CN101380599A - Support unit for microfluidic system and manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a supporting unit for a micro fluid system and a manufacturing method thereof. The supporting unit for the micro fluid system comprises: a first support body (2); a first adhesive layer (1a) arranged on the surface of the first support body (2); a first hollow filament cluster formed by a plurality of hollow filaments (501-508) laid on the surface of the first adhesive layer (1a) in any shape; a second hollow filament cluster formed by a plurality of hollow filaments (511-518) laid in the direction orthogonal with the first hollow filament cluster; a second adhesive layer (1b) arranged on the surface of the second hollow filament cluster; and a second support body (6) arranged on the surface of the second adhesive layer (1b). The first hollow filament cluster and the second hollow filament cluster form a fluid passage layer.

Description

Support unit for micro fluid system and manufacturing method thereof

The application has the following application numbers: 03804567.2(PCT/JP2003/002066), the application date is 2/25/2003, the name of the invention is: the supporting unit for micro fluid system and the manufacturing method thereof are filed in divisional application of the invention patent application.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a support unit for a microfluidic system in which a hollow filament is laid and fixed in a predetermined shape on a support, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background

In the field of chemistry or biochemistry, research on miniaturization of reaction systems or analytical devices using Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology is being conducted. In conventional research and development, there is a single-function miniaturized mechanical element (micromachine) including a micro motor and a micro pump as components.

In order to perform a desired chemical reaction and chemical analysis, a plurality of various components such as a micromachine must be combined and systematized. In general, the finished products of these systems are called Micro Reactor systems (Micro Reactor systems) and Micro chemical analysis systems (μ TAS: Micro Total analysis systems). Typically, micromachines are formed on silicon chips using semiconductor fabrication processes. It is possible in principle to systematize a plurality of elements by forming (accumulating) them on one chip, and grouping thereof is actually ongoing. However, the manufacturing process is complicated, and it is expected that the manufacturing process is not easy in mass production scale. Thus, it is proposed: a chip-type substrate (a microreactor) in which a channel is formed as a flow path by etching or the like in a predetermined position of a silicon substrate is used as a method for forming a fluid circuit (system) by connecting a plurality of micromachines or the like. This method of accumulation has the advantage that it is easier to manufacture than the above-described method of accumulation. However, the flow path cross-sectional area is small, and the interface resistance of the fluid and the groove side is large. In the present situation, the length of the flow path is not more than mm, and the number of steps and the amount of reaction and analysis are limited when the reaction and chemical analysis are actually carried out.

However, the manufacturing process is complicated, and it is expected that the manufacturing is not easy in a mass production scale. Therefore, in recent years, there have been proposed: a chip-type substrate having a channel formed by etching or the like at a predetermined position on a silicon substrate is used as a method for connecting a plurality of micromachines or the like to form a fluid circuit. This method has an advantage that the manufacturing becomes easier than the above-described accumulation method. However, on the other hand, there are for this method: the cross-sectional area of the flow path is small, the resistance of the interface between the fluid and the groove side is large, the length of the flow path is at most mm unit under the present situation, and the number of the reaction and analysis processes and the amount are limited when the reaction and the chemical analysis are actually carried out.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems. That is, the object of the present invention is to: provided is a support unit for a microfluidic system, which is easy to manufacture and has a long distance of cm unit without limiting the number of steps and the amount of reaction and analysis.

Another object of the present invention is to: provided is a support unit for a small-sized microfluidic system, which does not require a space even if a complicated fluid circuit is provided.

Yet another object of the present invention is to: provided is a method for manufacturing a support unit for a microfluidic system, which can form a complicated fluid circuit.

In order to achieve the above object, a gist of a 1 st feature of the present invention is: a support unit for a microfluidic system, comprising (a) a first support, (b) a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provided on the surface of the first support, (c) a hollow filament formed in an arbitrary shape on the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and (d) a hollow filament formed in an arbitrary shape on the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and functioning as a flow path layer of the microfluidic system. In the aspect 1 of the present invention, since the hollow filaments can be laid further three-dimensionally in a form of crossing the hollow filaments, it is possible to provide: the supporting unit for the micro fluid system has good precision, is easy to manufacture, and has no limit on the number and quantity of the reaction and analysis processes. Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the support unit for a small-sized microfluidic system which does not require a space even if the fluid circuit is complicated can be provided, the microfluidic system itself can be made fine.

The gist of the 2 nd feature of the present invention is: the support unit for a microfluidic system comprises (a) a first support, (b) a first adhesive layer provided on the surface of the first support, and (c) a first hollow filament group comprising a plurality of hollow filaments which are laid on the first adhesive layer in an arbitrary shape and which function as a plurality of flow path layers of the microfluidic system, respectively. In the invention according to the 2 nd aspect, since the second hollow filament group composed of a plurality of hollow filaments intersecting with the first hollow filament group can be laid three-dimensionally in the hollow filament group composed of a plurality of hollow filaments, it is possible to provide: the supporting unit for the micro fluid system has good precision, is easy to manufacture, and has no limit on the number and quantity of the reaction and analysis processes. Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, since the support unit for a small-sized microfluidic system which does not require a space even if the fluid circuit is complicated can be provided, the microfluidic system itself can be made fine. Wherein,

the gist of the 3 rd feature of the present invention is: a method for manufacturing a support unit for a microfluidic system, comprising (a) a step of forming a first adhesive layer on a surface of a first support and (b) a step of laying a hollow filament on a surface of the first adhesive layer. The method for manufacturing a supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to the 3 rd feature of the present invention uses the supporting unit for a microfluidic system described in the 1 st feature. According to the 3 rd aspect of the present invention, there is provided: a method for manufacturing a support unit for a miniature microfluidic system capable of forming a complicated fluid circuit.

The gist of the 4 th feature of the present invention is: a method for manufacturing a support unit for a microfluidic system, comprising (a) a step of forming a first adhesive layer on a surface of a first support and (b) a step of laying a first hollow filament group composed of a plurality of hollow filaments on the surface of the first adhesive layer. The method for manufacturing a support unit for a microfluidic system according to the 4 th aspect of the present invention uses the support unit for a microfluidic system described in the 2 nd aspect. According to the 4 th aspect of the present invention, there is provided: a method for manufacturing a support unit for a miniature microfluidic system capable of forming a complicated fluid circuit.

Drawings

FIG. 1A is a sectional view of a supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 1B is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 1A in a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows at I A-I A.

Fig. 2 is a process cross-sectional view (1 thereof) for explaining a method of manufacturing a supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Fig. 3A is a process cross-sectional view (2 thereof) for explaining a method of manufacturing a supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 3B is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 3A, in a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows on the line III A-III A.

Fig. 4A is a process cross-sectional view (3 thereof) for explaining a method of manufacturing a supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention; fig. 4B is a plan view corresponding to fig. 4A in a sectional view taken in the direction of arrows along the line IV a-IV a.

Fig. 5A is a process cross-sectional view (4) for explaining a method of manufacturing a supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 5B is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 5A in a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows at line V A-V A.

Fig. 6A is a process cross-sectional view (5 thereof) for explaining a method of manufacturing a supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention; fig. 6B is a plan view corresponding to fig. 6A in a sectional view taken in the direction of arrows along lines VI a-VI a.

Fig. 7A is a process cross-sectional view (6 thereof) for explaining a method of manufacturing a supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention; fig. 7B is a plan view corresponding to fig. 7A in a sectional view taken in the direction of arrows along lines VII a-VII a.

Fig. 8A is a plan view of a support unit for a microfluidic system including a relay unit according to embodiment 2; fig. 8B is a sectional view taken along line VIII B-VIII B of fig. 8A.

Fig. 9 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of a hollow filament in a support unit for a microfluidic system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a microfluidic system support unit provided with a relay unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11A is a sectional view of a plan view of the supporting unit for a microfluidic system of the other embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 11C, as seen in the direction of arrows XI A-XI A; FIG. 11B is a sectional view of the plan view shown in FIG. 11C, as viewed in the direction of the arrow on the line XI B-XI B.

Fig. 12 is a plan view of a supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a plan view showing a modification of the microfluidic system support unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention are explained with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and the planar size, the ratio of the thicknesses of the respective layers, and the like are different from those in reality. Therefore, the specific thickness and size should be determined in accordance with the following description. It is to be noted that the drawings naturally include portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios from each other.

Example 1

(support unit for micro fluid system)

As shown in fig. 1, a microfluidic system support unit according to embodiment 1 of the present invention includes: a first support 2; a first adhesive layer 1a provided on the surface of the first support 2; a first hollow filament group composed of a plurality of hollow filaments 501, 502, 503,. and 508 laid in an arbitrary shape on the surface of the first adhesive layer 1 a; a second hollow filament group composed of a plurality of hollow filaments 511, 512, 513,.. and 518 laid out in a direction crossing the first hollow filament group; a second adhesive layer 1b provided on a surface of the second hollow filament group; and a second support 6 provided on the surface of the second adhesive layer 1 b. A first hollow filament group composed of a plurality of hollow filaments 501, 502, 503,.. and 508 and a second hollow filament group composed of a plurality of hollow filaments 511, 512, 513,.. and 518 constitute a flow path layer of the reagent of the support unit for a microfluidic system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, respectively.

The inner and outer diameters of the plurality of hollow filaments 501, 502, 503, and. When the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 having such inner diameters are manufactured, materials such as Polyimide (PI), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether imide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroethylene oxide copolymer (PFA), and the like are particularly preferably used. When the inner diameter is made to be smaller than 0.05mm, it is necessary to consider the influence of the interface impedance between the inner wall surfaces of the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 and the fluid. On the other hand, with an inner diameter larger than 0.05mm, high pressure is required to continuously flow the fluid, which increases the load on other parts and causes bubbles to be mixed into the fluid. When a fluid flowing through a first hollow filament group consisting of a plurality of hollow filaments 501 to 508 and a second hollow filament group consisting of a plurality of hollow filaments 511 to 518 is chemically reacted, it is preferable that the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 have reagent resistance. In addition, when the fluid flowing through the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 is irradiated with light to cause a photochemical reaction or spectroscopic analysis, it is preferable that the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 have light permeability. The light transmittance may be a value corresponding to the purpose, but is preferably 80% or more, more preferably 90% or more at the wavelength of interest. That is, as shown in fig. 9A, the second support 6, the second adhesive layer 1b, and the hollow filaments 58 at predetermined positions are transparent; or hollow filaments 58 are exposed, and preferably at least the hollow filaments 58 in that location are transparent.

The hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 are fixed to the first support 2 because they are free, and thus they have an advantage that it is easy to control various environments such as an ambient temperature electric field and a magnetic field. This is advantageous in performing chemical reactions and chemical analyses, and is particularly indispensable in miniaturized reaction systems and analysis systems. Further, the adjustment of the parts is easy and the connection is easy, and a large number of hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 can be closely accommodated.

In addition, in the case of chemical analysis, it is excellent in that the operation efficiency is improved by having a plurality of hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518. In this case, when the hollow filaments 501 to 508 constituting the first hollow filament group start analyzing at the same time, the lengths of the hollow filaments are required to be equal to each other in view of obtaining the analysis results at substantially the same time. Similarly, the plurality of hollow filaments 511 to 518 constituting the second hollow filament group are also required to have equal lengths. That is, it is important that the energy received from the outside from the inflow portion to the outflow portion of the sample is uniform and is almost the same as the energy received by other hollow filaments. From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 are sandwiched between two or more support members so that the heat distribution transmitted to the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 is uniform.

Further, it is preferable that the hollow filaments 501 to 508 constituting the first hollow filament group and the hollow filaments 511 to 518 constituting the second hollow filament group are arranged at equal intervals to each other. Further, it is preferable that the tube thicknesses of the hollow filaments 501 to 508 constituting the first hollow filament group and the hollow filaments 511 to 518 constituting the second hollow filament group are uniform.

As the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518, various commercially available hoses made of various materials can be used, and any material can be selected according to the purpose. For example, there are: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (pvdc) resin, polyvinyl acetate (pvac) resin, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) resin, polystyrene resin (PS), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin, polyethylene resin (PE), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polypropylene resin (PP), polytetramethylpentene (TPX), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), PEEK, PI, PEI, PPs, polytetrafluoroethylene resin (PTFE), polyperfluoroethylpropylene (FEP), PFA, tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene copolymer. Organic materials such as (ETFE), Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), (PVDF), polyethylene terephthalate resin (PET), polyketone amine resin (nylon), Polyoxymethylene (POM), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polycarbonate resin (PC), polyurethane resin, polyester elastomer, polyolefin resin, silicone resin, polyimide resin, and inorganic materials such as glass, quartz, and carbon.

The material, shape, size, and the like of the first support 2 can be selected according to the purpose. The appropriate ranges of the thickness and the thickness of the first support 2 are different depending on the purpose and the required performance. For example, when the first support 2 is required to have electrical insulation, an epoxy resin plate and a polyimide resin plate used for a printed wiring board or the like, or a polyimide resin Film represented by Kapton Film manufactured by DuPont and a PET Film represented by lumiror Film manufactured by Toray are selected for use on a flexible wiring board. The first support 2 is preferably thick, and particularly preferably 0.05mm or more. When heat dissipation is required for the first support 2, a metal plate such as an aluminum (Al) plate, a copper (Cu) plate, a stainless steel plate, or a titanium (Ti) plate is selected. The thickness of the first support 2 is preferably larger, and more preferably 0.5mm or more. When the first support 2 is required to have light transmittance, a transparent inorganic material plate such as glass or quartz plate, or a transparent organic material plate or film such as polycarbonate or acryl is selected. The first support 2 is preferably thin, and particularly preferably 0.5mm or less in thickness (film thickness). Further, a so-called flexible circuit board or printed circuit board in which a metal pattern of copper or the like is formed on the surface of the first support 2 by etching or plating may be used. Thus, it is possible to form terminals and circuits for mounting various components or modules such as micromachines, heating elements, piezoelectric elements, various sensors such as temperature, pressure, bending, vibration, voltage, and magnetic field, electronic components such as impedance, capacitance, coil, transistor, and IC, and optical components such as semiconductor Laser (LD), Light Emitting Diode (LED), and Photodiode (PD), and to facilitate systemization.

The first adhesive layer la formed on the surface of the first support 2 is preferably an adhesive having pressure-sensitive and optical activity-sensitive properties. These materials are suitable for mechanically laying a hollow filament (hollow capillary) because they are made to have tackiness or adhesiveness by applying pressure, light, or the like. For the pressure-sensitive adhesive, a high molecular weight synthetic rubber or silicone resin-based adhesive is suitable. As the high molecular weight synthetic rubber adhesive, for example, polyisobutylene such as Bisdasx MML-120 (trade name; ビスタネツクス MML-120) manufactured by Toxox (ト - ネツクス), acrylonitrile-butadiene resin such as Nippon N1432 manufactured by ZEON, and acylated polyethylene chlorosulfonic acid such as Hippon (Hypalon)20 manufactured by DuPont can be used. In this case, the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1a can be formed by dissolving these materials in a solvent and then directly applying and drying the solution to the first support 2. Further, a crosslinking agent may be mixed in these materials as needed. Further, acrylic resin-based double-sided adhesive tapes such as No.500 manufactured by Nidong electric corporation and A-10, A-20 and A-30 manufactured by 3M company can be used. As the silicone resin-based adhesive, silicone rubbers composed of high molecular weight polydimethylsiloxane or tolylsiloxane and having a silanol group at the terminal, and silicone adhesives containing a silicone resin such as methylpolysiloxane or tolylpolysiloxane as a main component are suitable. Various crosslinking may be performed to control the cohesive force. For example, crosslinking can be performed by addition reaction of silane, alkoxy condensation reaction, acetoxy condensation reaction, radical reaction by peroxide, or the like. As such a binder, YR3286 (product name. As the photosensitive binder, for example, a dry film resist used as an etching resist of a printed board, a flux resist ink, a photosensitive aggregate of a printed board, or the like can be applied. Specifically, H-K440 manufactured by Hitachi chemical industries and Probiba manufactured by CIBA GEJGY. In particular, the light passing material provided for the purpose of a collective wiring board can withstand the manufacturing process of a printed circuit board or the component mounting process of soldering. Such a material may be any composition including a copolymer or monomer having a functional group that can be crosslinked by light and/or a composition in which a functional group that can be crosslinked by heat other than light is mixed with a thermal polymerization initiator. Examples of the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1a include alicyclic epoxy resins such as epoxy resins, brominated epoxy resins, rubber-modified epoxy resins, and rubber-dispersed epoxy resins, bisphenol-a type epoxy resins, and acid-modified products of these epoxy resins. In particular, when light irradiation is performed to perform light curing, a modified product of these epoxy resins and an unsaturated acid is preferable. Examples of the unsaturated condensed acid include anhydrous maleic anhydride, tetrahydrophthalic anhydride, itaconic anhydride, acrylic acid, and methacrylic acid. These can be obtained by reacting an unsaturated carboxylic acid with an epoxy group of an epoxy resin at a compounding ratio of equal or less. In addition, thermosetting materials such as melamine resins and cyanate resins, or a combination of these with phenol resins are also one of preferable examples of application. In addition, the flexibility-imparting material may be used in a suitable combination, and examples thereof include butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber, natural rubber, acrylic rubber, SBR, carboxylic acid-modified butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber, carboxylic acid-modified acrylic rubber, crosslinked NBR particles, carboxylic acid-modified crosslinked NBR particles, and the like. By adding such various resin components, various properties can be imparted to a cured product while maintaining basic properties such as photocurability and thermosetting properties. For example, a combination with an epoxy resin or a phenol resin can impart a cured product with excellent electrical insulation properties. When the rubber component is mixed, the cured product can be given tough properties, and the surface of the cured product can be easily roughened by surface treatment with an oxidizing agent. In addition, additives (polymerization stabilizers, leveling agents, pigments, dyes, etc.) that are generally used may also be added. Even if the filler is mixed, it does not matter. Examples of the filler include: inorganic fine particles such as fused silica, talc, alumina, hydrated alumina, barium sulfate, calcium hydroxide, ultrafine particulate silica, and calcium carbonate, organic fine particles such as powdery epoxy resin and powdery polyimide resin, and powdery polytetrafluoroethylene particles. These fillers may be subjected to a coupling treatment in advance. The dispersion can be achieved by known kneading methods such as kneading, ball milling, bead milling, three-roll tumbling, and the like. As a method for forming such a photosensitive resin, a method of applying a liquid resin by a method such as roll coating, doctor coating, or dip coating, or a method of forming a film of an insulating resin on a support film and then bonding the film by a laminate film method can be used. Specifically, there are BF-8000 light-transmitting films manufactured by Hitachi chemical industries, and the like.

The second support 6 can use various materials shown in the first support 2. Further, it is preferable to insert the second adhesive layer 1b between the second support 6 and the second hollow filament group composed of the plurality of hollow filaments 501 to 508, because the effect of protecting the first hollow filament group composed of the plurality of hollow filaments 501 to 508 and the second hollow filament group composed of the plurality of hollow filaments 511 to 518 can be further increased. If a net-like or porous film is selected as the second support 6, the disadvantage of bubble formation in laminating the film is less likely to occur. The mesh film or woven fabric may be polyester mesh TB-70 manufactured by SCREEN of Tokyo, and the porous film may be Dura protective film manufactured by Celanese and Schrucu protective film 2400 manufactured by Schrucu chemical industry.

The second adhesive layer 1b may use various materials shown in the first adhesive layer 1 a.

(method of manufacturing supporting unit for micro fluid System)

Next, a method for manufacturing a microfluidic system support unit according to embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to fig. 2 to 8.

(a) First, as shown in fig. 2, a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1a having the same shape and the same size as those of the first support 2 is formed on the surface of the first support 2. Next, as shown in fig. 3, 4 rectangular releasing layers 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are uniformly formed on the peripheral portion of the surface of the first adhesive layer 1 a. In order to form such release layers 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d on the surface of the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1a, there are a method of applying a commercially available release agent in advance at a predetermined position on the surface of the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1a, a method of bonding a release film, and the like. Then, the first support 2 is provided with slits 4a, 4d, 4c, 4d by a cutter or the like. As shown in fig. 3B, the slits 4a, 4B, 4c, and 4d are formed in the vicinity of the inner edges of the 4 releasing layers 3a, 3B, 3c, and 3d, respectively.

(b) Next, as shown in fig. 4, a first hollow filament group composed of a plurality of hollow filaments 501 to 508 is laid on the surface of the first support 2 on which the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1a is formed, in a direction perpendicular to the releasing layer 3d from the releasing layer 3 b. In this laying, illustration is omitted, and the same NC wiring machine 61 as shown in fig. 5A can be used (as such a wiring machine, there is a wiring device disclosed in japanese patent application laid-open No. 2001-59910, and further, a device disclosed in japanese patent publication No. 50-9346 can apply a load and ultrasonic vibration at the time of wiring, and further, a device disclosed in japanese patent publication No. 7-95622 can apply a load and irradiate laser light), and the NC wiring machine 61 can control the numerical value and perform output control of ultrasonic vibration and load, and by using the NC wiring machine 61, the laying pattern of the first hollow filament group composed of the plurality of hollow filaments 501 to 508 can be precisely controlled. Specifically, while the NC wiring machine 61 is moved horizontally relative to the first support 2, a load and an ultrasonic vibration action are applied to the first hollow filament group composed of the hollow filaments 501 to 508.

(c) Next, as shown in fig. 5, a second hollow filament group consisting of a plurality of hollow filaments 511 to 518 is laid in a direction from the releasing layer 3a toward the releasing layer 3c so as to cross the already laid first hollow filament group consisting of a plurality of hollow filaments 501 to 508. In this laying, as shown in fig. 5A, an NC wiring machine 61 is used. The laying pattern of the second hollow filament group composed of a plurality of hollow filaments 511-518 can be precisely controlled. Specifically, while the NC wiring machine 61 is moved horizontally relative to the first support 2, a load and an ultrasonic vibration action are applied to the second hollow filament group composed of the hollow filaments 511 to 518. However, the NC wiring machine 61 is set such that: a load and ultrasonic vibration are stopped at the intersection of a first hollow filament group consisting of a plurality of hollow filaments 501 to 508 and a second hollow filament group consisting of a plurality of hollow filaments 511 to 518. By stopping the load and/or the ultrasonic vibration in the vicinity of the intersection of the first hollow filament group and the second hollow filament group, the stress on the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 can be reduced, and the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 can be prevented from being damaged.

(d) Next, as shown in fig. 6, a second adhesive layer 1b having the same shape and the same size as those of the first support 2 is formed so as to cover the already-laid first hollow filament group composed of the plurality of hollow filaments 501 to 508 and the second hollow filament group composed of the plurality of hollow filaments 511 to 518. Further, a second support 6 having the same shape and the same size as the first support 2 is prepared, and the second support 6 is bonded (laminated) to the second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1 b. For laminating the second support 6, various methods may be considered. In this case, when the second support 6 is a mesh-like or porous film, the protective film can be bonded to the second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1b without air or the like entering the interface by applying a slight pressure. However, when the second support 6 is a uniform thin film, residual air bubbles cannot be avoided. In this case, a high-pressure press method is conceivable, but a large pressure is applied to the hollow filaments 501 to 508, 511 to 518, and the hollow portion is deformed. Further, there is a problem that a large pressure is locally generated at the intersection of the first hollow filament group and the second hollow filament group, causing breakage or the like. In this case, it is preferable to use a vacuum laminating apparatus to bring the second support 6 into a vacuum state before the second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1b is bonded, and then to perform bonding under low pressure, so that air does not enter the interface, and large stress does not remain in the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518, and breakage does not occur.

(e) Then, the sheet is cut along a cutting line 7 having a desired shape as shown by a broken line in fig. 7B. As a method of processing the microfluidic system support unit into a desired shape after laminating the second support 6, there is a method of cutting with a cutter or cutting by pressing a metal cutter die previously formed into a desired shape. However, it is not easy to automate the cutter, and since the cutting die requires time and effort for manufacturing the casting tool, it is preferable that the NC-driven laser beam machine can perform the work only by preparing data. Among laser processing machines, a laser drilling machine for drilling a small-diameter hole for a printed board is also preferable to a machine with a large output for cutting. The laser drilling machine for a printed circuit board is preferable because the energy output per unit time is large, the drilling can be performed at a plurality of shots in the same field, the drilling can be performed gradually at about half the diameter of the hole, and the burning of the laser is very small. As shown in fig. 7B, the cutting line 7 is cut so as to overlap the position 4a of the previously formed slits 4a, 4B, 4c, 4 d. As shown in fig. 7A, the first adhesive layer 1a and the second adhesive layer 1b are peeled off automatically by forming the slits 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d in advance in the vicinity of the end portions of the hollow filaments 518. Although not shown, the first adhesive layer 1a and the second adhesive layer 1b are peeled off automatically in the same manner at the ends of the other hollow filaments 501 to 518, 511, 512, 513. In the structure in which the first hollow filament group consisting of the plurality of hollow filaments 501 to 508 and the second hollow filament group consisting of the plurality of hollow filaments 511 to 518 are laid on the first adhesive layer 1a and then the second support 6 is bonded by the second adhesive layer 1b, the process of exposing the end portions of the plurality of hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 becomes complicated. Therefore, if the slits 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are provided in advance at the positions of the boundary lines between the unnecessary and finally removed portions and the portions remaining as the first support 2, the process of exposing the end portions of the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 becomes easy.

(f) After the cutting process is performed along the cutting line 7 indicated by the broken line in fig. 7B, the releasing layers 3B and 3d disposed near the ends of the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and the releasing layers 3a and 3c disposed near the ends of the hollow filaments 511 to 518 are removed, whereby the microfluidic system supporting unit shown in fig. 1 can be completed.

As described above, if the release layers 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are provided in advance on the surfaces of the end portions of the first support 2 that are not needed and are removed last, as shown in fig. 4, the process of taking out the first hollow filament group composed of the plurality of hollow filaments 501 to 508 and the second hollow filament group composed of the plurality of hollow filaments 511 to 518 from the end portions of the support unit for a microfluidic system can be performed more easily. However, the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 need to be paid attention to the length of the exposed portion. The non-exposed portions of the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 are fixed, and the temperature, the flow velocity distribution, the migration velocity, the applied voltage, and other factors are easily controlled with respect to the fluid in the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518. On the other hand, since the exposed portions of the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 are not fixed but are in a free state, it is difficult to control the above factors. In addition, the exposed portions of the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 are likely to be damaged by careless handling. Therefore, it is important that the length of the exposed portion is as short as possible, and it is preferable that the length of at least the exposed portion is shorter than the length of the unexposed portion.

In the method for manufacturing the supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, since the hollow members (hollow filaments) 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 are used, a certain amount of time is required for design and manufacture. In addition to the above-described laying conditions of the crossing portions of the first hollow filament group and the second hollow filament group, the formation conditions of the second support 6 to be a protective film layer are also being studied. In addition, the respective laying conditions of the first hollow filament group consisting of the plurality of hollow filaments 501 to 508 and the second hollow filament group consisting of the plurality of hollow filaments 511 to 518 and the curvature conditions of the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 need to be considered. These conditions are largely dependent on the material of the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 and the method of producing the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1a, and therefore cannot be generally set. That is, it is necessary to set design and manufacturing conditions suitable for the hollow filaments 501 to 508, 511 to 518 and the first adhesive layer 1a to be used. If this operation is neglected, not only a good hollow portion cannot be secured, but also an accident occurs in which a defect occurs in the hollow filaments 501 to 508, 511 to 518, and fluid leaks out.

Example 2

A microfluidic system supporting unit according to embodiment 2 of the present invention is different from the microfluidic system supporting unit according to embodiment 1 of the present invention shown in fig. 1 in that it includes an intermediate portion 8 having a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1a, a second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1b, and a second support 6 as wall portions and a first support 2 as a bottom portion, and therefore, the supporting unit is the same as embodiment 1 of the present invention, and therefore, redundant description is omitted.

As shown in fig. 8, the relay section 8 has a structure in which the hollow filaments 58 are exposed between the first adhesive layer 1a and the second adhesive layer 1 b. The exposed hollow filaments 58 serve to expel fluid. The relay unit 8 mixes or diverts the discharged fluid. The shape and size of the relay unit 8 may be determined according to the flow rate of the fluid. For example, when the thickness of the flow path formed by 2 to 3 hollow filaments 58 having an inner diameter of 200 μm, the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1a and the second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1b for holding the hollow filaments 58 are 200 μm in total, the intermediate portion 8 may have a cylindrical shape having a diameter of about 2mm to 7 mm.

The removal processing of the first adhesive layer 1a, the second adhesive layer 1b and the hollow filament 58 which are predetermined positions of the relay portion 8 is preferably laser processing. In particular, the volume of the removed portion, that is, the volume of the relay portion 8 is mm³The size of the particles is extremely small, and the laser processing is very suitable. The laser used for laser processing is a carbon dioxide laser, a YAG laser, a laser beam generator, or the like, and may be selected according to the material of the first adhesive layer 1a, the second adhesive layer 1b, and the hollow filament 58. In addition, when the relay unit 8 is processed by a laser, the laser may be usedA thin metal film such as copper or aluminum is formed on the surface of the first support 2 to serve as a stopper of the laser. The volume of the removal relay part 8 is cm³In the case of a wide range of the unit or more, machining such as a drill can be applied. In the case of machining, desmear treatment for removing resin chips generated during cutting may be added.

As a method of forming the second support 6 as a part of the relay section 8, there is a step of bonding the second support 6 to the second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1b, and then shaping the second support 6 to form a part of the relay section 8. In this case, a method of inserting the second support 6 with a needle such as an injection needle is suitable.

As another method, when the relay portion 8 is formed by the first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1a and the second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1b, the second support 6 is also processed to be a part of the relay portion 8. In this case, the method of collectively processing with the laser described above is suitable.

As another method, there is a method in which the second support 6 is formed in advance in the shape of a part of the intermediate section 8 and then bonded to the second pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1 b. The second support 6 is processed by, for example, drilling, punching, or laser processing.

According to the supporting unit for a microfluidic system of embodiment 2 of the present invention, by providing the relay unit 8, it is possible to mix or divide the fluid flowing through the hollow filaments 58. Further, since the second support 6 is a part of the relay unit 8, the relay unit 8 can be opened, and therefore, a new fluid can be injected from the outside into the relay unit or a fluid located in the relay unit 8 can be taken out to the outside.

Example 1

Kapton300H manufactured by dupont having a thickness of 75 μ M was used for the first support 2, and as shown in fig. 2, a first pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 1a made of a VBH a-10 film manufactured by 3M having a thickness of 250 μ M and having adhesiveness at room temperature was roll-laminated on the surface thereof. As shown in fig. 3, single-sided release paper is provided as release layers 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d at desired positions of the first support 2, and the release surfaces are brought into close contact with the pressure-sensitive adhesive surface. As shown in fig. 4, slits 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d are formed in desired positions of the first support 2 by a cutter. On the top, as shown in FIG. 5, hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 made of high-performance engineering plastic hoses (material: PEEK, inner diameter of 0.2mm and outer diameter of 0.4mm)62 from Kelly industries are laid by using an NC wiring machine 61 capable of controlling the output of ultrasonic vibration and load and moving an X-Y table by NC control. The laid hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 are subjected to ultrasonic vibration with a load of 80g and a frequency of 30 kHz. As shown in FIG. 5B, the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 are laid in an arc shape with a radius of 5mm and are also provided at the crossing portions. In the vicinity of the intersection, a stopping load and ultrasonic vibration are formed. As the second support 6, a film of VBH A-10 manufactured by 3M company was roll-laminated on the surface of Kapton300H manufactured by DuPont, and as shown in FIG. 6, the second support was laminated on the surface on which the second hollow filament group composed of a plurality of hollow filaments 511 to 518 was laid by vacuum lamination. For the subsequent outline processing, a laser drilling machine for drilling holes for a printed board was used to move a hole of 0.2mm in diameter at an interval of 0.1mm with a pulse width of 5ms and a shot number of 4 times, and the hole was cut into a wide cross shape along a desired cutting line 7 shown in fig. 7. At this time, a portion where 8 hollow filaments are collected at a pitch of 0.4mm to form a flat cable is processed so as to overlap the slits 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d which are prepared in advance. Then, the portions of the first support 2 in the vicinity of the end portions of the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 to which the releasing layers 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d are bonded can be easily removed. The support unit for a microfluidic system can be produced in a shape in which a first hollow filament group consisting of 8 hollow filaments 501 to 508 having a total length of 20cm and a second hollow filament group consisting of 8 hollow filaments 511 to 518 having a total length of 20cm are exposed to each end by a length of 10 mm. The hollow filaments are not broken in the whole of the laid part, particularly in the crossing part.

As a result, the positional deviation of the flow path formed by the fluid in the first hollow filament group composed of the plurality of hollow filaments 501 to 508 and the second hollow filament group composed of the plurality of hollow filaments 511 to 518 can be brought within + -10 μm with respect to the design drawing. When the micro-fluidic system support unit was placed in a temperature controller, and was maintained at 80 ℃, liquid colored ink was introduced from one end, and the time until the ink flowed out was measured by a timer such as a stopwatch, 8 ink streams out from the other end at approximately the same time (soil 1 second or less).

Example 2

Aluminum having a thickness of 0.5mm was used for the first support 2, and as shown in FIG. 2, a pressure-sensitive adhesive S9009 of non-adhesive type manufactured by DOW CORNING ASIA was laminated on the surface thereof to form a first adhesive layer 1a having a thickness of 100. mu.m. As shown in fig. 3, release layers 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d made of single-sided release paper are provided as non-adhesive films in unnecessary portions of the surface near the ends of the hollow filaments, and the release surfaces are brought into close contact with the adhesive surface. As shown in fig. 4 and 5, a glass tube ESG-2 (inner diameter 0.8mm, outer diameter 1mm) manufactured by HAGITEC corporation was laid on the surface of the glass tube using an NC wiring machine 61 capable of performing output control of ultrasonic vibration and load and moving an X-Y table by NC control. Ultrasonic vibrations with a load of 100g and a frequency of 20kHz are applied to the laid hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518. As shown in FIG. 5B, the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 are laid in an arc shape with a radius of 10mm, and also have intersecting portions. In the vicinity of the intersection, a stopping load and ultrasonic vibration are formed. The second support 6 was laminated on a support unit having hollow filaments 501 to 508, 511 to 518 laid thereon by vacuum lamination using Kapton200H manufactured by DuPont as in the case of the film support, as shown in FIG. 6. In this case, thermocouples for temperature measurement are embedded in the vicinity of the hollow filaments 501 to 508, 511 to 518 of the inflow portion, the outflow portion and the intersecting portion. In the subsequent outline processing shown in fig. 7, the printed board is cut into a desired shape by using an outline processing machine for the printed board. At this time, a flat cable-like portion formed by collecting 12 hollow filaments at a pitch of 1mm was processed so as to overlap the previously prepared slits 4a, 4b, 4c, 4 d. Then, the portions of the first support 2 to which the releasing layers 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d are bonded in the vicinity of the ends of the hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 can be easily removed, and a support unit for a microfluidic system having a shape in which 12 hollow filaments 501 to 508 and 511 to 518 having a total length of 40cm are exposed by a length of 50mm can be manufactured. The positional deviation of the flow path constituted by the hollow filaments 501 to 508, 511 to 518 can be made within + -20 μm with respect to the design drawing. The hollow filaments 501 to 508, 511 to 518 are not damaged in the whole of the laid part, especially in the cross wiring part.

A thermal film FTH-40 manufactured by the co-vertical electronics industry was bonded to the entire inner surface of the aluminum plate, and the temperature was set to 90 ℃. Water of about 20 ℃ was poured in from one end, and the temperature of the water flowing out from the other end was measured and found to be 88. + -. 1 ℃. Further, the temperatures of the inflow portion, the outflow portion, and the intersection portion are 89 ± 0.5 ℃, and thus temperature control with high accuracy can be performed.

Example 3

As shown in fig. 8, a copper-bonded laminate (thickness: 0.2mm) having copper of 18 μm on the surface thereof was used for the first support 2, and S9009 (thickness: 200 μm) manufactured by DOW corning siaia, which is a non-adhesive at room temperature, was laminated on the surface thereof as the first adhesive layer 1a and the second adhesive layer 1 b. On the surface, a high-performance engineering plastic hose (material: PEEK, inner diameter 0.2mm, outer diameter 0.4mm) from Keli industries was laid by using a multi-wire wiring machine capable of controlling output of ultrasonic vibration and load and moving an X-Y table by NC control. Ultrasonic vibration of a load of 80g and a frequency of 30kHz was applied to the laid hollow filaments 58. The hollow filaments 58 are laid in an arc shape having a radius of 5mm, and also have intersecting portions. In the vicinity of the intersection, a stopping load and ultrasonic vibration are formed. A laminate obtained by laminating S9009 (thickness: 200 μm) manufactured by DOW CORNING ASIA was used as the second support 6 on a surface roller of Kapton200H manufactured by DuPont, and the laminate was vacuum-laminated on the surface on which the hollow filaments 58 were laid.

Then, a laser perforator for perforating holes for a printed circuit board was used to perforate holes having a pulse width of 5ms and a shot count of 4 times and a diameter of 0.2mm in the second support 6, the first adhesive layer 1a, the second adhesive layer 1b, and the hollow filaments 58 at positions where the intermediate sections 8 were formed. Next, the outer shape of the support unit for a microfluidic system having the relay unit 8 in which a plurality of flow paths are connected can be manufactured by a milling machine.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is described above, and it should not be understood that the present invention is limited to the disclosed part and the accompanying drawings. Various alternative embodiments, examples, and operational techniques will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

For example, as shown in fig. 9A, in the case of a method of using a micropump or a microvalve in which a through hole is provided in a part of a support unit for a microfluidic system, a motor having a cam or the like applies a force to a part of a hollow filament 58 periodically for a certain period of time, and the hollow filament 58 is deformed, so that a fluid moves therein to generate a pulsating flow, the hollow filament 58 may have elasticity. In particular, hollow filaments 58 are preferred for Young's modulus 10³MPa or less.

As shown in fig. 9B, a metal film 59 is formed on a part of the exposed hollow filament 58, and a terminal for applying a voltage or the like can be formed. In this case, copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), gold (Au), or the like is formed in a single layer or in multiple layers, and then formed by plating, vapor deposition, or the like.

Further, although the support unit for a microfluidic system includes the relay portion 8 serving as an opening portion as shown in fig. 8A and 8B, when the relay portion 8 merely mixes or branches the fluid, the second support 6 may be configured to be closed by performing a removal process as shown in fig. 10.

Further, the first hollow filament group and the second hollow filament group do not necessarily have to be orthogonal at 90 degrees, and may intersect each other. Therefore, for example, not only the first and second hollow filament groups but also a third hollow filament group may be laid.

On the other hand, the hollow filaments do not necessarily have to intersect, and may be constituted by only a first hollow filament group formed of a plurality of hollow filaments 501 to 508 facing in one direction as shown in fig. 11 and 12.

As shown in FIG. 13, hollow filaments 511 to 518 showing a bend may be laid.

In addition, the hollow filament may not necessarily be laid in plural, that is, the hollow filament may be singular.

Industrial applicability of the invention

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a support unit for a microfluidic system having a long distance of cm unit, which is easy to manufacture and does not limit the number of steps and amount of reaction and analysis.

As a result, the present invention can provide a fluid circuit (microfluidic system) with high accuracy and with less manufacturing variation. Further, since the first hollow filament group composed of a plurality of hollow filaments and the second hollow filament group composed of a plurality of hollow filaments orthogonal to the first hollow filament group can be laid three-dimensionally, a small-sized microfluidic system can be provided even with a complicated fluid circuit.

Further, the present invention can provide a support unit for a microfluidic system in which hollow filaments are arranged as a flow path of a fluid, and a method for manufacturing the support unit for a microfluidic system with good accuracy and less manufacturing variation.

Claims (11)

1. A support unit for a microfluidic system, comprising: the disclosed device is provided with:

a first support;

a first adhesive layer provided on a surface of the first support; and

at least two hollow filaments having equal length, which function as a flow path layer of a microfluidic system, are provided in an arbitrary shape on the surface of the first adhesive layer.

2. The supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to claim 1, wherein the group of hollow filaments of equal length has two or more groups.

3. The support unit for a microfluidic system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a part of the hollow filament is exposed from the first support.

4. The support unit for a microfluidic system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an end portion of the hollow filament is exposed from the first support body.

5. The supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a metal film is formed on a part of at least one of the hollow filaments.

6. The support unit for a microfluidic system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a part of at least one of the hollow filaments has a light transmitting portion formed of a light transmitting material.

7. The supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the hollow filaments has a light-transmitting property.

8. The supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the laid shape of the hollow filament is fixed by the first adhesive layer.

9. The supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a gap is formed around the hollow filament.

10. The supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a terminal or a circuit is formed on a surface of the first supporting member.

11. The supporting unit for a microfluidic system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one selected from the group consisting of a micromachine, a heat generating component, a piezoelectric component, an inductor, an electronic component, and an optical component is mounted on a surface of the first supporting member.

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