KR102469321B1 - Microfludic device and appratus for analyzing sample - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a microfluidic device and the microfluidic device. According to one embodiment, the microfluidic device may include a rotating body; and at least one microfluidic structure disposed within the rotating body at preset intervals. The microfluidic structure includes a preprocessing unit that shares the solution injected through the solution inlet with other adjacent microfluidic structures through a sharing channel and performs a preprocessing process on the sample and the solution injected through the sample inlet; and a distributing unit positioned outside the rotating body in a radial direction from the preprocessing unit, distributing the target material in the sample pretreated through the preprocessing unit, and performing detection of the distributed target material; may include.

Description

Microfluidic device and sample analysis device including the same {MICROFLUDIC DEVICE AND APPRATUS FOR ANALYZING SAMPLE}

The present disclosure relates to a microfluidic device and a sample analysis device including the microfluidic device. More specifically, it relates to a sample analysis device and method for preprocessing a target substance in a sample using a rotating microfluidic device.

Technologies for analyzing proteins or genomes in samples are being developed to diagnose diseases of viruses such as influenza virus, premature ejaculation influenza virus, and corona virus. The development of technology for this is required.

In order to rapidly perform on-site diagnosis of these pathogens, microfluidic devices capable of performing biological or chemical reactions by manipulating a small amount of fluid are being used. The microfluidic device may include a microfluidic structure disposed in a body of various shapes such as a chip or a disk. Since pathogens can be quickly blocked by diagnosing various pathogens on the spot using a microfluidic device, human casualties and economic losses can be reduced.

However, general microfluidic devices have limitations in simultaneously processing multiple samples on a single chip due to spatial limitations, and it is difficult to assemble and operate cartridges and microfluidic devices for injecting samples during on-site diagnosis. There was a limit to the amount of time required.

Therefore, there is a demand for the development of a microfluidic device capable of effectively analyzing various samples without a separate manual operation and a sample analysis device using the microfluidic device.

Korean Patent Publication No. 2019-0077748

According to one embodiment, a microfluidic device capable of moving a sample based on rotation of a rotating body may be provided.

Also, according to an embodiment, a sample analysis device capable of extracting a target substance from a sample using the microfluidic device may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure for achieving the above technical problem, a microfluidic device includes a rotating body; and at least one microfluidic structure disposed within the rotating body at preset intervals. The microfluidic structure shares the sample injected through the sample inlet and the solution injected through the solution inlet with other adjacent microfluidic structures through a sharing channel, and performs a pretreatment process on the shared sample and solution. a pre-processing unit; and a distributing unit positioned outside the rotating body in a radial direction from the preprocessing unit, distributing the target material in the sample pretreated through the preprocessing unit, and performing detection of the distributed target material; can include

According to one embodiment, the preprocessing unit may include a sample chamber accommodating a sample injected through the sample inlet; a solution chamber accommodating the solution injected through the solution inlet; and a capture filter for capturing a target material from the injected sample. can include

According to an embodiment, the preprocessing unit may include a first manual valve configured to provide a sample stored in the sample chamber to the capture filter based on a first rotational force generated by the rotation body; and a second manual valve providing the solution contained in the solution chamber to the capture filter based on the second rotational force generated by the rotation body. may further include.

According to one embodiment, the shared channel is formed in a zigzag shape in a circumferential direction within the rotating body, and the rotating body continues until the solution in the solution chamber is shared with the solution chamber in the other microfluidic structure. , can be stopped or rotated so as not to move to the capture filter.

According to one embodiment, the distribution unit includes a collection chamber in which an elution solution including a target material captured by the capture filter is stored in the solution; and a waste chamber in which a cleaning solution for washing remaining materials other than the target material captured in the capture filter among the sample and the solution that has passed through the capture filter is stored. can include

According to an embodiment, the distribution unit obtains, from the capture filter, an elution solution containing the target material, a sample passing through the capture filter, and the washing solution, and selectively according to a rotation direction of the rotating body, a transfer chamber that transfers an elution solution containing a target material to the collection chamber or transfers the sample passing through the capture filter and the cleaning solution to the waste chamber; may further include.

In addition, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure for solving the above technical problem, a microfluidic device including at least one microfluidic structure and moving a sample and a solution in the microfluidic structure while rotating along a preset rotational axis. ; a first driving unit for rotating the microfluidic device along the rotation axis; a second driving unit for moving an injection mechanism for injecting the sample and the solution into the microfluidic device along a preset driving shaft; a supply unit that stores samples and solutions to be supplied to the injection device and selectively supplies the stored samples and solutions to the injection device; and a control unit controlling the first driving unit, the second driving unit, and the supplying unit so that the sample and the solution within the microfluidic structure move along a predetermined path. A sample analysis device including a may be provided.

According to an embodiment, the first driving unit may include a rotating member coupled to the microfluidic device and rotatably installed with the microfluidic device along a rotational axis of the microfluidic device; and a spindle motor configured to rotate the rotating member in a predetermined rotational direction and rotational speed based on a first control signal obtained from the control unit. can include

According to one embodiment, the second driving unit is at least one guide shaft spaced apart at a preset interval; a first drive member to which the injection mechanism is fastened to one end of the drive shaft; a second driving member connected to the other end of the driving shaft and transmitting a driving force to the driving shaft so that the driving shaft rotates at a predetermined angular interval; and a step motor rotating the second driving member. can include

According to one embodiment, the second driving member may include a through hole through which the at least one guide shaft passes; and a ball screw member in contact with a surface formed in the through hole. The ball screw member may move along the at least one guide shaft in a state in which the thread formed on the at least one guide shaft is in close contact with the ball screw member.

The sample analysis device may include a heating unit that surrounds at least a portion of the first driving unit in a cylindrical shape in an outer direction of the first driving unit at a lower portion of the microfluidic device; and a linear guide for aligning the position of the heat generating unit in an outer direction of the first driving unit. may further include.

According to one embodiment, the supply unit includes a storage unit in which the sample, the washing solution, and the elution solution are separately stored; a provision channel connected to the storage unit and separately obtaining the sample, the washing solution, and the elution solution from the storage unit; a port valve for selecting a channel to be connected to the injection mechanism from among the providing channels under the control of the control unit; and a syringe pump for transferring the sample, the washing solution, and the elution solution from the reservoir to the injection device. can include

According to one embodiment, the storage unit sample storage unit for storing the sample;

a cleaning solution storage unit for storing the cleaning solution; and an elution solution storage unit configured to store the elution solution. The sample storage unit, the cleaning solution storage unit, and the elution solution storage unit may further include connection holes through which the providing channel communicates.

According to one embodiment, the sample analysis device includes a first housing formed such that the first driving unit, the second driving unit, and the control unit are located therein; and a second housing selectively exposing the microfluidic device by being connected to the first housing in an open and close manner. may further include.

According to one embodiment, the sample analysis device includes a camera that acquires images of the microfluidic device at preset time intervals; and a network interface transmitting information about the image obtained from the camera to an external device connected to the sample analysis device. may further include.

In addition, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure for solving the above technical problem, a method for analyzing an injected sample using the microfluidic device and the sample analyzing device is recorded in a computer to execute a method on a computer. A readable recording medium may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, various types of samples can be effectively analyzed in one microfluidic device.

According to one embodiment, a large amount of samples can be quickly and accurately analyzed in point-of-care diagnosis.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a process of analyzing a sample by a microfluidic device and a sample analysis device using the microfluidic device according to an embodiment.
2 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a microfluidic device in which a plurality of microfluidic structures are disposed, according to an embodiment.
3 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a microfluidic structure according to an embodiment.
4 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a manual valve in a microfluidic structure according to an embodiment.
5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a structure of a sample analysis device according to an exemplary embodiment.
6 is a diagram for explaining an operation and structure of a sample analysis device according to an exemplary embodiment.
7 is a diagram for explaining an operation and structure of a sample analysis device according to an exemplary embodiment.
8 is a diagram for explaining specifications of each component of a sample analysis device according to an exemplary embodiment.
9 is a diagram illustrating a process of analyzing a sample by a microfluidic device and a sample analysis device using the microfluidic device according to an embodiment.
10 is a block diagram of a sample analysis device according to an embodiment.
11 is a block diagram of a sample analysis device according to another embodiment.
12 is a block diagram of a server connected to a sample analysis device according to an embodiment.

Terms used in this specification will be briefly described, and the present disclosure will be described in detail.

The terms used in the present disclosure have been selected from general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the present disclosure, but they may vary according to the intention or precedent of a person skilled in the art, the emergence of new technologies, and the like. In addition, in a specific case, there is also a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, terms used in the present disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the general content of the present disclosure, not simply the name of the term.

When it is said that a certain part "includes" a certain component throughout the specification, it means that it may further include other components without excluding other components unless otherwise stated. In addition, terms such as "...unit" and "module" described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software. .

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. And in order to clearly describe the present disclosure in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description are omitted, and similar reference numerals are attached to similar parts throughout the specification.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a process of analyzing a sample by a microfluidic device and a sample analysis device using the microfluidic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the microfluidic device 1000 includes a microfluidic structure 102 provided with a rotatable rotating body 122, a chamber in which samples can be accommodated in the rotating body, and a plurality of channels through which the samples can move. , 104). For example, the microfluidic device 1000 may include a plurality of microfluidic structures 102 and 104 disposed at predetermined intervals within the rotating body 122 . The microfluidic structures may be arranged in a circumferential direction within the rotating body 122 around the rotating shaft 112, and the microfluidic structures are based on the rotational force generated by the rotation of the rotating body and the rotational direction of the rotating body. I can move my samples and solutions.

According to an embodiment, the microfluidic structures 102 and 104 share the solution injected through the solution inlet with other adjacent microfluidic structures through the sharing channel, and perform a pretreatment process for the sample and the solution injected through the sample inlet. The pre-processing unit 112 and the pre-processing unit are located outside the rotating body in the radial direction, the target substance in the pre-processed sample is distributed through the pre-processing unit, and the detection of the secreted target substance is performed. A belly portion 114 may be included.

According to another embodiment, the microfluidic structures 102 and 104 in the preprocessing unit 112 transfer the sample injected through the sample inlet and the solution injected through the solution inlet to other adjacent microfluidic structures through a shared channel. It is also possible to share and perform a pretreatment process for the injected sample and solution. The structure of the microfluidic structure will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 to be described later.

The microfluidic device 1000 includes at least one microfluidic structure described above, and may move a sample and a solution in the microfluidic structure while rotating along a predetermined rotation axis 112 . The microfluidic device 1000 according to the present disclosure may be coupled to the sample analysis device 2000 and used in an automated sample analysis process under the control of the sample analysis device 2000 .

According to an embodiment, the sample analysis device 2000 may extract samples and solutions from the storage unit 134 in which the samples and solutions are previously stored. The sample analysis device 2000 controls the inlet 132 for providing the samples and solutions to the microfluidic device 1000 to inject the samples and solutions extracted from the storage unit 134 into the microfluidic device 1000. can The sample analysis device 2000 may move the sample or solution in the microfluidic device by rotating the microfluidic device 1000 into which the sample or solution is injected according to a preset rotation number and rotation direction.

That is, the sample analysis device 2000 may extract target materials from various types of samples at once by moving the samples in the microfluidic device 1000 including at least one microfluidic structure. In addition, unlike conventional sample analysis devices, the sample analysis device 2000 automatically supplies pre-stored samples and solutions to the microfluidic device, so that samples injected into the microfluidic device can be quickly and accurately analyzed. . According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, target materials included in the sample may include genetic material, genome, nucleic acid, RNA, or DNA, but are not limited thereto.

2 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a microfluidic device in which a plurality of microfluidic structures are disposed, according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the microfluidic device 1000 may include a plurality of microfluidic structures arranged in a circumferential direction around a rotation axis. According to one embodiment, the microfluidic structures 210 may be arranged at preset intervals within the rotating body 216 .

According to an embodiment, microfluidic structures may share samples or solutions stored in chambers of adjacent microfluidic structures through at least one shared channel. For example, the microfluidic structure 210 may share samples or solutions stored in chambers within the microfluidic structure adjacent to both sides of the microfluidic structure 210 . According to another embodiment, the microfluidic structure 210 may share only solutions stored in chambers within the microfluidic structure adjacent to both sides of the microfluidic structure 210 . The microfluidic structures adjacent to the microfluidic structure 210 may be connected to other microfluidic structures in the same way. According to an embodiment, at least one microfluidic structure in the rotating body 216 may be connected to each other through at least one shared channel.

The microfluidic structure 210 may include a pre-processing unit 212 and a distributing unit 214 positioned radially outside the rotating body 216 relative to the pre-processing unit. The rotating body 216 and the distribution unit 214 may be connected through at least one channel. The microfluidic structure 210 may distribute samples or solutions injected through an inlet, detect a target material in the distributed sample, or store materials and solutions other than the target material in the sample.

According to an embodiment, the microfluidic structures 210 may include 30 microfluidic structures. However, it is not limited thereto, and may vary depending on the type of sample and solution to be analyzed, the analysis method, the size of the rotating body, the size of the microfluidic structure, and the like.

3 is a diagram for explaining the structure of a microfluidic structure according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the microfluidic structure may include a pre-processing unit 320 and a distribution unit 340. For example, the microfluidic structure may move at least one of a sample injected through the sample inlet and a sample or solution injected through the solution inlet to predetermined chambers in the distribution unit.

According to one embodiment, the preprocessing unit 320 includes a sample chamber 324 accommodating a sample injected through the sample inlet, a solution chamber 326 accommodating the solution injected through the solution inlet, and a target from the injected sample. It may include a capture filter 328 to capture substances. According to another embodiment, the preprocessing unit 320 includes a first manual valve connecting the sample chamber 324 and the capture filter 328 and a second manual valve connecting the solution chamber 326 and the capture filter 328. may further include.

According to an embodiment, the preprocessing unit 320 may receive a sample and a solution, and may share at least one of the received sample or solution with another adjacent microfluidic structure through a sharing channel. As shown in FIG. 3 , the shared channel 321 may be formed in a part of the solution chamber 326, but may be connected to one end of the solution inlet when the solution inlet is formed in the solution chamber 326. According to another embodiment, the shared channel may be formed only at one end of the solution chamber or at one end of the solution inlet, but may also be formed at one end of the sample chamber or at one end of the sample inlet. According to another embodiment, the shared channel may be formed in both the solution chamber and the sample chamber, or may be formed in both the solution inlet and the sample inlet.

Samples and solutions accommodated in the preprocessing unit 320 of the microfluidic structure 310 are sample chambers and solutions in other microfluidic structures due to manual valves connected to one end of the sample chamber 324 and the solution chamber 326. It may be provided that the samples and solutions in each chamber are not moved to the capture filter until they are shared.

The sample chamber 324 may accommodate a sample injected through the first sample inlet 323 . A first sample inlet 323 may be formed at one end of the sample chamber 324 . According to an embodiment, the first sample inlet 323 formed at one end of the sample chamber may be connected to the second sample inlet 319 through the inlet channel 322, and the sample chamber 323 is the second sample inlet. A sample injected through may be obtained. According to one embodiment, when the sample chamber 324 acquires a sample through the first sample inlet 323, the second sample inlet 319, and the inlet channel 322, the inlet channel 322 is the circuit It may be formed at a depth spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the surface of the whole (PMMA substrate). For example, the second sample inlet 319 is formed on the surface of the rotating body, and at the other end of the second sample inlet 319, one end of which is connected to the surface of the rotating body, the inlet channel 322 is connected, The inlet channel 322 may be connected to the first sample inlet 323 at a predetermined depth within the rotating body. In this case, the first sample inlet 323 may not be exposed to the external space. The first sample inlet 323 is connected to the inlet channel 322 at a predetermined depth from the surface of the rotating body so as not to be exposed to the external space, and the sample chamber 324 also has a predetermined depth based on the surface of the rotating body. may be connected to the first sample inlet 323. Also, according to an embodiment, the sharing channel through which the sample chamber 324 shares a sample with other microfluidic structures is one of the first sample inlet 323, the inlet channel 322, and the second sample inlet 319. It may be connected to at least one.

The solution chamber 326 may accommodate a solution injected through a solution inlet (not shown). According to an embodiment, the solution inlet may be formed at one end of the solution chamber or at least a portion of a shared channel connected to the solution chamber. As described above, the shared channel 321 may be connected to one side of the solution chamber 326 . The solution chamber 326 may be connected to the capture filter 328 through a second manual valve. Samples accommodated in the solution chamber 326 may be prepared not to move to the capture filter until the solution chamber in another microfluidic structure is completely filled by the second manual valve.

According to an embodiment, the shared channel connected to at least one of the sample chamber 324 and the solution chamber 326 may be formed in a zigzag shape, but is not limited thereto, and the sample in another microfluidic structure. It may also be formed in other forms so that the sample and the solution can be shared in each of the chamber and the solution chamber. However, as described above, the shared channel may be formed only in the solution chamber 326, and the microfluidic structures formed on the rotating body may share only the solution through the shared channel.

The first manual valve 331 is formed between a first channel formed with the same area as the area passing through the first manual valve inlet and a larger area than the area passing through the first manual valve inlet. It may include at least one second channel. According to one embodiment, the surface within the first manual valve 331 may be treated with hydrophobic properties.

More specifically, the first manual valve 331 causes the radius of the interface of the fluid passing through the first channel and the second channel to be different from each other due to the area difference between the first channel and the second channel in the manual valve. In addition, it is possible to restrict the movement of the samples in the sample chamber to the capture filter through the capillary force generated by the difference in the radii of the two interfaces. In addition, in the first manual valve 331, the sample in the sample chamber moves to the capture filter by hydrophobic treatment of at least a portion of the area in the first manual valve as well as the area difference between the first channel and the second channel in the first manual valve. You can also secure a greater resistance to prevent it from happening.

At least some of the channels in the first manual valve 331 are provided larger than the area passing through the inlet of the first manual valve and the resistance generated by the hydrophobic material treated on the inner surface is such that the samples in the sample chamber 324 It may be set to move to the capture filter 328 according to the first rotational force generated by the rotation of the rotating body.

The second manual valve 334 is formed between the third channel formed with the same area as the area passing through the second manual valve inlet and the third channel with an area larger than the area passing through the second manual valve inlet It may include at least one fourth channel. According to one embodiment, the surface within the second manual valve 334 may be treated to be hydrophobic.

More specifically, the second manual valve 334 causes the radius of the interface of the fluid passing through the third channel and the fourth channel to be different from each other due to the area difference between the third channel and the fourth channel in the manual valve. In addition, it is possible to limit the movement of the solutions contained in the solution chamber to the capture filter through the capillary force generated by the difference in the radii of the two interfaces. In addition, the second manual valve 334 moves the solution in the solution chamber to the capture filter by hydrophobic treatment of at least a portion of the area in the second manual valve as well as the area difference between the third channel and the fourth channel in the second manual valve. You can also secure a greater resistance to prevent it from happening.

At least some of the channels in the second manual valve 334 are provided with a larger area than the area passing through the inlet of the second manual valve and the resistance caused by the hydrophobic material treated on the inner surface is such that the solution in the solution chamber 326 It may be set to move to the capture filter 328 according to the second rotational force generated by the rotation of the rotating body.

The capture filter 328 may capture a target material from the injected sample. For example, the capture filter 328 may include a filter formed of glass fibers having a preset thickness or a matrix including a plurality of silica-based beads. The capture filter 328 may capture target substances in the sample using the matrix. According to one embodiment, the capture filter 333 may be, but is not limited to, a glass microfiber filter having a pre-set particle holding capacity, and may include other matrices for capturing a target substance or the like in a sample.

The distribution unit 340 may include a collection chamber 342 and a waste chamber 344 . According to another embodiment, the distribution unit 340 may further include a delivery chamber 346 in addition to the collection chamber 342 and the waste chamber 344 . For example, the distribution unit 340 is located outside the rotating body in the radial direction than the preprocessing unit 320, distributes the target material in the sample pretreated through the preprocessing unit, and detects the distributed target material. can be performed. According to an embodiment, the distribution unit 340 may selectively store samples and solutions in the collection chamber or the waste chamber based on the rotational force and rotational direction of the rotating body on which the microfluidic structure 310 is mounted.

The collection chamber 342 may store an elution solution including a target material captured by the capture filter. For example, the collection chamber 342 may obtain an elution solution including the target material captured by the capture filter based on the second rotation direction of the rotation body in which the microfluidic structure 310 is positioned. More specifically, as the rotating body rotates in the second rotational direction, the elution solutions containing the target substance trapped in the capture filter move biasedly toward the left side of the transfer chamber 346 shown in FIG. (342).

The waste chamber 344 may be located adjacent to the collection chamber, and may store a cleaning solution for washing materials other than the target material captured by the capture filter among the samples and solutions that have passed through the capture filter. For example, the waste chamber 344 includes materials remaining on the capture filter that are not captured by the capture filter and solutions received in the solution chamber based on the first rotational direction of the rotating body to which the microfluidic structure 310 is fastened. Medium, can accept washing solution. More specifically, as the rotating body rotates in the first rotational direction, among the samples, the remaining substances not captured by the capture filter and some of the solutions contained in the solution chamber are transferred to the transfer chamber 346 shown in FIG. It can be stored in the waste chamber 344 by moving biasedly in the right direction of .

The transfer chamber 346 may have an upper end connected to the capture filter 328, a lower end connected to the collection chamber 342, and a lower end connected to the waste chamber 344. The transfer chamber 346 may connect the capture filter to the collection chamber and the waste chamber, respectively, and according to the rotation direction of the rotating body, a portion of the sample or solution accommodated in the transfer chamber is selectively transferred to the collection chamber 342 or the waste chamber 344. ) can be passed on.

According to an embodiment, the transfer chamber 346 obtains an elution solution containing the target material or a sample passing through the capture filter and the washing solution from the capture filter, and selectively according to the rotation direction of the rotating body. , The elution solution containing the target material may be transferred to the collection chamber 342 , or the sample passing through the capture filter and the cleaning solution may be transferred to the waste chamber 344 .

According to an embodiment, when the sample injected into the microfluidic structure 310 includes a genome such as RNA or DNA, the collection chamber 342 contains the target genomes captured on the capture filter together with the elution solution. , can be stored as a target material.

4 is a diagram for explaining an operation of a manual valve in a microfluidic structure according to an embodiment.

The microfluidic structure 410 includes a first passive valve 409 connecting the sample chamber 424 and the capture filter 428 and a second passive valve 420 connecting the solution chamber 426 and the capture filter 428. can include For example, the first manual valve 409 is formed with a first channel formed with the same area as the area passing through the first manual valve inlet, and a larger area than the area passing through the first manual valve inlet. It can contain 2 channels.

In addition, the second manual valve 420 is formed in advance between a third channel formed with an area equal to the area passing through the second manual valve inlet and a third channel with an area larger than the area passing through the second manual valve inlet. At least one fourth channel formed at set intervals may be included. An operation of the second manual valve will be described with reference to the fourth channel in the second manual valve 420 formed closest to the solution chamber 426 shown in FIG. 4 .

Although not shown in FIG. 4 , as shown in FIG. 2 , the solution chamber 426 in the microfluidic structure 410 may be located close to the rotational axis of the rotating body on which the microfluidic structure 410 is mounted. Accordingly, when the rotating body rotates around the rotating shaft, rotational force 412 generated by the rotation may be generated in the direction of the second manual valve in the solution chamber.

Meanwhile, since the inlet area of the second manual valve 420 is narrower than the area of the solution chamber 426, the solution in the solution chamber 426 flows through the inlet of the second manual valve 420 due to the difference in capillary pressure. can move to The solution moving to the inlet of the second manual valve 420 passes through a part of the third channel formed with the same area as the passage area of the inlet of the second manual valve 420, and then formed in a larger area than the third channel , can reach the inlet of the fourth channel. At this time, since the fourth channel is formed with a larger area than the third channel, the capillary force 402 corresponding to the interface of the solution formed in the direction of the third channel and the capillary force corresponding to the interface of the solution formed in the direction of the fourth channel A difference in force 404 occurs.

Since the fourth channel has an interface having a larger radius than the third channel, a larger capillary force 404 corresponding to the interface of the fourth channel may be formed. Similarly, among the plurality of fourth channels in the second manual valve 420, the capillary force 406 by the fourth channel adjacent to the capture filter 428 is also the capillary force 406 corresponding to the interface of the third channel can be made larger. Therefore, the net capillary forces 414 and 416 generated by forming a portion of the channel in the second manual valve wider than the area passing through the inlet of the second manual valve, the solution in the solution chamber 426 is captured by the filter 428 ) can form a resistance that prevents it from moving.

Accordingly, the solutions stored in the solution chamber 426 may move to the capture filter 428 based on the rotational force 412 generated by the rotation of the rotating body and the resistance provided by the second manual valve 420. According to an embodiment, the second manual valve 420 may move the solutions injected from the solution chamber 426 to the capture filter 428 based on the second rotational force generated by the rotation body. According to one embodiment, the second rotational force may be provided equal to or smaller than the resistive force provided by the second manual valve.

Similar to the operation of the above-described second manual valve, the first manual valve 409 also uses a difference in capillary pressure generated due to a difference in area between the first channel and the second channel in the first manual valve, so that the sample chamber ( Samples stored in 424 may be restricted from moving to the capture filter 428 . According to an embodiment, the first manual valve 409 may move the samples injected from the sample chamber 424 to the capture filter 428 based on the first rotational force generated by the rotating body. In addition, as described above, at least a portion of the surface of the first manual valve and the second manual valve is hydrophobic, thereby providing additional resistance to the sample or solution.

5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a structure of a sample analysis device according to an exemplary embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the sample analysis device 3000 moves a first driving unit 520 that rotates the microfluidic device 1000 along a predetermined rotational axis and an injection mechanism for injecting a sample and a solution along a preset driving axis. A second drive unit 540 for storing samples and solutions to be provided to the injection device, and a supply unit 560 for selectively providing the stored samples and solutions to the injection device, and controlling the first drive unit, the second drive unit, and the supply unit. A control unit (not shown) may be included.

However, not all of the illustrated components are essential components, and the sample analysis device 2000 may be implemented with more components than the illustrated components, and the sample analyzer 3000 may be implemented with fewer components. may be implemented. According to an embodiment, the sample analysis device 2000 is formed so that the first drive unit 520, the second drive unit 540, and a control unit (not shown) are located inside the configuration of the sample analysis device 3000 described above. The microfluidic device may further include a first housing 572 and a second housing 574 that is connected to the first housing 572 to be openable and openable, thereby selectively exposing the microfluidic device. Also, according to another embodiment, the sample analysis device 2000 may further include a network interface (not shown) for communicating with other electronic devices and a camera (not shown) for acquiring images of the microfluidic device. have.

6 is a diagram for explaining an operation and structure of a sample analysis device according to an exemplary embodiment.

As described above with reference to FIG. 5 , the sample analysis device 3000 includes a first driving unit 520 for rotating the microfluidic device 1000 along a predetermined rotational axis, and an injection mechanism for injecting samples and solutions along a preset driving axis. It may include a second driving unit 540 for moving the sample and solution to be supplied to the injection device, and a supply unit 560 for selectively providing the stored sample and solution to the injection device.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 6 , features of each sample analysis device will be described in more detail.

The first driving unit 520 is coupled to the microfluidic device 1000 and is rotatably installed with the microfluidic device along the rotational axis of the microfluidic device (not shown) and a first control signal obtained from the control unit. Based on this, it may include a spindle motor 632 that rotates the rotating member in a predetermined rotational direction and rotational speed. The spindle motor 632 rotates at a preset number of rotations and in a rotation direction under the control of the controller, thereby causing the microfluidic device 1000 to rotate. The first driving unit 520 may rotate the rotating body by setting the rotation number and rotation direction differently according to the type of solution injected from the injection mechanism or the degree of progress of the reaction process using the solution and the sample.

The second drive unit 540 is connected to at least one guide shaft 620, one end of the drive shaft is connected to the other end of the first drive member 622 and the drive shaft 623 to which the injection mechanism 621 is fastened, and the drive shaft rotates at a predetermined angle. It may include a second driving member 624 that transmits a driving force to the driving shaft to rotate at intervals and a step motor 626 that rotates the second driving member 624 by a predetermined angle. The second driver 540 may inject a sample or solution into a predetermined chamber within the microfluidic device under the control of the controller.

The first driving member 622 may be connected to one end of the driving shaft 623 so that the injection mechanism 621 is fixed. According to one embodiment, the first driving member 622 may be integrally formed with the driving shaft 623, but may also be detachably formed. The driving shaft 623 is connected to the second driving member 624, so that rotational force by the step motor can be obtained.

At least one guide shaft 620 may be located at an upper end of the step motor 626, and the first driving member 622, the driving shaft 623, the injection mechanism 621 and the second driving unit 540 The driving member 624 may provide a guide path for moving in the vertical direction. According to one embodiment, the guide shafts 620 may be spaced apart at preset intervals, and a screw thread for coupling with a ball screw member may be formed on at least one of the guide shafts. In addition, at least one guide shaft 620 may be formed of three, but is not limited thereto.

The second driving member 624 may include a through hole through which the at least one guide shaft 620 passes and a ball screw member contacting a surface formed in the through hole. The second driving member may move along the at least one guide axis in a state in which the still thread formed on the ball screw member and the at least one guide axis are in close contact with each other. In addition, the second driving member 624 may transmit the driving force of the step motor 626 to the injection mechanism 621 through the driving shaft 623 . For example, the second driving member 624 may move the injection mechanism at a predetermined angular interval by rotating the driving shaft 623 connected to one end at a predetermined angular interval.

The supply unit 560 includes a storage unit 642 in which samples and solutions are separated and stored, a supply channel 646 in which samples and solutions are separated and obtained from the storage unit, an injection channel 619 among the supply channels, or an injection device ( 621) may include a port valve 649 for selecting a supply channel to be connected and a syringe pump 644 for pumping samples and solutions stored in the reservoir 642.

The storage unit 642 may include various storage means for separately storing samples and solutions. For example, the storage unit 642 may include a sample storage unit for storing a sample, a washing solution storage unit for storing a washing solution, and an elution solution storage unit for storing an eluting solution. However, it is not limited thereto, and the storage unit 642 may further include a plurality of storage chambers for storing other various samples and solutions. In addition, according to an embodiment, each of the sample storage unit, the washing solution storage unit, and the elution solution storage unit in the storage unit 642 may further include a connection hole through which the providing channel communicates.

The provision channel 646 may be connected to connection holes of storage chambers in which samples and solutions of the storage unit 642 are stored. The provision channel 646 may be obtained by separating samples and solutions stored in the storage unit 642 . One end of the provision channel 646 may be connected to the storage unit 642 and the other end of the provision channel 646 may be connected to the port valve 649 .

The port valve 649 may select one supply channel from among supply channels through which samples and solutions stored in the storage unit 642 move, and connect the selected supply channel to the injection device 621 . According to another embodiment, the port valve 649 may select one provision channel from among a plurality of provision channels and connect the selected provision channel to an injection channel connected to the injection device 621 . According to one embodiment, the port valve 649 may be formed of 8 ports to which 8 provision channels are connectable, but is not limited thereto, and the number of ports connectable according to the number of samples and solutions required for sample analysis is It can vary.

The syringe pump 644 pumps the samples and solutions stored in the storage unit so that they can be discharged through the injection mechanism. For example, the syringe pump may include a step motor in the syringe pump, and the step motor may convert a rotational motion of the step motor into a linear motion of the syringe pump by being connected to a rack on which the cylinder pump is installed. According to an embodiment, the syringe pump 644 may discharge the sample, washing solution, and elution solution stored in the storage unit 642 through an injection mechanism based on control of the controller.

According to an embodiment, the sample analysis device 3000 includes heating units 632 and 634 that surround at least a portion of the first driving unit in a cylindrical shape in an outer direction of the first driving unit at a lower portion of the microfluidic device, and the first driving unit. It may further include linear guides 636 and 638 for aligning the position of the heating unit in an outward direction of the .

For example, the sample analysis device 3000 controls the first driving unit, the second driving unit, and the microfluidic device so that when predetermined samples and solutions are injected into the microfluidic device, the heating unit located at the bottom of the microfluidic device ( By controlling 632 and 634, the temperature of the sample and solutions in the microfluidic device 1000 may be maintained constant. In addition, the sample analysis device 3000 may maintain a constant temperature of chambers in which samples and solutions are stored in the microfluidic device 1000 by aligning positions of the heating unit under the first driving unit using the linear guide. Accordingly, the sample analysis device 3000 may provide an appropriate temperature required for extraction and reaction of the target material.

7 is a diagram for explaining an operation and structure of a sample analysis device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the configuration of the sample analysis device related to the second driving unit will be described in detail.

The second driving unit 540 may include a step motor 722 , and the step motor 722 may transmit driving force to the driving shaft 704 through the second driving member 702 . According to one embodiment, the driving shaft 704 may be driven in a predetermined axial direction (eg, z-axis direction) based on the driving force transmitted from the second driving member 702 . First driving members 706 and 726 for fixing the injection mechanism 728 may be formed at one end of the driving shaft 704 . The second driving unit controls the second driving member 702, the driving shaft 704, the first driving members 706 and 726, and the injection mechanism 728 moving in a predetermined axial direction, so that the microfluidic device 1000 Samples and solutions can be injected into

According to one embodiment, the second drive unit uses at least one guide shaft 724 disposed at predetermined intervals, the first drive members 706 and 726, the drive shaft 704, the injection mechanism 728 and the first 2 The drive member can be moved stably in the vertical direction. According to an embodiment, the second driving unit may drive the injection mechanism 728 within a region corresponding to the microfluidic device positioned above the first driving unit.

In addition, according to an embodiment, the first driving unit may be located between the first heating unit 708 and the second heating unit 710 formed in a fan shape or a cylindrical shape, and as described above, the spindle motor and rotation member 712. The rotating member may rotate according to a predetermined number of rotations under the control of the spindle motor.

8 is a diagram for explaining specifications of each component of a sample analysis device according to an exemplary embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the total length 802 of the second driving unit 540 of the sample analyzer is 27 cm, the horizontal width 804 of the housing where the step motor is located is 7 cm, and the vertical length of at least one guide shaft. 806 may be 15 cm, the length of the driving shaft 808 may be 14 cm, the width 809 of the supply unit for supplying the sample and the solution may be 10 cm, and the diameter 810 of the heating unit at the bottom of the microfluidic device may be 13 cm. In addition, according to one embodiment, the vertical length 814 of the first drive unit of the sample analyzer is 10 cm, the diameter 812 is 5.5 cm, and the total length 816 of which at least one guide axis is disposed at preset intervals is 7 cm, the horizontal length 818 of the supply unit for supplying the sample and the solution may be 5 cm, and the vertical length 820 may be provided as 26 cm.

However, the specifications of the sample analysis device 3000 and the microfluidic device 1000 according to the present disclosure are not limited thereto, such as the amount of sample and solution to be analyzed, analysis speed, analysis accuracy, location where analysis is performed, etc. may vary depending on the conditions.

9 is a diagram illustrating a process of analyzing a sample by a microfluidic device and a sample analysis device using the microfluidic device according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, a process of analyzing a sample by the sample analysis device 3000 using the microfluidic device 1000 will be described in detail. According to an embodiment, the sample analysis device 3000 may extract a target material (eg, a specific dielectric) from a sample using the microfluidic device 1000 .

The sample analysis device 3000 may rotate the rotating body of the microfluidic device coupled to the sample analysis device around at least one rotation axis at a preset number of rotations and in a rotation direction. The sample analysis device 3000 may cause the samples and solutions injected into the microfluidic device 1000 to move within at least one microfluidic structure in the microfluidic device based on rotational force generated as the rotating body rotates. . The sample analysis apparatus 1000 may control samples or solutions to move in different directions by controlling the rotation direction and rotation speed of the rotating body.

According to an embodiment, a sample injected into the microfluidic device 1000 by the sample analysis device 3000 may include a target material to be analyzed and impurities other than the target material. In addition, the solution injected into the microfluidic device 1000 by the sample analysis device 3000 is a washing solution for washing materials other than the target material, and an elution solution (Elusion, for example, water for separating the target material on a capture filter). ) may be included.

In S902 , the sample analysis device 3000 may fasten the microfluidic device 1000 to the rotating member. In operation S904 , the sample analysis device 3000 may inject a sample into the sample chamber 902 of the microfluidic device 1000 . For example, the sample analysis device 3000 may inject samples previously stored in the storage unit by connecting an injection device to a sample inlet connected to the sample chamber. According to an embodiment, the sample chamber of the microfluidic device 1000 may be connected to a first manual valve for controlling the movement of samples in the sample chamber to the capture filter based on a predetermined rotational force. therefore. The samples in the sample chambers may not move to the capture filter until the samples are injected into all the sample chambers in the microfluidic device 1000 by the sample analysis device 3000 .

In S906 , the sample analyzer 3000 may control the rotation member to rotate in a first rotation direction 904 and a first rotation number. Samples stored in the sample chambers 902 of each microfluidic structure are moved to the waste chamber 906 based on the first rotational force generated by the rotating body rotating according to the first rotational direction 904 and the first rotational speed. can The first rotational force may be greater than or equal to the resistive force provided by the first manual valve connected to the sample chamber 902 .

According to an embodiment, the sample analysis device 3000 controls the rotating body to generate the first rotational force so that the samples stored in the sample chamber in each flow structure pass through the capture filter. The capture filter 905 may include glass fibers, a plurality of silica-based beads, or a silica-based matrix having a preset thickness, and may include glass fibers, a plurality of silica-based beads, or a silica-based matrix having a preset thickness. It can be used to capture target substances in a sample. Materials other than the captured target materials and the target material in the sample may be present on the capture filter.

In operation S908 , the sample analysis device 3000 may inject a solution into the solution chamber 908 of the microfluidic device 1000 . More specifically, the sample analysis device 3000 may inject a cleaning solution for cleaning materials other than the target material in the sample into the solution chamber 908 . For example, the sample analysis device 3000 may inject the cleaning solution previously stored in the storage unit by connecting an injection device to a solution inlet connected to the solution chamber 908 . According to an embodiment, the solution chamber of the microfluidic device 1000 may be connected to a second manual valve for controlling the movement of solutions in the solution chamber to the capture filter based on a predetermined rotational force. Therefore, the cleaning solution in the solution chamber 908 may not move to the capture filter until the cleaning solution is injected into all the solution chambers in the microfluidic device 1000 .

In operation S910 , the sample analyzer 3000 may control the rotation member to rotate according to the first rotation direction 904 and the second rotation speed. Waste solutions (eg cleaning solutions) stored in the solution chambers 908 of each microfluidic structure based on the second rotational force generated by the rotating body rotating according to the first rotational direction 904 and the second rotational speed chamber 912. The second rotational force may be greater than or equal to the resistive force provided by the second manual valve connected to the solution chamber 908 .

According to an embodiment, the sample analysis device 3000 may allow solutions stored in solution chambers within each flow structure to pass through the capture filter by controlling the rotating body to generate the second rotational force. Materials and impurities other than the captured target material may exist on the capture filter 905, and the remaining materials and impurities other than the target material may move to the waste chamber 912 together with the cleaning solution by the injected washing solution. can

According to an embodiment, the resistance provided by the first manual valve for controlling the movement of the sample in the sample analyzer 3000 and the second manual valve for controlling the movement of the solution may be the same. However, according to another embodiment, the resistance provided by the first manual valve and the second manual valve may be provided differently, and the sample analyzer 3000 rotates the rotating body at different rotational speeds, so that different rotational forces are applied. Based on the sample and the solution can be controlled to move.

In operation S912 , the sample analysis device 3000 may inject a cleaning solution into the solution chamber 914 of the microfluidic device 1000 . For example, impurities and uncaptured target substances may be present on the capture filter despite the cleaning process performed by the sample analyzer 3000 in step S910. Accordingly, the sample analysis device 3000 may prepare the second cleaning process by re-injecting the cleaning solution into the solution chamber 914 of the microfluidic device 1000 . According to an embodiment, the sample analysis device 3000 may inject the first cleaning solution into the microfluidic device in step S908 and then inject a second cleaning solution different from the first cleaning solution in step S912. According to an embodiment, the first cleaning solution and the second cleaning solution may be the same type of cleaning solution.

In S914 , the sample analyzer 3000 may control the rotating member to rotate according to the first rotational direction 904 and the second rotational speed. Based on the second rotational force generated by the rotating body rotating according to the first rotational direction 904 and the second rotational speed, solutions stored in the solution chambers 914 of each microfluidic structure (e.g., washing injected secondly) solutions) may move into the waste chamber 914 .

In operation S916 , the sample analysis device 3000 may inject an elution solution into the solution chamber 918 of the microfluidic device 1000 . More specifically, the sample analysis device 3000 may inject an elution solution (elusion) for separating the target material captured in the capture filter into the solution chamber 918 through the solution inlet. The sample analysis device 3000 may inject the elution solution previously stored in the storage unit by connecting an injection mechanism to the solution inlet connected to the solution chamber 918 .

According to an embodiment, the solution chamber 918 of the microfluidic device 1000 may be connected to a second manual valve for controlling the movement of solutions in the solution chamber to the capture filter based on a predetermined rotational force. Therefore, the cleaning solution in the solution chamber 908 may not move to the capture filter until the elution solution is injected into all the solution chambers in the microfluidic device 1000 .

In S918 , the sample analyzer 3000 may control the rotation member to rotate in the second rotation direction 920 and the third rotation speed. The elution solution stored in the solution chambers 918 of each microfluidic structure is transferred to the collection chamber 922 based on the third rotational force generated by the rotating body rotating according to the second rotational direction 920 and the third rotational speed. can move That is, in moving the elution solution injected into the microfluidic device 1000, the sample analysis device 3000 may rotate the rotating member in different rotation directions for moving the sample and the washing solution. According to one embodiment, the third rotational force may be greater than or equal to the resistance provided by the second manual valve connected to the solution chamber 918 .

More specifically, based on the third rotational force generated by the rotation of the rotating body, the elution solutions stored in the solution chamber 918 may move to the capture filter despite the resistance provided by the second manual valve. The elution solution that has moved to the capture filter can separate purified target substances trapped in the capture filter from the capture filter. In S918, since the rotation member is rotating in the second rotation direction 920, elution solutions including the captured target material may move through the delivery chamber to the collection chamber 922 instead of the waste chamber.

The sample analysis device 3000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure automatically extracts a target substance from the pretreated sample by rapidly preprocessing a large amount of samples by performing the sample analysis method according to the above-described sequence. )can do.

According to an embodiment, the sample analysis device 2000 may acquire first images of the microfluidic device 1000 for each step described above. According to another embodiment, the sample analysis device 2000 may acquire first images of the microfluidic device 1000 at predetermined time intervals after step S918. The sample analyzing device 2000 may obtain second images of the collection chambers by pre-processing the first images.

The sample analyzing apparatus 2000 may identify pixel values of the second images of the collection chambers, and determine a color change amount of the collection chambers in the second image based on the identified pixel values. The sample analysis device 2000 may identify the concentration of the target material stored in the collection chamber of the microfluidic device based on the amount of change in color of the collection chamber. According to another embodiment, the sample analysis device 2000 may transmit information on the obtained first images and second images or the target material concentration identification result to another external device connected to the sample analysis device 2000 or It can also be sent to the server.

10 is a block diagram of a sample analysis device according to an embodiment.

11 is a block diagram of a sample analysis device according to another embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the sample analysis device 2000 may include a processor 1300, a memory 1700, a first driving unit 1810, a second driving unit 1820, and a supply unit 1920. However, not all illustrated components are essential components. The sample analysis device 2000 may be implemented with more components than those illustrated, or the sample analysis device 2000 may be implemented with fewer components.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the sample analysis device 2000 according to an embodiment includes a processor 1300, a driving unit 1800 including a first driving unit 1810 and a second driving unit 1820; In addition to the memory 1700 and the supply unit 1920, the user input interface 1100, the output unit 1200, the sensing unit 1400, the network interface 1500, the A/V input unit 1600, the heating unit 1940 and A linear guide 1960 may be further included.

The user input interface 1100 means a means through which a user inputs a sequence for controlling the sample analysis device 2000 . For example, the user input interface 1100 includes a key pad, a dome switch, a touch pad (contact capacitive method, pressure resistive film method, infrared sensing method, surface ultrasonic conduction method, A spray tension measuring method, a piezo effect method, etc.), a jog wheel, a jog switch, and the like may be included, but are not limited thereto. The user input interface 1100 may receive a user's input sequence for the screen output on the display by the sample analysis device 2000 . Also, the user input interface 1100 may receive a user's touch input touching the display or a key input through a graphic user interface on the display.

The output unit 1200 may output an audio signal, a video signal, or a vibration signal, and the output unit 1200 may include a display unit 1210, a sound output unit 1220, and a vibration motor 1230. have.

The display unit 1210 includes a screen for displaying and outputting information processed by the sample analysis device 2000 . Also, the screen is an image obtained by capturing the collection chamber in the microfluidic device, and may be used to analyze biological or chemical reaction results occurring in the collection chamber.

The audio output unit 1220 outputs audio data received from the network interface 1500 or stored in the memory 1700 . Also, the sound output unit 1220 outputs sound signals related to functions performed by the sample analyzing device 2000 . The vibration motor 1230 may output a vibration signal. For example, the vibration motor 1230 may output vibration signals corresponding to outputs of functions performed by the electronic device 1000 .

The processor 1300 typically controls overall operations of the sample analysis device 2000 . For example, the processor 1300 executes programs stored in the memory 1700, so that the user input unit 1100, the output unit 1200, the sensing unit 1400, the network interface 1500, and the A/V input unit ( 1600) can be controlled overall. Also, the processor 1300 may perform the functions of the sample analysis device 2000 described in FIGS. 1 to 9 by executing programs stored in the memory 1700 .

In detail, the processor 1300 may obtain a user's input for touching the screen of the sample analysis device 2000 by controlling the user input unit. According to an embodiment, the processor 1300 may control a microphone to acquire a user's voice. The processor 1300 may execute an application for moving a sample and a solution in a microfluidic device based on a user input, or may execute an application for measuring a reaction progress with respect to a target material in a collection chamber. Also, other user inputs may be further obtained through an application executed by the processor 1300 .

According to an embodiment, the processor 1300 executes at least one instruction related to the sample analysis method stored in the memory 1700, thereby performing a sample analysis process on the samples of the microfluidic device coupled to the sample analysis device 2000. can be done automatically.

According to an embodiment, the processor 1300 may control the first driving unit to rotate the microfluidic device along the rotation axis. Also, according to an embodiment, the processor 1300 may control a second driving unit that moves an injection mechanism for injecting the sample and the solution into the microfluidic device along a predetermined driving axis.

Also, according to an embodiment, the processor 1300 may selectively provide the stored samples and solutions to the injection device by controlling a supply unit that stores samples and solutions to be provided to the injection device.

According to an embodiment, the processor 1300 may generate the first rotational force by controlling the rotational member to rotate according to the first rotational direction and the first rotational speed. According to another embodiment, the processor 1300 may control the rotating member to generate a second rotational force along the first rotational direction by controlling the rotational member to rotate according to the first rotational direction and the second rotational speed. have.

According to another embodiment, the processor 1300 may control the rotating member to generate the first rotational force in the second rotational direction by controlling the rotational member to rotate according to the second rotational direction and the first rotational speed. . However, according to another embodiment, the processor 1300 controls the rotating member to generate the second rotational force along the second rotational direction by controlling the rotational member to rotate according to the second rotational direction and the second rotational speed. You may.

According to an embodiment, the processor 1300 may control the second driving member in the second driving unit to vertically move along at least one guide axis. In addition, the processor 1300 may control the step motor so that the second driving member in the second driving unit rotates at a predetermined angular interval, thereby controlling the injection mechanism connected to one end of the driving shaft to be positioned in a predetermined flow structure in the microfluidic device. have.

According to an embodiment, the processor 1300 may control a temperature necessary for the reaction of the sample to be maintained by controlling a heating unit located below the sample analysis device to which the microfluidic device 1000 is fastened. In addition, the processor 1300 may control the heating unit to provide uniform heat energy to the microfluidic device by controlling the linear guide for aligning the position of the heating unit in the outer direction of the first driving unit.

According to an embodiment, the processor 1300 may control one of the supply channels connected to the storage unit to be connected to the injection channel of the injection device by controlling the port valve in the supply unit. Also, the processor 1300 may control the syringe pump so that, after the supply channel connected to the reservoir is connected to the injection channel, solutions or samples stored in the reservoir are discharged to the injection device through the supply channel and the injection channel. have.

According to an embodiment, the processor 1300 may acquire images of the microfluidic device at preset time intervals by controlling a camera in the sample analysis device. Also, the processor 1300 may transmit information about an image obtained from a camera to another external device connected to the sample analysis apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the processor 1300 identifies a collection chamber region in the image of the microfluidic device obtained through a camera, and based on a color value of the image for the identified collection chamber region, the processor 1300 identifies chemical or chemical substances occurring in the chamber region. The course of a biological response can also be quantified.

According to another embodiment, the processor 1300 transmits images related to the collection chamber acquired at preset time intervals to an external device, and uses a network interface to receive a result of analysis based on the images received by the external device. can also be controlled.

The sensing unit 1400 may detect a surrounding state of the sample analyzing device 2000 and transmit the sensed information to the processor 1300 . The sensing unit 1400 includes an acceleration sensor 1420, a temperature/humidity sensor 1430, an infrared sensor 1440, a gyroscope sensor 1450, an air pressure sensor 1470, a proximity sensor 1480, And it may include at least one of an RGB sensor (illuminance sensor) 1490, but is not limited thereto. Since a person skilled in the art can intuitively infer the function of each sensor from its name, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The network interface 1500 may include one or more components that allow the sample analysis device 2000 to communicate with other devices (not shown) and the server 4000 . The other device (not shown) may be a device such as a sample analysis device, a computing device capable of obtaining an image and analyzing a color value of the obtained image, or a sensing device, but is not limited thereto. For example, the network interface 1500 may include a wireless communication interface 1510, a wired communication interface 1520, and a mobile communication unit 530.

The wireless communication interface 1510 includes a short-range wireless communication unit, a Bluetooth communication unit, a near field communication unit, a WLAN (Wi-Fi) communication unit, a Zigbee communication unit, an infrared data association (IrDA) ) communication unit, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication unit, etc., but is not limited thereto. The wired communication interface 1520 may connect the server 2000 or the sample analysis device 2000 by wire.

The mobile communication unit 1530 transmits and receives a radio signal with at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. Here, the radio signal may include a voice signal, a video call signal, or various types of data according to text/multimedia message transmission/reception.

According to an embodiment, the network interface 1500 may transmit images of the microfluidic device to a server under the control of a processor. In addition, the network interface 1500 may receive an analysis result about the progress of the reaction in the collection chamber from the server.

An audio/video (A/V) input unit 1600 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal, and may include a camera 1610 and a microphone 1620. The camera 1610 may obtain an image frame such as a still image or a moving image through an image sensor in a video call mode or a photographing mode. An image captured through the image sensor may be processed through the processor 1300 or a separate image processing unit (not shown). For example, the camera module 1610 may acquire images of the reaction chambers according to a predetermined photographing period.

The microphone 1620 receives external sound signals and processes them into electrical voice data. For example, the microphone 1620 may receive a sound signal from an external device or a user. The microphone 1620 may receive a user's voice input. The microphone 1620 may use various noise cancellation algorithms to remove noise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal.

The memory 1700 may store programs for processing and control of the processor 1300 and may store data input or output from the sample analysis device 2000 . Also, the memory 1700 may store various driving instructions necessary for the sample analyzer 2000 to control the first driving unit and the second driving unit. In addition, the memory 1700 allows the sample analysis device 2000 to extract a sample or solution from the supply unit, inject the extracted sample or solution into the microfluidic device, and rotate the microfluidic device in a predetermined rotational direction and rotation speed. By doing so, various instructions necessary to automatically perform the sample analysis process may be included.

The memory 1700 may include a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (eg SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (RAM, Random Access Memory) SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), magnetic memory, magnetic disk , an optical disk, and at least one type of storage medium.

Programs stored in the memory 1700 may be classified into a plurality of modules according to their functions, such as a UI module 1710, a touch screen module 1720, and a notification module 1730. .

The UI module 1710 may provide a specialized UI, GUI, or the like that works with the sample analysis device 2000 for each application. The touch screen module 1720 may detect a user's touch gesture on the touch screen and transmit information about the touch gesture to the processor 1300 . The touch screen module 1720 according to some embodiments may recognize and analyze the touch code. The touch screen module 1720 may be configured as separate hardware including a controller.

The notification module 1730 may generate a signal for notifying occurrence of an event of the sample analysis device 2000 . Examples of events generated by the sample analyzer 2000 include reception of a call signal, reception of a message, input of a key signal, and notification of a schedule. The notification module 1730 may output a notification signal in the form of a video signal through the display unit 1210, output a notification signal in the form of an audio signal through the sound output unit 1220, and may output a notification signal in the form of a vibration motor 1230. A notification signal may be output in the form of a vibration signal through

The driving unit 1800 may include a first driving unit 1810 and a second driving unit 1820 . Since each component of the driving unit 1800 may correspond to the first driving unit 520 and the second driving unit 540 described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 , a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The supply unit 1920 may store samples and solutions to be supplied to the injection device, and provide the stored samples and solutions to the injection device through a specific supply channel. Since each component of the supply unit 1920 may correspond to the port valve 649, the supply channel 646, and the storage unit 642 described above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The heating unit 1940 may generate thermal energy at the bottom of the microfluidic device to provide an appropriate temperature for the reaction of samples and solutions in the microfluidic device. When predetermined samples and solutions are injected into the microfluidic device, the linear guide 1960 aligns the position of the heating unit located at the bottom of the microfluidic device, so that heat energy can be supplied to the microfluidic device 1000 at a constant level. have. Since the heating unit 1940 and the linear guide 1960 may correspond to the heating units 632 and 634 and the linear guides 636 and 638 described above in FIG. 6 , a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

12 is a block diagram of a server connected to a sample analysis device according to an embodiment.

The server 4000 may include a network interface 4100, a database 4200 and a processor 4300. The network interface 4100 may correspond to the network interface 1500 of the sample analysis device 1000 shown in FIG. 11 . For example, the network interface 4100 may receive images of the collection chambers in the microfluidic device from the sample analysis device 2000, or send information about a collection chamber image analysis result determined by the server 4000 to the sample analysis device ( 2000) may be transmitted.

The database 4200 may correspond to the memory 1700 of the sample analysis device 2000 shown in FIG. 11 . For example, the database 4200 includes first images of the microfluidic device received from the sample analysis device 2000, second images of collection chambers generated by preprocessing the first images, the Information on reaction results determined by analyzing color information in the first images and the second images may be stored.

In addition, according to an embodiment, the database 4200 is based on the color values of the collection chambers obtained from the images of the collection chambers, the amount of change in response time of the color values, and the amount of change in color values for each collection chamber. Information on the determined concentration of the target substance may be further stored.

The processor 4300 typically controls the overall operation of the server 4000. For example, the processor 4300 may generally control the DB 4200 and the network interface 4100 by executing programs stored in the DB 4200 of the server 4000 . Also, the processor 4300 may perform some of the operations of the sample analysis device 2000 in FIGS. 1 to 11 by executing programs stored in the DB 4100 . For example, the processor 4300 acquires first images of the microfluidic device while a target material is extracted from collection chambers in the sample analysis device 2000, and transmits images to the collection chambers from the obtained first images. Second images of the object may be acquired, and color information of the collection chambers may be identified from the second images.

Also, the processor 4300 may identify the concentration of the target substance extracted in the collection chambers based on the obtained color information, and may transmit information about the concentration of the identified target substance to the sample analysis device 2000. .

The method according to an embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc. alone or in combination. Program commands recorded on the medium may be specially designed and configured for the present disclosure, or may be known and usable to those skilled in computer software.

In addition, a computer program device including a recording medium in which a program for performing a different method according to the above embodiment is stored may be provided. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and magnetic media such as floptical disks. - includes hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as magneto-optical media, and ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, as well as machine language codes such as those produced by a compiler.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements of those skilled in the art using the basic concepts of the present disclosure defined in the following claims are also included in the present disclosure. fall within the scope of the right

Claims (20)

rotating body; and
at least one microfluidic structure disposed within the rotating body at predetermined intervals; including,
The microfluidic structure is
a preprocessing unit that shares the solution injected through the solution inlet with other adjacent microfluidic structures through a shared channel and performs a preprocessing process on the sample and solution injected through the sample inlet; and
a distributing unit positioned outside the rotating body in a radial direction from the preprocessing unit, distributing the target material in the sample pretreated through the preprocessing unit, and performing detection of the distributed target material; Characterized in that, a microfluidic device comprising a. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-processing unit
a sample chamber accommodating a sample injected through the sample inlet;
a solution chamber accommodating the solution injected through the solution inlet; and
a capture filter to capture a target material from the injected sample; Characterized in that, a microfluidic device comprising a. The method of claim 2, wherein the pre-processing unit
a first manual valve providing a sample stored in the sample chamber to the capture filter based on a first rotational force generated by the rotating body; and
a second manual valve supplying the solution contained in the solution chamber to the capture filter based on the second rotational force generated by the rotation body; Characterized in that, the microfluidic device further comprises. According to claim 1,
The shared channel is formed in a zigzag shape in a circumferential direction within the rotating body, and the rotating body does not move to the capture filter until the solution in the solution chamber is shared with the solution chamber in the other microfluidic structure. A microfluidic device characterized in that it stops, stops or rotates. The method of claim 1, wherein the distribution unit
a collection chamber in which an elution solution including a target substance captured by the capture filter is stored in the solution; and
a waste chamber storing a cleaning solution for washing samples that have passed through the capture filter and materials other than the target material captured by the capture filter in the solution; A microfluidic device comprising a. The method of claim 5, wherein the distribution unit
Obtaining an elution solution containing the target substance or a sample passing through the capture filter and the wash solution from the capture filter;
a transfer chamber selectively transferring the elution solution containing the target material to the collection chamber or transferring the sample passing through the capture filter and the washing solution to the waste chamber according to the rotation direction of the rotating body; Characterized in that, the microfluidic device further comprises. According to claim 3,
In the channels in the first manual valve and the second manual valve, an area of some of the channels is wider than an area passing through the inlets of the first manual valve and the second manual valve, and the first manual valve and the second manual valve have a larger area. A microfluidic device, characterized in that the surface of the channel in the second manual valve is hydrophobic. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the capture filter
A filter formed of glass fibers having a preset thickness or a matrix including a plurality of silica-based beads, characterized in that the matrix is used to capture target substances in the sample, the microfluidic flow Device. The method of claim 1, wherein the rotating body
rotates at a predetermined number of rotations and a rotational direction around at least one rotational axis, and the sample and the solution are moved within the microfluidic structure based on rotational force generated as the rotational body rotates, and the rotational body Characterized in that, the microfluidic device is moved in the microfluidic structure in different directions according to the rotation direction of the microfluidic device. According to claim 9,
The microfluidic device, characterized in that, the at least one microfluidic structure disposed at a predetermined interval is arranged in the rotating body in a circumferential direction around the rotating shaft. The microfluidic device of claim 1;
a first driving unit for rotating the microfluidic device along a rotational axis;
a second driving unit for moving an injection mechanism for injecting the sample and the solution into the microfluidic device along a preset driving shaft;
a supply unit that stores samples and solutions to be supplied to the injection device and selectively supplies the stored samples and solutions to the injection device; and
a control unit controlling the first driving unit, the second driving unit, and the supply unit so that the sample and the solution in the microfluidic structure move along a preset path; Including, sample analysis device. The method of claim 11, wherein the first driving unit
a rotating member fastened to the microfluidic device and rotatably installed along with the microfluidic device along a rotation axis of the microfluidic device; and
a spindle motor for rotating the rotating member in a predetermined rotational direction and rotational speed based on a first control signal obtained from the control unit; Characterized in that, the sample analysis device comprising a. The method of claim 11, wherein the second driving unit
at least one guide axis spaced apart at preset intervals;
a first drive member to which the injection mechanism is fastened to one end of the drive shaft;
a second driving member connected to the other end of the driving shaft and transmitting a driving force to the driving shaft so that the driving shaft rotates at a predetermined angular interval; and
a step motor rotating the second driving member; Characterized in that, the sample analysis device comprising a. The method of claim 13, wherein the second driving member,
a through hole through which the at least one guide shaft passes; and
a ball screw member in contact with a surface formed in the through hole; Including more,
The sample analysis apparatus, characterized in that the screw thread formed on the ball screw member and the at least one guide shaft moves along the at least one guide shaft in a state of close contact. The method of claim 11, wherein the sample analysis device
a heating unit surrounding at least a portion of the first driving unit in a cylindrical shape in an outer direction of the first driving unit at a lower portion of the microfluidic device; and
a linear guide for aligning a position of the heating unit in an outward direction of the first driving unit; Characterized in that it further comprises, the sample analysis device. According to claim 11,
The sample includes a target substance to be analyzed,
The sample analysis device, characterized in that, the solution includes a washing solution for washing the remaining materials other than the target material and an elution solution for separating the target material. The method of claim 16, wherein the supply unit
a storage unit for separately storing the sample, the washing solution, and the elution solution;
a provision channel connected to the storage unit and separately obtaining the sample, the washing solution, and the elution solution from the storage unit;
a port valve for selecting a channel to be connected to the injection mechanism from among the providing channels under the control of the control unit; and
a syringe pump for moving the sample, the washing solution, and the elution solution from the reservoir to the injection device; A sample analysis device comprising a. The method of claim 17, wherein the storage unit
a sample storage unit for storing the sample;
a cleaning solution storage unit for storing the cleaning solution; and
an elution solution storage unit for storing the elution solution; including,
The sample analysis apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a connection hole through which the providing channel communicates with the sample storage unit, the washing solution storage unit, and the elution solution storage unit. The method of claim 11, wherein the sample analysis device
a first housing formed so that the first driving unit, the second driving unit, and the control unit are located therein; and
a second housing selectively exposing the microfluidic device by being connected to the first housing in an openable and open manner; Characterized in that it further comprises, the sample analysis device. The method of claim 11, wherein the sample analysis device
a camera that acquires images of the microfluidic device at preset time intervals; and
a network interface for transmitting information about an image obtained from the camera to an external device connected to the sample analysis device; Characterized in that it further comprises, the sample analysis device.

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