 24, and the other end of the second spring 24 is connected to the inside of the housing 14; Specifically: By setting the second spring 24, after the top block 11 is pressed down to a certain position, the elastic force of the second spring 24 drives the movable block 15, so that the locking block 16 is inserted into the interior of the limiting groove 18 by itself, thereby reducing the number of operation steps.

[0020] Reference Figure 4 As shown in this embodiment: the card block 16 has a triangular structure, and the inclined surface of the card block 16 is located at the top; Specifically: By setting the triangular structure of the locking block 16, when the top block 11 moves downward, the bottom of the extension block 17 contacts the top of the locking block 16, which allows the locking block 16 to move on its own. When the top block 11 moves to a certain extent, the locking block 16 can be directly inserted into the interior of the limiting groove 18 through the second spring 24, which plays a role in limiting the position of the top block 11.

[0021] Working Principle: When the user places the microfluidic chip 2 inside the protective shell 1, the first support column 4 supports the microfluidic chip 2. The microfluidic chip 2 is made of polyurethane, which maintains a certain rigidity while also possessing some flexibility. It also absorbs energy during vibration, effectively protecting the microfluidic chip 2. Simultaneously, the corner protectors 5 installed at the four corners inside the protective shell 1 protect the four corners of the microfluidic chip 2, preventing collisions with the inner wall of the protective shell 1. The corner protectors 5 are also made of polyurethane and have a certain energy absorption function. When it is necessary to move the microfluidic chip 2, the shell cover 3 is fastened to the top of the protective shell 1. The second support column 6, in conjunction with the first support column 4, limits the movement of the microfluidic chip 2, preventing longitudinal movement. When the protective shell 1 and shell cover 3 are closed, the sealing protrusion 7 and sealing groove 8 engage to... To provide dust and water protection, when the microfluidic chip 2 needs to be replaced, the control block 20 pulls the control rod 19, causing the control rod 19 to move the movable block 15, disengaging the locking block 16 from the limiting groove 18. This allows the top block 11 to move upwards due to the elastic force generated by the first spring 13. The top block 11 is made of silicone, which has good energy absorption. The elastic force generated by the first spring 13 will not damage the microfluidic chip 2 when the top block 11 is made of silicone. The top block 11 pushes the microfluidic chip 2 upwards, making it easier to remove. After removing the microfluidic chip 2, the top block 11 is pressed downwards. Then, the control block 20 is controlled to move the control rod 19 to move the movable block 15, causing the locking block 16 to be inserted into the limiting groove 18, limiting the position of the top block 11. Finally, the microfluidic chip 2 to be installed is placed on top of the first support column 4 installed inside the protective shell 1, thus completing the replacement.

[0022] The technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the content described above. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the above embodiments without departing from the technical concept of this utility model, and all such modifications and variations should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A microfluidic device for separating and purifying exosomes from stem cell culture medium, comprising a protective outer shell (1): characterized in that, Five first support columns (4) are fixed at the bottom inside the protective shell (1). A microfluidic chip (2) is installed on the top of the first support column (4). A shell cover (3) is installed on the top of the protective shell (1). Corner guards (5) that cooperate with the microfluidic chip (2) are fixed at the four corners inside the protective shell (1). Five second support columns (6) that cooperate with the microfluidic chip (2) are fixed inside the shell cover (3). A sealing protrusion (7) is fixed on the top of the protective shell (1). A sealing groove (8) that cooperates with the sealing protrusion (7) is opened at the bottom of the shell cover (3). The protective housing (1) is equipped with an ejection mechanism for the microfluidic chip (2); Both ends of the protective shell (1) are equipped with limiting components to limit the ejection mechanism.

2. The microfluidic device for separating and purifying exosomes from stem cell culture medium according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ejection mechanism includes two top blocks (11) disposed inside the protective shell (1). The bottom of the top block (11) is provided with a groove (12). Both ends of the groove (12) are fixed with a first spring (13). The bottom end of the first spring (13) is fixed to the bottom end inside the protective shell (1).

3. The microfluidic device for separating and purifying exosomes from stem cell culture medium according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting component includes a housing (14) fixed to both ends inside the protective shell (1). A movable block (15) is slidably connected to one end of the housing (14) near the top block (11). A locking block (16) is fixed to one end of the movable block (15). An extension block (17) is fixed to one side of the top block (11) near the movable block (15). A limiting groove (18) for cooperating with the locking block (16) is opened on the side of the extension block (17) away from the top block (11). A control rod (19) is fixed to one side of the movable block (15) away from the locking block (16). A through groove (23) for slidably connecting with the control rod (19) is opened on one side of the housing (14) away from the top block (11). A control block (20) is fixed to the other end of the control rod (19) through the protective shell (1).

4. The microfluidic device for separating and purifying exosomes from stem cell culture medium according to claim 2, characterized in that: Both ends of the groove (12) are fixed with slide rods (10), and the surface of the slide rods (10) is slidably connected with guide sleeves (9). The bottom end of the guide sleeves (9) is fixed to the bottom end inside the protective shell (1), and the first spring (13) is sleeved on the outer surface of the guide sleeves (9).

5. The microfluidic device for separating and purifying exosomes from stem cell culture medium according to claim 3, characterized in that: Both sides of the movable block (15) are fixed with sliders (21), and both sides of the housing (14) are provided with sliding grooves (22) that are slidably connected to the sliders (21).

6. The microfluidic device for separating and purifying exosomes from stem cell culture medium according to claim 3, characterized in that: The movable block (15) has two ends fixed with second springs (24) on the side near the control rod (19), and the other end of the second spring (24) is connected to the inside of the housing (14).

7. The microfluidic device for separating and purifying exosomes from stem cell culture medium according to claim 3, characterized in that: The card block (16) has a triangular structure, and the inclined surface of the card block (16) is located at the top.

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