Fluid transport device, fluid transport method, and biochemical substance analysis apparatus

Abstract

A fluid transport device, a fluid transport method, and a biochemical substance analysis apparatus. The fluid transport device comprises a chip, a fluid storage assembly and a driving assembly, wherein the driving assembly and the fluid storage assembly are both in communication with the chip; and the driving assembly uses negative-pressure driving to input a fluid in the fluid storage assembly into the chip, uses negative-pressure driving to suck out the fluid, which has been subjected to a reaction, in the chip, and uses positive-pressure driving to discharge the sucked-out fluid into the fluid storage assembly. The fluid transport device of the present application has a high degree of integration. The fluid is located in the device, and does not come into contact with the biochemical substance analysis apparatus during use, thus simplifying the structure of the apparatus, avoiding damage to the apparatus, reducing the cost, reducing the complexity of an experimental process, and increasing the experimental success rate.

Description

Fluid transport device, fluid transport method and biochemical substance analysis equipment Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of fluid control technology, and in particular to a fluid transport device, a fluid transport method, and a biochemical substance analysis device using the fluid transport device. Background Art

[0002] In the fields of biology, chemistry or medicine, common instruments are designed based on the core principles of biological or chemical reactions. The substances (such as reagents) involved in biological or chemical reactions are usually liquid or gaseous in physics and are collectively referred to as fluids. In order to realize the biological or chemical reactions required by the instrument, it is usually necessary to use some containers as reaction pools for samples and fluids in the instrument, and it is also necessary to set a fluid conveying device that can quantitatively convey different fluids into the reaction pool as required. For example, the fluid conveying device can include a power source such as a plunger pump or a piston pump, and various pipelines connected to the reaction pool. In addition, after the reaction is completed in the reaction pool, it is also necessary to discharge the waste liquid into the waste liquid collection device through the fluid conveying device.

[0003] However, this type of fluid transport device set in the instrument has the following problems: the fluid transport device contacts the reagent and needs to be cleaned in a timely manner, which increases the cost and increases the complexity of the experimental process; moreover, the fluid transport device may not be cleaned thoroughly and requires regular special maintenance, which is difficult and costly to maintain; in addition, if the fluid transport device is not cleaned thoroughly, it may cause contamination, affect the results of the biochemical reaction, and may also cause the fluid transport device to be scrapped, increasing the cost.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, in order to solve at least one of the above technical problems, it is necessary to provide a fluid transport device, a fluid transport method and a biochemical substance analysis device using the fluid transport device.

[0006] In a first aspect, a fluid transport device is provided, which includes: a chip, a fluid storage component and a drive component, wherein the drive component and the fluid storage component are both connected to the chip, and the drive component is used to use a negative pressure drive method to input the fluid in the fluid storage component into the chip, and to use a negative pressure drive method to suck out the reacted fluid in the chip, and to use a positive pressure drive method to discharge the sucked out reacted fluid into the fluid storage component.

[0007] In some possible embodiments, the chip includes a fluid use component, which is connected to the fluid storage component and the drive component respectively. The drive component is used to use a negative pressure drive method to input the fluid in the fluid storage component into the fluid use component, and to use a negative pressure drive method to suck out the reacted fluid in the chip after the reaction, and to use a positive pressure drive method to discharge the sucked out reacted fluid into the fluid storage component.

[0008] In some possible embodiments, the chip further includes a fluid distribution component, which is respectively connected to the fluid use component, the fluid storage component and the drive component, and the fluid distribution component is used to select the running direction of the fluid.

[0009] In some possible embodiments, the fluid distribution assembly includes multiple flow channels and shut-off valves located at different intersections of the flow channels, and the shut-off valves are used to control the opening or closing of the flow channels according to a preset timing to select the direction of flow of the fluid.

[0010] In some possible embodiments, the plurality of flow channels include a driving flow channel, a main flow channel, an inlet flow channel, and a waste flow channel. The driving flow channel, the main flow channel, and the fluid use component are interconnected. The inlet flow channel includes a sample flow channel and a reagent flow channel. The sample flow channel and the reagent flow channel are both connected to the fluid use component, and the reagent flow channel is also connected to the fluid storage component. The waste flow channel is respectively connected to the driving flow channel and the fluid storage component. The sample flow channel has a sample inlet hole at one end away from the fluid use component. The driving component is used to make the driving flow channel A negative pressure is formed in the flow channel, the main flow channel and the fluid use component, so that the sample in the sample inlet hole enters the fluid use component through the sample flow channel, or the fluid in the fluid storage component is input into the fluid use component through the reagent inlet flow channel; the driving component is also used to form a negative pressure in the driving flow channel and the main flow channel, so as to absorb the reacted fluid in the fluid use component into the driving component, and to discharge the reacted fluid in the driving component into the fluid storage component through the waste liquid flow channel by positive pressure driving.

[0011] In some possible embodiments, the plurality of flow channels further include bypass flow channels, which are respectively connected to the liquid inlet flow channel and the drive flow channel, and the bypass flow channels are used to discharge the fluid flowing through the liquid inlet flow channel to the fluid storage component and not enter the fluid use component.

[0012] In some possible embodiments, the liquid inlet channel further includes an exhaust area, and the exhaust area is provided with a breathable membrane. When the fluid flows through the exhaust area, bubbles in the fluid are discharged from the liquid inlet channel via the breathable membrane.

[0013] In some possible embodiments, the fluid distribution component includes a stacked substrate and a cover plate, the substrate and the cover plate enclose the flow channel, the surface of the substrate facing away from the cover plate is provided with a plurality of distribution grooves connected to the flow channel, and each of the distribution grooves is provided with a cut-off valve; the fluid use component is provided on the surface of the substrate facing away from the cover plate, and the fluid use component is connected to the corresponding flow channel.

[0014] In some possible embodiments, the fluid storage component is detachably connected to the chip.

[0015] In some possible embodiments, the fluid storage component has multiple first connection structures, and the chip has multiple protruding second connection structures, each of which extends into one of the first connection structures so that the second connection structure is detachably connected to the first connection structure.

[0016] In some possible embodiments, an isolation membrane is provided in the first connection structure, and the second connection structure extends into the first connection structure and punctures the isolation membrane to connect the fluid storage assembly with the chip.

[0017] In some possible embodiments, the driving component is a syringe, a piston pump, a plunger pump, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump or a gear pump.

[0018] In a second aspect, a fluid transport method is provided, the fluid transport method comprising:

[0019] The fluid in the fluid storage component is input into the chip by using a negative pressure drive method;

[0020] Aspirating the post-reaction fluid in the chip by using a negative pressure drive method; and

[0021] The aspirated post-reaction fluid is discharged into the fluid storage component by adopting a positive pressure driving method.

[0022] In some possible embodiments, the step of inputting the fluid into the chip using a negative pressure drive method includes: establishing a connection between the drive component, the fluid distribution component, the fluid use component and the sample liquid inlet or the reagent chamber of the fluid storage component, and starting the drive component to generate negative pressure in the fluid use component, so that the fluid in the fluid storage component is input into the fluid use component via the fluid distribution component.

[0023] In some possible embodiments, the step of inputting the fluid into the chip using a negative pressure drive method further includes: cutting off the connection between the drive component, the fluid distribution component, the fluid use component and the sample inlet hole or the reagent chamber of the fluid storage component.

[0024] In some possible embodiments, the step of using a negative pressure drive method to suck out the post-reaction fluid in the chip includes: establishing a connection between the drive component, the fluid distribution component, the fluid use component and the cleaning liquid chamber of the fluid storage component, and starting the drive component to suck the post-reaction fluid in the fluid use component into the drive component.

[0025] In some possible embodiments, the step of sucking out the reacted fluid in the chip by using a negative pressure drive method further includes: cutting off the connection between the drive component, the fluid distribution component, the fluid use component and the cleaning liquid chamber of the fluid storage component.

[0026] In some possible embodiments, the step of using a positive pressure drive method to discharge the sucked-out post-reaction fluid into the fluid storage component includes: establishing a connection between the drive component, the fluid distribution component and the waste liquid chamber of the fluid storage component, and starting the drive component to discharge the post-reaction fluid in the drive component into the waste liquid chamber.

[0027] In some possible embodiments, after the step of discharging the aspirated reacted fluid into the fluid storage assembly using a positive pressure drive method, the fluid transport method further comprises:

[0028] Establishing connections among the drive assembly, the fluid dispensing assembly, the fluid using assembly, and the cleaning liquid chamber of the fluid storage assembly, and starting the drive assembly to draw cleaning fluid in the cleaning liquid chamber into the drive assembly via the fluid dispensing assembly and the fluid using assembly;

[0029] Cutting off the connection between the drive assembly, the fluid dispensing assembly, the fluid using assembly and the cleaning liquid chamber; and

[0030] The connection between the driving component, the fluid dispensing component and the waste liquid chamber of the fluid storage component is established, and the driving component is started to discharge the cleaning fluid in the driving component into the waste liquid chamber.

[0031] In some possible embodiments, after the step of discharging the aspirated reacted fluid into the fluid storage assembly using a positive pressure drive method, the fluid transport method further comprises:

[0032] Establishing a connection between the drive assembly, the fluid dispensing assembly, and the cleaning liquid chamber of the fluid storage assembly, and starting the drive assembly to draw residual fluid in the flow channel of the fluid dispensing assembly into the drive assembly;

[0033] cutting off the connection between the drive assembly, the fluid distribution assembly and the cleaning liquid chamber; and

[0034] The connection between the drive assembly, the fluid dispensing assembly and the waste chamber of the fluid storage assembly is established, and the drive assembly is activated to discharge the residual fluid in the drive assembly into the waste chamber.

[0035] In a third aspect, a biochemical substance analysis device is provided, which includes a device body and a fluid transport device located inside or outside the device body, wherein the fluid transport device is the fluid transport device described above.

[0036] The embodiment of the present application provides a fluid transport device, a fluid transport method and a biochemical substance analysis device. The fluid transport device integrates a chip, a drive component and a fluid storage component, utilizes the drive component to generate a negative pressure drive to input the fluid in the fluid storage component into the chip, then utilizes the drive component to generate a negative pressure drive to first suck out the reacted fluid (i.e., waste liquid) in the chip, and then utilizes the positive pressure drive generated by the drive component to discharge the sucked waste liquid into the fluid storage component, so that the transport of the fluid between the fluid storage component and the chip and the use of the fluid in the chip can be achieved. The fluid is located inside the fluid transport device during transportation and use, and does not contact the equipment body of the biochemical substance analysis equipment outside the fluid transport device, which simplifies the structure of the equipment body, does not require the equipment body to be cleaned and maintained, and reduces the cost and complexity of the experimental process; and the fluid does not remain in the equipment body, which also avoids damage to the equipment body, reduces the experimental cost, and avoids cross contamination of the residual fluid, thereby improving the experimental success rate. In addition, the fluid is transported in a manner combined with negative pressure drive and positive pressure drive, which can ensure the quantitative accuracy when the fluid is taken out of the fluid storage component and can ensure that the fluid is transported to the chip more quickly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0038] FIG1 is a block diagram of a fluid transport device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0039] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of a fluid transport device in one embodiment of the present application.

[0040] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of the fluid use component in FIG2 .

[0041] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the fluid-using assembly shown in FIG. 3 .

[0042] FIG5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG3 .

[0043] FIG6 is a perspective view of the layout of the flow channel, flow pool, and drive assembly in the fluid transport device shown in FIG2 .

[0044] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the fluid distribution assembly shown in FIG. 2 .

[0045] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the inner surface of the substrate shown in FIG7 .

[0046] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the outer surface of the substrate shown in FIG. 7 .

[0047] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of the fluid distribution component and the fluid storage component in FIG2 after being separated.

[0048] FIG11 is a cross-sectional view along line XI-XI of FIG2 .

[0049] FIG12 is an enlarged view of portion A in FIG11 .

[0050] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid storage assembly and the fluid distribution assembly in FIG. 12 when not connected.

[0051] FIG14 is a flow chart of a fluid transport method according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0052] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a biochemical substance analysis device in one embodiment of the present application.

[0053] The following specific implementation methods will further illustrate the present application in conjunction with the above-mentioned drawings.

[0054] Description of main component symbols DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0056] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "mounted on" another component, it may be directly on the other component or there may be a central component. When a component is referred to as being "disposed on" another component, it may be directly on the other component or there may be a central component. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes all and any combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items.

[0057] Please refer to FIG1 , which is a schematic diagram of a fluid transport device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The fluid transport device 100 includes a chip 10, a fluid storage assembly 3, and a drive assembly 4. The drive assembly 4 and the fluid storage assembly 3 are both connected to the chip 10. The drive assembly 4 is used to input fluid from the fluid storage assembly 3 into the chip 10 using a negative pressure drive method, and to aspirate the reacted fluid (i.e., waste liquid) from the chip 10 using a negative pressure drive method, and to discharge the aspirated waste liquid into the fluid storage assembly 3 using a positive pressure drive method. Please refer to FIG2 , which is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the integrated fluid transport device 100.

[0058] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2 in combination. The chip 10 includes a fluid use component 1, which is connected to a fluid storage component 3 and a drive component 4 respectively. The drive component 4 is used to use a negative pressure drive method to input the fluid in the fluid storage component into the fluid use component, and to use a negative pressure drive method to suck out the waste liquid after the reaction in the chip, and to use a positive pressure drive method to discharge the sucked out waste liquid into the fluid storage component. Specifically, the fluid use component 1 has at least one flow cell 11 for accommodating fluid, each flow cell 11 having a liquid inlet 12 and a liquid outlet 13. The drive component 4 is connected to the corresponding flow cell 11 through each liquid outlet 13, and the fluid storage component 3 is connected to the corresponding flow cell 11 through each liquid inlet 12.

[0059] Please refer to Figures 3 to 5. In some embodiments, the fluid use component 1 includes a stacked base plate 14 and a cover plate 15. The base plate 14 and the cover plate 15 enclose at least one flow pool 11, and the liquid inlet 12 and the liquid outlet 13 are both provided through the base plate 14. In this embodiment, the fluid use component 1 has a flow pool 11. Specifically, a first groove 141 is formed on the side of the base plate 14 close to the cover plate 15, and the bottom surface of the first groove 141 protrudes toward the side of the cover plate 15 to form a first boss 142. A second groove 151 is formed on the side of the cover plate 15 close to the base plate 14, and the bottom surface of the second groove 151 is graphically formed toward the side of the base plate 14 to form a second boss 152. The first boss 142 and the second boss 152 are covered together to enclose the flow pool 11, and the liquid inlet 12 and the liquid outlet 13 are provided through the bottom wall of the first groove 141 and the first boss 142.

[0060] It is understandable that in other embodiments, when the fluid usage component 1 has multiple flow pools 11, it is necessary to consider the structural parameters of the flow channel directly connected to each liquid inlet 12 and each liquid outlet 13 (such as flow channel length, flow channel volume, fluid pressure difference in the flow channel, etc.), so as to ensure that the liquid inlet time of each flow pool 11 is the same, so as to ensure the consistency of the fluid reaction in multiple flow pools 11.

[0061] In some embodiments, the fluid use component 1 also includes a heating module 16 and an image acquisition module 17 located on the cover plate 15. The heating module 16 can heat the flow cell 11, thereby causing the fluid in the flow cell 11 to react. The image acquisition module 17 can collect images of the reaction process of the flow cell 11 in real time to perform in situ imaging detection and analysis. For example, when a gene sequencing reaction is performed in the flow cell 11, the image acquisition module 17 can collect optical photos (such as fluorescent photos) of the products after each step of the reaction, and detect and analyze the collected optical photos to finally obtain sequencing results. In some embodiments, the image acquisition module 17 is provided on the cover plate 15 and is arranged corresponding to the second boss 152. Specifically, the outer surface of the cover plate 15 corresponding to the second boss 152 is recessed toward one side of the base plate 14 to form a groove, and the image acquisition module 17 can be accommodated in the groove. In some embodiments, the cover plate 15 can be made of a transparent material to facilitate the image acquisition module 17 to collect optical images of the internal products of the flow cell 11 in situ. In some embodiments, the heating module 16 can be disposed on the outer sidewall of the second boss 152 or the first boss 142 to heat the flow cell 11. Furthermore, the fluid handling assembly 1 further includes a circuit board 18 located on the cover 15, and the image acquisition module 17 is electrically connected to the circuit board 18.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 6, and refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 together. The chip 10 also includes a fluid distribution component 2, which is connected to the fluid use component 1, the fluid storage component 3 and the drive component 4 respectively. The fluid distribution component 2 is used to select the running direction of the fluid to enable the drive component 4 to control the fluid from the fluid storage component 3 to enter the fluid use component 1, or control the reacted fluid to be discharged from the fluid use component 1 to the fluid storage component 3.

[0063] Referring to Figures 6 and 7 , in some embodiments, the fluid distribution assembly 2 includes multiple flow channels 21 and shut-off valves 22 located at the intersections of the different flow channels 21. The shut-off valves 22 are used to control the opening and closing of the flow channels 21 according to a preset timing sequence to select the direction of fluid flow. In some embodiments, the shut-off valves 22 are normally open. To divert a fluid path, the corresponding shut-off valve 22 is simply opened.

[0064] Specifically, referring to Figures 8 and 9 together, the multiple flow channels 21 may include a driving flow channel 211, a main flow channel 212, an inlet flow channel 213, and a waste flow channel 214. The driving flow channel 211, the main flow channel 212, and the flow pool 11 of the fluid use component 1 are connected. Specifically, a cut-off valve 22 is provided at the intersection of the driving flow channel 211 and the main flow channel 212. By controlling the cut-off valve 22, the connection or disconnection of the driving flow channel 211 and the main flow channel 212 can be controlled. There can be multiple inlet flow channels 213, and a cut-off valve 22 is provided at the intersection of two adjacent inlet flow channels 213. By controlling the cut-off and opening of the cut-off valve 22, the connection between the corresponding inlet flow channel 213 and the flow pool 11 can be controlled to achieve the purpose of inputting different types of fluids into the flow pool 11 of the fluid use component 1. Among them, the inlet flow channel 213 may include a sample flow channel 213a and a reagent flow channel 213b. The chip 10 also has a sample inlet 218a for adding samples to the chip 10. The sample flow channel 213a is connected to the sample inlet 218a and the fluid handling assembly 1. The reagent flow channel 213b is connected to the fluid storage assembly 3 and the fluid handling assembly 1. Specifically, there can be multiple reagent flow channels 213b to allow different types of reagents to be introduced into the flow cell 11 of the fluid handling assembly 1. The waste liquid flow channel 214 is connected to the drive flow channel 211 and the fluid storage assembly 3. Specifically, a shut-off valve 22 is provided at the intersection of the waste liquid flow channel 214 and the drive flow channel 211. By controlling this shut-off valve 22, the connection or disconnection between the waste liquid flow channel 214 and the drive flow channel 211 can be controlled. The drive assembly 4 is connected to the drive flow channel 211, that is, the drive assembly 4 can provide negative pressure to the main flow channel 212 and positive pressure to the waste liquid flow channel 214 through the drive flow channel 211. Specifically, the drive assembly 4 can create a negative pressure in the main channel 212 and the flow cell 11 of the fluid use component 1 through the drive flow channel 211, so that the sample in the sample inlet hole 218a enters the flow cell 11 of the fluid use component 1 through the sample flow channel 213a, or the fluid in the fluid storage component 3 is input into the flow cell 11 of the fluid use component 1 through the reagent flow channel 213b. In addition, the drive assembly 4 can also create a negative pressure in the drive flow channel 211 and the main channel 212, thereby sucking waste liquid from the flow cell 11 of the fluid use component 1 into the drive assembly 4, and then, through positive pressure driving, discharge the waste liquid in the drive assembly 4 through the drive flow channel 211 and the waste liquid flow channel 214 into the fluid storage component 3. In some embodiments, the sample can be added to the sample inlet hole 218a using a pipette.

[0065] In some embodiments, the plurality of liquid inlet channels 213 may further include a cleaning liquid channel 213 c , which may input cleaning liquid into the flow pool 11 or other channels 21 of the fluid using component 1 to clean the flow pool 11 or the fluid dispensing component 2 .

[0066] In some embodiments, the plurality of flow channels may further include a bypass flow channel 215, which is respectively connected to the liquid inlet flow channel 213 and the drive flow channel 211. The bypass flow channel 215 enables the fluid to flow through the liquid inlet flow channel 213 and finally be discharged into the fluid storage component 3, while the fluid will not enter the flow pool 11 of the fluid use component 1. Specifically, a cut-off valve 22 is provided at the intersection of the bypass flow channel 215 and the drive flow channel 211. By controlling the cut-off valve 22, the connection or disconnection between the drive flow channel 211 and the bypass flow channel 215 can be controlled. The bypass flow channel 215 can discharge useless reagents in the flow channel 21 without passing through the flow pool 11, thereby preventing useless reagents from entering the flow pool 11. At the same time, the bypass flow channel 215 can also achieve the purpose of cleaning the flow channel 21 separately.

[0067] In some embodiments, a common flow channel 216 is provided at the connection with the liquid inlet 12 of the flow pool 11 , and each liquid inlet flow channel 213 and bypass flow channel 215 is connected to the common flow channel 216 and connected to the liquid inlet 12 through the common flow channel 216 .

[0068] In some embodiments, the liquid inlet flow channel 213 may further include an exhaust area 217, and the exhaust area 217 is provided with a breathable membrane 23. The bubbles in the fluid flowing through the exhaust area 217 can be discharged from the liquid inlet flow channel 213 through the breathable membrane 23. Specifically, not every one of the multiple liquid inlet flow channels 213 needs to be provided with an exhaust area 217. According to the properties of the fluid being transported, several liquid inlet flow channels 213 can be selected to provide an exhaust area 217. Usually, the length of the liquid inlet flow channel 213 provided with the exhaust area 217 is set longer, and the flow channel is coiled to form the exhaust area 217. By setting the length of the exhaust area 217 longer, the bubbles in the fluid can be fully discharged. In some embodiments, two of the multiple reagent flow channels 213b can be provided with an exhaust area 217 to discharge bubbles in the input reagent. In some embodiments, the breathable membrane 23 can be a water-proof breathable membrane that only allows gas molecules to pass through, and liquid molecules will not leak.

[0069] Please refer to Figures 6 to 9 again. From the structural composition, the fluid distribution component 2 includes a stacked base plate 24 and a cover plate 25. The base plate 24 and the cover plate 25 enclose the aforementioned flow channel 21. The surface of the base plate 24 facing away from the cover plate 25 is provided with a plurality of distribution grooves 26 connected to the aforementioned flow channel 21. Each distribution groove 26 is provided with a cut-off valve 22, that is, a distribution groove 26 is provided at the intersection of different flow channels 21. The distribution groove 26 is connected to the corresponding flow channel 21 through different through holes. The through hole of the cut-off valve 22 controls the opening or cutting off of a certain through hole of the distribution groove 26, thereby controlling the connection between the distribution groove 26 and the corresponding flow channel 21 to achieve the purpose of switching the flow path.

[0070] In some embodiments, the exhaust area 217 is formed on the surface of the substrate 24 facing away from the cover plate 25, and the breathable membrane 23 is located on the side of the substrate 24 facing away from the cover plate 25. The breathable membrane 23 serves as a covering membrane and together with the substrate 24 encloses the exhaust area 217 of the liquid inlet channel 213.

[0071] In some embodiments, the flow channel 21 may be a micro-channel formed on the substrate 24 by etching.

[0072] Referring to Figure 10 in conjunction with Figures 6 to 9 , in some embodiments, the substrate 24 includes multiple areas, namely a fluid-using area 241 for arranging the fluid-using assembly 1, a distribution area 242 for arranging the shut-off valve 22, a fluid inlet area 243 for arranging a fluid connection with the fluid storage assembly 3, and a drive assembly mounting area 244 for arranging the drive assembly 4. The fluid-using assembly 1 is disposed on the surface of the substrate 24 facing away from the cover plate 25 and is located in the fluid-using area 241. The fluid-using area 241 has through-holes that communicate with corresponding flow channels 21, thereby achieving communication with the fluid-using assembly 1. Specifically, the inlet hole 12 of the flow cell 11 communicates with the common flow channel 216, and the outlet hole 13 of the flow cell 11 communicates with the main flow channel 212. The distribution slot 26 is disposed in the distribution area 242. The fluid storage assembly 3 is disposed in a fluid inlet area 243, and the fluid inlet area 243 is provided with a plurality of fluid inlet holes 218. The fluid storage assembly 3 is connected to the inlet channel 213 via the fluid inlet holes 218. Specifically, since the inlet channel 213 is divided into a sample channel 213a, a reagent channel 213b, and a cleaning liquid channel 213c, the fluid inlet holes 218 are also correspondingly divided into a sample inlet hole 218a, a reagent inlet hole 218b, and a cleaning liquid inlet hole 218c. In addition, a waste liquid discharge hole 218d is provided next to the fluid inlet area 243, through which the waste liquid channel 214 is connected to the fluid storage assembly 3. The drive assembly 4 is disposed in the drive assembly mounting area 244, and the drive assembly mounting area 244 is provided with a pressure drive hole 219. The drive assembly 4 is connected to the drive channel 211 via the pressure drive hole 219. In addition, the exhaust area 217 of the liquid inlet channel 213 is located in the drive assembly installation area 244 and below the drive assembly 4 .

[0073] In some embodiments, the shut-off valve 22 includes a valve plunger housing 221 and multiple valve plungers 222. The valve plunger housing 221 has multiple valve holes 223. A valve plunger 222 is provided in each valve hole 223. The valve plunger 222 passes through the valve hole 223 and is supported on the distribution groove 26. By controlling the valve plunger 222, the connection or disconnection of a certain through hole in the distribution groove 26 can be controlled, thereby achieving connection with the aforementioned flow channel 21 with different functions.

[0074] Please refer to Figure 10 again. The fluid storage component 3 includes a shell 31, an adapter 32 connected to the shell 31, and a first connecting structure 33 provided on the adapter 32. A plurality of cavity structures for accommodating fluids are provided in the shell 31, specifically including a reagent chamber 35, a cleaning liquid chamber 36, and a waste liquid chamber 37. Each of the above cavity structures is connected to the corresponding flow channel 21 through a first connecting structure 33. In this embodiment, some reagent chambers 35 may not be directly provided in the shell 31, but may be separately connected to the first connecting structure 33 corresponding to the adapter 32. In this way, only the reagent chamber 35 for conventional general reagents and the waste liquid chamber 37 for collecting waste liquid are provided inside the shell 31. The corresponding reagent chamber 35 can be replaced and connected according to different detection requirements, thereby improving the flexibility and applicability of the fluid transport device 100. In some embodiments, the fluid storage component 3 is a test kit.

[0075] Please refer to Figures 11 to 13, and refer to Figure 10 in conjunction with them. In some embodiments, the fluid storage component 3 is detachably connected to the chip 10. Before use, the fluid storage component 3 can be assembled with the chip 10. Specifically, the reagent inlet 218b, the cleaning liquid inlet 218c, and the waste liquid discharge hole 218d are all provided with a second connecting structure 27, and the first connecting structure 33 is detachably connected to the corresponding second connecting structure 27. Specifically, each first connecting structure 33 includes a connecting through hole 331 provided through the adapter 32, a normally closed valve 332 provided in the connecting through hole 331, and a sealing ring 333 located at one end of the connecting through hole 331 near the fluid distribution component 2. Among them, the second connecting structure 27 can be a convex hole (or needle tip) convexly provided on the substrate 24, which can be inserted into the first connecting structure 33, thereby realizing the detachable connection between the fluid storage component 3 and the chip 10. FIG13 shows a schematic diagram of the fluid storage assembly 3 when not connected to the fluid distribution assembly 2 of the chip 10, and FIG12 shows a schematic diagram of the fluid storage assembly 3 after being connected to the fluid distribution assembly 2 of the chip 10. When the driving assembly 4 provides driving pressure, the fluid can flow under the action of the driving force.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first communication structure 33 further includes an isolation membrane 334 disposed on the sealing ring 333. The second communication structure 27 extends into the first communication structure 33 and punctures the isolation membrane 334, thereby establishing communication between the fluid storage assembly 3 and the fluid distribution assembly 2 of the chip 10. Specifically, the isolation membrane 334 can be a thin film to prevent leakage of the fluid in the fluid storage assembly 3 before the fluid storage assembly 3 and the chip 10 are assembled. For example, the isolation membrane 334 can be made of rubber or aluminum foil.

[0077] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the drive assembly 4 is fixed to the drive assembly mounting area 244 via the bracket 5. The drive assembly 4 includes a driver 41 and a waste liquid collection chamber 42 connected to the driver 41. The waste liquid collection chamber 42 is connected to the pressure drive hole 219. The driver 41 can generate negative pressure or positive pressure. When liquid needs to be added to the flow cell 11, the driver 41 generates negative pressure. When waste liquid in the flow cell 11 needs to be discharged, the driver 41 first generates negative pressure to first draw the waste liquid into the waste liquid collection chamber 42 for temporary storage, and then generates positive pressure to discharge the waste liquid in the waste liquid collection chamber 42 into the waste liquid cavity 37 of the fluid storage assembly 3.

[0078] In certain embodiments, the drive assembly 4 can be a power source such as a syringe, a piston pump, a plunger pump, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump or a gear pump. Specifically, the driver 41 can be a power source such as a syringe, a piston pump, a plunger pump, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump or a gear pump. In the present embodiment, the driver 41 can be a syringe. By arranging a high-precision drive assembly 4, the fluid amount in the input flow cell 11 can be accurately controlled, thereby improving the accuracy of the experiment.

[0079] In some embodiments, the waste liquid collection chamber 42 can be a section of a hose with a certain space.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 14 , together with FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 , the present embodiment further provides a method for fluid transport using the aforementioned fluid transport device 100 . The fluid transport method includes the following steps:

[0081] Step S1 : using a negative pressure driving method to input the fluid in the fluid storage component 3 into the chip 10 .

[0082] In some embodiments, the steps of inputting fluid into the chip 10 using a negative pressure drive method include: establishing a connection between the drive component 4, the fluid distribution component 2, the fluid use component 1 and the sample liquid inlet hole 218a or the reagent chamber 35 of the fluid storage component 3, and starting the drive component 4 to generate negative pressure in the fluid use component 1, so that the fluid in the fluid storage component 3 is input into the fluid use component 1 via the fluid distribution component 2.

[0083] In some embodiments, the step of inputting fluid into the chip 10 using a negative pressure drive method also includes: cutting off the connection between the drive component 4, the fluid distribution component 2, the fluid use component 1 and the sample liquid inlet hole 218a or the reagent chamber 35 of the fluid storage component 3.

[0084] Specifically, the steps of inputting fluid into the chip 10 using a negative pressure drive method are as follows:

[0085] In step S11 , the corresponding shut-off valve 22 is opened to establish connections among the driving assembly 4 , the driving channel 211 , the main channel 212 , the flow cell 11 , the sample channel 213 a and the sample liquid inlet 218 a .

[0086] In step S12, the driver 41 is activated to generate negative pressure, which forms a negative pressure in the driving channel 211, the main channel 212, and the flow cell 11. The negative pressure further spreads to the sample channel 213a, thereby drawing the sample in the sample inlet 218a into the flow cell 11. Specifically, before assembling the chip 10 and the fluid storage assembly 3, the sample can be added to the sample inlet 218a using a pipette.

[0087] Step S13 , cutting off the connection between the driving assembly 4 , the fluid dispensing assembly 2 , the fluid using assembly 1 and the sample inlet 218 a .

[0088] Specifically, the corresponding shut-off valve 22 is cut off, thereby cutting off the connection between the driving assembly 4, the driving channel 211, the main channel 212, the flow cell 11, the sample channel 213a and the sample liquid inlet 218a.

[0089] In step S14 , the corresponding shut-off valve 22 is opened to establish connections among the driving assembly 4 , the driving flow channel 211 , the main flow channel 212 , the flow cell 11 , the sample flow channel 213 a and the reagent chamber 35 .

[0090] In step S15 , the driver 41 is started to generate negative pressure, so that negative pressure is formed in the driving channel 211 , the main channel 212 , and the flow cell 11 . The negative pressure further diffuses to the reagent channel 213 b , thereby sucking the reagent in one reagent chamber 35 into the flow cell 11 .

[0091] Step S16 , cutting off the connection between the driving component 4 , the fluid dispensing component 2 , the fluid using component 1 and the reagent chamber 35 of the fluid storage component 3 .

[0092] Specifically, the corresponding shut-off valve 22 is cut off, thereby cutting off the connection between the driving assembly 4 , the driving channel 211 , the main channel 212 , the flow cell 11 , the reagent channel 213 b and the reagent chamber 35 .

[0093] Afterwards, the reagent reacts with the sample in the flow cell 11 , and when the reaction is completed, the liquid discharge process begins.

[0094] In step S2, the waste liquid after the reaction in the chip 10 is sucked out by a negative pressure driving method.

[0095] The specific steps are as follows:

[0096] In step S21, the corresponding shut-off valves 22 are opened to establish connections between the drive assembly 4, the fluid dispensing assembly 2, the fluid using assembly 1, and the cleaning liquid chamber 36 of the fluid storage assembly 3. Specifically, connections are established between the drive assembly 4, the drive channel 211, the main channel 212, and the flow cell 11.

[0097] In step S22 , the driving assembly 4 is started to generate negative pressure, so as to absorb the waste liquid in the flow pool 11 of the fluid using assembly 1 into the waste liquid collecting chamber 42 of the driving assembly 4 for temporary storage.

[0098] Step S23 , closing the corresponding shut-off valve 22 , disconnecting the driving channel 211 from the main channel 212 , and opening the connection between the driving channel 211 , the waste channel 214 , and the waste liquid chamber 37 of the fluid storage assembly 3 .

[0099] Step S3: discharge the sucked waste liquid into the fluid storage component 3 using a positive pressure drive method.

[0100] Specifically, the driving assembly 4 is started to generate positive pressure, and the waste liquid in the waste liquid collection chamber 42 is discharged into the waste liquid cavity 37 of the fluid storage assembly 3 .

[0101] By repeating the above steps S1 to S3 , different reagents can be added to complete the biological reaction in the flow cell 11 .

[0102] It is understandable that, if necessary, between reagent switching, the corresponding shut-off valve 22 can be opened to connect the cleaning liquid chamber 36 to the fluid distribution component 2 to clean the flow channel 21 and the flow pool 11. That is, after step S3, the fluid transport method also includes: using a negative pressure drive method to input the cleaning liquid in the fluid storage component 3 into the fluid use component 1, and using negative pressure drive and positive pressure drive methods to discharge the cleaning liquid in the fluid use component 1 into the fluid storage component 3.

[0103] The specific steps are:

[0104] The first step is to control the corresponding shut-off valve 22 to establish a connection between the drive component 4, the fluid distribution component 2, the fluid use component 1 and the cleaning liquid chamber 36 of the fluid storage component 3, and start the drive component 4 to input the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid chamber 36 into the flow pool 11 of the fluid use component 1 through the fluid distribution component 2, and use negative pressure drive to suck the cleaning liquid in the flow pool 11 into the drive component 4.

[0105] The second step is to control the corresponding cut-off valve 22 to cut off the connection between the drive assembly 4 and the cleaning liquid chamber 36. Specifically, the connection between the main channel 212 and the drive channel 211 is cut off.

[0106] The third step is to control the corresponding shut-off valve 22 to establish a connection between the drive component 4, the fluid distribution component 2 and the waste liquid chamber 37 of the fluid storage component 3, and start the drive component 4 to discharge the waste liquid in the waste liquid collection chamber 42 of the drive component 4 into the waste liquid chamber 37.

[0107] It is understood that, under normal conditions, if there is useless reagent in the flow channel 21, the fluid transport method further includes using the bypass flow channel 215 to discharge the residual reagent in the flow channel 21, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0108] The first step is to establish connections between the drive assembly 4, the fluid distribution assembly 2, and the waste liquid chamber 37 of the fluid storage assembly 3. Specifically, connections are established between the drive assembly 4, the drive channel 211, the bypass channel 215, the inlet channel 213, and the cleaning liquid chamber 36 of the fluid storage assembly 3.

[0109] In the second step, the driving assembly 4 is started to generate negative pressure, so as to suck the residual fluid in the flow channel 21 of the fluid distribution assembly 2 into the waste liquid collection chamber 42 of the driving assembly 4 .

[0110] The third step is to cut off the connection between the driving channel 211 and the bypass channel 215 , and to establish a connection between the driving channel 211 and the waste liquid channel 214 .

[0111] In the fourth step, the driving assembly 4 is started to generate positive pressure, and the waste liquid in the waste liquid collection chamber 42 of the driving assembly 4 is discharged into the waste liquid cavity 37 of the fluid storage assembly 3 .

[0112] Please refer to FIG. 15 , which provides a biochemical substance analysis device 200 . The biochemical substance analysis device 200 includes a device body 210 and the aforementioned fluid transport device 100 located inside or outside the device body 210 .

[0113] The fluid transport device 100 integrates fluid transport and fluid use into an integrated device that can be used for analysis and detection of biochemical substances, such as genetic testing. For example, the fluid transport device 100 can be a microfluidic chip for genetic testing that integrates fluid transport and fluid use. The specific biochemical substance analysis device 200 used is a sequencer. It is understood that the fluid transport device 100 can be disposed inside or outside the device body 210, and when in use, it can be installed and connected to the device body 210 or not. By using the aforementioned integrated fluid transport device 100, a fully dry sequencing experiment can be implemented, eliminating the need for a liquid circuit system within the device body 210, thereby reducing equipment costs.

[0114] Compared with the prior art, the fluid transport device 100 of this embodiment has the following advantages:

[0115] 1) The fluid transport device 100 integrates the chip 10, the drive component 4, and the fluid storage component 3, and uses the drive component 4 to generate negative pressure to drive the fluid in the fluid storage component 3 to input the fluid into the chip 10, and then uses the drive component 4 to generate negative pressure to first suck out the waste liquid after the reaction in the chip 10, and then uses the positive pressure generated by the drive component 4 to discharge the sucked waste liquid into the fluid storage component 3. This can realize the transportation of fluid between the fluid storage component 3 and the chip 10 and the use of the fluid in the chip 10. The fluid is only located inside the fluid transport device 100 during the entire transportation and use process and will not contact the equipment outside the fluid transport device 100 (such as the equipment body of the biochemical substance analyzer). This simplifies the structure of the equipment body and eliminates the need for pipeline cleaning and maintenance of the equipment body, reducing the cost and complexity of the experimental process. Moreover, the fluid is only exchanged inside the fluid transport device 100, which will not cause reagent residue in the equipment body, avoid damage to the equipment body, reduce experimental costs, avoid cross-contamination of residual reagents, and improve the success rate of the experiment.

[0116] 2) The fluid is transported in a combination of negative pressure drive and positive pressure drive, which can ensure the quantitative accuracy when the fluid is taken out of the fluid storage component 3 and can ensure faster transportation of the fluid to the chip 10, further improving the accuracy and efficiency of the experiment.

[0117] 3) Chip 10 is a microfluidic chip that integrates a fluid use component 1 and a fluid distribution component 2. The layout of the flow channel 21 is reasonable. Through the cooperation of the flow channel 21 and the shut-off valve 22, samples, various reagents, cleaning fluids, etc. can be added, and waste liquid in the flow pool 11 can also be discharged.

[0118] 4) The fluid distribution assembly 2 is also provided with a bypass channel 215, which allows for the removal of unwanted reagents without passing through the flow cell 11, thereby preventing unwanted reagents from entering the flow cell 11. Furthermore, the bypass channel 215 can also be used to clean the flow channel 21 separately.

[0119] 5) The fluid transport device 100 can be a disposable device, which can be discarded after the test is completed according to the actual number of experiments designed. There is no need for cleaning and maintenance procedures, and there is no situation of inadequate maintenance, which simplifies the complexity of experimental operations.

[0120] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that the technical solutions of the present application may be modified or replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present application.

Claims

1. A fluid transport device, characterized in that: include: A chip, a fluid storage component and a driving component, wherein the driving component and the fluid storage component are both connected to the chip, and the driving component is used to adopt a negative pressure driving method to input the fluid in the fluid storage component into the chip, and adopt a negative pressure driving method to suck out the reacted fluid in the chip, and adopt a positive pressure driving method to discharge the sucked out reacted fluid into the fluid storage component.

2. The fluid transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chip includes a fluid use component, which is connected to the fluid storage component and the drive component respectively. The drive component is used to use a negative pressure drive method to input the fluid in the fluid storage component into the fluid use component, and to use a negative pressure drive method to suck out the post-reaction fluid in the chip, and to use a positive pressure drive method to discharge the sucked post-reaction fluid into the fluid storage component.

3. The fluid transport device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The chip further comprises a fluid distribution component, wherein the fluid distribution component is respectively connected to the fluid use component, the fluid storage component and the drive component, and the fluid distribution component is used to select the running direction of the fluid.

4. The fluid transport device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fluid distribution assembly includes a plurality of flow channels and cut-off valves disposed at different intersections of the flow channels. The cut-off valves are used to control the opening or closing of the flow channels according to a preset timing to select the running direction of the fluid.

5. The fluid transport device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The plurality of flow channels include a driving flow channel, a main flow channel, a liquid inlet flow channel and a waste liquid flow channel. The driving flow channel, the main flow channel and the fluid use component are connected to each other. The liquid inlet flow channel includes a sample flow channel and a reagent flow channel. The sample flow channel and the reagent flow channel are both connected to the fluid use component, and the reagent flow channel is also connected to the fluid storage component. The waste liquid flow channel is respectively connected to the driving flow channel and the fluid storage component. The chip also includes a sample liquid inlet hole connected to the sample flow channel. The driving assembly is used to form negative pressure in the driving flow channel, the main flow channel and the fluid use assembly, so that the sample in the sample inlet hole enters the fluid use assembly through the sample flow channel, or the fluid in the fluid storage assembly is input into the fluid use assembly through the reagent inlet flow channel; The driving component is also used to form a negative pressure in the driving channel and the main channel to absorb the reacted fluid in the fluid use component into the driving component, and to discharge the reacted fluid in the driving component through the waste liquid channel into the fluid storage component by positive pressure driving.

6. The fluid transport device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The plurality of flow channels also include bypass flow channels, which are respectively connected to the liquid inlet flow channel and the drive flow channel, and are used to discharge the fluid flowing through the liquid inlet flow channel to the fluid storage component without entering the fluid use component.

7. The fluid transport device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The liquid inlet channel also includes an exhaust area, and the exhaust area is provided with an air-permeable membrane. When the fluid flows through the exhaust area, bubbles in the fluid are discharged from the liquid inlet channel via the air-permeable membrane.

8. The fluid transport device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fluid distribution assembly comprises a stacked base plate and a cover plate, wherein the base plate and the cover plate enclose the flow channel, and a surface of the base plate facing away from the cover plate is provided with a plurality of distribution grooves communicating with the flow channel, and each of the distribution grooves is provided with a cut-off valve; The fluid-using component is disposed on a surface of the substrate facing away from the cover plate, and the fluid-using component is communicated with the corresponding flow channel.

9. The fluid transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fluid storage component is detachably connected to the chip.

10. The fluid transport device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The fluid storage component has a plurality of first connection structures, and the chip has a plurality of protruding second connection structures, each of which extends into one of the first connection structures, so that the second connection structures are detachably connected to the first connection structures.

11. The fluid transport device according to claim 10, characterized in that: An isolation membrane is provided in the first connection structure, and the second connection structure extends into the first connection structure and punctures the isolation membrane, so that the fluid storage component is connected to the chip.

12. The fluid transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving assembly is a syringe, a piston pump, a plunger pump, a peristaltic pump, a diaphragm pump or a gear pump.

13. A fluid transport method, characterized in that: include: The fluid in the fluid storage component is input into the chip by using a negative pressure driving method; Aspirating the reacted fluid in the chip by using a negative pressure driving method; as well as The reacted fluid sucked out is discharged into the fluid storage component by a positive pressure driving method.

14. The fluid transport method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The step of inputting the fluid into the chip by negative pressure driving includes: establishing a connection between the driving component, the fluid dispensing component, the fluid use component and the sample inlet hole or the reagent chamber of the fluid storage component, and starting the driving component to generate negative pressure in the fluid use component, so that the fluid in the fluid storage component is input into the fluid use component via the fluid dispensing component.

15. The fluid transport method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The step of inputting the fluid into the chip by negative pressure driving also includes: cutting off the connection between the driving component, the fluid dispensing component, the fluid using component and the sample inlet hole or the reagent chamber of the fluid storage component.

16. The fluid transport method according to claim 15, characterized in that: The step of using a negative pressure drive method to suck out the post-reaction fluid in the chip includes: establishing a connection between the drive component, the fluid distribution component, the fluid use component and the cleaning liquid chamber of the fluid storage component, and starting the drive component to suck out the post-reaction fluid in the fluid use component into the drive component.

17. The fluid transport method according to claim 16, characterized in that: The step of sucking out the reacted fluid in the chip by negative pressure driving also includes: cutting off the connection between the driving component, the fluid distribution component, the fluid use component and the cleaning liquid chamber of the fluid storage component.

18. The fluid transport method according to claim 17, characterized in that: The step of using a positive pressure drive to discharge the sucked-out post-reaction fluid into the fluid storage component includes: establishing a connection between the drive component, the fluid distribution component and the waste liquid chamber of the fluid storage component, and starting the drive component to discharge the post-reaction fluid in the drive component into the waste liquid chamber.

19. The fluid transport method according to claim 18, characterized in that: After the step of discharging the sucked reacted fluid into the fluid storage assembly by a positive pressure driving method, the fluid transport method further comprises: Establishing connections among the drive assembly, the fluid dispensing assembly, the fluid using assembly and the cleaning liquid chamber of the fluid storage assembly, and starting the drive assembly to suck the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid chamber into the drive assembly via the fluid dispensing assembly and the fluid using assembly; Cutting off the connection between the drive assembly, the fluid dispensing assembly, the fluid using assembly and the cleaning liquid chamber; and The connection between the driving component, the fluid dispensing component and the waste liquid chamber of the fluid storage component is established, and the driving component is started to discharge the cleaning fluid in the driving component into the waste liquid chamber.

20. The fluid transport method according to claim 18, characterized in that: After the step of discharging the sucked reacted fluid into the fluid storage assembly by a positive pressure driving method, the fluid transport method further comprises: Establishing a connection between the drive component, the fluid dispensing component and the cleaning liquid chamber of the fluid storage component, and starting the drive component to suck the residual fluid in the flow channel of the fluid dispensing component into the drive component; Cutting off the connection between the driving assembly, the fluid dispensing assembly and the cleaning liquid chamber; and A connection is established between the drive assembly, the fluid dispensing assembly and the waste chamber of the fluid storage assembly, and the drive assembly is activated to discharge the residual fluid in the drive assembly into the waste chamber.

21. A biochemical substance analysis device, characterized in that: It comprises an equipment body and a fluid transport device located inside or outside the equipment body, wherein the fluid transport device is the fluid transport device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

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