Liquid flow charging devices and flow cells

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a liquid flow charging device for a flow cell and a flow cell comprising the liquid flow charging device. The liquid flow charging device comprises a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is electrically connected to a liquid flow flowing through a flow channel assembly of the flow cell. The second electrode is located at a predetermined position radially outside the liquid flow and has a cylindrical inner circumferential surface surrounding the liquid flow. The liquid flow charging device improves charging efficiency, stable charging performance, and enhanced safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid flow charging device for a flow cell, and a flow cell including the liquid flow charging device, for example, a flow cell of a flow cytometer.

Background Art

[0002] Related Applications The content of this section only provides background information related to the present disclosure, which does not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Flow sorters are often used to analyze and sort samples such as microsomes or cells. A flow sorter includes a flow cell, and a sample and sheath fluid converge within a flow channel assembly of the flow cell and are discharged through a nozzle of the flow channel assembly. The discharged liquid flow of the sample and sheath fluid needs to be charged immediately before being separated into droplets. Thus, the separated droplets are charged, and the charged droplets are deflected when passing through a high voltage electric field generated between deflection plates, thereby sorting the droplets containing the sample.

[0004] The charging electrode of the liquid flow charging device of an existing flow cell directly contacts the sheath fluid flow so that the sheath fluid flow becomes charged. In this case, in order to ensure safety, the components of each component in contact with the sheath fluid flow need to be insulated, so the design of the flow cell becomes complicated and the manufacturing difficulty is increased. Since the sheath fluid is charged, the liquid flow charging device has a relatively large charging power and a relatively complicated structure.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This section provides a general overview of the present disclosure, not an encompassing disclosure of the entire scope of the present disclosure or all features of the present disclosure.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a liquid flow charging device for a flow cell that can mitigate or eliminate at least some of the above-mentioned problems.

[0007] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a flow cell comprising a liquid flow charging device having a simplified structure and capable of stably charging a liquid flow.

[0008] According to certain aspects of this disclosure, a liquid flow charging device for a flow cell is provided. The liquid flow charging device includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is electrically connected to a liquid flow that flows through the flow channel assembly of the flow cell. The second electrode is located at a predetermined position radially outward of the liquid flow and has a cylindrical inner surface that surrounds the liquid flow.

[0009] The liquid flow charging device according to this disclosure has a cylindrical inner surface and therefore has an enlarged electrode area, thereby improving charging efficiency and making the charging performance more stable.

[0010] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first electrode is grounded, and the second electrode is electrically connected to a charge control device. The second electrode is not in direct contact with the liquid flow, so the conductivity or safety requirements of all components that come into contact with the droplets are reduced, and thus the structure of the components can be simplified.

[0011] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first electrode is made of an inert metal material, or an inert metal layer is arranged on a conductive metal layer. For example, the first electrode is made of a gold material, or a gold-plated layer is arranged on a conductive metal layer. The inert metal material or inert metal layer can protect the first electrode from oxidation or corrosion.

[0012] In some embodiments of this disclosure, holes for the passage of a light beam are arranged on the sidewall of a second electrode. Optionally, the holes have an elongated shape in the flow direction of the liquid flow. The structure can be modified as necessary to facilitate the operation of the flow cell, ensuring sufficient electrode area.

[0013] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the second electrode includes a conductive metal layer and a protective layer located on the surface of the conductive metal layer. For example, the protective layer includes an oxide layer, a nonmetallic layer, and / or an insulating layer. The protective layer can provide protection for the second electrode, for example, to avoid oxidation or corrosion, to prevent the risk of electric shock, etc.

[0014] In another aspect of this disclosure, a flow cell is provided which includes the liquid flow charging device described above. The flow cell may have the same technical effects as the liquid flow charging device described above.

[0015] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first electrode is located within the degassing port of the flow channel assembly of the flow cell. The first electrode is electrically connected to the ground terminal of the casing of the flow cell.

[0016] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the second electrode is electrically connected to the charge control device via a spring. A flexible electrical connection can be provided by the spring.

[0017] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the flow cell further includes a fixing member for housing, arranging, or fixing a second electrode, wherein a protective layer is arranged on the surface of the fixing member. For example, the protective layer of the fixing member includes an insulating layer. It is only necessary that the fixing member in contact with the second electrode has a protective layer, and therefore the safety of the entire flow cell can be improved with a simple structure. The present invention provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) A liquid flow charging device for a flow cell, A first electrode electrically connected to the liquid flow flowing through the flow channel assembly of the flow cell, A second electrode is located at a predetermined position radially outside the liquid flow and has a cylindrical inner surface surrounding the liquid flow. A liquid flow charging device equipped with the following features. (Item 2) The liquid flow charging device according to item 1, wherein the first electrode is grounded and the second electrode is electrically connected to a charge control device. (Item 3) The liquid flow charging device according to item 2, wherein the first electrode is made of an inert metal material, or an inert metal layer is arranged on a conductive metal layer. (Item 4) The liquid flow charging device according to item 2, wherein the first electrode is made of a gold material, or a gold-plated layer is arranged on a conductive metal layer. (Item 5) The liquid flow charging device according to item 1, wherein holes for the passage of a light beam are arranged on the side wall of the second electrode. (Item 6) The liquid flow charging device according to item 5, wherein the hole has an elongated shape in the flow direction of the liquid flow. (Item 7) The liquid flow charging device according to any one of items 1-6, wherein the second electrode comprises a conductive metal layer and a protective layer located on the surface of the conductive metal layer. (Item 8) The liquid flow charging device according to item 7, wherein the protective layer includes an oxide layer, a nonmetallic layer, and / or an insulating layer. (Item 9) A flow cell comprising a liquid flow charging device as described in any one of items 1-8. (Item 10) The flow cell according to item 9, wherein the first electrode is located within the degassing port of the flow channel assembly of the flow cell. (Item 11) The flow cell according to item 10, wherein the first electrode is electrically connected to the ground terminal of the casing of the flow cell. (Item 12) The flow cell according to any one of items 9-11, wherein the second electrode is electrically connected to a charge control device via a spring and / or pogo pin. (Item 13) The flow cell according to item 12, further comprising a fixing member for housing, arranging, or fixing the second electrode, wherein the fixing member is made of a non-metallic material, or a protective layer is arranged on the surface of the metallic material. (Item 14) The flow cell according to item 13, wherein the fixing member has a protective layer, and the protective layer includes an insulating layer or a non-metallic material layer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] Through the following description and by referring to the accompanying drawings, the features and advantages of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will become more readily understandable in the accompanying drawings.

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a flow cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flow cell shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a charging device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a charged electrode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a fixing member for arranging a charging electrode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Detailed explanation This disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, through exemplary embodiments. In some of the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals indicate similar parts and components. The following detailed description of this disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not in any way intended to limit this disclosure or its use or application. The embodiments described herein are not exhaustive and represent only a selection of several possible embodiments. Exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies may not be described in detail.

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a flow cell 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flow cell 1 of Figure 1. The structure of the flow cell 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0022] Flow sorters and similar devices are instruments that sort samples by detecting their physical or chemical properties. The samples to be sorted may include biological cells, chromosomes, and equivalents. Flow cells are generally an important part of flow sorters and similar devices, configured to allow various processing fluids and samples to converge into and discharge from them.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the flow cell 1 includes a flow channel assembly 10 and a frame 20 configured to support or accommodate the flow channel assembly 10. The sheath fluid and sample are focused into the flow channel assembly 10 through separate ports and then discharged through nozzles in a predetermined mode (such as a single-row arrangement mode) to select the sample.

[0024] The flow channel assembly 10 includes an upper cover 11, a flow channel main body 12, a glass cell 13, and a nozzle 14.

[0025] The upper cover 11 covers the upper surface of the flow channel main body 12 and is equipped with a sample port 11a for introducing a sample. The sample line SL is connected to the sample port 11a and supplies the sample into the flow channel main body 12.

[0026] The flow channel main body 12 comprises a degassing port 12a and a sheath fluid port 12b. Sheath fluid can be supplied into the flow channel main body 12 via the sheath fluid port 12b. The degassing port 12a is connected to a vacuum device (not shown), and therefore the fluid in the flow channel main body 12 can be drawn out under vacuum for degassing. The sheath fluid supplied into the flow channel main body 12 converges with the sample, and the sample is enveloped in the sheath fluid.

[0027] The glass cell 13 is located on the outlet side of the flow channel main body 12. The glass cell 13 is an element capable of transmitting light and may also be called an optical element. As the sample passes through the glass cell 13, the physical or chemical properties of the sample can be detected using an optical device (not shown). The glass cell 13 can be an optional element as needed.

[0028] The nozzle 14 is located on the outlet side of the glass cell 13 and is configured to discharge the sample, for example, in a single-row arrangement. The discharged liquid flow (including the sheath fluid and the sample) is progressively separated into droplets under the action of an oscillator. Typically, each droplet contains the sample for sorting. The discharged liquid flow is charged as it is about to be separated into droplets, so that the charged droplets pass through a high-voltage electric field and fall into the corresponding containers, thus enabling sorting. To achieve this goal, the flow cell 1 further includes a liquid flow charging device for charging the liquid flow discharged from the nozzle 14.

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a liquid flow charging device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The liquid flow charging device 100 will be described below with reference to Figure 3.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the liquid flow charging device 100 includes a first electrode 110 and a second electrode 120. The first electrode 110 is electrically connected to the liquid flow FF flowing through the flow channel assembly 10. The second electrode 120 is located radially outward from the liquid flow FF, thereby forming a capacitive charging device.

[0031] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the first electrode 110 may be arranged within the degassing port 12a such that the first electrode 110 can come into direct contact with the sheath fluid in the flow channel main body 12. That is, the first electrode 110 may be electrically connected to the sheath fluid in the flow channel main body 12.

[0032] The first electrode 110 may be grounded and is therefore sometimes referred to as a cathode plate. For example, the first electrode 110 is electrically connected to a grounding terminal of the casing (not shown) of the flow cell 1. Thus, the first electrode 110 may be made of an inert metal material so as to prevent oxidation or corrosion. One embodiment of the inert metal material is gold. Alternatively, the first electrode 110 may be made of a conductive metal material, with gold plated onto the conductive metal material. That is, the first electrode 110 includes a conductive metal layer, and the gold plated layer is located on the surface of the conductive metal layer. The gold plated layer can also be well protected from oxidation or corrosion.

[0033] It should be understood that the structure and materials of the first electrode as described herein are not limited to the specific examples illustrated and described herein and may be modified according to actual needs.

[0034] A second electrode 120 is positioned below the nozzle 14 (as shown in Figure 2) and held by a fixing member 30. Referring to Figure 3, the second electrode 120 has a through-hole 122 through which the liquid flow FF flows. The size of the through-hole 122 (e.g., radial distance from the liquid flow FF) can be set according to factors such as droplet scattering. The second electrode 120 has a cylindrical inner surface 121. The capacitance generated between the cylindrical inner surface 121 and the liquid flow FF is maximized so that the amount of charge on the droplet is maximized, i.e., the charging efficiency is improved. As the charging efficiency is improved, lower voltages can be used to satisfy the need for a droplet bias angle. This can better maintain the activity of the sample in the droplet.

[0035] In addition, the distance between the cylindrical inner surface 121 and the liquid flow FF is constant, and therefore the distance between the second electrode 120 and the liquid flow FF can be minimized to prevent droplets from scattering onto the second electrode 120, thereby further maximizing the electrostatic capacitance.

[0036] The second electrode 120 is made of a metallic material and is electrically connected to a charge control device (not shown), and is therefore sometimes referred to as an anode plate (which may also be called a charging plate). As shown in Figure 3, the second electrode 120 may be connected to the charge control device via a spring 124, thereby achieving flexible connection of the second electrode. The spring 124 may be connected to the charge control device via a rigid conductive element 128 and a pogo pin 126.

[0037] The spring 124 is a standard structural component and does not require customization; therefore, the processing process can be simplified and costs lower. The spring 124 can be used to replace wires to achieve electrical connection of the second electrode 120. The spring 124 can be elastically deformed; therefore, it can accommodate changes in position between the second electrode 120 and the rigid conductive element 128, thereby reducing the relative positional requirements between the second electrode 120 and the rigid conductive element 128. In addition, the spring 124 is used as a structural component so that the liquid flow charging device can be composed of conductive structural components without introducing electronic elements, making the design easier and simpler.

[0038] The second electrode 120 and the fixing member 30 can be advantageously inserted into and removed from the frame 20 through the pogo pin 126. In addition, the pogo pin 126 can ensure reliable electrical contact.

[0039] It should be understood that the structure and materials of the second electrode according to this disclosure are not limited to the specific embodiments shown in Figure 3 and described above, and may be modified according to actual needs. For example, the outer surface of the second electrode 120 may vary according to its surrounding structure.

[0040] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the charged electrode 120 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, holes 123 for the passage of a light beam are arranged on the side wall of the second electrode 120. The holes 123 may have an elongated shape in the flow direction of the liquid flow FF. The arrangement of the holes 123 can facilitate the passage of a light beam to perform optical detection of a sample.

[0041] In addition to the conductive metal layer made of a metallic material, the second electrode 120 may further include a protective layer 125 arranged on the surface of the conductive metal layer. The protective layer 125 is configured to prevent the second electrode plate 120 from oxidizing, corroding, or posing a risk of electric shock, thereby improving the stability and safety of the charge.

[0042] For example, the protective layer 125 includes an oxide layer, a nonmetallic layer, and / or an insulating layer. Even if a salt solution such as a sheath fluid is splashed through the protective layer 125 to the second electrode 120, the conductive salt solution is separated from the conductive metal layer of the second electrode plate 120, thereby preventing oxidation or corrosion.

[0043] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a fixing member 30 for arranging a second electrode 120 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the second electrode 120 is housed, arranged, or fixed within the fixing member 30. The fixing member 30 can be inserted into the frame 20 together with the second electrode 120. The fixing member 30 is the portion that is in direct contact with the second electrode 120, and therefore the fixing member 30 may be made of a non-metallic material. Alternatively, the fixing member 30 may be made of a metallic material, and a protective layer 32, for example, an insulating layer or a non-metallic material layer, is arranged over the entire surface of the metallic material, thus improving the safety of the entire flow cell 1.

[0044] While this disclosure is described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described and illustrated herein. A person skilled in the art can make various modifications to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope defined by these claims. Features in the various embodiments can be combined with each other, provided that they do not conflict. Alternatively, certain features in the embodiments may also be omitted.

Claims

1. A liquid flow charging device for a flow cell, A first electrode electrically connected to the liquid flow flowing through the flow channel assembly of the flow cell, A second electrode is located at a predetermined position on the radially outer side of the liquid flow and has a cylindrical inner surface surrounding the liquid flow. Equipped with, A liquid flow charging device in which the first electrode is grounded and the second electrode is electrically connected to a charge control device.

2. The liquid flow charging device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode is made of an inert metal material, or an inert metal layer is arranged on a conductive metal layer.

3. The liquid flow charging device according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode is made of a gold material, or a gold-plated layer is arranged on a conductive metal layer.

4. The liquid flow charging device according to claim 1, wherein holes for the passage of a light beam are arranged on the side wall of the second electrode.

5. The liquid flow charging device according to claim 4, wherein the hole has an elongated shape in the flow direction of the liquid flow.

6. The liquid flow charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second electrode comprises a conductive metal layer and a protective layer located on the surface of the conductive metal layer.

7. The liquid flow charging device according to claim 6, wherein the protective layer includes an oxide layer, a nonmetallic layer, and / or an insulating layer.

8. The liquid flow charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second electrode (120) forms a capacitive charging device and applies charge to the liquid flow (FF).

9. A flow cell comprising a liquid flow charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The flow cell according to claim 9, wherein the first electrode is located within the degassing port of the flow channel assembly of the flow cell.

11. The flow cell according to claim 10, wherein the first electrode is electrically connected to the ground terminal of the casing of the flow cell.

12. The flow cell according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the second electrode is electrically connected to a charge control device via a spring and / or pogo pin.

13. The flow cell according to claim 12, further comprising a fixing member for housing, arranging, or fixing the second electrode, wherein the fixing member is made of a non-metallic material, or a protective layer is arranged on the surface of a metallic material.

14. The flow cell according to claim 13, wherein, if the fixing member has a protective layer, the protective layer includes an insulating layer or a non-metallic material layer.

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