A microfluidic chip

Abstract

The application provides a micro-fluidic chip, wherein the chip body is made of transparent material, a first liquid inlet (1) is used for containing a first solvent, and different second liquid inlets (4) are used for containing different second solvents (different types, different concentrations, etc.); the first solvent enters a fusion chamber (8) through a first branch flow path (7), is mixed with the second solvent entering the fusion chamber (8) from the second liquid inlet (4), and then enters a reaction chamber (9); in this way, the first solution reacts with different second solutions in different reaction chambers (9), and a user can observe the reaction state of the different reaction chambers (9) through direct observation or microscope observation, and real-time comparison is carried out; the reaction in each reaction chamber (9) can be carried out individually, so that cross contamination is avoided; after the reaction is completed, the liquid in the reaction chamber (9) can be discharged through a liquid discharge channel (11) under the action of negative pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of microfluidic chips, and particularly relates to a microfluidic chip. Background Technology

[0002] In the 21st century, increasingly miniaturized biomedical experiments have emerged. This has given rise to microfluidics, a multidisciplinary technology primarily applied in the form of microfluidic chips. The core of these chips lies in the precise manipulation and analysis of injected fluids through microchannels and reaction chambers. Their advantages include extremely low reagent consumption, high-throughput parallel processing, rapid reactions, and high integration. These characteristics have rapidly made them a research hotspot in fields such as biomedicine, chemical synthesis, and environmental monitoring. With the maturation of microfabrication technologies such as photolithography (PDMS), scientists' initial vision of "moving the laboratory onto a chip" is gradually becoming a reality.

[0003] While traditional laboratory techniques have matured in fields such as biomedicine, they have significant shortcomings in areas such as micro-sample handling, experimental efficiency, and adaptability to various scenarios. Existing technologies largely rely on manual step-by-step operations (such as pipetting, mixing, and concentration preparation), which are cumbersome and prone to human error, making it difficult to meet the precision requirements of high-throughput screening. Furthermore, the high cost and low automation of existing traditional technologies further exacerbate their limitations in the biomedical field, failing to meet the growing demand for rapid, portable, and intelligent experiments.

[0004] Compared to existing technologies, microfluidic chips have achieved disruptive breakthroughs in multiple dimensions through their miniaturization and integrated design. By integrating microscale fluid physics effects with functional modules (including mixing, reaction, and detection), microfluidic chips improve experimental efficiency several times over while reducing actual costs to one-tenth or even less of the original cost. Furthermore, their internal automated configuration significantly reduces human error.

[0005] How to enable microfluidic chips to perform parallel solvent reactions in multiple channels has become a concern for engineers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In existing technologies, how to enable microfluidic chips to perform parallel solvent reactions in multiple channels has become a concern for engineers.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, according to some embodiments, this application provides a microfluidic chip, comprising: The chip itself is made of a transparent material; Two parallel first liquid inlet channels are formed inside the chip body. One end of each first liquid inlet channel is located on the side of the chip body, and the other ends of the two first liquid inlet channels are connected by a connecting channel inside the chip body. The plane where the two first liquid inlet channels are located is parallel to the bottom surface of the chip body. Multiple second liquid inlet channels are formed within the chip body, located below the first liquid inlet channel; the inlet of the second liquid inlet channel is located at the side opening of the chip body, and its outlet is connected to a fusion chamber formed within the chip body, the number of fusion chambers being the same as the number of second liquid inlet channels; microfluidic valves are provided on the second liquid inlet channels; The first inlet channel is laterally connected to multiple first branch channels, each of which is connected to one of the fusion chambers; each of the first branch channels is equipped with a microfluidic valve; The outlet of each fusion chamber is connected to the inlet of a reaction chamber located within the chip body via a fusion flow channel; A drainage channel is formed inside the chip body. One end of the channel is connected to the outlet at the bottom of multiple reaction chambers, and the other end is located on the side of the chip body to form a liquid outlet. The liquid outlet is used to connect to a negative pressure device.

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom wall of the fusion chamber is lower than the first liquid inlet channel; Within the chip body, a first drip chamber is formed on the first branch channel; The inlet of the first drop chamber is located on the side near the first liquid inlet channel, and its outlet is located on the side near the fusion chamber; The inlet of the first drip chamber is formed as a drip tube extending along its inner wall toward the interior, the drip tube being higher than the outlet of the first drip chamber.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes: Within the chip body, a sealing channel parallel to each of the first liquid inlet channels is formed below it; each of the sealing channels is laterally connected to a plurality of second liquid inlet channels on the same side as the first liquid inlet channel. The sealing channel extends through the chip body; The piston is slidably connected to the sealing channel and includes a connecting rod and a plurality of sealing discs disposed on the connecting rod. The spacing between the plurality of sealing discs is consistent with the spacing between the plurality of second liquid inlets that the sealing channel passes through. The sealing discs are capable of sealing the second liquid inlets.

[0010] Furthermore, the microfluidic valve is a ball valve, and the ball valve is provided with a control handle; A through hole extending through the surface of the chip body is provided on the chip body near the microfluidic valve; The control handle passes through the through hole and protrudes from the surface of the chip body.

[0011] Furthermore, the microfluidic valve is a pneumatic diaphragm valve, and the pneumatic diaphragm valve is equipped with an air tube; A through hole is provided on the chip body near the pneumatic diaphragm valve, extending through the surface of the chip body; The air tube extends through the through hole for connection to an external pneumatic device.

[0012] Furthermore, both the inlet of the first liquid inlet channel and the inlet of the second liquid inlet channel are equipped with detachable check valves.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes reagent bottles; The reagent bottle has a connecting part on the outer periphery of the bottle mouth, which is used to connect to the inlet of the first liquid inlet channel or the second liquid inlet. The reagent bottle has vents on its side, and an air filter membrane is installed inside the vents.

[0014] Furthermore, the reagent bottle has multiple fan-shaped check valves at the end of its opening. It also includes a battery, multiple flow meters, and multiple displays. Each group has two flow meters, which are respectively installed on the first branch channel and the second inlet channel corresponding to the same fusion chamber, and the flow meters are located downstream of the microfluidic valve; The battery is located on the chip body and is electrically connected to multiple flow meters. Multiple displays are electrically connected to the battery, and each display is electrically connected to a group of flow meters for displaying the flow rate of liquid in the first branch channel and the second inlet channel corresponding to the flow meter.

[0015] The above-described technical solution of the present invention has at least the following beneficial technical effects: The chip body of this application is made of transparent material. The first liquid inlet channel can be used to contain the first solvent, and different second liquid inlet channels can be used to contain different second solvents (different types, different concentrations, etc.). The first solvent enters the fusion chamber through the first branch channel, mixes with the second solvent entering the fusion chamber through the second liquid inlet channel, and then enters the reaction chamber. In this way, the first solvent reacts with different second solutions in different reaction chambers. Users can observe the reaction status of different reaction chambers directly or under a microscope and make real-time comparisons. The solvent in each reaction chamber can be processed separately to avoid cross-contamination. After the reaction is completed, the liquid in the reaction chamber can be discharged through the drain channel under negative pressure. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or in the conventional technology, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a top view of a microfluidic chip in one embodiment of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a left view of a microfluidic chip in one embodiment of this application.

[0019] in, Figures 1 to 2 The correspondence between the reference numerals and component names in the attached drawings is as follows: 1. First inlet channel; 2. Sealing channel; 3. Piston; 4. Second inlet channel; 5. Microfluidic valve; 6. First drip chamber; 7. First branch channel; 8. Fusion chamber; 9. Reaction chamber; 10. Display screen; 11. Drainage channel; 12. Battery; 13. Connecting circuit; 14. Switch; 15. Connecting channel; 16. Fusion channel. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the various embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many technical details are presented in the various embodiments of this application to facilitate a better understanding of the application. However, the technical solutions claimed in this application can be implemented even without these technical details and various variations and modifications based on the following embodiments. The division of the various embodiments below is for ease of description and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of this application. The various embodiments can be combined with and referenced by each other without contradiction.

[0021] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, one embodiment of this application provides a microfluidic chip, specifically including: The chip body is preferably rectangular, especially with flat top and bottom surfaces. The chip body is made of a transparent material, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which allows for real-time observation of dynamic changes in cell number, morphology, and other indicators under a microscope. To clearly illustrate the structure of the microfluidic chip, the description focuses on its top-bottom and left-right structure when the bottom surface of the chip body is placed on a flat worktable. Figure 1 This is a top view. Figure 2 This is the left view.

[0022] Two parallel first liquid inlet channels 1 are formed inside the chip body. One end of each first liquid inlet channel 1 forms an inlet on the left side of the chip body. The other ends of the two first liquid inlet channels 1 are connected by a connecting channel 15 located inside the chip body. The plane where the two first liquid inlet channels 1 are located is parallel to the bottom surface of the chip body. The two first liquid inlet channels 1 and the connecting channel 15 are connected in a U-shaped structure. On the one hand, it is easy to make the liquid pressure in the two first liquid inlet channels 1 the same. On the other hand, during cleaning, the cleaning liquid enters from the inlet of one first liquid inlet channel 1 and can be discharged from the inlet of the other liquid inlet channel, which facilitates local cleaning.

[0023] Multiple second liquid inlet channels 4 are formed inside the chip body and are located below the first liquid inlet channel 1. The inlets of the multiple second liquid inlet channels 4 are located on the front and rear sides of the chip body, and their outlets are connected to a fusion chamber 8 formed inside the chip body. The number of fusion chambers 8 is the same as the number of second liquid inlet channels 4 and they correspond one-to-one. Microfluidic valves 5 are provided on the second liquid inlet channels 4.

[0024] The first inlet channel 1 is laterally connected to multiple first branch channels 7, and each first branch channel 7 is connected to a fusion chamber 8; each first branch channel 7 is equipped with a microfluidic valve 5; the microfluidic valve 5 can control opening and closing, and can also control the increase or decrease of flow rate.

[0025] The outlet of each fusion chamber 8 is connected to the inlet of a reaction chamber 9 located in the chip body through a fusion flow channel 16; that is, the two inlets of each reaction chamber 9 are respectively connected to a first direct current channel 7 and a second liquid inlet channel 4, the outlet of the reaction chamber 9 is connected to one end of the fusion flow channel 16, and the other end of the fusion flow channel 16 is connected to the inlet of the reaction chamber 9.

[0026] A drainage channel 11 is formed within the chip body. One end of the channel is connected to the outlet at the bottom of the multiple reaction chambers 9, and the other end is located on the side of the chip body to form a liquid outlet, which is used to connect to a negative pressure device. Preferably, the liquid outlet of the drainage channel 11 is located on the rear side of the chip body. When the microfluidic valve 5 is open, the liquid in the first liquid inlet channel 1 and the second liquid inlet channel 4 is drawn into the reaction chamber 9 by the negative pressure. When the chip needs to be cleaned, cleaning fluid can be injected through the first liquid inlet and the second liquid inlet, or the inlet of the first liquid inlet channel 1 and the inlet of the second liquid inlet channel 4 can be immersed in the cleaning fluid, and the liquid channels, fusion chamber 8, and reaction chamber 9 of the chip can be repeatedly cleaned under the negative pressure.

[0027] The first inlet channel 1 can be used to contain the first solvent, and different second inlet channels 4 can be used to contain different second solvents (or different types, different concentrations of solvents, etc.). The first solvent enters the fusion chamber 8 through the first branch channel 7 and mixes with the second solvent entering the fusion chamber 8 through the second inlet channel 4. The mixture then enters the reaction chamber 9. In this way, different second solutions react with the first solution in different reaction chambers 9. Users can observe the reaction state of different reaction chambers 9 directly or with a microscope and make real-time comparisons. After the reaction is completed, the liquid in the reaction chamber 9 can be discharged through the drain channel 11 under negative pressure.

[0028] Preferably, a first drop chamber 6 is formed on the first branch channel 7 within the chip body. The inlet of the first drop chamber 6 is located near the first liquid inlet channel 1, and its outlet is located near the fusion chamber 8. The inlet of the first drop chamber 6 is formed as a drop tube protruding from its inner wall towards the interior, and the drop tube is higher than the outlet of the first drop chamber 6. During use, the gas in the first drop chamber 6 can be partially retained without completely venting it, allowing the liquid flowing from the drop tube to drip one drop at a time onto the liquid surface below, facilitating direct observation of the flow rate. Optionally, before filling the chip with liquid, an inert gas pre-filling can be performed to create an inert gas atmosphere inside the chip.

[0029] Preferably, the system further includes: a sealing channel 2 parallel to each first liquid inlet channel 1 is provided below each first liquid inlet channel 1 within the chip body; each sealing channel 2 is laterally connected to multiple second liquid inlet channels 4 on the same side as the first liquid inlet channel 1; the sealing channel 2 extends through the left and right sides of the chip body; a piston 3 is slidably connected to the sealing channel 2, and includes a connecting rod 31 and multiple sealing discs 32 disposed on the connecting rod 31. The spacing between the multiple sealing discs 32 is consistent with the spacing between the multiple second liquid inlet channels 4 connected by the sealing channel 2. As the sealing discs 32 slide within the sealing channel 2 to the connection point between the sealing channel 2 and the second liquid inlet channel 4, the sealing discs 32 can seal the second liquid inlet channel 4. By moving the piston 3, all second liquid inlet channels 4 connected to the sealing channel 2 can be sealed. Moving it again connects the two sections of each second liquid inlet channel 4 that were previously separated, allowing multiple liquid inlet channels to simultaneously deliver liquid under negative pressure. It should be noted that an additional sealing disc 32 is provided on each side of the piston 3 to prevent liquid from flowing out of the sealing channel 2 when the piston 3 moves.

[0030] Optionally, the microfluidic valve 5 is a ball valve, and the ball valve is provided with a control handle; a through hole is opened on the upper surface of the chip body near the microfluidic valve 5, extending out of the surface of the chip body; the control handle passes through the through hole and protrudes from the surface of the chip body.

[0031] Optionally, the microfluidic valve 5 is a pneumatic diaphragm valve, which is equipped with an air tube; a through hole is opened on the upper surface of the chip body near the microfluidic valve 5, extending out of the chip body surface; the air tube extends out of the through hole for connection with an external pneumatic device. The pneumatic device can control the pressure of the supplied air to deform the pneumatic diaphragm on the pneumatic diaphragm valve to open / close the first branch channel 7, and change the sealing area by the size of the deformation to control the increase or decrease of the flow rate.

[0032] Optionally, a microfluidic valve 5 is provided at the bottom outlet of each reaction chamber 9, and the solvent can be recovered individually or in groups by opening and closing different microfluidic valves 5.

[0033] Both the inlet of the first liquid inlet channel 1 and the inlet of the second liquid inlet channel 4 are equipped with detachable one-way valves. During experiments, solvent can be injected into the first liquid inlet channel 1 and the second liquid inlet channel 4 using a syringe or reagent bottle containing solvent. The one-way valves prevent the solvent from flowing out from the side of the chip body. When cleaning is required, cleaning agent is injected and cleaned under the negative pressure of a negative pressure device, or a portion of the one-way valve can be removed to serve as an outlet for localized cleaning.

[0034] Preferably, it also includes a reagent bottle; the reagent bottle has a connecting part on the outer periphery of its mouth, which is used to connect to the first liquid inlet or the second liquid inlet; the side of the reagent bottle has an air hole, and an air filter membrane is provided inside the air hole. The air filter membrane allows air to pass through while preventing liquid from flowing out, and under negative pressure, allows the liquid in the reagent bottle to smoothly enter the first liquid inlet channel 1 / second liquid inlet channel 4.

[0035] Preferably, the reagent bottle has multiple fan-shaped check valves at the end of its opening. Optionally, each fan-shaped check valve may have a larger volume on the side facing the outlet and be pre-bent at a certain angle towards that side. When the liquid flows in the opposite direction, the multiple fan-shaped check valves will close tightly to achieve backflow prevention. Preferably, the reagent bottle body is made of soft material, or the reagent bottle body has vent holes to support negative pressure operation. Preferably, it also includes a battery 12, multiple sets of flow meters, and multiple displays 10; each set of flow meters has two, respectively located on the first branch channel 7 and the second inlet channel 4 corresponding to the same fusion chamber 8, and the flow meters are located downstream of the microfluidic valve 5; the battery 12 is located on the chip body and is electrically connected to multiple devices; the multiple displays 10 are electrically connected to the battery 12, and each display 10 is electrically connected to a set of flow meters to display the flow rate of the liquid in the first branch channel 7 and the second inlet channel 4 corresponding to the flow meter. The battery 12 and display screen 10 can be located on the top surface of the chip body. The connection circuit 13 (power lines and signal transmission lines, etc.) for the battery 12, multiple flow meters, and multiple displays 10 is located within the chip body, centrally arranged above the drain channel 11, ensuring it does not obstruct the fusion chamber 8 and reaction chamber 9 vertically. The top surface of the chip body also features a switch 14 for connecting the circuit, which controls the opening / closing of the display screen 10 and the flow meters. The flow meters can be manufactured by Bronkhorst in the Netherlands, model mini CORI-FLOW M12 or M13, which has a standard 1 / 4"-28" size. The UNF microfluidic connector can be installed in the first branch channel 7 or the second inlet channel 4. It not only detects flow rate but also integrates a control valve and PID control circuitry to adjust the flow rate to the user-set value. Optionally, a flow meter can directly replace the microfluidic valve 5. In addition to the battery 12, multiple flow meters, and multiple displays 10, it also has a necessary processor. The electrical connections and control programs of the battery 12, multiple flow meters, multiple displays 10, and the processor are not within the scope of this application's improvements; it is only necessary to display the flow rate. The microfluidic chip's outline dimensions are less than 8cm x 10cm. By observing the flow rate in each of the first branch channel 7 and the second inlet channel 4 to control the corresponding microfluidic valve 5, drop-by-drop mixing of the liquid can be achieved, followed by a thorough reaction in the reaction chamber 9, reducing experimental errors caused by insufficient mixing. The solvent flow rate in different channels can be adjusted to control the mixing ratio, ensuring the uniformity and controllability of contact between different solvents.

[0036] In the description of this invention, the term "a plurality of" refers to two or more. Unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention 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 the invention. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative or explanatory of the principles of this application and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made without departing from the spirit and scope of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications falling within the scope and boundaries of the appended claims, or equivalent forms of such scope and boundaries.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip, characterized by, include: The chip itself is made of a transparent material; Two parallel first liquid inlet channels (1) are formed in the chip body. One end of each first liquid inlet channel (1) is located on the side of the chip body, and the other ends of the two first liquid inlet channels (1) are connected by a connecting channel (15) provided inside the chip body. The plane where the two first liquid inlet channels (1) are located is parallel to the bottom surface of the chip body. Multiple second liquid inlet channels (4) are provided in the chip body and are located below the first liquid inlet channel (1); the inlet of the second liquid inlet channel (4) is located on the side of the chip body and its outlet is connected to a fusion chamber (8) provided in the chip body. The number of fusion chambers (8) is the same as the number of second liquid inlet channels (4); microfluidic valves (5) are provided on the second liquid inlet channels (4). The first inlet channel (1) is laterally connected to a plurality of first branch channels (7), each first branch channel (7) being connected to one of the fusion chambers (8); each first branch channel (7) is provided with a microfluidic valve (5); The outlet of each fusion chamber (8) is connected to the inlet of a reaction chamber (9) located within the chip body via a fusion flow channel (16); A drain channel (11) is provided in the chip body. One end of the channel is connected to the outlet at the bottom of multiple reaction chambers (9), and the other end is provided on the side of the chip body to form a drain outlet. The drain outlet is used to connect to a negative pressure device.

2. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the fusion chamber (8) is lower than the first liquid inlet channel (1). Within the chip body, a first drip chamber (6) is provided on the first branch channel (7); The inlet of the first drop chamber (6) is located on the side close to the first liquid inlet channel (1), and its outlet is located on the side close to the fusion chamber (8); The inlet of the first drip chamber (6) is formed as a drip tube extending along its inner wall toward the interior, the drip tube being higher than the outlet of the first drip chamber (6).

3. The microfluidic chip of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: Within the chip body, a sealing channel (2) parallel to each of the first liquid inlet channels (1) is provided below it; each of the sealing channels (2) is laterally connected to a plurality of second liquid inlet channels (4) on the same side as the first liquid inlet channel (1). The sealing channel (2) extends through the chip body; The piston (3) is slidably connected to the sealing channel (2), and includes a connecting rod and a plurality of sealing discs disposed on the connecting rod. The spacing between the plurality of sealing discs is consistent with the spacing between the plurality of second liquid inlet channels (4) through which the sealing channel (2) passes. The sealing discs are capable of sealing the second liquid inlet channels (4).

4. The microfluidic chip of claim 1, wherein, The microfluidic valve (5) is a ball valve, and the ball valve is provided with a control handle; A through hole is provided on the chip body near the microfluidic valve (5) to extend through the surface of the chip body; The control handle passes through the through hole and protrudes from the surface of the chip body.

5. The microfluidic chip of claim 1, wherein, The microfluidic valve (5) is a pneumatic diaphragm valve, and the pneumatic diaphragm valve is equipped with an air tube; A through hole is provided on the chip body near the pneumatic diaphragm valve, extending through the surface of the chip body; The air tube extends through the through hole for connection to an external pneumatic device.

6. The microfluidic chip of claim 1, wherein, Both the inlet of the first liquid inlet channel (1) and the inlet of the second liquid inlet channel (4) are equipped with detachable one-way valves.

7. The microfluidic chip of claim 1, wherein, It also includes reagent bottles; The reagent bottle has a connecting part on the outer periphery of the bottle mouth, which is used to connect to the inlet of the first liquid inlet channel (1) or the second liquid inlet channel (4); The reagent bottle has vents on its side, and an air filter membrane is installed inside the vents.

8. The microfluidic chip of claim 7, wherein, The reagent bottle has multiple fan-shaped check valves at the end of the bottle opening.

9. The microfluidic chip of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a battery (12), multiple flow meters and multiple displays (10); Each group has two flow meters, which are respectively installed on the first branch channel (7) and the second inlet channel (4) corresponding to the same fusion chamber (8), and the flow meters are located downstream of the microfluidic valve (5); The battery (12) is located on the chip body and is electrically connected to multiple flow meters; Multiple displays (10) are electrically connected to the battery (12), and each display is electrically connected to a set of flow meters for displaying the flow rate of liquid in the first branch channel (7) and the second inlet channel (4) corresponding to the flow meter.

Images