Multi-index detection microfluidic chip

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of microfluidic chip of multi-index detection, it is related to microfluidic chip field, including chip main body, both sides of chip main body are provided with support groove, the side of chip main body close to support groove is reserved with membrane wall, flow channel dredging assembly for extruding membrane wall is slid in support groove, membrane wall support block for supporting membrane wall is inserted in support groove, membrane wall support block includes the same flexible block of chip main body material quality, the top of flexible block is fixed with hard board, hard board is symmetrically provided with finger mouth, the membrane wall support block and flow channel dredging assembly of the present application can be detached, microfluidic chip can be realized by transverse stretching to increase flow channel caliber to prevent cell mass blockage, can be physically dredged by rolling and crushing mode when plugging occurs, effectively avoid the biological safety risk and chip damage problem brought by traditional high-pressure flushing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of microfluidic chips, and in particular to a microfluidic chip for multi-index detection. Background Technology

[0002] Microfluidic chips recreate the microenvironment of organs using living human cells. They can be used to simulate many different organs and disease states, providing a real-time window into the internal workings of human biology. Microfluidic chips typically consist of a porous membrane that divides the fluid channel into an upper and lower flow channel. Made of a stretchable, transparent, flexible polymer, microfluidic chips allow researchers to observe cellular behavior inside the chip in real time. The membrane allows for cellular communication between the two channels. By stretching the microfluidic chip with mechanical force, researchers can sense forces similar to breathing or peristalsis.

[0003] When simulating organ environments, cultured cells may clump together within the flow channels due to their own adhesion or culture conditions (such as excessively high cell density or poor nutrient solution circulation), especially in areas with slow flow rates or minor defects. These cell clumps gradually increase in size, eventually clogging the flow channels. However, due to the small flow diameter of the channels (the upper flow channel is typically 1mm*1mm, and the lower flow channel is typically 1mm*0.5mm), the microfluidic flow channel size is too small to accommodate any physical cleaning tools such as brushes or cotton swabs. Consequently, traditional cleaning methods are ineffective, and the only option is to mechanically pressurize the flow channels to flush out the blockages. However, this method involves a momentary jet at the flow channel outlet, which diffuses these substances into the surrounding air as aerosols, posing a serious biosafety and cross-contamination risk to researchers, other experimental equipment, and the sterile environment. Excessive pressure may also damage, delaminate, or crack the chip structure (especially the thin-film diaphragm). Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the problem that when microfluidic chips are used in simulated organ environments, cell clumps clog the flow channels, making physical cleaning impossible due to the small size of the flow channels, while high-pressure rinsing poses biosafety risks and may damage the chip structure. Therefore, this invention proposes a microfluidic chip with multi-index detection.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: it includes a chip body, with support grooves on both sides of the chip body, a membrane wall reserved on the side of the chip body near the support groove, a flow channel unblocking component for squeezing the membrane wall slidingly disposed in the support groove, and a membrane wall support block for supporting the membrane wall inserted in the support groove.

[0006] As a further description of the above technical solution: the membrane wall support block includes a flexible block made of the same material as the chip body, and a rigid plate is fixed to the top of the flexible block. The rigid plate has finger openings symmetrically provided.

[0007] As a further description of the above technical solution: the flow channel unblocking component includes a movable block, the movable block being adapted to the width of the support groove, and a plurality of protrusions being fixed on the side of the movable block near the membrane wall.

[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution: the plurality of the protrusions are distributed in a stepped shape.

[0009] As a further description of the above technical solution: the chip body is also provided with a storage slot for storing the flow channel unblocking component.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution: the bottom wall of the support groove is provided with multiple vent holes.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution: the membrane wall is arranged perpendicularly to the porous diaphragm between the upper and lower flow channels.

[0012] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: This application, through a detachable membrane wall support block and a flow channel unblocking component, enables the microfluidic chip to both increase the flow channel diameter through lateral stretching to prevent cell clot blockage and physically unblock it by crushing it when blockage occurs, effectively avoiding the biosafety risks and chip damage problems caused by traditional high-pressure washing. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the chip of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the chip body of this utility model; Figure 4 This utility model Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flow channel unblocking component of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the membrane wall support block structure of this utility model.

[0014] Legend: 10. Chip body; 11. Support groove; 111. Vent hole; 12. Diaphragm; 13. Upper flow channel; 14. Lower flow channel; 15. Membrane wall; 16. Storage tank; 20. Membrane wall support block; 21. Flexible block; 22. Rigid plate; 221. Finger opening; 30. Flow channel unblocking component; 31. Movable block; 32. Protruding strip. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0016] like Figure 1 - Figure 6 As shown, the present invention provides a microfluidic chip for multi-index detection, including a chip body 10. The chip body 10 is provided with support grooves 11 on both sides of the flow channel. A membrane wall 15 is reserved on the side of the chip body 10 near the support groove 11. A flow channel unblocking component 30 for squeezing the membrane wall 15 is slidably disposed in the support groove 11. A membrane wall support block 20 for supporting the membrane wall 15 is inserted in the support groove 11.

[0017] When the membrane wall support block 20 is inserted into the support groove 11, it supports the membrane wall 15 to prevent excessive expansion of the membrane wall 15 under high fluid pressure. When the liquid flows in the upper flow channel 13 and lower flow channel 14 of the chip body 10, the chip body 10 is stretched laterally by mechanical means (including a servo electric cylinder with a clamp), and the direction of the stretching is perpendicular to the direction of the liquid flow. As the chip body 10 is stretched, the gap between the inner wall of the support groove 11 and the membrane wall support block 20 increases due to the stretching action, causing the membrane wall 15 to expand within the gap range. This increases the flow channel diameter of the upper flow channel 13 and lower flow channel 14 when they are performing breathing or peristalsis, thereby reducing the problem of cell clumps clogging the flow channels. When the flow channel is blocked, the membrane support block 20 is removed from the support groove 11, the flow channel unblocking component 30 is inserted into the support groove 11, and the cell clumps are crushed by sliding along the flow direction of the liquid to assist the flow of the liquid in the flow channel and ensure the normal flow of the liquid in the flow channel. At the same time, it avoids the problem of high pressure breaking open the blockage and causing spray contamination of the experimental equipment, or damage to the diaphragm 12 of the chip body 10.

[0018] like Figure 6As shown, the membrane wall support block 20 includes a flexible block 21 made of the same material as the chip body 10. A rigid plate 22 is fixed to the top of the flexible block 21. The rigid plate 22 is made of medical-grade polypropylene. The rigid plate 22 has finger openings 221 symmetrically opened on both sides. By inserting the thumb into the finger opening 221 on one side and the index and middle fingers into the finger opening 221 on the other side, the membrane wall support block 20 can be removed from the support groove 11. At the same time, since the flexible block 21 is made of the same material as the chip body 10, the temperature difference caused by the material difference will not have an unnecessary impact on the flow fluid.

[0019] like Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, the flow channel unblocking component 30 includes a movable block 31. Two movable blocks 31 are fixedly connected by a horizontal plate. Both the movable block 31 and the horizontal plate are made of medical-grade polypropylene. The width of the movable block 31 is adapted to the support groove 11. After the membrane wall support block 20 is removed, the movable block 31 is inserted into the support groove 11 and close to the flow channel inlet side of the chip body 10. Multiple protrusions 32 are fixed on the side of the movable block 31 close to the membrane wall 15. The protrusions 32 are set perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid. The multiple protrusions 32 fixed on the inner wall of the two movable blocks 31 squeeze the membrane wall 15 of the flow channel, and at the same time slide the movable block 31 from the flow channel inlet to the outlet. The protrusions 32 roll and push the flow of fluid in the flow channel, thereby unblocking the flow channel.

[0020] like Figure 5 As shown, multiple protrusions 32 are distributed in a stepped manner, and the protrusions 32 gradually protrude from the front end to the rear end of the moving block 31. The stepped distribution of protrusions 32 allows for a smooth transition when the protrusions 32 roll over the membrane wall 15, avoiding direct rolling that could cause jamming and damage to the membrane wall 15.

[0021] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a storage slot 16 for storing the flow channel unblocking component 30 is also provided on the chip body 10. When the flow channel unblocking component 30 is not in use, the movable block 31 can be inserted into the storage slot 16 for temporary storage.

[0022] like Figure 4 As shown, by providing multiple vent holes 111 on the bottom wall of the support groove 11, when the flexible block 21 is inserted into the support groove 11, the bottom of the flexible block 21 is vented through the vent holes 111, so that the flexible block 21 is assembled into the support groove 11.

[0023] like Figure 4As shown, the membrane wall 15 is vertically arranged with the porous membrane 12 between the upper flow channel 13 and the lower flow channel 14, that is, the side walls of the upper flow channel 13 and the lower flow channel 14 share the membrane wall 15. Thus, when the movable block 31 moves, the membrane walls 15 of the upper flow channel 13 and the lower flow channel 14 can be rolled at the same time.

[0024] Working principle: The fluid enters through the inlets of the upper flow channel 13 and the lower flow channel 14, and cell communication occurs as it passes through the porous septum 12. Researchers observe the area between the two membrane wall support blocks 20.

[0025] When cell clumps become blocked in the upper flow channel 13 and / or the lower flow channel 14, the membrane support block 20 can be removed from the support groove 11. Then, the movable block 31 can be inserted into the support groove 11, close to the inlet side. The chip body 10 is then held down, and the movable block 31 is pushed towards the outlet. Through the rolling action of multiple protrusions 32 on the membrane wall 15, the membrane wall 15 acts on the upper flow channel 13 and the lower flow channel 14, compressing the internal space of the flow channels. This causes the cell clumps to be crushed and squeezed towards the outlet until the movable block 31 reaches the side of the support groove 11 near the outlet. The movable block 31 is then removed and reinserted into the support groove 11. This rolling action is repeated multiple times to clear the blockage in the upper flow channel 13 and the lower flow channel 14.

[0026] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip for multi-index detection, comprising a chip body (10), characterized in that: The chip body (10) has support grooves (11) on both sides. A membrane wall (15) is reserved on the side of the chip body (10) near the support groove (11). A flow channel unblocking component (30) for squeezing the membrane wall (15) is slidably installed in the support groove (11). A membrane wall support block (20) for supporting the membrane wall (15) is inserted in the support groove (11).

2. The microfluidic chip for multi-index detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The membrane support block (20) includes a flexible block (21) made of the same material as the chip body (10). A rigid plate (22) is fixed to the top of the flexible block (21), and finger openings (221) are symmetrically opened on the rigid plate (22).

3. The microfluidic chip for multi-index detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow channel unblocking component (30) includes a movable block (31) that is adapted to the width of the support groove (11). The movable block (31) has a plurality of protrusions (32) fixed on the side of the movable block (31) near the membrane wall (15).

4. A microfluidic chip for multi-index detection according to claim 3, characterized in that, The multiple protrusions (32) are distributed in a stepped manner.

5. A microfluidic chip for multi-index detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chip body (10) is also provided with a storage slot (16) for storing the flow channel unblocking component (30).

6. A microfluidic chip for multi-index detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the support groove (11) is provided with multiple vent holes (111).

7. A microfluidic chip for multi-index detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The membrane wall (15) is perpendicular to the porous membrane (12) between the upper flow channel (13) and the lower flow channel (14).

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