Device for fluid contacting fluidic systems

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for fluid contacting of a fluidic system (30), in particular a microfluidic chip (30), wherein the device (1) has a connector (10) and a sealing element (20) and wherein the fluidic system (30) has a fluidic channel (31) and an opening (35).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for fluid contacting fluidic systems, in particular a microfluidic chip, comprising a connector and a sealing element. The invention further relates to a fluidic system comprising the device for fluid contacting. State of the art

[0002] Fluid contacting, i.e., the fluidic connection of (micro)fluidic systems that can replicate the channels and functions of a lab-on-a-chip, is a necessary task when liquids, such as reagents, are to be introduced into this system. Several boundary conditions often need to be met. This means the connection must be reversible and detachable to allow it to be connected to another system. Furthermore, the fluid contacting must be reliable and fluid-tight, i.e., leak-free. In addition, the fluid contacting should be bubble-free to prevent unwanted air and / or gas bubbles from entering the system.

[0003] Ensuring bubble-free and leak-proof connections are a demanding task, especially if the fluidic connection needs to be disconnected temporarily. This may be necessary when the fluidic system is to be connected to another tubing system or when it needs to be used and / or transported temporarily without external fluidic contact. One possible application is to examine the system more closely under a microscope and / or to place it in a temperature chamber. For this purpose, the connected tubing system should be able to be disconnected without any fluid leakage or gas, such as air, entering the system, while conversely, the system should also be able to be reconnected fluidically.

[0004] A common method in the prior art is to glue a component to the system, which makes the connection difficult to disconnect and can lead to unintended contact between the adhesive and the liquid. Another weakness of these systems is that reversible disconnection is not possible. The problem of a reversible connection was addressed in the prior art using a plug-in connector. Another reversible connection method known in the prior art is a screw connection; however, this requires integrating a thread into the system, resulting in increased costs due to the more complex manufacturing process.A variety of devices for fluid contacting (micro)fluidic systems are already known from the prior art, primarily based on various plug-in and / or screw-in systems with the aforementioned disadvantages. A further disadvantage of these plug-in and / or screw-in systems is ensuring the tightness of the connection, which can only be guaranteed as long as the systems are closed and vented. Disclosure of the invention

[0005] The device and the (micro)fluidic system according to the invention offer a solution for fluid contacting, i.e., establishing and disconnecting a fluidic connection as required, without undesired fluid leakage and / or the ingress of gas, such as air. This is achieved by a connector and a sealing element suitable for the releasable fluidic connection with the connector, wherein, due to its rotatable mounting in an opening of the (micro)fluidic system, the connector can reliably close or open the fluidic channels of the system when inserted into and withdrawn from the sealing element.

[0006] Against the background of the above explanations, a device for fluid contacting a (micro)fluidic system, in particular a microfluidic chip such as a lab-on-a-chip, is proposed according to the invention, wherein the device comprises at least one connector and at least one sealing element. The system has at least one fluidic channel and at least one opening. The connector has an inlet, an outlet, and a contact area. The sealing element has an inlet opening suitable for connection, in particular a fluid-tight and detachable connection, with the contact area of ​​the connector, as well as at least one, preferably two, three, four, five, six, or more, identically or differently configured, sealing elements for connection with the (micro)fluidic system and at least one side wall having an outlet opening. The sealing element can be arranged in the region of the opening.The sealing element and the connector can be rotated between an open and a closed position for fluid contact. In the open position, the connector outlet, the sealing element outlet, and the fluidic channel can be connected to each other in a fluid-tight manner.

[0007] In other words, this means that the device according to the invention consists of at least two different elements, namely the plug and the sealing element which can be arranged in the opening of the microfluidic system and rotatably mounted therein between an open position and a closed position, and which, in the open position, can establish the connection between the plug outlet and the fluidic channel in the microfluidic system due to the connection between the outlet of the plug, the outlet opening of the sealing element and the fluidic channel.

[0008] The term "(micro)fluidic system" is understandable to a person skilled in the art and refers to a system that integrates all or part of the functionality of a macroscopic laboratory onto a substrate, such as a chip made of glass and / or plastic. The substrate can be of different sizes. The microfluidic system can preferably replicate the channels and functions of a lab-on-a-chip and / or be a lab-on-a-chip itself. The (micro)fluidic system serves to analyze a liquid located in, on, and / or within the microfluidic system.The fluid is introduced into and / or onto the device via at least one, preferably two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 10, eleven, twelve, or more, identically or differently configured openings, and is directed to the various reaction and / or analysis chambers by means of at least one, preferably two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more, identically or differently configured, fluid channels. This is achieved by means of capillary action and / or by means of connected pumps, such as, but by no means exclusively, peristaltic pumps, preferably hose pumps, syringe pumps, diaphragm pumps, pneumatically controlled systems, and / or a combination thereof.

[0009] The device according to the invention comprises at least two elements, namely a connector and a sealing element that can be arranged in the region of the opening of the fluidic system. The at least one connector has a top and a bottom opposite the top, with the inlet for connection to a hose system preferably located in the region of its top and the outlet for dispensing a fluid introduced via the hose system preferably located in the region of its bottom. Preferably, the device comprises at least two or more connectors, which may be identical or differently designed. Furthermore, preferably, a contact area for connection, in particular for a fluid-tight, detachable, force-fit and / or form-fit connection, is arranged in the region of the bottom with an inlet opening of the sealing element, which is suitable for connection with it.In addition to this, the at least one sealing element also has at least one sealing element arranged on the top and / or bottom of the sealing element for connection to the (micro)fluidic system in, on, and / or within the opening. Preferably, two or more sealing elements, configured identically or differently, are provided. Furthermore, the sealing element has at least one, preferably two, three, four, five, or six, configured identically or differently, side walls with an outlet opening. The sealing element can have any desired shape. Preferably, it is cylindrical. More preferably, the sealing element projects partially beyond the opening and / or can be recessed into the correspondingly designed opening so that it is flush with the (micro)fluidic system.

[0010] According to the invention, the sealing element for fluid contacting, i.e., the fluidic connection of (micro)fluidic systems, preferably the fluidic channel, with the fluid contained in the hose system connected to the connector, is connected to the connector and rotatable together with it into the open position. In the open position, the outlet of the connector, the outlet opening of the sealing element, and the fluidic channel can be connected to each other in a fluid-tight manner. In this position, the connection between the connector and the sealing element cannot be released without applying additional force. Furthermore, the sealing element and the connector can be rotatably moved together from the open position to the closed position, in which the aforementioned connection is interrupted and the connection between the connector and the sealing element can be released.The decisive advantage of the invention lies in the rotatable mounting of the sealing element, allowing a connected connector to be removed without any fluid leakage. The connector, together with the sealing element, is rotated from the open to the closed position, for example by 90° or -90°, and the sealing element, with its side wall, can then reliably and bubble-free seal the fluidic channel in the (micro)fluidic system. The connector can then be easily removed. When fluid contact is re-established, the connector is reinserted into the sealing element and rotated together with it from the closed to the open position, so that the fluidic channel is open and can be connected to the connector and the attached tubing system, and thus via the outlet opening of the sealing element and the outlet of the connector.

[0011] Due to the at least two-part construction of the device for fluid contacting, it is possible to enable the connection of the (micro)fluidic system to a hose system as often as desired, without bubbles and fluid tightness, without the unwanted introduction of bubbles, such as gas and / or air, into the system.

[0012] Advantageous further developments of the device according to the invention are listed in the dependent claims.

[0013] In a further development, it is conceivable that the connector outlet and / or the sealing element outlet opening is arranged on a side surface of the connector or the sealing element. This particular arrangement, in which the fluid can be introduced laterally into the fluidic channel, enables a space-saving, efficient, and bubble-free introduction of the fluid into the fluidic channel. Preferably, it is conceivable that one or more flow deflections occur in and / or on the connector, particularly in the area of ​​the outlet, which would otherwise only occur on the chip or downstream.

[0014] In a further refinement, it is conceivable that the connector has at least one, preferably two, three, four, five, or six, identically or differently designed rotating elements, wherein the rotating element is elongated, cylindrical, hexagonal, polygonal, and / or gear-like. Preferably, the rotating element is arranged centrally or in the area of ​​the top of the connector. This design allows for various embodiments of the rotating element in the area of ​​the top of the connector, where a purely mechanical point of engagement is located to facilitate insertion and, in particular, rotation with the sealing element. For example, it is conceivable that a point of engagement for a finger-like rotating element is located, or that the rotating element is hexagonal, for example, for a wrench, or designed as a gear that can be operated mechanically.

[0015] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the connector comprises at least one, preferably two, three, four, five, or six, identically or differently designed stop elements, and that the sealing element has a receptacle for the at least one stop element, wherein the connection between the stop element and the receptacle is a detachable and force-fit and / or form-fit connection. This design offers the advantage that the connection between the connector and the sealing element can be centered, guided, and precisely positioned in the area of ​​the latter's inlet opening. Furthermore, it is possible in this way to adjust and / or control the height or depth of insertion of the connector into the sealing element.The precise position, in particular the height and / or depth of the connector's outlet for the fluid within the connector, can be easily adjusted to the location of the fluidic channel in the (micro)fluidic system in order to minimize obstructions, resistances, and / or dead volumes. Furthermore, this approach allows the shape and / or design of the connector and the shape and / or design of the sealing element to be adapted to each other in such a way that bubble formation, i.e., the ingress of air and / or gas into a (micro)fluidic system, is reliably prevented, reduced, and / or minimized. It is understood by a person skilled in the art that this can be achieved through the geometric design of the connector's outlet and that of the sealing element's outlet opening, which are coordinated to prevent, reduce, and / or minimize bubble formation.

[0016] In a further development, it is conceivable that the connector has a connection area for attaching and / or receiving a hose system and / or a transition area. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the connection area for receiving a hose system would have corresponding additional elements, such as knobs, grooves, ridges, etc., to enhance the connection. The hose system can be slipped over the connector from the outside and / or attached internally. The transition area, which is preferably located on the underside of the connector in and / or at its outlet, serves to minimize, prevent, and / or avoid the formation of air bubbles. The connector and the associated sealing element can be adapted as needed in the area of ​​the outlet or the opening.For example, it is conceivable that the sealing element has a space in the area of ​​the outlet opening that is completely occupied by the transition zone when the connector is connected to the sealing element. This prevents the formation of bubbles that can occur when inserting the connector into the sealing element, as the connector, preferably pre-filled with fluid, can come into direct and immediate contact with the fluidic channel due to the transition zone and is then also sealed laterally. This is particularly important with repeated fluid contacts or repeated insertion of the connector into the sealing element.

[0017] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sealing element has an upper sealing element that can be attached to the top of the (micro)fluidic system. In this case, the sealing element can have an upper sealing element that comes into contact with the top of the system. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing element has a lower sealing element that can be attached to the bottom of the (micro)fluidic system. In this case, the sealing element can have a lower sealing element that comes into contact with the bottom of the system.

[0018] Furthermore, it is preferred that the top and bottom surfaces of the sealing element are identically designed, so that the connector can be connected to the top surface of the sealing element from the top surface of the (micro)fluidic system or to the bottom surface of the sealing element from the bottom surface of the (micro)fluidic system. This allows fluid contact and / or repeated connection of the connector from both sides, resulting in increased flexibility when reusing the (micro)fluidic system. The opening of the (micro)fluidic system is also preferably designed to be continuous. Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that the upper and / or the lower sealing element of the sealing element projects beyond the opening and / or can be recessed into the correspondingly designed opening.This design ensures that the sealing element, in particular the upper and / or lower sealing element, is flush with the (micro)fluidic system. More preferably, the opening has at least one, preferably two, three, four, five, six or more, identically or differently designed contact surfaces for sealing the connection with the sealing element, wherein the sealing element can be brought into a sealing contact with the contact surface on the upper and / or lower surface of the (micro)fluidic system. The contact surface can be located on the upper and / or lower surface or be recessed from the upper and / or lower surface to allow the sealing element to be countersunk.

[0019] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sealing element is made of a soft, rubbery and / or inert material, especially plastic material.

[0020] In a further development, it is conceivable that the device incorporates a safety lock. This safety lock reliably prevents the plug from being disconnected from the sealing element as long as the plug is not unlocked and / or the plug and sealing element are not in the closed position. This reliably prevents the leakage of liquids from a (micro)fluidic system that can be connected to or is connected to this device, thereby also preventing contamination of the system and / or the working environment. Furthermore, accidental disconnection, for example, due to the hose system becoming caught on the plug, is prevented. Therefore, within the scope of the invention, it is possible for the safety lock to be formed as a single component with the plug and / or the sealing element, or as an additional component.

[0021] The present invention also comprises a fluidic system, comprising, as described in detail elsewhere, a device for fluid contacting, wherein the sealing element is arranged in the region of an opening of the fluidic system.

[0022] In a further development, it is conceivable that the (micro)fluidic system has a vent channel, with the connector and sealing element rotatable into the vent position. To allow venting of the system, a further open position could be provided by a vent channel, i.e., the vent position, which prevents the ingress of tiny air and / or gas bubbles into the system. Various configurations are conceivable here. It is conceivable that the fluidic channel in the (micro)fluidic system is extended, or alternatively, that a reservoir is integrated within it. After contacting the (micro)fluidic system, i.e.,By inserting the connector into the sealing element and then rotating it together into the venting position, a small portion of the fluid introduced via the tubing system connected to the connector is released into this venting channel. This allows for bubble-free fluid contact even without pre-filling the connector. By rotating the connector again from the venting position to the open position for fluid contact, i.e., in conjunction with the fluidic channel, the venting channel is closed, enabling bubble-free use of the (micro)fluidic system.

[0023] It is assumed that the definitions and explanations of the above-mentioned terms apply to all aspects described in this description and the aspects described herein, unless otherwise stated.

[0024] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as well as from the drawings. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 shows an isometric representation ( Fig. 1a) and two side views ( Fig. 1b, Fig. 1c) of a plug according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows isometric representations ( Fig. 2a to Fig. 2d) of a plug according to the invention; Fig. Figure 3 shows an isometric representation ( Fig. 3a), a side view ( Fig. 3b) and a top-down view ( Fig. 3c) of a sealing element according to the invention; Fig. 4 shows a device according to the invention comprising a plug and a sealing element; Fig. Figure 5 shows a fluid contacting of a microfluidic system using a device according to the invention; Fig. Figure 6 shows an option for venting a microfluidic system using a device according to the invention and Fig. 7 a lateral view of a sealing element according to the invention arranged in the opening of the fluidic system. Embodiments of the invention

[0025] Identical components and elements with the same function are marked with the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0026] Fig. 1a shows an isometric representation and Fig. 1b and Fig. Figure 1c shows a side view of a connector 10 according to the invention. It can be seen that the connector 10 has an inlet 11 on its upper side, which forms the transition to a hose system (not shown) that can be connected to it. The connection area 13 for a hose system is located directly below the inlet 11 and can be designed such that the hose system is slipped over the connector from the outside and / or is attached internally. It can also be seen that a rotating element 14 is provided as a mechanical point of application for rotating the connector 10, thereby engaging the sealing element (not shown). Fig. 1a to Fig. In Figure 1c, the rotating element 14 is hexagonal and designed for operation with a wrench or similar instrument. The rotating element 14 is positioned centrally, extending to the upper surface of the connector 10. Also centrally located and extending to the underside of the connector 10 are two identical stop elements 15. These assist in insertion into the sealing element (not shown) and simultaneously act as adjustment and / or driving elements, ensuring that the connector 10 and sealing element are correctly oriented relative to each other. They also contribute to the transmission of the forces generated when rotating the connector 10 and sealing element. In this way, a reliable, fluid-tight, and detachable connection is achieved. On the underside, the contact area 16 of the connector 10, with its outlet 12 and transition area 17 (designed to prevent bubble formation during repeated fluid contact), is visible.

[0027] In Fig. 2a to Fig. 2d are isometric representations of the connectors according to the invention, which, as already shown in Fig. 1a to Fig. As described in Figure 1c, the device has an inlet 11, a connection area 13, two stop elements 15, and a contact area 16 with an outlet 12. Fig. 2b, a transition area 17 is also visible in the area of ​​contact area 16. The plugs 10 in Fig. 2a to Fig. 2c differ from the one in Fig. 1a to Fig. 1c by the design of the rotary element 14, which is hexagonal for operation with a wrench ( Fig. 2a) and ( Fig. 2b), as a gear ( Fig. 2c) or elongated as two identical fingers ( Fig. 2d) can be designed.

[0028] In Fig. 3a is an isometric representation, in Fig. 3b a side view and in Fig. Figure 3c shows a top view of the sealing element 20 according to the invention. Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 3c shows that the sealing element 20 has an upper sealing element 23 and a lower sealing element 24, which are designed differently in this case. However, it is also conceivable that the upper sealing element 23 and the lower sealing element 24 are identical. The upper sealing element 23 is located on the top side of the sealing element 20, and the lower sealing element 24 is located on the underside. Furthermore, it can be seen that the sealing element 20 has a centrally located inlet opening 21 for connection with the connector (not shown). To improve the connection, two receptacles 26 for the connector's stop element are visible on either side of the inlet opening 21. These receptacles serve for inserting and adjusting the stop element within the sealing element 20 and also as a point of engagement for the connector's rotating element (not shown).

[0029] In Fig. 4 is one with the sealing element 20, with the in Fig. Features shown in 3a to 3c, connected plug 10, which is shown in Fig. 1a to 1d and Fig. The features shown in Figures 2a to 2d are evident. It can be seen that the two stop elements 15 are fully received in the receptacle 26 of the sealing element 20.

[0030] In Fig. Figures 5a to 5d show a (micro)fluidic system 30 with a top surface 33 and a bottom surface 34, which has a through opening 35. An upper sealing element 23 is arranged on the top surface 33 and a lower sealing element 24 is arranged on the bottom surface 34 within the opening 35. The upper and lower sealing elements 23 and 24 are sealed to the top surface 33 and bottom surface 34, respectively, of the (micro)fluidic system 30. Furthermore, the microfluidic system 30 has a fluidic channel 31. Fig. In 5a it is clearly visible that the sealing element 20 is in the open position 27. Fig. 5b a connector 10 according to the invention, as shown in the Fig. 1a to Fig. 1c and Fig. 2a to Fig. 2d formed, fluid-tight and detachably connected to the sealing element 20. Both are in the open position 27, in which the connection between the plug 10 and the fluidic channel 31, i.e., the fluid contact, is established. In this position, the connection between the plug and the sealing element cannot be detached without applying additional force. Fig. Figure 5c indicates by an arrow that the rotatably mounted sealing element 20 in the opening 35 rotates together with the connector 10 such that both are rotated into the closed position 28 via the point of contact on the rotating element of the connector 10. It is conceivable that the connector 10 is rotated together with the sealing element 20 by 90° or by -90°. In the closed position 28, the connection between the fluidic channel 31 and the connector 10 is interrupted. The device 1 completely seals the fluidic channel 31 in the closed position 28. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5d, plug 10 can be removed in the closed position 28.

[0031] In the Fig. 6a and Fig. Figure 6b shows a (micro)fluidic system (30) with an additional vent channel 32 comprising the device 1 according to the invention. It can be seen that the (micro)fluidic system 30 has a fluidic channel 31 and a vent channel 32 on its upper surface 33. In an opening (not shown), the rotatably mounted sealing element 20 is fluid-tight and detachably connected to the connector 10. Fig. Figure 6a shows that the connector 10 and the sealing element 20 are in an open position. An arrow indicates that, particularly when (re)connecting an already filled fluid channel, the fluid is initially metered from the connector 10 into the vent channel 32, so that then, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6b, after rotating the plug 10 with the sealing element 20 into an open position with the fluidic channel 31, the liquid can be metered into the fluidic channel 31 without bubble formation.

[0032] Fig.Figure 7 shows a side view of a (micro)fluidic system 30 with a top surface 33 and a bottom surface 34, which has two through openings 35a and 35b. It is clearly visible that in the left opening 35a, an upper sealing element 23 of a sealing element 20 is arranged flush with the top surface 33, and a lower sealing element 24 of the same is arranged flush with the bottom surface 34. Both are recessed into the (micro)fluidic system 30 and each comes into sealing contact with the (micro)fluidic system 30 at a contact surface 36 that is recessed from the top surface 33 and the bottom surface 34. Furthermore, it can be seen that in the right opening 35b an upper sealing element 23 of the sealing element 20 is arranged on the top 33, which projects beyond the top 33 of the (micro)fluidic system 30 and seals against the contact surface 36 formed on the top 33.The lower sealing element 24 is, as previously described, recessed into the (micro)fluidic system 30 and arranged flush with the underside 34.

Claims

[1] Device (1) for fluid contacting a fluidic system (30), in particular a microfluidic chip (30), with a fluidic channel (31) and an opening (35), wherein the device (1) has a plug (10) and a sealing element (20), characterized by , that the plug (10) has an inlet (11), an outlet (12) and a contact area (16), that the sealing element (20) has an inlet opening (21) which is suitable for connection, in particular for fluid-tight and detachable connection, to the contact area (16) of the plug (10), at least one sealing element (23, 24) for connection to the fluidic system (30), and at least one side wall (25) having an outlet opening (22), wherein the sealing element (20) can be arranged in the region of the opening (35), wherein the sealing element (20) and the plug (10) are rotatable between an open position (27) and a closed position (28) for fluid contact, and wherein in the open position (27) the outlet (12) of the plug (10), the outlet opening (22) of the sealing element (20) and the fluidic channel (31) can be connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner are. [2] Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the outlet (12) of the plug (10) and / or the outlet opening (22) of the sealing element (20) is arranged on a side surface. [3] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plug (10) has a rotating element (14), wherein the rotating element (14) is elongated, cylindrical, hexagonal, polygonal or designed as a gear. [4] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plug (10) has a stop element (15) and the sealing element (20) has a receptacle (26) for the stop element (15), wherein the connection between the stop element (15) and the receptacle (26) is a detachable and force-locking and / or form-locking connection. [5] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plug (10) has a connection area (13) and / or a transition area (17). [6] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing element (20) has an upper sealing element (23) which can be sealingly attached to the upper side (33) of the fluidic system (30) and / or a lower sealing element (24) which can be sealingly attached to the underside (34) of the fluidic system (30). [7] Device (1) according to the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing element (20) is made of a soft, rubber-like and / or inert material. [8] Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (1) has a safety lock. [9] Fluidic system (30) comprising the device (1) for fluid contacting according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (20) is arranged in the region of an opening (35) of the fluidic system (30). [10] Fluidic system (30) according to claim 9, characterized by that the fluidic system (30) has a venting channel (32).

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