CN110856821A

CN110856821A - Reagent storage module, combination of reagent storage module and communicating vessel and microfluidic chip

Info

Publication number: CN110856821A
Application number: CN201810957453.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 葛胜祥; 苏晓崧; 张师音; 张东旭; 闵小平; 曾俊添; 熊君辉; 张军; 夏宁邵
Original assignee: Xiamen Wantai Kairui Biological Technology Co Ltd; Xiamen University
Current assignee: Xiamen Wantai Kairui Biological Technology Co Ltd; Xiamen University
Priority date: 2018-08-22
Filing date: 2018-08-22
Publication date: 2020-03-03
Anticipated expiration: 2038-08-22
Also published as: CN110856821B

Abstract

The invention relates to a reagent storage module, a combination of the reagent storage module and a communicating vessel and a microfluidic chip, wherein the reagent storage module comprises: a module body; the reagent bin is arranged in the module main body and used for storing reagents; the first channel is arranged in the module main body, and the first end of the first channel is communicated with the reagent bin; the second channel is arranged in the module main body, and the first end of the second channel is communicated with the reagent bin; the sealing assembly is arranged on the module body and used for sealing the second end of the first channel and the second end of the second channel; in a state of failure of the seal assembly: the second end of the first channel is communicated with the outside of the module main body, and the first channel is used for leading the liquid in the reagent cabin to the outside of the module main body; the second end of the second channel is communicated with the outside of the module main body, and the second channel is used for leading gas outside the module main body to the reagent bin. The invention is used for long-term sealed preservation of reagents.

Description

Reagent storage module, combination of reagent storage module and communicating vessel and microfluidic chip

Technical Field

The invention relates to the field of microfluidic detection, in particular to a reagent storage module, a combination of the reagent storage module and a communicating vessel and a microfluidic chip.

Background

Due to its high integration and strong automation, the microfluidic chip technology is increasingly applied to point-of-care testing (POCT) in clinical testing projects. How to realize the sealed long-term storage of the reaction reagent is one of important technical barriers for improving the application range and the clinical practical value of the microfluidic chip inspection technology.

Disclosure of Invention

One of the objects of the present invention is to propose a reagent storage module for the sealed preservation of reagents.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a combination of a reagent storage module and a communicator.

It is also an object of the invention to propose a microfluidic core.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a reagent storage module comprising: a module body; the reagent bin is arranged in the module main body and used for storing reagents; the first channel is arranged in the module main body, and the first end of the first channel is communicated with the reagent bin; the second channel is arranged in the module main body, and the first end of the second channel is communicated with the reagent bin; the sealing assembly is arranged on the module body and used for sealing the second end of the first channel and the second end of the second channel; in a state of failure of the seal assembly: the second end of the first channel is communicated with the outside of the module main body, and the first channel is used for leading the liquid in the reagent cabin to the outside of the module main body; the second end of the second channel is communicated with the outside of the module main body, and the second channel is used for leading gas outside the module main body to the reagent bin.

Optionally, the reagent storage module comprises a third channel disposed in the module body, and the first end of the first channel is communicated with the reagent cartridge through the third channel.

Optionally, a flow area of the third passage is less than or equal to a flow area of the first passage.

Optionally, a first end of the third channel is in communication with the reagent cartridge via a bottom of the reagent cartridge, and a second end of the third channel is in communication with a first end of the first channel.

Optionally, the seal assembly comprises: and the sealing gasket is arranged at the second end of the first channel and the second end of the second channel and used for sealing the second end of the first channel with the outside of the reagent cabin and sealing the second end of the second channel with the outside of the reagent cabin.

Optionally, the seal assembly comprises: and the pressing sheet is used for pressing and fixing the sealing gasket on the module main body, and through holes are formed in the positions of the pressing sheet, which correspond to the second end of the first channel and the second end of the second channel.

Optionally, the module body comprises: a first groove, an end of the second end of the first channel being located within the first groove; and a second groove, an end of the second channel being located within the second groove; the gasket at least comprises: an area disposed within the first groove; and a region disposed within the second recess.

Optionally, the sealing assembly comprises a sheeting: the tablet at least comprises: the region is used for compressing and fixing the region of the sealing gasket in the first groove; and the region is used for compressing and fixing the region of the sealing gasket in the second groove.

Optionally, the gasket comprises: the first sealing gasket is arranged in the first groove; and the second sealing gasket is arranged in the second groove.

Optionally, the tablet comprises: the first pressing sheet comprises a first part and a second part, the size of the first part is equivalent to that of the first groove, the first part is arranged in the first groove, and the second part is positioned outside the first groove and used for pressing the sealing gasket; and the second pressing sheet comprises a third part and a fourth part, the size of the third part is equivalent to that of the second groove, the third part is arranged in the second groove, and the fourth part is positioned outside the second groove and used for pressing the sealing gasket.

Optionally, the module body comprises: a first boss at which an end of the second end of the first channel is located; and a second boss at which an end of a second end of the second channel is located; the gasket at least comprises: a region for sealingly enclosing the first boss therein; and a region for sealingly enclosing the second boss therein.

Optionally, the module body comprises a press tab: the tablet at least comprises: the region is used for compressing and fixing the sealing gasket and the first boss; and the region is used for compressing and fixing the sealing gasket and the second boss.

Optionally, the gasket comprises: a first gasket sealingly surrounding the first boss; and a second gasket sealingly surrounding the second boss.

Optionally, the tablet comprises: a first presser plate including a first receiving portion for receiving the first boss and the gasket; and a second presser piece including a second receiving portion for receiving the second boss and the gasket.

Optionally, the reagent cabin is in a strip shape as a whole, and a first end of the reagent cabin is communicated with the first channel and a second end of the reagent cabin is communicated with the second channel.

Optionally, the outer edge of the first end of the reagent bin is flush, and the outer edge of the second end of the reagent bin is arc-shaped.

Optionally, the reagent storage module comprises two or more reagent compartments, each of said reagent compartments being provided with said first channel, said second channel and said sealing member.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a combination of a reagent storage module and a communicator, comprising the reagent storage module described above; and a communicator for breaking the sealing assembly to draw out the reagent within the reagent storage module.

Optionally, the communicator comprises: a needle plate provided with a through hole; and the needle head is arranged on one side of the needle plate and communicated with the through hole on the needle plate, and the needle head is used for puncturing the sealing assembly so as to be communicated with the reagent bin.

Optionally, the circumferential dimension within the first channel coincides with the outer circumferential dimension of the needle.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a microfluidic chip including the above-described reagent storage module, or a combination of the above-described reagent storage module and a communicator.

Based on the technical scheme, the invention at least has the following beneficial effects:

in some embodiments, a reagent cabin for hermetically storing the reagent is arranged in the module main body; the reagent cabin is at least provided with a first channel for guiding the flow of the reagent and a second channel for connecting external atmosphere and balancing air pressure, and the sealing assembly is used for closing the open ends of the first channel and the second channel communicated with the outside, so that the reagent is stored in a sealing manner.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the invention without limiting the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a module body of a reagent storage module according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic external view of a reagent storage module according to some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a reagent storage module according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a reagent storage module provided in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a first schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a reagent storage module provided in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a second schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a reagent storage module provided in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a reagent storage module in combination with a communicator provided by the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a first schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a reagent storage module in combination with a communicator provided by the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a second schematic cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the reagent storage module in combination with a communicator provided by the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a reagent storage module provided in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a first schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a reagent storage module provided in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a second schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a reagent storage module provided in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a reagent storage module provided in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a first schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a reagent storage module provided in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a second schematic cross-sectional view of a reagent storage module according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The reference numbers in the drawings:

1-a module body; 11-a first groove; 12-a second groove; 13-a first boss; 14-a second boss;

2-a reagent bin;

3-a first channel;

4-a second channel;

5-a sealing component; 51-a gasket; 52-tabletting;

6-a third channel;

7-a communicating vessel; 71-a needle plate; 72-needle.

Detailed Description

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments. It is to be understood that the described embodiments are merely a few embodiments of the invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments, which can be derived by a person skilled in the art from the embodiments of the present invention without any inventive step, are within the scope of the present invention.

In the description of the present invention, it is to be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate orientations or positional relationships based on those shown in the drawings, and are used merely for convenience in describing the present invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element being referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore, should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Fig. 1 to 15 are schematic views of a reagent storage module according to some embodiments of the present invention. The reagent storage module is used for hermetically storing a reagent, in particular a liquid reagent.

Some embodiments provide a reagent storage module comprising a module body 1, wherein the module body 1 may be square or irregular in shape, etc., and may be arranged as desired.

Some embodiments provide a reagent storage module comprising a reagent cartridge 2 (shown in fig. 1), the reagent cartridge 2 being disposed within a module body 1 for hermetically storing a reagent. Adaptation to different detection systems can be achieved by varying the number of reagent cartridges 2 in the reagent storage module without the need to redesign the reagent storage module. Each reagent storehouse 2 in the reagent storage module is totally separated, can avoid mutual pollution and infiltration between the reagent in long-time reagent is preserved, simple structure, the adjustment of being convenient for.

Some embodiments provide a reagent storage module comprising a first channel 3 (as shown in fig. 6), the first channel 3 being provided in the module body 1, a first end of the first channel 3 being in communication with the reagent cartridge 2. The second end of the first passage 3 is sealed from the outside of the module main body 1 by the seal assembly 5, and the second end of the first passage 3 communicates with the outside of the module main body 1 in a state where the seal assembly 5 is broken and the seal assembly 5 fails. The first channel 3 may be used to lead out the reagent in the reagent cartridge 2.

Some embodiments provide a reagent storage module comprising a second channel 4, the second channel 4 being provided in the module body 1, a first end of the second channel 4 being in communication with the reagent cartridge 2. The second end of the second channel 4 is sealed with the outside of the module body 1 by the seal assembly 5, and the second end of the second channel 4 is in gas communication with the outside of the module body 1 in a state where the seal assembly 5 is broken and the seal assembly 5 fails. The second channel 4 can be used for injecting gas into the reagent bin 2 to ensure the air pressure balance in the reagent bin 2 and facilitate the outflow of liquid reagents in the reagent bin 2.

Some embodiments provide a reagent storage module comprising a sealing assembly 5 (as shown in fig. 4 and 6), the sealing assembly 5 being provided at the module body 1, the sealing assembly 5 being configured to close the second end of the first channel 3 to disconnect the second end of the first channel 3 from the outside of the module body 1. The sealing assembly 5 also serves to close the second end of the second channel 4 to disconnect the second end of the second channel 4 from gas communication outside the module body 1.

In the event of failure of the sealing assembly 5: the second end of the first channel 3 communicates with the outside of the module body 1, and the first channel 3 is used for introducing the reagent in the reagent cartridge 2 to the outside of the module body 1.

In the event of failure of the sealing assembly 5: the second end of second passageway 4 and the outside gaseous intercommunication of module main part 1, second passageway 4 is used for leading the outside gas of module main part 1 to reagent storehouse 2 in to guarantee the atmospheric pressure balance in the reagent storehouse 2, do benefit to flowing out through first passageway 3 of the liquid reagent in the reagent storehouse 2.

Some embodiments provide a reagent storage module comprising a third channel 6 (as shown in fig. 6), the third channel 6 being provided in the module body 1, the first end of the first channel 3 being in communication with the reagent cartridge 2 via the third channel 6. I.e. the first end of the first channel 3 communicates with the second end of the third channel 6 and the first end of the third channel 6 communicates with the reagent cartridge 2.

In some embodiments, the flow area of the third channel 6 is smaller than or equal to the flow area of the first channel 3, and the flow area of the first channel 3 is matched with the needle head, so that the reagent in the reagent bin 2 can be completely led out, and the reagent residue is avoided.

In some embodiments, the first end of the third channel 6 is communicated with the reagent chamber 2 via the bottom of the reagent chamber 2, so that the reagent in the reagent chamber 2 can be completely led out, and the reagent residue can be avoided. The second end of the third channel 6 communicates with the first end of the first channel 3.

In some embodiments, the sealing assembly 5 comprises sealing gaskets 51 (shown in fig. 6), the sealing gaskets 51 being provided at the second end of the first channel 3 and the second end of the second channel 4 for sealing the second end of the first channel 3 from the exterior of the reagent cartridge 2 and for sealing the second end of the second channel 4 from the exterior of the reagent cartridge 2, respectively.

In some embodiments, the sealing pad 51 may be made of organic polymer materials such as rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, etc., and has a certain brittleness, and can be punctured by applying pressure with a sharp instrument; simultaneously, still possess certain elasticity, thereby the elastic deformation of accessible material self prevents that reagent from revealing with sharp ware inseparable parcel.

In some embodiments, the sealing assembly 5 includes a pressing piece 52 (as shown in fig. 6), the pressing piece 52 is used for pressing and fixing the sealing gasket 51 to the module body 1, and through holes are formed in the pressing piece 52 at positions corresponding to the second ends of the first channel 3 and the second channel 4. A sharp instrument can be inserted through the through hole of the pressing piece 52 into the seal 51.

In some embodiments, at least two independent reagent chambers 2 for hermetically storing reagents are arranged in the module main body 1. Each independent reagent cartridge 2 is provided with at least two channels, one channel is used for guiding reagent flow (a first channel 3), one channel is used for connecting external atmosphere balance air pressure (a second channel 4), and the open ends of the channels (the second end of the first channel 3 and the second end of the second channel 4) are arranged on the side surface of the module body 1.

In some embodiments, a groove structure or a boss structure may be provided at the position of the opening end of the channel, and the sealing assembly 5 is matched with the groove structure or the boss structure to assist the sealing assembly 5 in sealing the channel. Which can be implemented using the various embodiments described below.

In some embodiments, the module body 1 comprises a first groove 11, the end of the second end of the first channel 3 being located within the first groove 11.

In some embodiments, the module body 1 comprises a second groove 12, the end of the second channel 4 being located within the second groove 12.

In some embodiments, the gasket 51 includes at least a region disposed within the first groove 11.

In some embodiments, the gasket 51 includes at least a region disposed within the second groove 12.

In some embodiments, the pressing piece 52 includes at least a region for press-fixing the region of the sealing pad 51 in the first groove 11.

In some embodiments, the pressing piece 52 includes at least a region for compressively fixing the region of the sealing gasket 51 located in the second groove 12.

It will be appreciated that the gasket 51 may be a one-piece structure sized to match the size of the module body 1, covering the open ends of all of the channels on the module body 1, i.e., the second ends of the channels. Note: the first end of each channel communicates with the reagent well 2, and the second end of each channel is an open end, and can communicate with the outside of the module body 1 when the gasket 51 is broken.

Alternatively, the gasket 51 may have a split structure (as shown in fig. 4 and 6), and may include the following embodiments, for example.

In some embodiments, the seal 51 comprises a first seal that is formed in a sheet shape. The first sealing gasket can be matched with the first groove 11 in external dimension and is arranged in the first groove 11.

In some embodiments, the seal 51 comprises a second seal that is formed in a sheet shape. The second gasket may have a physical dimension matching the second groove and is disposed in the second groove 12.

Similarly, the pressing piece 52 may be a one-piece structure having a size matched to the size of the module body 1 for pressing and fixing the gasket 51 to the open ends of all the channels (i.e., the second ends of the channels) on the module body 1 to close the open ends of the channels from the outside of the module body 1.

Alternatively, the pressing plate 52 may be a split structure (as shown in fig. 4 and 6), and may include the following embodiments, for example.

In some embodiments, the pressing piece 52 includes a first pressing piece having a first portion having a size corresponding to the size of the first groove 11 and disposed in the first groove 11, and a second portion (as shown in fig. 5 and 6) disposed outside the first groove 11, and the first pressing piece is used for pressing the sealing gasket 51.

In some embodiments, the pressing piece 52 includes a second pressing piece, which includes a third portion (corresponding to the first portion of the first pressing piece) and a fourth portion (corresponding to the second portion of the first pressing piece), the third portion having a size corresponding to the second groove 12 and being disposed in the second groove 12, and the fourth portion being disposed outside the second groove 12, and the second pressing piece is used for pressing the gasket 51.

Optionally, the first pressing piece and the second pressing piece are respectively provided with a downward protruding structure at the central part, the length of the downward protruding structure is matched with the depth of the first groove 11 and the second groove 12, and the downward protruding structure can be correspondingly sunk into the first groove 11 and the second groove 12.

Alternatively, the pressing piece 52 may be fixedly coupled to the module body 1 using a screw.

In some embodiments, the end of the second end of the first channel 3 is located in the first recess 11 of the module body 1, and the end of the second channel 4 is located in the second recess 12 of the module body 1; alternatively, the module body 1 may be provided with a boss structure instead of the groove structure (the first groove 11 and the second groove 12), and the second end of the first channel 3 and the second end of the second channel 4 may be provided on the boss structure provided on the module body 1. For example:

in some embodiments, the module body 1 includes a first boss 13, and the end of the second end of the first channel 3 is located at the first boss 13.

In some embodiments, the module body 1 includes a second boss 14, and the end of the second channel 4 is located at the second boss 14.

To accommodate the above-described boss structures (the first boss 13 and the second boss 14), the gasket 51 may be a cap-type structure capable of surrounding the above-described boss structures.

Alternatively, the sealing gasket 51 may be an integrated structure (as shown in fig. 15) with a cap-shaped structure formed at a position corresponding to the boss structure, or the sealing gasket 51 may be a split structure (as shown in fig. 12), and each of the split sealing gaskets 51 is a cap-shaped structure and correspondingly surrounds a boss. The cap-shaped structure of the gasket 51 may be sized to fit tightly over the boss structure.

The form of the gasket 51 may include the following embodiments.

In some embodiments, gasket 51 includes at least an area for sealingly enclosing first boss 13 therein.

In some embodiments, gasket 51 includes at least an area for sealingly enclosing second boss 14 therein.

In some embodiments, gasket 51 comprises a first gasket that sealingly surrounds first boss 13.

In some embodiments, gasket 51 comprises a second gasket that sealingly surrounds second boss 14.

Similarly, to accommodate the boss configuration described above, the wafer 52 may be a cap-type configuration that surrounds the boss.

Alternatively, the pressing plate 52 may be a one-piece structure (as shown in fig. 12 and 15) with a cap-shaped structure formed at a position corresponding to the boss structure, or the pressing plate 52 may be a two-piece structure, where each two-piece pressing plate 52 is a cap-shaped structure and correspondingly surrounds a boss. The cap-shaped structure of the pressing piece 52 matches the cap-shaped structure of the sealing gasket 51.

The form of the preform 52 may include the following examples.

In some embodiments, the module body 1 includes a press tab 52. The pressing piece 52 includes at least a region for press-fixing the gasket 51 to the first boss 13.

In some embodiments, the pressing piece 52 includes at least a region for press-fixing the gasket 51 to the second boss 14.

In some embodiments, the pressing piece 52 includes a first pressing piece including a first receiving portion recessed upward from the bottom, similar to a cap-type structure, for receiving the first boss 13 and the sealing gasket 51.

In some embodiments, the pressing piece 52 includes a second pressing piece including a second receiving portion recessed upward from the bottom, similar to a cap-type structure, for receiving the second boss 14 and the sealing gasket 51.

During assembly, the sealing gasket 51 may be first combined with the pressing sheet 52 from the bottom of the pressing sheet 52, so that the cap structure on the sealing gasket 51 is pressed into the cap structure on the pressing sheet 52, and then the whole of the sealing gasket 51 and the pressing sheet 52 is fixed to the module body 1 filled with the reagent, so as to seal the second end of each channel on the module body 1 from the outside of the module body 1, thereby sealing the reagent chamber 2.

The boss structure is arranged on the module main body 1, so that the step of placing the sealing gasket 51 into the groove on the module main body 1 is omitted, the sealing gasket 51 is sleeved on the boss structure, and then the pressing sheet 52 is sleeved on the boss structure, or the sealing gasket 51 and the pressing sheet 52 can be combined firstly and then combined and fixed with the module main body 1, the processing technology and operation can be simplified, and convenience is brought to the flow line design.

In the embodiment in which the pressing piece 52 is provided as an integral structure, it is advantageous to reduce the number of screws for connecting the pressing piece 52 to the module body 1.

Alternatively, the pressing plate 52 may be connected to the module body 1 by using a fastening mechanism such as a snap, an expansion screw, a snap spring, etc. to fasten the pressing plate 52 to the module body 1.

In some embodiments, the size of the cap-shaped structure of the pressing plate 52 may be slightly smaller than that of the boss structure, and the pressing plate 5 may be surrounded and pressed to the boss structure to be fixed to the boss structure, so that the locking process of screws is omitted, the processing technology and the assembly operation of the chip are greatly simplified, an optimized scheme is provided for the design of the production line, and the clinical feasibility is greatly improved.

In some embodiments, the gasket 51 is shaped to mate with a groove or land structure at the open end of the channel to effect a seal against the open end of the channel.

In some embodiments, the shape of the pressing piece 52 is matched with the groove structure or the boss structure on the module body 1 to apply additional pressure to the periphery of the gasket 51 fixed thereto to enhance the sealing performance thereof. Meanwhile, the center of the pressing piece 52 is a through hole, through which the center part of the sealing pad 51 can be exposed, so as to facilitate the piercing of the sealing pad 51 from the through hole for leading out the reagent.

In some embodiments, the reagent chamber 2 is an elongated shape, and has a first end connected to the first channel 3 and a second end connected to the second channel 4.

In some embodiments, the outer edge of the first end of the reagent chamber 2 is flush and is communicated with the third channel 6, which is beneficial to completely leading out the reagent in the reagent chamber 2 and preventing the reagent from remaining. The outer edge of the second end of the reagent chamber 2 is arc-shaped (as shown in fig. 7, 10 and 13), which is beneficial to matching and processing with the second channel 4.

In some embodiments, the reagent storage module comprises more than two reagent compartments 2, each reagent compartment 2 being provided with a first channel 3, a second channel 4 and a sealing assembly 5. Namely, at least two independent reagent chambers 2 are arranged in the module main body 1. At least two channels are configured for each independent reagent cartridge 2 as a flow channel and a gas flow channel of the reagent cartridge 2.

In some embodiments, only one reagent storage module is needed to realize one-time filling and sealing of different liquid reagents, the structure is simple, the size of the module main body 1 and the size of the reagent bin 2 can be adjusted according to the types and the quantity of the reagents and the volume of the reagents, so that various experimental requirements are met, and the design, processing and manufacturing efficiency of the microfluidic chip is greatly improved.

In some embodiments, the module body 1 comprises a bottom sheet and a substrate, wherein the substrate is provided with a groove for forming the reagent chamber 2, and the substrate is provided with a channel communicated with the reagent chamber 2. The bottom plate is arranged at the bottom of the substrate and is used for sealing the reagent bin 2 and the channel on the substrate.

Alternatively, the substrate of the module body 1 is attached to the bottom plate by bonding means such as adhesive, heat pressing, ultrasonic bonding, etc.

Alternatively, the material of the bottom sheet of the module main body 1 may be a hard or soft organic polymer material.

The reagent storage module provided by some embodiments is reliable and durable, and has a good sealing effect; the adopted bonding mode and sealing mode are simple and reliable, the selected materials are corrosion-resistant, high-temperature-resistant and wear-resistant, and the reagents can be ensured not to leak and deform in long-term storage.

Some embodiments provide a combination of a reagent storage module and a communicator, comprising the reagent storage module described above and a communicator 7.

The reagent storage module is used for realizing sealed storage and long-term preservation of the reagent. The communicating vessel 7 is used for destroying the sealing component 5, opening the reagent bin 2 in the reagent storage module, leading out the reagent and sealing the reagent in the process of leading the reagent out.

In some embodiments, the communicator 7 includes a needle plate 71 and a needle 72 (shown in fig. 9).

Wherein the needle plate 71 is provided with through holes and passages communicating with the through holes.

The needle 72 is arranged on one side of the needle plate 71 and is communicated with the through hole on the needle plate 71, and the needle 72 is used for puncturing the sealing assembly 5 so as to be communicated with the reagent bin 2.

In some embodiments, the reagent storage module seals the outlet end of the first channel 3 communicated with the reagent chamber 2 through the sealing gasket 51, and the pressing sheet 5 is used to reinforce and fix the sealing effect of the sealing gasket 51. When it is desired to open the seal, directional release of the liquid agent can be achieved by piercing the seal 51 with the needle 72.

In some embodiments, the circumferential dimension within the first channel 3 coincides with the outer circumferential dimension of the needle 72, facilitating complete exit of the agent.

In some embodiments, the communicator 7 comprises a needle plate 71 and a needle 72, the needle 72 being at least used to pierce the sealing assembly 5 of the reagent storage module to draw the reagent in the reagent cartridge 2 in the module body 1 out through a channel in the needle plate 71 to a predetermined position.

Alternatively, the needle 72 may be a hollow sharp needle. The hollow sharp instrument needle head is a hollow inclined needle head, one end of the hollow sharp instrument needle head is of an inclined plane structure with a thinner diameter and puncture capability, and the hollow sharp instrument needle head is the top end; the other end is a fixed structure with a larger diameter and matched with the through hole on the needle plate 71 and is the bottom end.

Alternatively, the needle 72 may employ a plastic needle instead of a metal needle. Further, the needle 72 can be directly formed integrally with the needle plate 71 by injection molding or high-precision machining.

In some embodiments, the needle head 72 is a plastic needle and is integrally formed with the needle plate 71, so that the assembly process of the needle head 72 and the needle plate 71 is omitted, the processing technology and the assembly operation of the communicating vessel 7 are greatly simplified, and meanwhile, the plastic needle is used for replacing a metal needle and mold opening injection molding is realized, so that the production cost is greatly reduced; an optimization scheme is provided for the design of a production line, so that the scheme is greatly improved according to clinical feasibility.

In some embodiments, the needle board 71 of the communicating vessel 7 may be formed by attaching a base sheet and a base sheet. Alternatively, the needle plate 71 of the communicating vessel 7 may be made of the same material as the module body 1 of the reagent storage module.

In some embodiments, the communicating vessel 7 and the reagent storage module are sealed during the reagent extraction process by using the deformation of materials.

In some embodiments, in order to match a configuration in which the reagent storage module comprises more than two reagent chambers 2, each needle 72 of the communicating vessel 7 may be fixed on the needle plate 71, and the needle plate 71 is provided with a plurality of channels for communicating the needles 72 to be connected to form a fluid flow network.

In an embodiment of the module body 1 with a groove structure, the substrate and the bottom sheet of the module body 1 are attached, different reagents are respectively injected into the reagent chamber 2 from the liquid flow channel, the sealing gasket 51 is arranged in the groove structure to cover the outlet end of the channel, then the downward protruding structure of the pressing sheet 52 is pressed in after aligning with the groove structure of the module body 1, and finally the screw is locked to complete the sealing of the reagents.

When the sealing is required to be opened to release the reagent, the needle 72 on the communicating vessel 7 is aligned with the through hole on the pressing sheet 52 of the assembled reagent storage module, and is pressed down forcibly, the sharp surface of the needle is used for piercing the sealing gasket 51 into the channel, and meanwhile, the sealing gasket 51 and the channel form a sealing to prevent the reagent from overflowing. At this time, the reagent can flow out through the pierced hollow needle 72, and the external air pressure can be balanced by the needle 72 of the air pressure balancing passage communicated with the reagent chamber 2, so as to ensure the smooth outflow of the liquid reagent.

Some embodiments provide a reagent storage module and a communicating vessel that are easy to combine, and the overall combination and application steps are simple and easy to implement, and can be operated only by a manual or external instrument pressure lever.

Some embodiments provide a microfluidic chip including the above-described reagent storage module, or a combination of the above-described reagent storage module and a communicator.

The reagent storage module provided by some embodiments has a simple structure, can be rapidly molded through mold opening, and meanwhile, the reagent storage module has extremely strong universality, the size and the number of the reagent bins 2 can be adjusted according to needs, the production and processing cost of the microfluidic chip can be greatly reduced, and the clinical application value of the microfluidic chip is improved; the problems of complex design, difficult processing, low yield, high cost and poor applicability of the traditional microfluidic chip reagent storage, sealing and opening mechanism are solved.

Three of the embodiments of the present invention are further described below with reference to FIGS. 1-15.

Fig. 1 shows the main configuration of the module body 1 with the single reagent cartridge 2 described above. The inside of the module body 1 is provided with a reagent chamber 2 for storing liquid reagents and is connected with the surface of the module body 1 through two channels. The open ends of the two channels are located in the groove structure of the module body 1 to seal with the gasket 51 and the pressing piece 52.

Fig. 2 to 9 show a first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the module body 1 is provided with a first groove 11 and a second groove 12, which are respectively located at a liquid flow opening end (second end) of the first channel 3 and an air flow opening port (second end) of the second channel 4 communicating with the reagent cartridge 2. After reagent is injected through the first channel 3, the first sealing gasket and the second sealing gasket are respectively and correspondingly arranged in the first groove 11 and the second groove 12 to cover the second end of the first channel 3 and the second end of the second channel 4, the first pressing sheet and the second pressing sheet are respectively and correspondingly fastened to the module main body 1, and the first sealing gasket and the second sealing gasket are respectively and correspondingly pressed through the first pressing sheet and the second pressing sheet to realize the sealing of the reagent bin 2. When the reagent chamber 2 is opened, the reagent chamber 2 can be opened to release the liquid reagent by puncturing the first sealing gasket and the second sealing gasket with the hollow needle 72.

Fig. 10 to 12 show a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the module body 1 is provided with a first boss 13 and a second boss 14, which are respectively located at the liquid flow opening end (second end) of the first channel 3 and the gas flow opening port (second end) of the second channel 4 of the reagent cartridge 2. Injecting a reagent through the first channel 3, correspondingly buckling the first sealing gasket and the second sealing gasket of the cap type on the first boss 13 and the second boss 14 respectively after the reagent is injected, and then enhancing the sealing effect of the first sealing gasket and the second sealing gasket by the pressing sheet 52 with the corresponding cap type structure. When the reagent chamber 2 is opened, the hollow needle 72 is also used to puncture the first sealing gasket and the second sealing gasket, so that the reagent chamber 2 can be opened to release the liquid reagent.

Fig. 13 to 15 show a third embodiment in which a single-piece capped gasket 51 is used instead of the first and second gaskets of the second embodiment, and the sealing of the reagent container 2 is completed by assembling the gasket 51 and the pressing piece 52 and then assembling the gasket and the module body 1.

Further description of the structural dimensions of the three embodiments described above will be made below.

The substrates of the module body 1 in the above three embodiments are all rectangular structures of 31mm × 10mm × 8mm, a channel with a depth of 0.5mm and a reagent chamber with a volume of about 300uL are dug on one side of the module body, and through holes are respectively drilled at the ends of the pipeline and the reagent chamber. The surface of the substrate with the reagent chamber is bonded with the bottom plate by bonding modes such as gluing, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding and the like to form a sealed reagent chamber 2. The difference between the three embodiments is the structural difference of the open ends of the channels.

In the first embodiment, the module body 1 is provided with a groove structure with a diameter of 8mm and a depth of 2mm at both the liquid flow opening end and the gas flow opening end. The diameter of the two sheet-like sealing gaskets 51 which cooperate with them is 8mm and the thickness is 0.5 mm. The sealing gasket 51 in this embodiment is produced by using nitrile butadiene rubber as a raw material. In the present embodiment, the pressing sheet 52 is a square plate with a central convex structure. The whole is made for the PC material, and the bottom size of protruding structure is 10mm x 2mm down, and the through-hole of 4mm aperture is opened at the center, and protruding structure is all around the through-hole, and height 1mm, wall thickness 8 mm. The implementation of this embodiment is, pours into reagent into the reagent storehouse through the air current open end, then puts into sealed pad 51 in groove structure, later imbeds preforming 52 again, fixes preforming 52 through methods such as gluing, screw fastening, buckle, can realize reagent storehouse and deposit the sealed of module. When the connector is opened, the through hole of the pressing sheet 52 is aligned with the connector 7 to penetrate.

In the second embodiment, the groove structure on the module body 1 is changed into a boss structure, the wall thickness is 1mm, and the height is 1 mm. Accordingly, both the packing 51 and the pressing piece 52 are structurally changed. The sealing gasket 51 is replaced by a cap-shaped sealing gasket matched with two boss structures, the material is still butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber, the diameters of the two sealing gaskets 51 are respectively 6mm and 10mm, and the thickness of each sealing gasket is 1.5 mm. The depth of the two sealing gaskets in the caps is 0.8mm, and the inner diameters of the two sealing gaskets are 4mm and 8mm respectively. The pressing sheet 52 is a rectangular PC board with the size of 33mm multiplied by 12mm multiplied by 2mm, two bulges matched with the boss structure are arranged on the pressing sheet, the cross section diameters of the bulges are respectively 6mm and 10mm, the height of the bulge is 1mm, and a through hole is arranged in the center of the bulge. The reagent storage module is realized by injecting reagent into the reagent storage 2 through the opening end of the airflow, then putting the cap-shaped sealing gasket 51 into the pressing sheet 52 for pressing, then buckling the pressing sheet 52 onto the module main body 1 for buckling, and fixing the pressing sheet 52 and the module main body 1 by using methods such as gluing, screw fastening, buckling and the like. When the connector is opened, the through hole of the pressing sheet 52 is aligned with the connector 7 to penetrate.

In the third embodiment, the module body 1 has the same outer dimensions as those of the second embodiment. The gasket 51 was replaced with a one-piece sheet of butadiene rubber film having dimensions of 31mm × 10mm × 1mm for ease of assembly. The part of the sealing gasket 51 corresponding to the boss structure of the module body 1 is distributed with two cap-shaped protrusions with the diameters of 8mm and 4mm respectively, and the internal height of the cap-shaped protrusions is 0.8 mm. The diameters of the cross sections of the cap-shaped protrusions are respectively 10mm and 6mm, and the height of the cap-shaped protrusions is 1 mm. Correspondingly, in order to facilitate the assembly and implementation of the chip, the pressing piece 52 may be modified to be a whole piece having dimensions 33mm × 12mm × 2 mm. At the position corresponding to the cap-shaped protrusion of the sealing gasket 51, two protrusions with the cross-sectional diameters of 10mm and 6mm and the depth of 0.8mm are distributed on the pressing sheet 52, and a through hole with the aperture of 2mm is arranged at the center of the protrusion of the pressing sheet 52. The reagent cabin module is realized by injecting reagent into the reagent cabin 2 through the opening end of the airflow, then paving the sealing gasket 51 on the module main body 1, positioning and fixing the sealing gasket through the cap-shaped structure and the boss structure on the module main body 1, then buckling the pressing sheet 52 on the sealing gasket 51, and fixing the pressing sheet 52 and the module main body 1 by using methods such as gluing, screw fastening, buckling and the like. When the connector is opened, the through hole of the pressing sheet 52 is aligned with the connector 7 to penetrate.

In the above three embodiments, the communicating vessel 7 comprises the needle 72 and the needle plate 71, and the needle plate 71 is a square PC plate with a diameter of 10mm × 10mm × 2mm, and a through hole is arranged in the center. A needle head 72 with the length of 8mm is arranged on one side of the needle plate 71, the needle head 72 can be a sharp needle, the bevel angle of the puncturing end of the needle head 72 is 45 degrees, and the needle wall thickness is 0.5 mm.

The chip provided by some embodiments is common in material selection, low in price, and millimeter in channel design size, can realize large-scale die sinking injection molding, and is easy to realize mass production and manufacturing.

In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used to define the components, and are used only for the convenience of distinguishing the components, and if not otherwise stated, the terms have no special meaning, and thus, should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Finally, it should be noted that the above examples are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit the same; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that: modifications to the specific embodiments of the invention or equivalent substitutions for parts of the technical features may be made; without departing from the spirit of the present invention, it is intended to cover all aspects of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A reagent storage module, comprising:

a module body (1);

the reagent bin (2) is arranged in the module main body (1) and is used for storing reagents;

the first channel (3) is arranged in the module main body (1), and the first end of the first channel is communicated with the reagent bin (2);

the second channel (4) is arranged in the module main body (1), and the first end of the second channel is communicated with the reagent bin (2);

a sealing assembly (5) provided to the module body (1) for closing a second end of the first channel (3) and a second end of the second channel (4);

in a state of failure of the sealing assembly (5):

the second end of the first channel (3) is communicated with the outside of the module main body (1), and the first channel (3) is used for leading the liquid in the reagent cabin (2) to the outside of the module main body (1);

the second end of the second channel (4) is in gas communication with the outside of the module body (1), and the second channel (4) is used for introducing gas outside the module body (1) into the reagent cabin (2).

2. A reagent storage module according to claim 1, comprising a third channel (6) provided in the module body (1), the first end of the first channel (3) being in communication with the reagent cartridge (2) via the third channel (6).

3. The reagent storage module according to claim 2, wherein the flow area of the third channel (6) is smaller than or equal to the flow area of the first channel (3).

4. The reagent storage module of claim 2, wherein a first end of the third channel (6) communicates with the reagent cartridge (2) via the bottom of the reagent cartridge (2), and a second end of the third channel (6) communicates with a first end of the first channel (3).

5. The reagent storage module of claim 1, wherein the sealing assembly (5) comprises: and the sealing gasket (51) is arranged at the second end of the first channel (3) and the second end of the second channel (4) and used for sealing the second end of the first channel (3) and the outside of the reagent cabin (2) and sealing the second end of the second channel (4) and the outside of the reagent cabin (2).

6. The reagent storage module of claim 5, wherein the sealing assembly (5) comprises: and the pressing sheet (52) is used for pressing and fixing the sealing gasket (51) on the module body (1), and through holes are formed in the positions of the pressing sheet (52) corresponding to the second end of the first channel (3) and the second end of the second channel (4).

7. The reagent storage module of claim 5,

the module body (1) comprises:

a first groove (11), the end of the second end of the first channel (3) being located within the first groove (11); and

a second groove (12), the end of the second channel (4) being located within the second groove (12);

the gasket (51) comprises at least:

an area provided in the first groove (11); and

is provided in the area of the second recess (12).

8. The reagent storage module of claim 7, wherein the sealing assembly (5) comprises a press tab (52):

the preform (52) comprises at least:

a region for press-fixing a region of the gasket (51) in the first groove (11); and

a region for press-fixing a region of the gasket (51) in the second groove (12).

9. The reagent storage module of claim 7,

the gasket (51) includes:

the first sealing gasket is arranged in the first groove (11); and

and the second sealing gasket is arranged in the second groove (12).

10. The reagent storage module of claim 8 or 9,

the preform (52) comprises:

the first pressing sheet comprises a first part and a second part, the size of the first part is equivalent to that of the first groove (11), the first part is arranged in the first groove (11), and the second part is positioned outside the first groove (11) and is used for pressing the sealing gasket (51);

and the second pressing sheet comprises a third part and a fourth part, the size of the third part is equivalent to that of the second groove (12), the third part is arranged in the second groove (12), and the fourth part is positioned outside the second groove (12) and is used for pressing the sealing gasket (51).

11. Reagent storage module according to claim 5, wherein the module body (1) comprises:

a first boss (13), an end of a second end of the first channel (3) being located at the first boss (13); and

a second boss (14), an end of a second end of the second channel (4) being located at the second boss (14);

the gasket (51) comprises at least:

a region for sealingly enclosing the first boss (13); and

for sealingly enclosing the area within which the second boss (14) is located.

12. Reagent storage module according to claim 11, wherein the module body (1) comprises a press tablet (52):

the preform (52) comprises at least:

a region for press-fixing the gasket (51) to the first boss (13); and

and a region for press-fixing the gasket (51) to the second boss (14).

13. The reagent storage module of claim 11,

the gasket (51) includes:

a first gasket sealingly enclosing the first boss (13); and

a second gasket sealingly surrounding the second boss (14).

14. The reagent storage module of claim 12 or 13,

the preform (52) comprises:

a first presser piece including a first receiving portion for receiving the first boss (13) and the gasket (51); and

and a second pressing piece including a second receiving portion for receiving the second boss (14) and the gasket (51).

15. A reagent storage module according to claim 1, wherein the reagent chamber (2) is elongate in its entirety and has a first end communicating with the first channel (3) and a second end communicating with the second channel (4).

16. Reagent storage module according to claim 15, wherein the outer edges of the first end of the reagent cuvette (2) are flush and the outer edges of the second end of the reagent cuvette (2) are rounded.

17. The reagent storage module of claim 1, comprising more than two reagent cartridges (2), each reagent cartridge (2) being provided with the first channel (3), the second channel (4) and the sealing assembly (5) respectively.

18. A combination of a reagent storage module and a communicator, comprising:

a reagent storage module as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17; and

a communicator (7) for breaking the seal assembly (5) to direct reagents within the reagent storage module.

19. A combination of a reagent storage module and a communicator according to claim 18, wherein the communicator (7) comprises:

a needle plate (71) provided with a through hole; and

the needle head (72) is arranged on one side of the needle plate (71) and communicated with the through hole in the needle plate (71), and the needle head (72) is used for puncturing the sealing assembly (5) so as to be communicated with the reagent bin (2).

20. A reagent storage module and communicator combination according to claim 19 wherein the circumferential dimension within the first channel (3) coincides with the outer circumferential dimension of the needle (72).

21. A microfluidic chip comprising a reagent storage module according to any of claims 1 to 17, or a combination of a reagent storage module according to any of claims 18 to 20 and a communicator.