Microfluidic chip and microfluidic device

Abstract

The utility model provides micro -fluidic chip and micro -fluidic equipment, through setting up diluent flow channel in micro -fluidic chip, diluent flow channel communicates with output flow channel, and the position of intercommunication is located between the position of the export and the entrance of output flow channel. Diluent flow channel is configured to introduce diluent, so that the mixture material output by the mixing flow channel can be diluted in real time by the diluent injected on line in the output flow channel. Through this structural arrangement, the diluent flow channel can realize the parallel performance of the fluid dilution process without changing the main flow path of the mixture material, and ultimately obtain the target material after dilution. Compared with the traditional offline dilution mode, the scheme makes the dilution process and the mixing reaction proceed synchronously, eliminates the intermediate transfer and secondary operation, reduces the risk of sample exposure and error accumulation, and improves the material preparation efficiency and product consistency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of microfluidics, and in particular to a microfluidic chip and a microfluidic device. Background Technology

[0002] Microfluidics is an integrated experimental technique based on microscale fluid manipulation, enabling processes such as chemical reactions, sample separation, and biological detection within micrometer-scale channels. This technology miniaturizes traditional laboratory synthesis and analysis operations onto microfluidic chips, reducing reagent consumption and achieving precise control of reaction conditions. Microfluidic chips have demonstrated significant advantages in areas such as the preparation of micrometer and nanometer-scale materials, controlled drug release, and the study of chemical reaction kinetics.

[0003] Improving the fabrication efficiency of microfluidic chips and devices is a topic that the industry needs to consider.

[0004] 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

[0005] In view of the problems in the prior art, the purpose of this utility model is to provide microfluidic chips and microfluidic devices, which overcome the difficulties of the prior art and can solve the technical problem of low product preparation efficiency based on microfluidic technology in related technologies.

[0006] This disclosure provides a microfluidic chip, which includes microchannels;

[0007] The microchannel includes at least two input channels, a mixing channel, a diluent channel, and an output channel. At least two input channels converge into the inlet of the mixing channel, and the outlet of the mixing channel serves as the inlet of the output channel. The diluent channel is connected to the output channel, and the connection point is between the outlet and the inlet of the output channel.

[0008] Optionally, the microchannel includes at least two diluent channels, and the connection points of the at least two diluent channels are arranged along the output channel.

[0009] Optionally, a turbulence structure is provided at the bottom of the output channel, and the turbulence structure is located at or downstream of the connection position.

[0010] Optionally, the turbulence structure includes at least one protrusion, or the turbulence structure includes at least one flow guide pattern.

[0011] Optionally, the protrusion has a projection facing the entrance.

[0012] Optionally, the protrusion is a triangular prism structure, with one side edge connecting the two sides facing the entrance.

[0013] Optionally, the protrusion also has a cylindrical surface facing the outlet.

[0014] Optionally, the turbulence structure includes multiple protrusions that are staggered along the length of the output flow channel.

[0015] Optionally, the output channel is provided with a widening section downstream of the connection position, and the turbulence structure is provided within the widening section.

[0016] Optionally, the depth of the widened section is greater than the depth of its upstream output channel section.

[0017] Optionally, the output channel is also provided with a ramp connecting the upstream portion of the widening section to the widening section.

[0018] Optionally, the widening section includes a transition section that gradually widens downstream from the connection position, a fixed-width section that extends downstream from the transition section, and an output section that gradually narrows downstream from the fixed-width section, with the turbulence structure disposed within the fixed-width section.

[0019] A second aspect of this disclosure provides a microfluidic device, which includes a microfluidic chip according to any of the above embodiments, a first pump connected to each input channel, and a second pump connected to each diluent channel.

[0020] The first pump is used to pump chemical materials into the corresponding input channel, so that different chemical materials in at least two input channels are mixed in the mixing channel to obtain the target material.

[0021] The second pump is used to pump diluent into the output channel to dilute the target material online.

[0022] The microfluidic chip and microfluidic device proposed in this disclosure have the following advantages:

[0023] By incorporating a diluent channel within the microfluidic chip, which connects to the output channel at a location between the outlet and inlet of the output channel, the diluent channel is configured to introduce diluent. This allows the mixture output from the mixing channel to be diluted in real-time by the online-injected diluent. This structural arrangement enables the diluent channel to perform the fluid dilution process in parallel without altering the main flow path of the mixture, ultimately yielding the diluted target material.

[0024] Compared to traditional offline dilution methods, this approach allows the dilution process to occur simultaneously with the mixing reaction, eliminating intermediate transfers and secondary operations, reducing the risk of sample exposure and error accumulation, and improving material preparation efficiency and product consistency.

[0025] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Other features, objects, and advantages of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of a microfluidic chip provided by an embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The front view of the microfluidic chip shown;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of region S1 in the microfluidic chip shown.

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of region S2 in the microfluidic chip shown;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A magnified schematic diagram of region S3 in the microfluidic chip shown.

[0032] Figure 6 This illustration shows an architecture diagram of a microfluidic device provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] 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 examples set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be more comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0034] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore, repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0035] Research on existing microfluidic-based material preparation processes sometimes requires the dilution of the prepared materials. Typically, after the target material is prepared, it is diluted offline using external equipment to meet different concentration requirements for experiments or preparation. This offline dilution method is complex, time-consuming, and the transfer of the target material from the microfluidic device to the external device is detrimental to the automation and continuous processing of the material preparation process.

[0036] Therefore, offline dilution affects the consistency of the prepared materials and the preparation efficiency.

[0037] This disclosure provides an improved microfluidic chip that introduces a diluent during the mixing channel output stage to achieve online dilution and continuous output during the preparation of the target material, thereby improving material preparation efficiency and product consistency.

[0038] Figure 1 A perspective view of a microfluidic chip provided by an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The front view of the microfluidic chip shown is as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the microfluidic chip includes a microchannel 1, which includes at least two input channels 11, a mixing channel 12, a diluent channel 13, and an output channel 14.

[0039] Figure 3 exhibit Figure 2 The enlarged view of region S1 shown in the figure shows that at least two input channels 11 are used to input different reaction liquids or chemical reagents and other chemical materials, and converge into the feed inlet 121 of the mixing channel 12 inside the microfluidic chip. Figure 3 The form of the mixing channel 12 shown in the illustration is merely an example, and the form of the mixing channel 12 is not limited in this disclosure.

[0040] The outlet 122 of the mixing channel 12 is connected to the inlet 141 of the output channel 14. The mixing channel 12 is used to mix and react chemical materials from different input channels 11. The mixed materials output from the mixing channel 12 can directly enter the output channel 14 to continue flowing.

[0041] Figure 4 exhibit Figure 2 A magnified view of the middle region S2, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the diluent channel 13 is connected to the output channel 14, and the connection point is located between the outlet 142 and the inlet 141 of the output channel 14. The diluent channel 13 is configured to introduce diluent, so that the mixture output from the mixing channel 12 can be diluted in real time by the online-injected diluent in the output channel 14.

[0042] like Figures 1-4 As shown, with this structural arrangement, the diluent channel 13 can achieve the parallel execution of the fluid dilution process without changing the main path of the mixture, and finally obtain the diluted target material.

[0043] In this embodiment, by directly connecting the diluent channel 13 to the output channel 14, the mixture output from the mixing channel 12 can be introduced into the diluent as it flows through the output channel 14, achieving online real-time dilution. Compared to traditional offline dilution methods, this approach allows the dilution process to proceed synchronously with the mixing reaction, eliminating intermediate transfers and secondary operations, and reducing the risks of sample exposure and error accumulation.

[0044] Meanwhile, the diluent is injected into the middle section of the output channel 14, allowing it to mix at a rate and direction matching the mainstream flow of the mixture, maintaining fluid continuity and preventing flow field turbulence. This arrangement effectively prevents bubble formation or fluid discontinuity, improving the stability of chemical reactions or particle synthesis processes in the microfluidic system.

[0045] This disclosed embodiment integrates mixing and dilution functions on the same microfluidic chip, eliminating the need for an additional dilution module or manual operation. The entire flow process in the microchannel is continuous and automated, significantly improving material preparation efficiency, and is particularly suitable for scenarios requiring large-scale, continuous production of nanomaterials and synthesis of drug carriers.

[0046] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the diluent channel 13 is integrated with the output channel 14 through micromachining technology, and the connection angle can be selected according to the material viscosity or flow rate to obtain the best dilution and mixing effect.

[0047] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the microchannel 1 includes at least two diluent channels 13, with a first diluent channel 13a and a second diluent channel 13b being exemplary examples. Both of the at least two diluent channels 13 are connected to the output channel 14, and their connection points are spaced apart along the length of the output channel 14.

[0048] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the connection position A1 of the first diluent flow channel 13a is close to the inlet 141 of the output flow channel 14, and the connection position A2 of the second diluent flow channel 13b is close to the middle and downstream part of the output flow channel 14. A certain distance can be set between the two to form a multi-segment dilution zone.

[0049] In practical applications, the first diluent channel 13a can be used for primary dilution to reduce the concentration gradient of the mixture, while the second diluent channel 13b can further dilute the partially diluted fluid to obtain a more accurate target concentration.

[0050] This arrangement can create a gradient dilution zone in the output channel 14, which facilitates dynamic control of chemical reaction rate, nanoparticle nucleation rate or drug carrier formation conditions.

[0051] Optionally, one, three, or more diluent channels can be provided along the output flow path, allowing the diluent to be injected in multiple segments along the output path. The flow rate of each diluent channel can be independently controlled to create different dilution ratios, achieving linear or exponential control of the output liquid concentration, suitable for applications requiring multi-stage dilution or gradient experiments.

[0052] The embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the shape of the diluent flow channel 13, and can be set according to the specific application scenario and the layout of the microfluidic device.

[0053] Figure 5 for Figure 1 An enlarged view of region S3 is shown below. Figure 5 As shown, a turbulence structure 15 is provided at the bottom of the output channel 14. The turbulence structure 15 can be provided at the connection position A1 between the diluent channel 13 and the output channel 14 (actually the connection position between the first diluent channel 13a and the output channel 14), or in the downstream region of the connection position A1.

[0054] The turbulence structure 15 is used to generate local disturbances when the diluent and the mixture flow through this location after mixing, thereby changing the mainstream direction and velocity distribution of the mixture fluid, breaking the laminar flow state, and thus enhancing the mixing effect of the diluent and the mixture.

[0055] Optionally, the turbulence structure 15 includes at least one protrusion 151. Alternatively, the turbulence structure may include at least one flow guide pattern.

[0056] When the turbulence structure includes at least one protrusion 151, the protrusion 151 extends upward from the bottom of the output channel 14. When the turbulence structure includes guide patterns, the guide patterns are distributed in a spiral or wavy pattern on the bottom wall of the output channel 14 to guide the liquid to generate transverse vortices when the mixture flows.

[0057] In alternative implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the protrusion 151 has a protrusion 151a facing the inlet 141 of the outlet flow channel 14. The protrusion 151a can form a local reverse flow guidance zone to disperse the mainstream velocity of the mixed fluid, so that the diluent is repeatedly exchanged between the flow field center and the boundary layer region, thereby improving the uniformity of dilution.

[0058] In one implementation, the protrusion 151a has a triangular prism structure, with one side edge 1511 connecting to the two side surfaces 1512 facing the inlet 141 of the output channel 14. The triangular prism structure has a triangular cross-section perpendicular to the height of the protrusion 151. Through the sharp edge effect of the triangular prism structure, the mixture will form a local shear layer and a wake region at the side edge 1511, generating vortex flow, thereby further enhancing the turbulence effect and material mixing effect.

[0059] The side edge 1511 can be a rounded chamfer or a sharp corner.

[0060] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the protrusion 151 further has a cylindrical surface 1513 facing the outlet 142 of the output channel 14, which is used to smooth the flow field when the mixture leaves the area of ​​the protrusion 151, reduce pressure loss, and prevent bubbles or flow resistance caused by excessive turbulence.

[0061] Alternatively, the protrusion can also be in the shape of a cylinder, a triangular prism, a hemisphere, a serrated edge, etc.

[0062] In one implementation, such as Figure 5 As shown, the turbulence structure 15 includes a plurality of protrusions 151, with three protrusions exemplarily shown. The plurality of protrusions 151 are staggered along the length of the output flow channel 14, for example, in a zigzag or spiral arrangement.

[0063] This staggered arrangement creates interlaced vortices downstream of the fluid, periodically dividing and recombining the main stream, thereby further enhancing local mixing and enabling the diluent and sample solution to be rapidly and uniformly distributed over a shorter distance. Under high-throughput dilution conditions, this structure can significantly improve dilution efficiency and prevent uneven dilution caused by fluid stagnation in localized areas, thus achieving large-scale mixing and flow field homogenization. It is suitable for dilution of high-concentration or high-viscosity sample solutions.

[0064] In an optional configuration, the spacing and height between adjacent protrusions 151 can be set according to the flow ratio of the diluent to the sample solution.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, in an optional embodiment, the output channel 14 is provided with a widening section 16 downstream of the connection position A1, and the turbulence structure 15 is disposed within the widening section 16. The length direction of the widening section 16 of the output channel 14 is partially connected to the upstream output channel, forming a local lateral expansion area, the cross-sectional width of which is greater than the width of the upstream output channel.

[0066] By forming a local lateral expansion region in the widening section 16, the mainstream linear velocity can be reduced, thereby expanding the disturbance range of the turbulence structure 15, so that the diluent and the mixture can be more fully mixed and diluted under the disturbance of the turbulence structure 15.

[0067] Optionally, the widening section 16 can be a single-segment structure or a multi-segment structure. The turbulence structure 15 set in each widening section can be the same or different in shape to meet the flow field distribution requirements under different dilution concentrations.

[0068] In this embodiment, the depth of the widened section 16 is greater than the depth of its upstream output channel portion, which can create a longitudinal velocity gradient within the fluid, inducing shearing action between the upper and lower fluid layers, thereby further promoting three-dimensional mixing of the diluent and the mixture. This structure is particularly effective when diluting high-concentration sample solutions, and can significantly improve the problem of insufficient mixing in traditional planar channels.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, to achieve a smooth transition in channel depth, a ramp 17 is provided within the output channel 14 connecting the upstream output channel portion of the widening section 16 to the widening section 16. This ramp 17 ensures a smooth transition in channel dimensions, preventing backflow or bubbles at abrupt changes in cross-section. When the mixture enters the widening section 16 from the connecting position A1, the ramp 17 guides the streamlines to gradually unfold, allowing the diluent and mixture to enter the main mixing zone in a more stable manner. Combined with the disturbance of the bottom turbulence structure 15, uniform diffusion and efficient dilution of the flow field can be achieved. This allows the mixture to gradually enter the widening section 16, avoiding stratification or backflow caused by abrupt changes and ensuring the stability of fluid disturbance. The ramp 17 gradually expands or deepens from upstream to downstream.

[0070] This ramp design enables stable fluid dilution at lower driving pressures, making it suitable for continuous dilution scenarios.

[0071] In this disclosure, such as Figure 5 As shown, the widening section 16 includes a transition section 161 that gradually widens downstream from the connection position A1, a fixed-width section 162 that extends downstream from the transition section 161, and an output section 163 that gradually narrows downstream from the fixed-width section 162. The turbulence structure 15 is disposed within the fixed-width section 162.

[0072] The transition section 161 gradually widens from the connecting position A1 to buffer the inlet flow rate; the fixed width section 162 maintains a constant width to form the main dilution zone; and the output section 163 gradually converges to the standard flow channel cross section to discharge the diluted and uniformly mixed material.

[0073] The turbulence structure 15 is located at the bottom of the fixed width portion 162. The flow velocity distribution is uniform and the residence time is relatively long at this location, which is conducive to the continuous turbulence and stratification effect of the turbulence structure 15, thereby improving the stability and repeatability of dilution.

[0074] Through the above three-stage design, the flow field distribution during the dilution process is more controllable, which not only ensures the accurate achievement of the target dilution ratio, but also reduces the concentration fluctuation caused by inlet impact.

[0075] This disclosure also provides a microfluidic device. Figure 6The diagram shows the architecture of the microfluidic device, which includes a microfluidic chip 10, a first pump 20, and a second pump 30.

[0076] The microfluidic chip 10 may adopt the structure of the microfluidic chip described in any of the foregoing embodiments, that is, including at least two input channels 11, a mixing channel 12, a diluent channel 13 and an output channel 14.

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown, each input channel 11 is connected to a corresponding first pump 20 via a pipeline. The first pump 20 is used to pump different kinds of chemical materials (such as reactants, reducing agents, dispersants or co-solutions, etc.) into the microfluidic chip 10 at a set flow rate and pressure, so that different materials form a controlled mixed flow in the mixing channel 12 to generate the target material.

[0078] Optionally, the first pump 20 may be a peristaltic pump, a syringe pump, or an electric micro-pump to ensure the controllability and stability of the material delivery flow.

[0079] Each diluent channel 13 is connected via a pipe to a corresponding second pump 30. The second pump 30 is used to inject diluent into the output channel 14 to achieve online dilution after the mixture leaves the mixing channel 12.

[0080] Alternatively, the diluent may be deionized water, an organic solvent, a buffer solution, or a system-matched solution, depending on the characteristics of the synthesized material.

[0081] During operation of the microfluidic device, the first pump 20 injects different types of chemical materials into the input channel 11 at a set flow rate. These chemical materials undergo a controlled mixing reaction within the mixing channel 12 to generate the target material. The target material exits through the outlet 122 of the mixing channel 12 (e.g., Figure 3 (As shown) enters the output channel 14.

[0082] At the same time, the second pump 30 injects the diluent from the diluent channel 13 to the connection position of the output channel 14 at a set flow rate, so that the diluent and the target material flow and mix synchronously in the output channel 14, thereby achieving real-time online dilution.

[0083] By adjusting the flow rate of the second pump 30, the flow ratio of the diluent to the target material can be dynamically changed, thereby flexibly controlling the concentration or particle size characteristics of the output mixture. For example, when the target material is a nanoparticle suspension, increasing the flow rate of the diluent can prevent the nanoparticles from agglomerating at the outlet of the flow channel; when the target material is a high-concentration reaction solution, appropriate dilution can prevent adhesion or blockage during subsequent collection and drying processes.

[0084] The microfluidic device provided in this embodiment configures a diluent passage at the output channel 14 of the microfluidic chip 10 and adopts a dual-pump structure to achieve fluid ratio control, thereby realizing online automatic dilution and stable mixing output of the mixture without manual intervention, significantly reducing sample transfer loss and cross-contamination, and improving preparation efficiency and target material consistency.

[0085] The embodiments disclosed herein are applicable to scenarios such as micro / nano particle preparation, drug carrier formation, biochemical reaction dilution, and post-chemical synthesis processing, and can improve the continuity and industrial feasibility of material preparation.

[0086] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the utility models disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip, characterized in that, Including microchannels; The microchannel includes at least two input channels, a mixing channel, a diluent channel, and an output channel. The at least two input channels converge into the inlet of the mixing channel, and the outlet of the mixing channel serves as the inlet of the output channel. The diluent channel is connected to the output channel at a location between the outlet of the output channel and the inlet.

2. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microchannel includes at least two diluent channels, and the connection points of the at least two diluent channels are arranged along the output channel.

3. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, A turbulence structure is provided at the bottom of the output channel, and the turbulence structure is located at or downstream of the connection position.

4. The microfluidic chip according to claim 3, characterized in that, The turbulence structure includes at least one protrusion, or the turbulence structure includes at least one flow-guiding pattern.

5. The microfluidic chip according to claim 4, characterized in that, The protrusion has a projection facing the entrance.

6. The microfluidic chip according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protrusion is a triangular prism structure, with one side edge connecting to the two side surfaces facing the entrance.

7. The microfluidic chip according to claim 5, characterized in that, The protrusion also has a cylindrical surface facing the outlet.

8. The microfluidic chip according to claim 4, characterized in that, The turbulence structure includes a plurality of protrusions, which are staggered along the length of the output channel.

9. The microfluidic chip according to claim 3, characterized in that, The output channel has a widened section downstream of the connection point, and the turbulence structure is disposed within the widened section.

10. The microfluidic chip according to claim 9, characterized in that, The depth of the widened section is greater than the depth of the upstream output channel section.

11. The microfluidic chip according to claim 9, characterized in that, The output channel is also provided with a ramp connecting the upstream portion of the widened section to the widened section.

12. The microfluidic chip according to claim 9, characterized in that, The widening section includes a transition section that gradually widens downstream from the connection position, a fixed-width section that extends downstream from the transition section, and an output section that gradually narrows downstream from the fixed-width section, with the turbulence structure disposed within the fixed-width section.

13. A microfluidic device, characterized in that, Includes the microfluidic chip according to any one of claims 1-12, a first pump connected to each of the input channels, and a second pump connected to each of the diluent channels; The first pump is used to pump chemical materials into the corresponding input channel, so that different chemical materials in at least two input channels are mixed in the mixing channel to obtain the target material; The second pump is used to pump diluent into the output channel to dilute the target material online.

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