KR20060038543A - Lab-on-a-chip using overall light-emitting source - Google Patents

Abstract

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a lab-on-a-chip, and in particular, it is possible to achieve miniaturization of a lab-on-a-chip by using a light source of a thin film structure or a light source of a high brightness light emitting diode array that emits a top surface. The present invention relates to a lab-on-a-chip using a light source. To this end, the lab-on-a-chip according to the present invention uses a thin-film organic light emitting diode or carbon nanotube lamp capable of high light quantity and full emission, or a high-brightness LED array light source having the same function but not having a thin film structure. By forming a light source, a thin film type optical filter, and a fluorescence detection sensor in a stacked structure, a lab-on-a-chip is provided that realizes miniaturization and eliminates the inconvenience of aligning the sensor position in the microchannel with the incident position of the light source. do.

Lab-on-a-chip, front-emitting light source, optical filter, micro-channel

Description

LAB-ON-A-CHIP USING OVERALL LIGHT-EMITTING SOURCE}

1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a general microchannel of a lab-on-a-chip

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the wrap on a chip according to an embodiment of the present invention

3 is a side cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG.

4 is an exploded side cross-sectional view of FIG.

5 is a plan view of FIG.

FIG. 6 (a) is a plan view showing a light source having a thin film structure used as the top-emitting light source of FIG.

FIG. 6 (b) is a plan view showing a light emitting diode array light source used as the front emission light source of FIG.

Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a wrap on a chip according to another embodiment of the present invention

8 is a side cross-sectional view of a wrap-on-a-chip having multiple structures in which a plurality of wrap-on-a-chips of FIG.

9 is a side cross-sectional view of a wrap-on-a-chip having multiple structures in which a plurality of wrap-on-a-chips of FIG. 7 are connected to each other;

10 (a) is an optical picture of an organic light emitting diode used as a top emitting light source

10 (b) is an optical picture of a carbon nanotube lamp used as a front emission light source

11 is an optical picture of a photodiode fabricated with a fluorescence detection sensor

Fig. 12 (a) is an optical photograph of a lab-on-a-chip integrated with a microchannel unit, an optical filter, and a fluorescence detection sensor unit.

12 (b) is a fluorescence detection optical photograph of a lab-on-a-chip integrated with a microchannel unit, an optical filter, and a fluorescence detection sensor unit.

Fig. 13 is an optical photograph of a lab-on-a-chip in which a top-emitting organic light emitting diode is integrated as a light source.

Fig. 14A is a graph showing the light quantity spectral characteristics of the organic light emitting diode.

Fig. 14B is a graph showing the voltage-current characteristics of the organic light emitting diode.

15 is a graph showing fluorescence detection results in a lab-on-a-chip in which an organic light emitting diode is integrated as a light source.

** Description of symbols for the main parts of the drawing **

1, 1 ': lab-on-a-chip 10: light source

11, 11 ': Front emission type light source 12: Light source part mold

20: micro channel section 21: micro channel

22,22 ': First optical filter 23: Electrode

30: fluorescence detection sensor unit 31: silicon substrate

33,33 ': second optical filter 34: sensor mold

35: electrode

The present invention relates to a lab-on-a-chip, and more particularly, a lab using a top-emitting light source that realizes miniaturization by using a thin-film light source having a top emission or a high brightness LED array light source. It is about on-chip.

Lab-on-a-chip is a type of biochip that is designed to carry out research that can be done in the lab with a chip the size of a fingernail. Materials such as plastic, glass, and silicon (silicon) can be used to create microchannels of less than one nanometer (1 billion) liters, making it possible to quickly perform experiments or research processes that can be performed in existing laboratories with only trace amounts of samples or samples. It is a system that makes it possible to perform long and expensive biological tests in a short time and at low cost.

This chip is attracting attention as a next-generation diagnostic device. With this chip, even a drop of fatigue can diagnose various cancers and measure the number of cells in red blood cells and white blood cells. In addition, it is a high value-added product that can be applied to various fields such as animal husbandry and the environment, and is recently attracting attention due to the rapid development of biotechnology.

Such a lab-on-a-chip is configured as a multi-channel system, thereby enabling high-speed parallel processing. Various methods such as mechanical methods, chemical methods, and electrical methods are used to detect biological reactions.However, the fluorescence detection method that detects the amount of fluorescence emitted from a biochemical material using a light source has high reliability and enables high-speed and high sensitivity inspection. Since it has the most widely used.

In the conventional lab-on-a-chip, as shown in FIG. 1, the lab-on-a-chip using fluorescence detection has a large light source that excites a biochemical material, an optical filter that filters the excitation light at a specific wavelength, and a microcomputer to which the biochemical material moves. It consists of a channel 1, an optical filter for transmitting only fluorescence emitted from the biochemical, and a fluorescence detection sensor 4 for detecting the emitted fluorescence, and the biochemical injected into the biochemical inlet 2 is a microchannel. By detecting the fluorescence emitted in the process of passing through (1) to the biochemical outlet (3), it is possible to diagnose the biochemical.

The conventional lab-on-a-chip having such a structure can achieve integration of the biochemical transport system by moving the biochemical material by electrophoresis, but using a light source that occupies a large volume such as a laser as a light source for exciting the biochemical material. Because of this, miniaturization was difficult.

In addition, the conventional wrap-on-a-chip has a problem that the inconvenience of having to align the fluorescence detection position 4 and the incident position of the excitation light by the laser is caused because the laser used as the light source does not emit light from the front side.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems of the prior art, and implements a small portable lab-on-a-chip and at the same time a wrap using a front-emitting light source that does not need to align the fluorescence detection position with the excitation light incident position. It is an object to provide an on-chip.                         

In addition, another object of the present invention is to improve the sensitivity of the lab-on-a-chip, at the same time to facilitate the connection with the external circuit, and to maximize the utility beyond the limitation of the conventional lab-on-a-chip used for single use It is to provide a lab-on-a-chip.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a lab-on-a-chip having a multi-channel structure that can be manufactured at a lower cost with a simple configuration.

The present invention, in order to achieve the object as described above, and a light source unit including a light source for emitting light; A micro channel unit including a micro channel into which a biochemical material is injected, moved and mixed, and a first optical filter formed between the light source unit and the micro channel to filter excitation light from the light source to a specific wavelength; A fluorescence detection sensor unit including a fluorescence detection sensor for detecting an amount of fluorescence emitted from the biochemical and a second optical filter formed between the microchannel and the fluorescence detection sensor so as to transmit only the emission fluorescence of the biochemical; It provides a wrap-on-a-chip using a top-emitting light source, characterized in that configured to include.

This is to reduce the inconvenience of miniaturizing the lab-on-a-chip and aligning the fluorescence detection position with the incidence position of the excitation light by using a light source having a thin-film structure that emits full light or a high brightness LED array light source having the same function. to be.

Here, it is preferable that the light source unit, the micro channel unit, and the fluorescence detection sensor unit are separately formed. This is to allow the semi-permanent use of the lab-on-a-chip without being disposable by allowing the replacement of some components according to the target material and the inspection method.

The first optical filter is formed by depositing on one surface of the microchannel, and the second optical filter is formed by depositing on one surface of the fluorescence detection sensor, and the gap between the light source and the microchannel and the microchannel. By reducing the distance between the and the fluorescence detection sensor it is possible to improve the sensitivity of the lab-on-a-chip.

In addition, the first optical filter and the second optical filter may be formed in a thin film form to be separated from the microchannel. That is, the first optical filter and the second optical filter are also replaceable to maximize the utility of the lab-on-a-chip.

And, it further comprises a contact electrode formed on the surface of the micro channel, to facilitate the connection with the external circuit.

On the other hand, the light source unit including a light source for full emission; A micro channel unit including a micro channel into which a biochemical material is injected, moved and mixed, and a first optical filter formed between the light source unit and the micro channel to filter excitation light from the light source to a specific wavelength; A fluorescence detection sensor unit including a fluorescence detection sensor for detecting an amount of fluorescence emitted from the biochemical and a second optical filter formed between the microchannel and the fluorescence detection sensor so as to transmit only the emission fluorescence of the biochemical; Provided is a wrap-on-a-chip having a plurality of structures formed by connecting a plurality of wrap-on-a-chips using a top-emitting light source.

At this time, the light source of the wrap-on-a-chip of the multi-structure is more effective in terms of reducing the manufacturing cost of one light source.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

2 to 5 illustrate a configuration of a lab-on-a-chip using a top-emitting light source according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the lab-on-a-chip of an embodiment of the present invention emits light from the light source unit 10 for irradiating the light source to the microchannel 21, the microchannel unit 20 through which the biochemical material passes, and the biochemical material. It comprises a fluorescence detection sensor unit 30 for detecting the fluorescence to be.

The light source unit 10 includes a light source 11 that emits full light to excite a biochemical, and a light source mold 12 that supports the light source 11.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the light source 11 that emits full light has an extremely high light quantity as compared to the conventional inorganic light emitting diode, and may be manufactured in a thin film structure. It is formed of carbon nanotube lamps.

The microchannel unit 20 is a microchannel 21 into which biochemicals are injected, moved and mixed, and deposited on an upper surface of the microchannel 21 to filter excitation light from the light source 11 to a specific wavelength. And an optical filter 22 and an electrode 23 deposited and formed on the lower surface of the microchannel 21 so as to be connected to an external circuit to supply power.

The fluorescence detection sensor unit 30 is provided with a silicon substrate 31, a fluorescence detection sensor 32 that is recessed in the silicon substrate 31 and performs fluorescence detection according to the concentration of the phosphor, and the silicon substrate 31 and fluorescence detection. A second optical filter 33 deposited on the upper surface of the sensor 32 to transmit only the emission fluorescence of the biochemical material, a mold 34 supporting the silicon substrate 31, and a microchannel part connected to an external circuit. An electrode 35 contacting the electrode of the electrode 20 to apply power, and a support member 36 protruding from the upper surface of the mold frame 34 to support the light source unit 10 and the micro channel unit 20. do.

Herein, the electrode 23 of the micro channel unit 20 is used as a contact electrode connecting the electrode 35 of the fluorescence detection sensor unit 30 and the electrode 35 of the mold frame 34, thereby providing a wrap-on-a-chip ( Easily connect between 100) and the external circuit.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lab-on-a-chip 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a light source unit 10, a micro channel unit 20, and a fluorescence detection sensor unit 30. . That is, the microchannel portion 20 is placed between the support members 36 of the fluorescence detection sensor portion 30, and the grooves are formed at the end of the support member 36 and the bottom surface of the mold 12 of the light source portion 10. Since the wrap-on-a-chip 100 is assembled by fitting the 12a into each other, the wrap-on-a-chip 100 can be separated from each other. As such, the detachable structure has the advantage of being able to replace and insert a suitable light source 11 externally depending on the test material and the test method. In addition, when the microchannel 21 is contaminated by biochemicals and cannot be reused, only the microchannel 21 may be replaced, unlike the conventional method in which the lab-on-a-chip is discarded. Therefore, various types of inspections can be executed in one lab-on-a-chip 100 while reusing the light source 11 and the fluorescence detection sensor 32.

In addition, by applying the light source 11 emitting the top surface of the thin film structure, the size of the lab-on-a-chip can be miniaturized, and the trouble of having to align the fluorescence detection position in the microchannel 21 with the incident position of the excitation light is eliminated. You can do it. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6 (b), even when using a light source having a structure in which a light emitting diode of a high brightness is arranged, but not a thin film structure, the same effect as the front emission of the thin film structure can be obtained. The lab-on-a-chip integrated with the organic light emitting diode has excellent sensitivity in fluorescence detection, and has a linear characteristic with respect to concentration as shown in FIG.

In addition, in order to maximize miniaturization of the lab-on-a-chip, the first optical filter 22 and the second optical filter 33 may be formed in a thin film form. That is, the first optical filter 22 may be deposited on the upper surface of the microchannel 21 to reduce the distance between the light source 11 and the microchannel 21, and likewise, the second optical filter 33 may be fluorescent It is deposited on the upper surface of the detection sensor 32 to reduce the distance between the micro channel 21 and the fluorescence detection sensor 32.

If the distance between the light source 11 and the micro channel 21 and the distance between the micro channel 21 and the fluorescence detection sensor 32 are reduced, the size of the lab-on-a-chip 100 may be smaller and thus more compactly integrated. In addition, the sensitivity of the lab-on-a-chip 100 can be improved. In other words, when the distance between the light source 11 and the microchannel 21 is reduced, more light is supplied from the light source 11 to the microchannel 21 to excite the fluorescence emitting material traveling through the microchannel 21. Since it is possible to increase, it is possible to improve the sensitivity of the lab-on-a-chip 100. On the other hand, if the distance between the micro-channel 21 and the fluorescence detection sensor 32 is reduced, since the fluorescence detection sensor 32 absorbs more light, the sensitivity of the lab-on-a-chip 100 can also be improved. .

Hereinafter, the operation principle of the lab-on-a-chip according to an embodiment of the present invention configured as described above will be described in detail. When the biochemical to be diagnosed is injected into the microchannel 21 and flows, and when the excitation light is irradiated to the biochemical material in the microchannel 21 from the light source 11 that emits light, it passes through the first optical filter 22. The excitation light is filtered to a specific wavelength. When the excitation light filtered to a specific wavelength is irradiated onto the biochemical, the biochemical is excited, and only the emitted fluorescence of the excited biochemical passes through the second optical filter 33, and the fluorescence detection sensor 32 By detecting the amount of fluorescence emitted from the biochemical, it is possible to diagnose the biochemical.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a lab-on-a-chip 100 'according to another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to one embodiment of the present invention, the lab-on-a-chip 100' is a front surface for exciting biochemicals. A light source unit 10 including a light source 11 emitting light, a micro channel 21 into which a biochemical material is injected, moved, and mixed, and a first optical filter 22 'having a thin film type to filter excitation light to a specific wavelength. Fluorescence detection sensor unit including a micro-channel unit 20, a second optical filter 33 'in the form of a thin film that transmits only the emission fluorescence of the biochemical material, and a fluorescence detection sensor 32 for detecting the amount of emitted fluorescence It comprises 30.

However, the first optical filter 22 ′ and the second optical filter 33 ′ of the lab-on-a-chip 100 ′ according to another embodiment of the present invention may be connected to the microchannel 21 and the fluorescence detection sensor 32. It is different from the lab-on-a-chip 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention in that it is not deposited and fixed on the upper surface, and is formed in a thin film form and can be separated. Therefore, the optical filters 22 'and 33' may be separately manufactured and inserted and inserted as necessary, thereby further maximizing the utility of the single lab-on-a-chip 100 '.

On the other hand, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the above-described lab-on-a-chip (100, 100 ') may be configured by connecting a plurality in order to apply to the integration of a multi-layer lab-on-a-chip that performs a high-speed multiple inspection. . In this case, the light source may implement a wrap-on-a-chip of multiple structures using one light source 11 ′. By integrating each light source 11 for the lab-on-a-chip from the lab-on-a-chip of the multiple structure into one light source 11 ', integration and miniaturization of the lab-on-a-chip of the multiple structure can be maximized and manufactured. You can save money.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above by way of example, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments, and may be appropriately changed within the scope described in the claims.

As described above, the present invention makes it possible to miniaturize and carry the lab-on-a-chip by using a light source having a thin-film structure that emits full light or a light source having a high brightness light emitting diode array having the same function. The inconvenience of having to align the incident position of the light can be eliminated.

In addition, the present invention can improve the sensitivity of the lab-on-a-chip by depositing an optical filter in the form of a thin film on the microchannel and the fluorescence detection sensor, thereby reducing the distance between the light source and the microchannel and the distance between the microchannel and the fluorescence detection sensor. have.

In addition, by depositing a contact electrode on the lower surface of the microchannel, it is easier to connect with an external circuit.

In addition, since the lab-on-a-chip is detachable, it is possible to replace and insert some components according to the material to be tested and the test method, thereby maximizing its utility beyond the limitations of the lab-on-a-chip used in the past. Will be.

In addition, by connecting a plurality of single lab-on-a-chips to implement a multi-channel structured lab-on-a-chip, and at this time, by irradiating excitation light to a plurality of channels with a single light source, This simplifies the construction and makes it cheaper to manufacture.

Claims (12)

A light source unit including a light source for emitting light at full surface; A micro channel unit including a micro channel into which a biochemical material is injected, moved and mixed, and a first optical filter formed between the light source unit and the micro channel to filter excitation light from the light source to a specific wavelength; A fluorescence detection sensor unit including a fluorescence detection sensor for detecting an amount of fluorescence emitted from the biochemical and a second optical filter formed between the microchannel and the fluorescence detection sensor so as to transmit only the emission fluorescence of the biochemical; Lab-on-a-chip, characterized in that configured to include. The method of claim 1, And the light source unit, the micro channel unit, and the fluorescence detection sensor unit are detachably formed. The method of claim 1, The first optical filter is a lab-on-a-chip, characterized in that formed by depositing on one surface of the micro channel. The method of claim 1, The second optical filter is a lab-on-a-chip, characterized in that formed by depositing on one surface of the fluorescence detection sensor. The method of claim 1, The first optical filter may be formed in a thin film form to be separated from the micro channel. The method of claim 1, The second optical filter is formed in a thin film form, characterized in that the lab-on-a-chip separated from the fluorescence detection sensor. The method of claim 1, The lab-on-a-chip further comprises a contact electrode formed on the surface of the microchannel. The lab-on-a-chip of claim 1, wherein the lab-on-a-chip of claim 1 is connected in plurality. The method of claim 8, Lap-on-a-chip of the multi-structure, characterized in that the light source is formed in one. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The light source is a lab-on-a-chip, characterized in that the organic light emitting diode. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The light source is a lab-on-a-chip, characterized in that the carbon nanotube lamp. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The light source is a lab-on-a-chip, characterized in that the light emitting diode array light source.

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