A microfluidic chip for studying adaptive behavior of paramecium

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of microfluidic chips of research on adaptive behavior of paramecium, and the microfluidic chip of research on adaptive behavior of paramecium includes shell and separation component, the shell has accommodating space in, separation component is built-in accommodating space, and separation component separates accommodating space into import cavity and export cavity, separation component has several training channels of the intercommunication import cavity and export cavity, and separation component is also provided with several through holes, several through holes are arranged between several training channels, and through hole intercommunicates adjacent training channel. Since through hole intercommunicates adjacent training channel, in the process of paramecium through training channel, liquid flow can enter and exit training channel through through hole, to balance the hydraulic pressure in training channel, avoid the hydraulic pressure fluctuation of training channel to hinder paramecium action.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of paramecium behavioral experiments, specifically to a microfluidic chip for studying the adaptive behavior of paramecia. Background Technology

[0002] Microfluidics integrates basic operational units such as sample preparation, reaction, separation, and detection in biological, chemical, and medical analysis processes onto a single micrometer-scale chip, greatly improving the efficiency of experimental operations.

[0003] Existing microfluidic chips, such as the patent application number CN201610980770.6, are mainly composed of a substrate and a glass sheet bonded together. Baffles can be placed inside the microfluidic chip to facilitate the construction of the required fluid flow channels. However, in the study of paramecium adaptive behavior, it is necessary to investigate the paramecium's ability to pass through narrow gaps. If narrow training channels are directly constructed inside the microfluidic chip, after the paramecium squeezes into the training channel, its cell walls will tightly adhere to the inner wall of the training channel. In this state, the movement of the paramecium within the training channel will cause hydraulic fluctuations, resulting in a significant hydraulic difference between the two ends of the training channel. This hydraulic difference will severely hinder the paramecium's movement.

[0004] Therefore, how to maintain stable pressure within the training channel is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a microfluidic chip for studying the adaptive behavior of paramecia, thereby solving the technical problem that pressure fluctuations in the training channel in the prior art would hinder the movement of paramecia.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: This invention provides a microfluidic chip for studying the adaptive behavior of Paramecium, comprising: A housing, wherein the housing has a receiving space; and A separating component is built into the receiving space, and the separating component divides the receiving space into an inlet cavity and an outlet cavity. The separating component has a plurality of training channels connecting the inlet cavity and the outlet cavity, and the separating component also has a plurality of connecting holes, which are spaced apart between the plurality of training channels, and the connecting holes connect adjacent training channels.

[0007] In some embodiments, the separating component includes a plurality of separating plates, which are spaced apart within the receiving space. Two adjacent separating plates together form the training channel, and the separating plates have the connecting holes.

[0008] In some embodiments, there is an angle between adjacent partitions so that the training channel has a narrower end and a wider end.

[0009] In some embodiments, the included angle between adjacent partitions is between 7 and 15 degrees.

[0010] In some embodiments, the diameter of the connecting hole is between 12 and 18 micrometers.

[0011] In some embodiments, the width of the small end of the training channel is between 16 and 22 micrometers.

[0012] In some embodiments, the microfluidic chip for studying the adaptive behavior of paramecium further includes a barrier component, the barrier component including a plurality of barrier blocks located in the outlet cavity, the plurality of barrier blocks being spaced apart at the openings of the plurality of training channels to form a plurality of branched channels between the plurality of barrier blocks.

[0013] In some embodiments, the width of the bifurcation channel is between 16 and 22 micrometers.

[0014] In some embodiments, the housing has an inlet port communicating with the inlet cavity and an outlet port communicating with the outlet cavity.

[0015] In some embodiments, the housing includes a bottom sheet and a cover sheet, the bottom sheet and the cover sheet together forming the receiving space, and the bottom sheet is a transparent bottom sheet and the cover sheet is a transparent cover sheet.

[0016] Compared with existing technologies, the microfluidic chip for studying the adaptive behavior of Paramecium provided by this invention has the following advantages: First, paramecia are placed in the inlet cavity, and a repellent is introduced into the inlet cavity or an attractant is introduced into the outlet cavity, causing the paramecia to attempt to swim from the inlet cavity to the outlet cavity. This continues until the paramecia squeeze into the training channel and use its own deformation to pass through the training channel into the outlet cavity, thus studying the paramecia's adaptive ability to pass through narrow gaps. Because the connecting hole connects to the adjacent training channel, fluid flow can enter and exit the training channel through the connecting hole during the paramecia's passage through the training channel, thereby balancing the hydraulic pressure within the training channel and preventing hydraulic fluctuations in the training channel from hindering the paramecia's movement. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a microfluidic chip for studying the adaptive behavior of Paramecium, provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a side view of the microfluidic chip for studying the adaptive behavior of Paramecium provided in this embodiment of the utility model; Figure 3 It is a close-up photograph of a paramecium passing through a training channel under a microscope; Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: shell 100, substrate 110, inlet cavity 111, outlet cavity 112, training channel 113, branch channel 114, inlet port 115, outlet port 116, cover plate 120, partition assembly 200, partition plate 210, connecting hole 211, barrier assembly 300, barrier block 310, paramecium A. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0019] To address the technical problem that pressure fluctuations within the training channel 113 can hinder the movement of paramecia, this invention provides a microfluidic chip for studying the adaptive behavior of paramecia. This chip can balance the hydraulic pressure within the training channel 113, preventing hydraulic fluctuations in the training channel 113 from hindering the movement of paramecia.

[0020] It should be noted that the microfluidic chip for studying the adaptive behavior of Paramecium described in this utility model is used for the study of the adaptive behavior of Paramecium. For ease of explanation, this utility model will only use the application of the microfluidic chip for studying the adaptive behavior of Paramecium as an example for further explanation.

[0021] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a microfluidic chip for studying the adaptive behavior of paramecium in one embodiment of the present invention. The microfluidic chip for studying the adaptive behavior of paramecium includes a housing 100 and a partition component 200. The housing 100 has a receiving space, and the partition component 200 is built into the receiving space. The partition component 200 divides the receiving space into an inlet cavity 111 and an outlet cavity 112. The partition component 200 has a plurality of training channels 113 connecting the inlet cavity 111 and the outlet cavity 112. The partition component 200 also has a plurality of connecting holes 211. The plurality of connecting holes 211 are spaced apart between the plurality of training channels 113, and the connecting holes 211 connect adjacent training channels 113.

[0022] In this embodiment, a paramecium is first placed in the inlet cavity 111, and a repellent is placed in the inlet cavity 111 or an attractant is placed in the outlet cavity 112, causing the paramecium to attempt to swim from the inlet cavity 111 to the outlet cavity 112. This continues until the paramecium squeezes into the training channel 113, and until the paramecium uses its own deformation to pass through the training channel 113 and enter the outlet cavity 112, thereby studying the paramecium's adaptive ability to pass through narrow gaps. Since the connecting hole 211 connects to the adjacent training channel 113, during the process of the paramecium passing through the training channel 113, fluid flow can enter and exit the training channel 113 through the connecting hole 211, thereby balancing the hydraulic pressure in the training channel 113 and preventing hydraulic fluctuations in the training channel 113 from hindering the paramecium's movement.

[0023] It is understood that repellents or attractants can be used to induce paramecium movement, or a fluid flow can be used to move the paramecium. In some embodiments, a microinjection pump can be used to inject liquid into the inlet cavity 111, thereby forming a fluid flow within the microfluidic chip towards the outlet cavity 112. Driven by the fluid flow, the paramecium moves from the inlet cavity 111 to the outlet cavity 112.

[0024] In some embodiments, the separating component 200 includes a plurality of separating plates 210, which are spaced apart within the receiving space. Two adjacent separating plates 210 together form a training channel 113, and each separating plate 210 has a connecting hole 211. In the above embodiments, each separating plate 210 is spaced apart within the receiving cavity, and a training channel 113 is formed between each separating plate 210. Since the connecting hole 211 passes through the separating plate 210, adjacent training channels 113 can be connected using the connecting hole 211.

[0025] It should be emphasized that the function of the connecting hole 211 is to balance the hydraulic pressure in the training channel 113 during the process of the paramecium passing through the training channel 113, so as to avoid hydraulic fluctuations from hindering the movement of the paramecium. Therefore, there are no strict requirements on the shape and number of connecting holes 211, as long as the fluid flow can pass through the connecting hole 211 while preventing the paramecium from passing through the connecting hole 211.

[0026] In some embodiments, adjacent partitions 210 are angled to give the training channel 113 a narrower end and a wider end. This allows the paramecium to more easily enter the training channel 113 through the wider end, while the opening of the training channel 113 gradually narrows, forcing the paramecium to deform under the guidance of the partitions, and ultimately allowing the paramecium to exit the training channel 113 through the narrower end after deformation.

[0027] It should be emphasized that, due to the included angle between the adjacent partition plates 210, the larger end of some training channels 113 faces the inlet cavity 111, while the smaller end of other training channels 113 faces the inlet cavity 111. In actual experiments, paramecia often only use the training channels 113 with the larger end facing the inlet cavity 111, while the training channels 113 with the smaller end facing the inlet cavity 111 are only used to assist in balancing the hydraulic pressure of the adjacent training channels 113 in conjunction with the connecting hole 211.

[0028] In some embodiments, the included angle between adjacent partitions 210 is between 7 and 15 degrees.

[0029] Understandably, the diameter of the connecting hole 211 needs to be determined based on the size of the paramecium. The diameter of the connecting hole 211 needs to prevent the paramecium from passing through while also facilitating liquid flow as much as possible. In some embodiments, the diameter of the connecting hole 211 is between 12 and 18 micrometers. A diameter within this range prevents the paramecium from passing through while ensuring the connecting hole 211 has a sufficiently large aperture to allow liquid flow.

[0030] In some embodiments, the width of the small end of the training channel 113 is between 16 and 22 micrometers. The width of the training channel 113 should be slightly smaller than the width of the paramecium in its extended state, so that the paramecium can enter and pass through the training channel 113 by deforming itself.

[0031] Based on the above embodiments, in some embodiments, the microfluidic chip for studying the adaptive behavior of paramecia further includes a barrier component 300. The barrier component 300 includes a plurality of barrier blocks 310 located in the outlet cavity 112. The barrier blocks 310 are spaced apart at the openings of a plurality of training channels 113 to form a plurality of branched channels 114 between the barrier blocks 310. This allows the paramecium to enter the branched channels 114 after passing through the training channels 113, and only after exiting the branched channels 114 can it enter the outlet cavity 112. The addition of branched channels 114 at the end of the training channels 113 increases the complexity of the paramecium's passage through the gaps.

[0032] The width of the bifurcation channel 114 should be approximately the same as the width of the training channel 113. In some embodiments, the width of the bifurcation channel 114 is between 16 and 22 micrometers, such that the width of the bifurcation channel 114 corresponds to the width of the training channel 113.

[0033] In some embodiments, the housing 100 has an inlet 115 communicating with the inlet cavity 111 and an outlet 116 communicating with the outlet cavity 112. Liquid can enter the inlet cavity 111 through the inlet 115, and liquid in the outlet cavity 112 can be discharged through the outlet 116.

[0034] In some embodiments, the housing 100 includes a substrate 110 and a cover 120, which together form a receiving space. The substrate 110 is transparent, and the cover 120 is transparent, so that an operator can observe the paramecium inside the housing 100 through the cover 120 or the substrate 110.

[0035] To facilitate a clearer understanding of the technical solution of this application by those skilled in the art, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3 , Figure 3 The image shows a partial photograph of Paramecium A passing through a training channel under a microscope. Compared to its natural state, Paramecium A has undergone significant deformation in the photograph. Under such deformation, if a large hydraulic pressure difference occurs between the two ends of the training channel 113 (or the branch channel 114), the Paramecium is very likely to get stuck in the training channel 113 (or the branch channel 114). However, after the connecting hole 211 is opened in the partition plate 210, the hydraulic pressure in the training channel 113 (or the branch channel 114) can be balanced, thereby greatly improving the passage rate of the Paramecium through the training channel 113 (or the branch channel 114), eliminating the influence of hydraulic fluctuations on the Paramecium's movement, and more realistically reflecting the Paramecium's movement ability.

[0036] To better understand this utility model, the following is combined with... Figures 1 to 3 The technical solution of this utility model is described in detail below: First, a paramecium is placed in the inlet cavity 111, and a repellent is introduced into the inlet cavity 111 or an attractant is introduced into the outlet cavity 112, causing the paramecium to attempt to swim from the inlet cavity 111 to the outlet cavity 112. This continues until the paramecium squeezes into the training channel 113. Several barrier blocks 310 are spaced apart at the openings of the training channels 113, forming several branching channels 114 between the barrier blocks 310. The paramecium enters the branching channels 114 after passing through the training channels 113, and can only enter the outlet cavity 112 after exiting the branching channels 114. The addition of branching channels 114 at the end of the training channels 113 increases the complexity of the gap the paramecium can pass through. The paramecium is then guided through the training channels 113 and the branching channels 114 sequentially to study its adaptive ability to pass through narrow gaps. Since the connecting hole 211 connects to the adjacent training channel 113, during the process of the paramecium passing through the training channel 113, the fluid flow can enter and exit the training channel 113 through the connecting hole 211, thereby balancing the hydraulic pressure in the training channel 113 and preventing the hydraulic fluctuations in the training channel 113 from hindering the paramecium's movement.

[0037] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper" and "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0039] The specific embodiments of this utility model described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this utility model. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip for studying adaptive behavior of Paramecium, characterized by, include: A housing having a receiving space inside; as well as A separating component is built into the receiving space, and the separating component divides the receiving space into an inlet cavity and an outlet cavity. The separating component has a plurality of training channels connecting the inlet cavity and the outlet cavity, and the separating component also has a plurality of connecting holes, which are spaced apart between the plurality of training channels, and the connecting holes connect adjacent training channels.

2. The microfluidic chip for studying adaptive behavior of paramecium according to claim 1, wherein, The separating component includes several separating plates, which are spaced apart within the receiving space. Two adjacent separating plates together form the training channel, and the separating plates have the connecting holes.

3. The microfluidic chip for studying adaptive behavior of paramecium according to claim 2, wherein, The adjacent partitions are angled so that the training channel has a narrower end and a wider end.

4. The microfluidic chip for studying adaptive behavior of paramecium according to claim 3, wherein, The included angle between adjacent partition plates is between 7 and 15 degrees.

5. The microfluidic chip for studying adaptive behavior of paramecium according to claim 3, wherein, The diameter of the connecting hole is between 12 and 18 micrometers.

6. The microfluidic chip for studying adaptive behavior of paramecium according to claim 3, wherein, The width of the small end of the training channel is between 16 and 22 micrometers.

7. The microfluidic chip for studying adaptive behavior of paramecium according to claim 2, wherein, The microfluidic chip for studying the adaptive behavior of paramecium also includes a barrier component, which includes several barrier blocks located in the outlet cavity. The several barrier blocks are spaced apart at the openings of several training channels to form several branched channels between the several barrier blocks.

8. The microfluidic chip for studying adaptive behavior of paramecium according to claim 7, wherein, The width of the bifurcation channel is between 16 and 22 micrometers.

9. The microfluidic chip for studying adaptive behavior of paramecium according to claim 1, wherein, The housing has an inlet port communicating with the inlet cavity and an outlet port communicating with the outlet cavity.

10. The microfluidic chip for studying adaptive behavior of paramecium according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a bottom sheet and a cover sheet, which together form the receiving space. The bottom sheet is transparent and the cover sheet is transparent.

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