Microfluidic mixing device

Abstract

The utility model relates to fluid mixing technical field provides microfluidic mixing equipment, include: microfluidic chip;Peristaltic pump device is connected microfluidic chip through fluid pipeline;Flow detection device is arranged between peristaltic pump device and microfluidic chip;And prevent running pipe device, sets up in the input and / or output of peristaltic pump device, and each prevent running pipe device includes support seat and with the clamping frame of support seat connection, and clamping frame holds fluid pipeline. The utility model adopts peristaltic pump device to satisfy disposable use and low -cost requirement, adopts flow detection device to provide data basis for flow calibration, pulse suppression etc. Control, and prevent running pipe device prevents the fluid pipeline from happening to run, from getting out and so on and leads to the fluid pipeline to run away, guarantees the stability and reliability of fluid pipeline, guarantees the flow stability of conveying to microfluidic chip, and then promotes the mixing precision and efficiency of microfluidic mixing equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fluid mixing technology, and more specifically, to microfluidic mixing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Microfluidic mixing technology has wide applications in biopharmaceuticals, chemical synthesis, and other fields. In scenarios where the purity of fluids and the avoidance of cross-contamination are extremely critical (such as the preparation of personalized cancer vaccines (PCVs), the fluid path must be single-use.

[0003] Centrifugal pumps can be used for fluid transfer, but they require frequent replacement of expensive pump chambers, resulting in high costs and making large-scale application difficult.

[0004] Using a low-cost peristaltic pump allows for isolation between the pump body and the fluid, enabling single-use applications with only the piping replaced. However, peristaltic pumps exhibit pulsation, requiring pulsation suppression management to prevent flow fluctuations. Furthermore, the compression of the piping by the peristaltic pump can easily cause pipe misalignment, affecting the stability and efficiency of the mixing process.

[0005] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this utility model, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention provides a microfluidic mixing device that uses a peristaltic pump to meet the requirements of single use and low cost, and employs anti-pipe-running devices and other structures to ensure the stability and reliability of fluid delivery.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a microfluidic mixing device is provided, comprising: a microfluidic chip; a peristaltic pump device connected to the microfluidic chip via a fluid conduit; a flow detection device disposed between the peristaltic pump device and the microfluidic chip; and a tube-running prevention device disposed at the input end and / or output end of the peristaltic pump device, each tube-running prevention device comprising a support base and a clamping frame connected to the support base, the clamping frame clamping the fluid conduit.

[0008] In some embodiments, the clamping frame is provided with a U-shaped groove, the bottom of which clamps the fluid conduit, and the opening of the U-shaped groove is provided with a protruding structure for limiting the fluid conduit.

[0009] In some embodiments, the clamping frame is provided with a pin and is inserted into a slot in the support base via the pin.

[0010] In some embodiments, the fluid pipeline includes: two pump pipes, each peristaltic pump device is equipped with two pump pipes; a manifold, to which the two pump pipes of each peristaltic pump device converge; and a tee pipe, connecting the two pump pipes and the manifold; wherein each clamp is provided with two U-shaped grooves for clamping the two pump pipes respectively.

[0011] In some embodiments, the flow detection device includes a clamping device for clamping the fluid conduit and a non-contact flow sensor disposed in the clamping device; wherein the peristaltic pump device and the microfluidic chip are equipped with soft fluid conduit, and the flow detection device is equipped with hard fluid conduit, wherein the hardness of the hard fluid conduit is greater than the hardness of the soft fluid conduit.

[0012] In some embodiments, the material of the flexible fluid conduit is selected from any one of silicone, silicone rubber, fluororubber, polyethylene, thermoplastic polyester resin, and thermoplastic elastomer; the material of the rigid fluid conduit is selected from any one of polytetrafluoroethylene, fusible polytetrafluoroethylene, and fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer.

[0013] In some embodiments, both the soft fluid conduit and the hard fluid conduit are transparent conduits.

[0014] In some embodiments, the microfluidic chip has multiple fluid inlets; the peristaltic pump device includes multiple devices, each connected to the multiple fluid inlets via corresponding fluid lines, wherein the anti-run-out device is provided at the input and output ends of each peristaltic pump device, and the flow detection device is provided between each peristaltic pump device and the corresponding fluid inlet.

[0015] In some embodiments, the microfluidic mixing device further includes: a base; a cover plate closably connected to the base; wherein the peristaltic pump device, the anti-run-out device, the flow detection device, and the microfluidic chip are all disposed on the base; a controller disposed on the base and communicatively connected to the peristaltic pump device and the flow detection device; and a display panel disposed on the base and communicatively connected to the controller.

[0016] In some embodiments, the microfluidic mixing device is configured as a lipid nanoparticle preparation device.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model compared with the prior art include at least the following:

[0018] The microfluidic mixing device provided by this invention achieves fluid isolation from the pump body through a peristaltic pump, meeting the requirements for single-use. In different fluid mixing scenarios, the pump body of the peristaltic pump can be reused, requiring only the fluid tubing to be replaced, thus significantly reducing operating costs. A flow detection device monitors the flow rate in the fluid tubing, providing a data basis for flow calibration, pulse suppression, and other controls, compensating for the accuracy deficiencies caused by the inherent pulsation of the peristaltic pump. An anti-drift device is fixed to the device body via a support base and clamps the fluid tubing with a clamping frame, effectively preventing displacement or detachment of the fluid tubing due to peristaltic pump roller compression and tubing deformation, ensuring the stability and reliability of the fluid tubing, guaranteeing stable flow to the microfluidic chip, and thereby improving the mixing accuracy and efficiency of the microfluidic mixing device.

[0019] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments conforming to the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This diagram shows the overall structure of the microfluidic mixing device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This diagram shows the assembly structure of the peristaltic pump device and the anti-run-out tube device of the microfluidic mixing device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This diagram shows an exploded view of the peristaltic pump device and the anti-runaway tube device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the base of the microfluidic mixing device in an embodiment of this utility model is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the present invention more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0026] The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore, repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, the term "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be a connection within two components.

[0028] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments of this utility model and the features in different embodiments can be combined with each other. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0029] Figure 1 The overall structure of the microfluidic mixing device is illustrated. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the assembly structure of the peristaltic pump and anti-run-out device in a microfluidic mixing device. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the disassembled structure of the peristaltic pump device and the anti-runaway tube device; combined with Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the microfluidic mixing device provided in this embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0030] Microfluidic chip 100;

[0031] The peristaltic pump device 200 is connected to the microfluidic chip 100 via a fluid pipeline;

[0032] A flow detection device 300 is disposed between the peristaltic pump device 200 and the microfluidic chip 100;

[0033] The anti-run-out device 400 is installed at the input end 200a and / or output end 200b of the peristaltic pump device 200. Each anti-run-out device 400 includes a support base 410 and a clamping frame 420 connected to the support base 410. The clamping frame 420 clamps the fluid pipeline.

[0034] The microfluidic mixing device provided by this utility model achieves fluid isolation from the pump body through a peristaltic pump device 200, meeting the requirements for single-use. In different fluid mixing scenarios, the pump body of the peristaltic pump device 200 can be reused, requiring only the fluid pipeline to be replaced, significantly reducing operating costs. The flow detection device 300 is used to monitor the flow rate in the fluid pipeline, providing a data basis for flow calibration, pulse suppression, and other controls, compensating for the accuracy defects caused by the inherent pulsation of the peristaltic pump device 200. The anti-drift device 400 is fixed to the device body by a support base 410 and clamps the fluid pipeline by a clamping frame 420, effectively preventing the fluid pipeline from shifting or slipping due to peristaltic pump roller compression and pipeline deformation, ensuring the stability and reliability of the fluid pipeline, guaranteeing a stable flow rate delivered to the microfluidic chip 100, and thus improving the mixing accuracy and efficiency of the microfluidic mixing device.

[0035] In some embodiments, the clamping frame 420 is provided with a U-shaped groove, the bottom 421 of the U-shaped groove clamps the fluid pipeline, and the opening of the U-shaped groove is provided with a protrusion structure 422 for limiting the fluid pipeline.

[0036] The bottom 421 of the U-shaped groove adapts to the shape of the pipeline, providing a clamping effect to prevent local compression deformation of the pipeline and avoid pulling or shifting the fluid pipeline. The protruding structure 422 at the opening of the U-shaped groove provides a limiting effect to prevent the fluid pipeline from falling out of the U-shaped groove. In this way, the U-shaped groove effectively ensures the stability of the fluid pipeline position and improves reliability. In other embodiments, clamping grooves of other shapes that can stably clamp the flow pipeline can also be provided.

[0037] In some embodiments, the clamp 420 is provided with a pin 424 and is inserted into a slot in the support 410 via the pin 424.

[0038] The connection between the pin 424 and the slot facilitates precise alignment between the clamp 420 and the support 410, improving usability. It also enables quick assembly and disassembly of the clamp 420 and the support 410, facilitating fluid pipeline replacement and allowing for single-use operation. In some embodiments, the pin 424 and the slot can be connected via a resilient snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0039] In some embodiments, the fluid pipeline includes: two pump pipes 510, each peristaltic pump device 200 is provided with two pump pipes 510; a manifold 520, to which the two pump pipes 510 of each peristaltic pump device 200 converge; and a tee pipe 530, connected between the two pump pipes 510 and the manifold 520; wherein each clamping frame 420 is provided with two U-shaped grooves for clamping the two pump pipes 510 respectively.

[0040] Each peristaltic pump device 200 is equipped with two pump tubes 510, which facilitates the mutual cancellation of periodic flow pulsations in the two pump tubes 510, thereby reducing flow fluctuations in the manifold 520 and ensuring stable flow to the microfluidic chip 100. Each clamp 420 is equipped with two U-shaped grooves to stably clamp the two pump tubes 510 respectively, ensuring the stability and reliability of each pump tube 510. In addition, a T-connector 530 is used to achieve a smooth connection between the two pump tubes 510 and the manifold 520.

[0041] In some embodiments, the flow detection device 300 includes a clamping device for clamping a fluid line and a non-contact flow sensor disposed in the clamping device.

[0042] By employing non-contact flow sensors (such as ultrasonic flow sensors), accurate measurement of fluid flow can be achieved without penetrating the fluid pipeline. This meets the requirements of sterility and contamination-free fluid paths for single-use applications. Furthermore, non-contact flow sensors can be reused in scenarios involving the mixing of different fluids, effectively reducing costs. A clamping device ensures a constant relative position between the non-contact flow sensor and the fluid pipeline, eliminating measurement errors caused by installation deviations and thus guaranteeing the accuracy of flow detection data.

[0043] In some embodiments, the peristaltic pump device 200 and the microfluidic chip 100 are equipped with soft fluid lines, and the flow detection device 300 is equipped with hard fluid lines, wherein the hardness of the hard fluid lines is greater than that of the soft fluid lines.

[0044] Soft fluid tubing is suitable for the extrusion deformation of peristaltic pumps, ensuring pumping efficiency, and can be bent to fit the fluid inlet position of the microfluidic chip 100. The bend can be fixed by a limiting plate 550. Rigid fluid tubing is used in the flow detection section, utilizing its non-deformable properties to provide a stable acoustic window for non-contact flow detection such as ultrasonic flow detection, thereby ensuring flow detection accuracy. The hardness of the fluid tubing is, for example, Shore hardness.

[0045] In some embodiments, the material of the flexible fluid conduit is selected from any one of silicone, silicone rubber, fluororubber, polyethylene, thermoplastic polyester resin, and thermoplastic elastomer, possessing good elastic recovery and fatigue resistance to withstand repeated compression by the peristaltic pump device 200. For example, in some specific examples, platinum-cured silicone tubing, TYGON tubing, BPT tubing, etc., can be selected as flexible fluid conduits for the peristaltic pump device 200. In practical applications, the flexible fluid conduit with the least deformation can be selected. The material of the rigid fluid conduit is selected from any one of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fusible polytetrafluoroethylene (PFA), and fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), possessing a certain rigidity to maintain shape stability and meeting curvature requirements to facilitate accurate flow detection.

[0046] In some embodiments, both the flexible and rigid fluid lines are transparent, facilitating visual management of the entire fluid delivery process by operators or visual sensors. This allows for the rapid detection of anomalies such as bubbles, particulate contaminants, or fluid stratification, improving the process controllability and safety of the microfluidic mixing equipment. The flexible and rigid fluid lines can be reliably and transparently connected using a UV-curing adhesive bonding process.

[0047] In some embodiments, the microfluidic chip 100 has multiple fluid inlets; the peristaltic pump device 200 includes multiple devices, each connected to the multiple fluid inlets through corresponding fluid lines, wherein each peristaltic pump device 200 is equipped with an anti-run-out device 400 at its input end 200a and output end 200b, and each peristaltic pump device 200 is equipped with a flow detection device 300 between itself and its corresponding fluid inlet.

[0048] Multiple peristaltic pump units 200 can provide multiple independent fluid drive sources. Corresponding fluid pipelines and anti-runaway devices 400 ensure the physical stability of each independent flow path. Corresponding flow detection devices 300 achieve precise and independent monitoring of the fluid input for each path, providing a data foundation for accurate mixing ratio control. This is achieved by configuring multiple independent pumping-anti-runaway-monitoring units (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The diagram shows four sets of pumping-anti-run-tube-monitoring units (but not limited to these), which realize multi-fluid expansion capability. It can flexibly deliver a variety of different microfluidics to the microfluidic chip 100 according to the mixing needs, meet the process requirements of complex formulations (such as lipid nanoparticle preparation), and enable the microfluidic mixing equipment to be adapted to a variety of R&D and production scenarios.

[0049] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the structure of the base of the microfluidic mixing device, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the microfluidic mixing device further includes: a base 800; a cover plate 900, which is closably connected to the base 800; wherein the peristaltic pump device 200, the anti-run-out device 400, the flow detection device 300, and the microfluidic chip 100 are all disposed on the base 800; a controller, disposed on the base 800, and communicatively connected to the peristaltic pump device 200 and the flow detection device 300; and a display panel 880, disposed on the base 800, and communicatively connected to the controller.

[0050] The core components of the microfluidic mixing device are integrated on the base 800, ensuring the precision and stability of their relative positions. This reduces the risk of misalignment due to external vibration or handling, improving reliability and making the device suitable for stable and repeated use in laboratory or industrial environments. The openable cover 900 allows for closure during device operation, preventing accidental contact or pipe detachment due to accidental pulling, thus enhancing safety. The cover 900 can be opened for convenient operation when changing fluid lines or monitoring flow rates. The cover 900 and base 800 are connected via a hinge for easy opening and closing.

[0051] The controller can receive feedback signals from the flow detection device 300 and adjust the speed of the peristaltic pump device 200 according to the set value or the control value input by the user in real time, realizing closed-loop control of the flow rate, thereby actively compensating for pulsations and deviations and achieving high-precision mixing. The display panel 880 serves as a human-machine interface, visualizing the internal status of the system (such as real-time flow, alarm information, and operating parameters) and providing an input interface for the user, making the setting of equipment parameters and process monitoring intuitive and convenient. By integrating the controller and display panel 880, the system achieves control and adjustment of the mixing process (such as pump speed and flow rate), real-time parameter display, and system status monitoring, improving the automation level of the microfluidic mixing equipment and the user experience, facilitating human-machine interaction and intelligent control.

[0052] In addition, some safety and interaction buttons can be set on the side of the base 800, such as power switch 810, emergency stop button 820, USB connector 830, etc.

[0053] In some embodiments, the microfluidic mixing device is configured as a lipid nanoparticle preparation device, for example, it can be used for the preparation of personalized tumor vaccines (PCVs), meeting the preparation requirements of stable tubing connections, single use without cross-contamination, and high-precision mixing.

[0054] In summary, the microfluidic mixing device based on a peristaltic pump provided by this utility model has the following advantages:

[0055] In terms of single-use and cost control, a peristaltic pump device 200 is used as the drive core to construct a single-use fluid pipeline, isolating the fluid from the pump body. Compared with the centrifugal pump solution, this utility model only requires replacing the low-cost fluid pipeline, significantly reducing consumable costs, and avoiding cross-contamination between different batches of fluid, meeting the stringent requirements of single-use and sterile and pollution-free conditions in the biopharmaceutical field such as personalized tumor vaccines.

[0056] Regarding operational stability and mixing accuracy, this invention employs an anti-pipe slippage device 400. Through the cooperation of the clamping frame 420 and the support base 410, it effectively prevents pipe misalignment and detachment caused by pump head compression, achieving stable fluid delivery. This invention can also utilize a two-phase or multi-phase peristaltic pump to compensate for inherent pulsations through phase difference, achieving smooth flow output. Furthermore, this invention uses a combination of a non-contact flow sensor and rigid piping, achieving high-precision real-time flow monitoring while meeting the requirements for single-use, providing a data foundation for stable flow control.

[0057] In addition, this utility model is equipped with multiple independent pumping-anti-pipe running-monitoring units, which can adapt to the process requirements of various fluid components and different mixing formulas.

[0058] Finally, it should be noted that the above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of the present invention to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A microfluidic mixing device, characterized in that, include: Microfluidic chips; The peristaltic pump device is connected to the microfluidic chip via a fluid pipeline; A flow detection device is disposed between the peristaltic pump device and the microfluidic chip; as well as An anti-run-out device is provided at the input end and / or output end of the peristaltic pump device. Each anti-run-out device includes a support base and a clamping frame connected to the support base, the clamping frame clamping the fluid pipeline.

2. The microfluidic mixing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping frame is provided with a U-shaped groove, the bottom of which clamps the fluid pipeline, and the opening of the U-shaped groove is provided with a protruding structure to limit the fluid pipeline.

3. The microfluidic mixing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping frame is provided with a pin and is inserted into the slot of the support base through the pin.

4. The microfluidic mixing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid pipeline includes: Two pump lines are provided for each peristaltic pump unit; The manifold connects the two pump pipes of each peristaltic pump unit. A three-way pipe is connected between the two pump pipes and the manifold. Each clamping frame is provided with two U-shaped grooves that respectively clamp the two pump pipes.

5. The microfluidic mixing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow detection device includes a clamping device for holding the fluid pipeline and a non-contact flow sensor disposed in the clamping device; The peristaltic pump device and the microfluidic chip are equipped with soft fluid tubing, while the flow detection device is equipped with hard fluid tubing, wherein the hardness of the hard fluid tubing is greater than that of the soft fluid tubing.

6. The microfluidic mixing device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The material of the flexible fluid conduit is selected from any one of silicone, silicone rubber, fluororubber, polyethylene, thermoplastic polyester resin, and thermoplastic elastomer. The material of the rigid fluid conduit is selected from any one of polytetrafluoroethylene, fusible polytetrafluoroethylene, and fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer.

7. The microfluidic mixing device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Both the soft fluid pipeline and the hard fluid pipeline are transparent pipelines.

8. The microfluidic mixing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The microfluidic chip has multiple fluid inlets; The peristaltic pump device includes multiple units, each connected to the multiple fluid inlets via corresponding fluid pipelines. Each peristaltic pump device is equipped with the anti-run-out device at both its input and output ends, and each peristaltic pump device is equipped with the flow detection device between itself and its corresponding fluid inlet.

9. The microfluidic mixing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Base; A cover plate, which can be opened and closed, is connected to the base; The peristaltic pump device, the anti-run tube device, the flow detection device, and the microfluidic chip are all mounted on the base. The controller is mounted on the base and is communicatively connected to the peristaltic pump device and the flow detection device. The display panel is mounted on the base and is communicatively connected to the controller.

10. The microfluidic mixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The microfluidic mixing device is configured as a lipid nanoparticle preparation device.

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