DE102020213471A1 - Processing device for processing a sample liquid, method for producing a processing device and method for operating a processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a processing device (10) for processing a sample liquid, the processing device (10) having a carrier element (11) for carrying the sample liquid. The carrier element (11) has at least one recess (110). Furthermore, the processing device (10) has a processing element (12) which is arranged in the recess (110) of the carrier element (11) and has a hydrophilic surface finish, and a delimiting element (100) which is designed to surround the processing element (12) in to position the recess (110) of the carrier element (11) in order to process the sample liquid.

Description

State of the art

The invention is based on a processing device for processing a sample liquid, a method for producing a processing device and a method for operating a processing device according to the species of the independent claims. The subject matter of the present invention is also a computer program.

Microfluidic analysis systems, so-called lab-on-chips (LoCs), allow automated, reliable, fast, compact and cost-effective processing of patient samples for medical diagnostics. By combining a multitude of operations for the controlled manipulation of fluids, complex molecular diagnostic test sequences can be performed on a lab-on-chip cartridge.

Disclosure of Invention

Against this background, with the approach presented here, an improved processing device for processing a sample liquid, an improved method for producing a processing device and an improved method for operating a processing device, an improved device that uses this method, and finally a corresponding computer program according to main claims presented. Advantageous developments and improvements of the device specified in the independent claim are possible as a result of the measures listed in the dependent claims.

The approach presented here creates a possibility of largely reducing an active capillary effect in a processing device.

A processing device for processing a sample liquid is presented, the receiving device having a carrier element for carrying the sample liquid. The carrier element has at least one recess. Furthermore, the processing device has a processing element which is arranged in the recess of the carrier element and has a hydrophilic surface finish, for example, and at least one delimiting element which is designed to position the processing element in the recess of the carrier element in order to process the sample liquid, for example.

The processing device can be used, for example, in connection with a microfluidic analysis system and can be designed to process the sample liquid, such as a patient sample in the medical field. Furthermore, the processing device can be implemented, for example, as a disposable cartridge, such as a lab-on-chip (LoC) cartridge. The recess can be implemented as a depression, for example. The processing element is advantageously shaped in such a way that it fits into the recess.

According to one embodiment, the delimiting element can be arranged in the recess and additionally or alternatively at least protrude into the recess. This means that the delimiting element can be formed, for example, as a single component that can be inserted or inserted into the recess. This advantageously enables precise positioning of the processing element.

According to one embodiment, the delimiting element can be formed as part of the carrier element. In this case, the delimiting element can be formed in one piece with the carrier element and thus form a section of the carrier element. Advantageously, a minimal existing gap width between the carrier element and the processing element can thereby be made possible.

According to a further embodiment, a connecting means can be provided which bears against a contact surface between the processing element and the recess of the carrier element. The connecting means can advantageously comprise an adhesive, for example, or be in the form of an adhesive, for example. Furthermore, the limiting element can prevent the component/sample element from "floating" on the component/the carrier element (which can lead to the formation of capillary gaps) in a particularly advantageous manner if the connecting agent has not yet fully cured.

According to one embodiment, the delimiting element can be formed in such a way that, in the installed state, there is a gap between an outer wall of the processing element and a side wall of the recess facing the outer wall. Additionally or alternatively, the delimiting element can be formed in order to ensure at least one further gap between a further outer wall of the processing element and a further side wall of the recess facing the further outer wall in the assembled state. In doing so, the gap and the further gap can be arranged on opposite sides of the recess and be of the same size within a tolerance range. The processing element can advantageously be arranged centrally in the recess in order to reduce a capillary effect to a minimum, for example.

Furthermore, the gap can have a first gap width that remains the same throughout, or in addition to the first gap width in partial areas of the gap can have a second gap width that differs from the first gap width. Additionally or alternatively, the further gap can have a third gap width that remains the same throughout, or in addition to the third gap width in partial areas of the further gap can have a fourth gap width that differs from the third gap width. Advantageously, the gap and additionally or alternatively the further gap can be arranged circumferentially around the processing element. Furthermore, the further gap can be formed additionally or optionally as an extension of the gap.

According to one embodiment, a carrier surface of the carrier element and a surface of the processing element can lie on one plane. Advantageously, the carrier surface and the surface of the processing element are within a tolerance range on the one plane.

The processing device can also have a cover element with at least one channel and a flow cell, wherein the channel can be designed to direct the sample liquid into or out of the flow cell and the flow cell can be designed to bring the sample liquid into contact with the processing element bring. A width of the flow cell is advantageously greater than a width of the channel. Furthermore, the flow cell can be designed, for example, to effect microfluidic processing.

According to one embodiment, the processing device can have at least one further delimiting element, which is designed to position the processing element in the recess of the carrier element. The further delimiting element can be arranged, for example, adjacent to the delimiting element or on an opposite side of the recess.

Furthermore, a method for producing a processing device in one of the aforementioned variants is presented, the method comprising a step of providing and a step of positioning. In the providing step, the carrier element is provided with the recess in which the delimiting element is arranged. In the positioning step, the processing element is positioned in the recess.

The method can be used, for example, to produce a processing device in an aforementioned variant. For example, the connecting means can be further cured in the method.

According to one embodiment, a connecting means can be introduced into the carrier element in the providing step, and additionally or alternatively the at least one delimiting element can be inserted into the carrier element in the introduction step. The connecting means can advantageously fix the processing element securely at a desired location.

Furthermore, a method for operating a processing device in one of the aforementioned variants is presented, the method comprising a step of feeding a sample liquid into the processing device for the sample liquid to come into contact with the carrier element and additionally or alternatively for the sample liquid to come into contact with the processing element.

The sample liquid can advantageously be analyzed in this way.

This method can be implemented, for example, in software or hardware or in a mixed form of software and hardware, for example in a control unit.

The approach presented here also creates a device that is designed to carry out, control or implement the steps of a variant of one of the methods presented here in corresponding devices. The object on which the invention is based can also be achieved quickly and efficiently by this embodiment variant of the invention in the form of a device.

For this purpose, the device can have at least one computing unit for processing signals or data, at least one memory unit for storing signals or data, at least one interface to a sensor or an actuator for reading in sensor signals from the sensor or for outputting data or control signals to the Have actuator and / or at least one communication interface for reading or outputting data that are embedded in a communication protocol. The computing unit can be, for example, a signal processor, a microcontroller or the like, with the memory unit a Flash memory, an EEPROM or a magnetic storage device. The communication interface can be designed to read in or output data wirelessly and/or by wire, wherein a communication interface that can read in or output wire-bound data can, for example, read this data electrically or optically from a corresponding data transmission line or can output it to a corresponding data transmission line.

In the present case, a device can be understood to mean an electrical device that processes sensor signals and, depending thereon, outputs control and/or data signals. The device can have an interface that can be configured as hardware and/or software. In the case of a hardware design, the interfaces can be part of a so-called system ASIC, for example, which contains a wide variety of functions of the device. However, it is also possible for the interfaces to be separate integrated circuits or to consist at least partially of discrete components. In the case of a software design, the interfaces can be software modules which are present, for example, on a microcontroller alongside other software modules.

A computer program product or computer program with program code, which can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory or an optical memory and for carrying out, implementing and/or controlling the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above, is also advantageous used, especially when the program product or program is run on a computer or device.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer Prozessierungseinrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 2 eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung einer Prozessierungseinrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer Prozessierungseinrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 4 eine schematische Querschnittsdarstellung einer Prozessierungseinrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung einer Prozessierungseinrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 6 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Herstellen einer Prozessierungseinrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 7 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zum Betreiben einer Prozessierungseinrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel; und
• 8 ein Blockschaltbild einer Vorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel; und
• 9 Blockschaltbild einer Vorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

Exemplary embodiments of the approach presented here are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of a processing device according to an embodiment;
• 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of a processing device according to an embodiment;
• 3 a schematic representation of a processing device according to an embodiment;
• 4 a schematic cross-sectional view of a processing device according to an embodiment;
• 5 a schematic representation of a processing device according to an embodiment;
• 6 a flowchart of a method for producing a processing device according to an embodiment;
• 7 a flowchart of a method for operating a processing device according to an embodiment; and
• 8th a block diagram of a device according to an embodiment; and
• 9 Block diagram of a device according to an embodiment.

In the following description of favorable exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference symbols are used for the elements which are shown in the various figures and have a similar effect, with a repeated description of these elements being dispensed with.

1 shows a schematic representation of a processing device 10 according to an embodiment. The processing device 10 is designed to carry out a microfluidic analysis of a sample liquid, for example. The sample liquid is implemented as a patient sample, for example. In this case, the processing device 10 has a carrier element 11 , a processing element 12 and at least one delimiting element 100 . The carrier element 11 is designed to carry the sample liquid and has at least one recess 110 . The recess 110 is implemented, for example, as a depression in the carrier element 11, in the area of which the carrier element 11 has, for example, a thinner material thickness than in the remaining areas of the carrier element 11. The processing element 12 is also arranged in the recess 110 and in particular has a hydrophilic surface finish on. The delimiting element 100 is designed to position the processing element 12 in the recess 110 of the carrier element 11 .

According to this exemplary embodiment, the recess 110 is quadrangular, in particular square in shape. According to this exemplary embodiment, the processing element 12 has the same reduced shape as the recess 110 , so that a gap 30 is formed between an outer wall 500 of the processing element 12 and a side wall 505 of the recess 110 facing the outer wall 500 . According to this In the exemplary embodiment, the processing device 10 has at least one further gap 510, which is opposite the gap 30 and is therefore arranged between a further outer wall 515 of the processing element 12 and a further side wall 520 of the recess 110 facing the further outer wall 515. This means that according to this exemplary embodiment, the gaps 30, 510 are formed in the same way, but are arranged opposite one another.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the delimiting element 100 is arranged in the recess and/or is shaped in accordance with an alternative exemplary embodiment in such a way that it protrudes into the recess. The delimiting element 100 is also shaped in such a way that it surrounds the gap 30 with a specified minimum width 101, for example within a range between 200 μm and 1000 μm, in particular from here for example 500 μm and/or around the at least one further gap 510 with a specified minimum width 101, for example, within a range between 200 μm and 1000 μm, in particular from here for example 500 μm. According to this exemplary embodiment, the gap 30 and the further gap 510 are of the same size within a tolerance range. According to this exemplary embodiment, processing device 10 also optionally has at least one further delimiting element 525, which, for example, has the same properties as delimiting element 100. The two delimiting elements 100, 525 are, for example, arranged or can be arranged in columns 30, 510 and/or adjacent to one another. In particular, the processing device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment has a total of eight delimiting elements 100, 525. According to this exemplary embodiment, the processing device 10 therefore has a plurality of delimiting elements 100, 525. Like the delimiting element 100 , the further delimiting element 525 is also designed to position the processing element 12 in the recess 110 . A central positioning of the processing element 12 in the recess 110 is made possible by a corresponding arrangement of the delimiting elements 100 , 525 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the delimiting elements 100, 525 have a predetermined minimum width 101, for example within a range between 200 μm and 1000 μm, in particular from here for example 500 μm, through which a disadvantageous capillary effect in the gaps 30, 510 is avoided or at least reduced.

Microfluidic analysis systems, so-called lab-on-chips (LoCs), generally allow automated, reliable, fast, compact and cost-effective processing of, for example, patient samples for medical diagnostics. Through a combination of multiple operations for the controlled manipulation of fluids, molecular diagnostic test procedures are performed on a lab-on-chip cartridge. LoC cartridges, which are referred to as processing device 10 according to this exemplary embodiment, are, for example, produced inexpensively from polymers using, for example, high-throughput methods such as injection molding or laser transmission welding. In order to increase the performance of, for example, polymer-based lab-on-chip systems, for example with regard to the minimum reaction volumes that can be examined and/or a number of detection reactions that can be carried out independently of one another on the processing device 10, an integration of microstructured components, for example based on silicon, is particularly suitable , into the polymer environment to form an advantageous processing device 10 . With the integration of such a component, which is referred to here as a processing element 12 , there is in particular a microfluidic interface for a fluid transfer between the polymer environment and the processing element 12 . The design of the microfluidic interface is of particular importance for the microfluidic functionality of the hybrid system.

For easy manufacturability of the processing device 10, an integration of the processing element 12 into the recess 110 provided for this purpose in at least one polymer component, which is referred to here as the carrier element 11, is appropriate. The approach presented here avoids capillary forces that act spatially inhomogeneously as a result of manufacturing tolerances, for example, when the at least one gap 30, 510 is filled with the sample liquid. In particular, the formation of a capillary gap (very small width) is avoided by means of a capillary gap limiter, also referred to as a delimiting element 100, 525, which can lead to an undesirable spatially inhomogeneous wetting of the microfluidic structure.

In summary, the processing device 10 is presented, which on the one hand allows easy manufacture and integration of components in a microfluidic environment made inexpensively from a polymer and on the other hand prevents the formation of capillary gaps that may adversely affect the microfluidic functionality.

The approach presented here also prevents asymmetrical placement of the processing element 12 in the recess 110 and thus - when the processing device 10 is brought into contact with the sample liquid - a spatially inhomogeneous wetting of the processing element 12, since the capillary forces occurring on a side with a small gap width are significantly higher than, for example, the capillary forces occurring on a side with a larger gap width. The approach presented here therefore presents the processing device 10 which limits the formation of different gap widths when implementing the processing element 12 in the recess 110 of the carrier element 11 .

The approach presented here provides a microfluidic processing device 10 which prevents the formation of capillary gaps when a microfluidic processing element 12 is integrated into the carrier element 11 . In particular, tolerances are permissible in the manufacture of the processing device 10 without these having a critical effect on the microfluidic functionality of the processing device 10 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the processing device 10 has at least one delimiting element 100, 525, which is also referred to as a capillary gap delimiter. According to this exemplary embodiment, this is a structural element which limits the gaps 30, 510 present between two components of the processing device 10 to a minimum in order to limit the capillary forces occurring there during microfluidic processing. The approach presented here is based on the finding that the size of the capillary forces acting on a liquid in one of the gaps 30, 510 or entering a gap 30, 510 and the capillary-induced flow velocities that may result therefrom correlate with the gap width, with the Capillary forces are generally greater, the smaller the width of the gap 30, 510 is.

The use of a delimiting element 100, 525 allows the processing device 10 to be manufactured in a particularly simple, efficient and cost-effective manner. In particular, for example, production-related tolerances are acceptable when implementing the processing element 12 in the recess 110 and, in addition, the microfluidic functionality of the processing device 10 is ensured.

According to this embodiment, in 1 a schematic representation of a top view of a basic embodiment of the processing device 10 with delimiting elements 100, 525 is shown. The processing device 10 consists of the carrier element 11 with the recess 110 and the processing element 12 which is introduced into the recess 110 . The delimiting elements 100, 525 ensure that the gaps 30, 510 present between the processing element 12 and the carrier element 11 do not fall below a minimum gap width which, for example, corresponds to the width 101 of the delimiting elements 100, 525 or at least approaches it. In this advantageous embodiment, the use of a total of eight delimiting elements 100, 525, which are arranged as close as possible to the corners of the square-shaped recess 110 in the carrier element 11, ensures that twisting of the processing element 12 relative to the carrier element 11 is reduced as far as possible .

According to this exemplary embodiment, the carrier element 11 is made, for example, primarily from polymers such as polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), cycloolefin copolymer (COP, COC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), such as polyurethane (TPU) or styrene block copolymer (TPS). The carrier element 11 can be realized, for example, by means of a high-throughput process, such as injection molding, thermoforming, stamping and/or laser transmission welding. The processing element 12 is formed, for example, from silicon, glass, metal or a polymer, in particular with a hydrophilic surface finish. According to this exemplary embodiment, the liquid to be processed is, for example, an aqueous solution. Optionally, the aqueous solution can also be used in combination with, for example, a mineral oil, silicone oil and/or a fluorinated hydrocarbon.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the recess 110 has dimensions of, for example, 3×3×0.1 mm ³ to 30×30×10 mm ³ , but preferably from 5×5×0.3 mm ³ to 10×10×3 mm ³ . Also optionally, the processing element 12 has dimensions of, for example, 3×3×0.1 mm ³ to 30×30×10 mm ³ , preferably 5×5×0.3 mm ³ to 10×10×3 mm ³ . According to one exemplary embodiment, the gap 30, 510 has a minimum gap width of <10 μm, in particular without the use of the delimiting elements 100, 525. When the delimiting elements 100, 525 are used, the gap 30, 510 has a minimum dimension of 200 μm to 1000 μm.

• Eine mittlere Spaltbreite setzt sich dabei beispielsweise aus der Hälfte der Differenz von der Außenabmessung des Prozessierungselements 12 und der Abmessung der Ausnehmung 110 zusammen. Für ein Prozessierungselement 12 mit beispielsweise einer lateralen Abmessung von 9 mm × 9 mm und einer Ausnehmung 110 mit einer lateralen Abmessung von 10 × 10 mm ergibt sich beispielsweise eine beidseitige Positionierungstoleranz von 1 mm. Eine Positionierungstoleranz des Prozessierungselements 12 in der Ausnehmung 110 des Trägerelements 11 mit Verwendung von Begrenzungselementen 100, 525 setzt sich dagegen folgendermaßen zusammen:
  • Eine mittlere Spaltbreite setzt sich beispielsweise aus der Hälfte der Differenz von der Außenabmessung des Prozessierungselements 12 und der Abmessung der Ausnehmung 110 minus der Breite der Begrenzungselemente 100, 525 beispielsweise bei beidseitiger Ausführung zusammen. Für das Prozessierungselement 12 mit einer lateralen Abmessung von 9 mm × 9 mm und einer Ausnehmung 110 mit einer Abmessung von beispielsweise 10 mm × 10 mm und Begrenzungselementen 100, 525 mit einer lateralen Abmessung von 0,8 mm × 0,8 mm gemäß diesem Ausführungsbeispiel ergibt sich beispielsweise eine beidseitige Positionierungstoleranz von 0,2 mm.

For example, according to one embodiment, a positioning tolerance of the processing element 12 in the recess 110 of the carrier element 11 without using Limiting elements 100, 525 together as follows:

• A mean gap width is composed here, for example, of half the difference between the external dimensions of the processing element 12 and the dimensions of the recess 110 . For example, a processing element 12 with a lateral dimension of 9 mm×9 mm and a recess 110 with a lateral dimension of 10×10 mm results in a positioning tolerance on both sides of 1 mm. In contrast, a positioning tolerance of the processing element 12 in the recess 110 of the carrier element 11 with the use of delimiting elements 100, 525 is made up as follows:
  • A mean gap width is made up, for example, of half the difference between the external dimensions of the processing element 12 and the dimensions of the recess 110 minus the width of the delimiting elements 100, 525, for example in the case of a two-sided design. For the processing element 12 with a lateral dimension of 9 mm×9 mm and a recess 110 with a dimension of for example 10 mm×10 mm and delimiting elements 100, 525 with a lateral dimension of 0.8 mm×0.8 mm according to this exemplary embodiment the result is, for example, a positioning tolerance on both sides of 0.2 mm.

According to this exemplary embodiment, a lateral spatial tolerance when placing the processing element 12 in the recess 110 by, for example, an automatic placement machine is 5 μm to 50 μm, which is only optional.

2 FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a processing device 10 according to an embodiment. The processing device 10 shown here can be the 1 described processing device 10 correspond or at least resemble. According to this exemplary embodiment, a carrier surface 600 of the carrier element 11 and a sample surface 605 of the processing element 12 lie on a plane 610, for example within a tolerance range.

The gaps 30, 510 also have a gap width that is greater than the width 101. A height 102 of the delimiting elements 100, 525 is smaller than a thickness of the carrier element 11 and / or the processing element 12, so that the level 610 above a Upper edge of at least one delimiting element 100, 525 is located.

In other words, according to this exemplary embodiment, through the use of a delimiting element 100, 525, materials with different wetting properties can be combined with one another for use in a microfluidic system. For example, the processing element 12 with a very hydrophilic surface finish can be integrated into a polymer component, that is to say into the carrier element 11, with an only weakly hydrophilic or hydrophobic surface finish. The delimiting element 100, 525 prevents or weakens the formation of capillary gaps and thus the wetting of the gaps 30, 510 with an aqueous phase induced by the particularly hydrophilic surface quality of the processing element 12, so that the desired microfluidic functionality of the processing device 10 is not achieved or is minimized as much as possible is affected.

According to one embodiment, the use of delimiting elements 100, 525 enables a simpler design of microfluidic structures, since the capillary forces occurring at the gaps 30, 510 present are limited and thus have less of an effect on the microfluidic functionality of the structure. Furthermore, this allows the functionality to be ensured, taking into account production-related tolerances. Overall, a particularly high level of reliability of the systems can be ensured in this way.

In summary, the delimiting elements 100, 525 have the lowest possible height 102, which is below the vertical dimension of the recess 110, ie below the plane 610. In this way, there is only the smallest possible reduction in a cross-sectional area of and/or the gaps 30, 510 due to the delimiting elements 100, 525. On the other hand, the gap area present between the processing element 12 and the delimiting elements 100, 525 is also minimized. As a result, this gap area has the least possible influence on the microfluidic processing in the processing device 10.

3 shows a schematic representation of a processing device 10 according to an embodiment. The processing device 10 shown here can, for example, in one of 1 or 2 described processing device 10 correspond or at least resemble. The only difference is that the processing device 10 shown here additionally has a cover element 13 which has at least one channel 130 and one flow cell 131 . The channel 130 is designed to contain the sample liquid into the flow cell 131 or out of the flow cell 131. The flow cell 131 is also designed according to this exemplary embodiment in order to bring the sample liquid into contact with the processing element 12 . According to this exemplary embodiment, the flow cell 131 has a greater width than the channel 130 and is designed to bring about microfluidic processing, for example. The cover element 13 has, for example, the same width and/or height as the carrier element 11.

In other words, according to this embodiment, expressed in 3 a schematic representation of a plan view of an advantageous continuation of in 1 or 2 described processing device 10 shown. In this development, the processing device 10 has a further component, which is referred to here as the cover element 13 , which has at least the channel 130 and the flow cell 131 , which are used for the microfluidic processing of the processing element 12 .

According to this exemplary embodiment, the carrier element 11 and the cover element 13 have a size of between 30×30 mm ² and 300×300 mm ² , preferably between 50×50 mm ² and 200×100 mm ² . Furthermore, the carrier element 11 and the cover element 13 have a thickness of between 0.3 mm and 30 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 20 mm. The channel 130 has, for example, a cross section of 100×100 μm ² to 3×3 mm ² , preferably 300×300 μm ² to 1×1 mm ² . The flow cell 131, which is also referred to as a microfluidic chamber, for the microfluidic processing of the processing element 12, for example, has dimensions of 3 × 3 × 0.1 mm ³ to 30 × 30 × 3 mm ³ , preferably 3 × 3 × 0.3 mm ³ up to 10×10×1 mm ³ . The flow cell 131 also has, for example, a volume of ~1 μl to ~3 ml, preferably ~3 μl to ~100 μl.

4 FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a processing device 10 according to an embodiment. The processing device 10 shown here can have a cross section of the 3 described processing device 10 correspond or at least resemble. According to this exemplary embodiment, the cover element 13 rests on the carrier element 11 and the processing element 12 with a contact area 700 which comprises the channel 130 and the flow cell 131 .

5 shows a schematic representation of a processing device 10 according to an embodiment. This is an embodiment in one of 3 and/or 4 described processing device 10. According to this exemplary embodiment, the delimiting elements 100, 525 are realized only differently, since at least the delimiting element 100 according to this exemplary embodiment is formed as part of the carrier element 11. The gap 30 has a first gap width 800, which remains the same as in one of 1 until 4 described, or according to this embodiment, in addition to the first gap width 800 in partial areas 805 of the gap 30, a second gap width 810, which differs from the first gap width 800. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the gap width can be wider at the corners of the recess, for example, than at the sides immediately adjacent to the corners. Additionally or optionally, the further gap 510 has a third gap width 815, as in FIGS 1 until 4 remains the same. In addition to the third gap width 815, the further gap 510 has a fourth gap width 820 in partial regions 805 of the further gap 510, which deviates from the third gap width 815. This means that the first gap width 800 and the third gap width 815 as well as the second gap width 810 and the fourth gap width 820 are each formed in the same way and have the same dimensions. As a result, a minimum gap width is made possible in some areas, for example.

In other words, capillary gaps are limited locally by the different gap widths 800 , 810 , 815 , 820 in the carrier element 11 . Accordingly, the delimiting elements 100, 525 can optionally be configured in the form of attachments on the carrier element 11, as shown in FIGS 1 until 4 are described, also be realized by additional recesses or the different gap widths 800, 810, 815, 820. The local widening of the gaps 30, 510 achieved with the gap widths 800, 810, 815, 820 locally reduces a capillary pressure, which corresponds to the hydrophilic surface quality of the processing element 12, and reduces or even prevents an undesired progression of the sample liquid in the capillary gaps . So-called pinning of a phase interface of a sample liquid present in a gap 30, 510 at the recesses of the delimiting elements 100, 525, which are designed for example at right angles, can also be used in an advantageous manner in order to prevent unwanted wetting of the gap 30, 510 with the sample liquid.

Limiting elements 100, 525, as shown in 1 until 4 have been described. Limiting elements 100, 525 according to this exemplary embodiment are particularly suitable for ensuring the minimum gap width in only partial areas. Depending on the application, one of the described embodiments advantageous, for example, to minimize the volume of the gap or to achieve a continuous capillary gap limitation.

6 shows a flowchart of a method 2000 for producing a processing device according to an embodiment. The method 2000 produces a processing device, for example, as is shown in one of 1 until 6 was described. To this end, the method 2000 comprises a step 2001 of providing and a step 2002 of positioning. In step 2001 of providing, the carrier element is provided with the recess in which the delimiting element is arranged. In step 2002 of positioning, the processing element is positioned in the recess. According to this exemplary embodiment, in step 2001 of providing, a connecting means is additionally introduced into the carrier element, which after step 2002 of positioning the processing element is cured in a step 2003 of curing the connecting means in order to connect the processing element to the carrier element

In other words, this means that according to this exemplary embodiment, a preferably light-curing and liquid-resistant adhesive is first dispensed into the recess before the processing element is placed in the recess. The placement is effected only optionally by means of an automatic placement machine, such as a pick-and-place robot. A suitable design of the recess in the carrier element, the processing element and the at least one delimiting element takes production-related tolerances into account, for example with regard to the dimensions of the processing element or the recess in the carrier element or, for example, when placing the processing element with the placement machine. Subsequently, for example, the connecting element referred to as an adhesive is cured. In this way, the processing element is fixed in the recess. By fixing, the carrier element can be rotated with the processing element, for example in connection with carrying out further manufacturing steps, such as laser welding the carrier element to a cover element to implement a processing device, without an undesirable change in position of the processing element occurring.

7 shows a flowchart of a method 1000 for operating a processing device according to an embodiment. The method 1000 operates, for example, a processing device, as in one of 1 until 5 described and/or produced in a process as described in 6 was described. The method 1000 comprises a step 1001 of feeding a sample liquid into the processing device in order for the sample liquid to come into contact with the carrier element and/or for the sample liquid to come into contact with the processing element. The feeding step 1001 is controlled by a feeding signal, for example.

In other words, the method 1000 enables the sample liquid to be introduced into the processing device and the sample liquid to come into contact with at least one of the components. Furthermore, the sample liquid comes into contact with the processing element, with at least a partial area of the gap between the processing element and the carrier element being wetted with the sample liquid.

8th shows a block diagram of a device 3000 according to an embodiment. The device 3000 is designed, for example, to control or carry out a method for producing a processing device, as described in 6 was described. The device 3000 has an insertion unit 3005 which is designed to bring about an insertion of a connecting means into the recess of the carrier element, for example by means of an insertion signal 3010 . Furthermore, the device 3000 has a positioning unit 3015, which is designed to bring about a positioning of the processing element in the recess, for example by means of a positioning signal 3020. According to this exemplary embodiment, device 3000 is in the form of a control device.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the device 3000 is designed to carry out and/or control various types of construction and production variants. For example, the processing element is fixed in the recess using a low-viscosity liquid adhesive, which is also referred to as a connecting agent. In this case, for example, the liquid adhesive is first dispensed into the recess. Placement then takes place, which means the positioning of the processing element in the recess of the carrier element and then the adhesive hardens. The limiting element sufficiently prevents the processing element from slipping, which is also referred to as “floating”, on the layer of liquid adhesive, in particular in such a way that a continuous gap to the carrier element is not formed on either side of the processing element.

9 shows a block diagram of a device 3000 according to an embodiment. Device 3000 is designed, for example, to control and/or carry out a method for operating a processing device, as described in 7 was described. For this purpose, device 3000 has a feed unit 4000, which is designed to cause a sample liquid to be fed into the processing device, for example by means of a feed signal 4005, in order for the sample liquid to come into contact with the carrier element and/or for the sample liquid to come into contact with the processing element .

If an embodiment includes an "and/or" link between a first feature and a second feature, this should be read in such a way that the embodiment according to one embodiment includes both the first feature and the second feature and according to a further embodiment either only that having the first feature or only the second feature.

Claims (15)

Processing device (10) for processing a sample liquid, the processing device (10) having the following features: - A carrier element (11) for carrying the sample liquid, wherein the carrier element (11) has at least one recess (110); - A processing element (12) arranged in the recess (110) of the carrier element (11) and having in particular a hydrophilic surface finish; and - At least one delimiting element (100) which is designed to position the processing element (12) in the recess (110) of the carrier element (11) in order to process the sample liquid. Processing device (10) according to claim 1 , The limiting element (100) being arranged in the recess (110) and/or at least protruding into the recess (110). Processing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the limiting element (100) is formed as part of the carrier element (11). Processing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a connecting means is provided which is present on a contact surface between the processing element (12) and the recess (110) of the carrier element (11). Processing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the delimiting element (100) is shaped in such a way that a gap (30) with a predetermined minimum width (101), in particular in a range between 200 µm and 1000 µm, in particular 500 µm, between a outer wall (500) of the processing element (12) and a side wall (505) of the recess (110) facing the outer wall (500), and/or to ensure at least one further gap (510) with a predetermined minimum width (101) between a further outer wall (515) of the processing element (12) and a further side wall (520) of the recess (110) facing the further outer wall (515), and wherein the gap (30) and the further gap (510) are on opposite sides of the recess (110) are arranged, in particular wherein the gap (30) and the further gap (510) are of the same size within a tolerance range. Processing device (10) according to claim 5 , wherein the gap (30) has a first gap width (800) which consistently does not fall below a predetermined minimum width, or wherein the gap (30) in addition to the first gap width (800) in partial areas (805) of the gap (30) a has a second gap width (810) which differs from the first gap width (800), and/or wherein the further gap (510) has a third gap width (815) which consistently does not fall below a predetermined minimum width, or wherein the further gap ( 510) in addition to the third gap width (815) in partial areas (805) of the further gap (510) has a fourth gap width (820) which differs from the third gap width (815). Processing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a carrier surface (600) of the carrier element (11) and a surface (605) of the processing element (12) lie on one plane (610). Processing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, with a cover element (13) which has at least one channel (130) and a flow cell (131), the channel (130) being designed to introduce the sample liquid into the flow cell (131) or from the flow cell (131) and the flow cell (131) is designed to bring the sample liquid into contact with the processing element (12). Processing device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, having at least one further limiting element (525) that is designed to position the processing element (12) in the recess of the carrier element (11). Method (2000) for producing a processing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (2000) comprises the following steps: - Providing (2001) the carrier element (11) with the recess (110) in which the delimiting element (100) is arranged; and - Positioning (2002) of the processing element (12) in the recess (110). Method (2000) according to claim 10 , wherein in step (2001) of providing a connecting means is introduced into the carrier element (11), and wherein in step (2002) of positioning the processing element (12) is positioned in the recess (110) and wherein in step (2003) of Curing the connecting means is cured to establish a connection between the carrier element (11) and the processing element (12). Method (1000) for operating a processing device (10) according to one of Claims 1 until 9 , wherein the method (1000) comprises the following step: - supplying (1001) a sample liquid into the processing device (10) for the sample liquid to come into contact with the carrier element (11) and/or for the sample liquid to come into contact with the processing element ( 12). Device (3000) which is set up to carry out the steps (2001, 2002; 1001) of one of the methods (2000; 1000) according to one of Claims 10 until 11 or 12 to be executed and/or controlled in corresponding units (3005, 3015; 4000). Computer program that is set up to carry out the steps (2001, 2002; 1001) of one of the methods (2000; 1000) according to one of Claims 10 until 11 or 12 execute and/or control. Machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program Claim 14 is saved.

Images