KR20190064941A - Product method of lab on a chip - Google Patents

Abstract

The present specification discloses a microfluidic chip which is not limited to a type of protein and a method of bonding the chip, and a manufacturing method thereof. According to the present specification, the method for manufacturing the microfluidic chip can comprise: (a) a step of manufacturing a chip housing forming a microtube for a main channel and a microtube for a plurality of subchannels; (b) a step of processing a surface for fixing a reactant on the surface of the microtube for the main channel; and (c) a step of injecting the reactant through the microtube for the main channel or the microtube for the subchannel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a microfluidic analysis chip manufacturing method,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a microfluidic analysis chip, and more particularly, to a method of manufacturing a microfluidic analysis chip having an improved function and accuracy as compared with a conventional microfluidic analysis chip.

A biochip refers to an integrated product of DNA, protein, and other biomolecules on a small substrate made of glass, silicon, or nylon. When the DNA is integrated, it is called a DNA chip. When the protein is integrated, Quot; The biochip can be divided into a microarray chip and a micro fluidics chip.

A microarray chip refers to a biochip capable of arranging thousands or tens of thousands of DNAs or proteins at regular intervals, analyzing the target substance to analyze the binding pattern. The microfluidics chip is a biochip capable of analyzing the reaction with various biomolecules or sensors integrated in a chip while flowing a small amount of analyte, which is also called a lab on a chip , Advanced technologies that combine the functions of pumps, valves, reactors, extractors, separation systems, etc., which are essential for the sample preparation process of automatic analyzers used in the analysis of biochemical materials, and sensor technology.

Looking further at the lab-on-a-chip, the lab-on-a-chip is designed to process sample injections, pretreatment, chemical reactions, separation / analysis, etc. that go through labs to analyze chemical and biochemical materials within a few cm2 of the chip It is a microanalysis device.

The lab-on-a-chip technology is a combination of micro flow control technology and MEMS microfabrication technology that precisely transfers, distributes and mixes tens of microliters (μl) of sample from a few picoliter (pl) It is a core technology.

Rap-on-a-chip, which uses trace amounts of samples and analyzes chemical components quickly and easily, is widely used to select useful new drugs at a high speed among a large number of new drug candidates. Recently, Type of lab-on-a-chip is under research and development.

In contrast to micro-array chips such as DNA chips and protein chips, lab-on-a-chip is still in the R & D stage worldwide, and commercialization is limited and small. In the case of a lab-on-a-chip, the network of microchannels is simple, and the reaction process is also being carried out at an uncomplicated stage.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2010-0060723 (2010.06.07)

The present specification intends to provide a microfluidic analysis chip and a manufacturing method thereof that are not limited by the kind of protein and the bonding method of the chip.

The present specification is not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other matters not mentioned may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fabricating a microfluidic analysis chip, comprising: (a) fabricating a chip housing having a microtubule for a main channel and a microtubule for a plurality of subchannels; (b) subjecting the surface of the microtubule for the main channel to a surface treatment for fixing the reaction material; And (c) injecting a reactant through the microtubule for the main channel or the microtubule for the subchannel.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step (a) includes the steps of: fabricating a chip lower plate and a chip upper plate on which microtubules for a main channel and microtubes for a plurality of subchannels are formed; And bonding the chip bottom plate and the chip top plate.

In this case, the joining may be performed by using at least one of a heat treatment, an ultraviolet ray treatment, and a chemical treatment to join the chip bottom plate and the chip top plate.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the step (a), the microtubes for the main channel or the subchannels are connected to the microtubes for the main channel or the subchannels, The method comprising the steps of:

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the step (b), the microtubes for the first subchannel and the second subchannel among the both ends of the microchannel for the main channel, the microchannels for the plurality of subchannels, Closing the ends connected to the outside of the microtubes for the remaining sub channels by a cap or a valve; (I) a first point at which the microtubule for the first subchannel and the microchannel for the main channel are connected to each other and (ii) a first point at which the microchannel for the second subchannel and the main channel Injecting a surface treatment solution through the microtubules for the first subchannel or the microchannel for the second subchannel for surface treatment for immobilizing the reactive substance on the surface of the region between the second points connected to the microtubules for the first subchannel; . ≪ / RTI >

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in the step (c), the ends connected to the outer ends of the microtubes for the sub-channels other than both ends of the main channel microtubes and the microtubules for the first and second sub- Closing with a cap or valve; (I) a first point at which the microtubule for the first subchannel and the microchannel for the main channel are connected to each other and (ii) a first point at which the microchannel for the second subchannel and the main channel And injecting a reagent solution through the microtubules for the first subchannel or the microtubules for the second subchannel to fix the reagent to the surface of the region between the second points connected to the microtubules for the first subchannel .

The method for fabricating a microfluidic analysis chip according to the present invention comprises the steps of: (d) (i) capping a cap or valve of a microtubule for the first or second subchannel, and (ii) Opening a cap or valve of a microtubule for use; And (e) injecting a removal liquid for removing unreacted reactant on the surface of the area between the first point and the second point via the microtubes for the subchannels or the main channel opened in step (d). As shown in FIG.

(A) a microtubule for a main channel which provides a space for reacting with a reagent while the sample introduced from a sample injection port formed at one end is moved to the other end, And a chip housing enclosing the plurality of sub-channel micro-tubes connected to the side of the micro-tube for the channel and the other end connected to the outside of the chip housing and the micro-tubes for the main channel and the plurality of sub- (I) a first point at which a microtubule for a first subchannel and a microchannel for a main channel of the microchannels for the plurality of subchannels are connected to each other, and (ii) And a microchannel in which a reactive substance or a hydrogel is fixed on the surface of a region between a microtubule for the second subchannel among the plurality of microchannels for subchannels and a second point to which the microchannel for microchannel is connected, Injecting a sample through said sample injection port of the analysis chip body; (b) opening the cap or valve connected to both ends of the microtubule for the main channel; (ii) closing the end connected to the outside of the microtubules for the plurality of subchannels with a cap or a valve; And (c) injecting a washing solution for washing a sample remaining on the main channel microtubule without reacting with the reactive material through either end of the microtubule for the main channel.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of fabricating a microfluidic analysis chip, comprising: (a) fabricating a chip housing having a microtubule for a main channel and a microtubule for a plurality of subchannels; (b) closing the ends of the microtubes for the main channel and the ends of the microtubes for the subchannels except for the first and second subchannel microtubules by a cap or a valve; And (c) injecting a hydrating gel through the microtubules for the first or second subchannels. Further, (b-1) a surface treatment for fixing the hydrogel on the surface of the microtubule for the main channel may be further included.

The method for fabricating a microfluidic analysis chip according to the present invention includes the steps of (d) determining whether a sample or a reagent is reached based on at least one of a measured impedance, a magnetic field, and an optical value for a target region, (ii) (Iii) an amount (amount) of the sample or the reagent, and (iv) a type of the sample or the reagent, to the main channel microtubule; .

Other specific details of the invention are included in the detailed description and drawings.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a desired local area of the surface of the microtubule for the main channel can be fixed with a reactive substance or a hydrogel. This allows more precise reaction of the reagent and the sample in the desired region.

According to another aspect of the present invention, since a reaction substance such as a protein is fixed to a microtubule for a main channel after a chip upper plate and a chip lower plate are combined in a fabrication process, Is very low.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, various materials can be detected through surface treatment of local areas of microtubules for main channels with materials of different properties. In addition, hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials can be used to control the rate at which microfluid flows or to limit inflow.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a microfluidic analysis chip according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a microfluidic analysis chip fabricated according to the microfluidic analysis chip manufacturing method of the present specification.
3 is an exemplary view in which a cap is formed in a microfluidic analysis chip according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an exemplary view illustrating injection of a surface treatment solution and a reactant solution according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
5 is an exemplary view illustrating the injection of a surface treatment solution and a reactant solution according to another embodiment of the present invention.
6 is an exemplary view illustrating the injection of a surface treatment solution and a reactant solution according to another embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a microtubule for a main channel according to the present specification.
8 is an illustration of an example of a method for removing unnecessary reactants according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an exemplary view illustrating washing the interior of the microtubule for the main channel according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
10 is a partial enlarged view of a microfluidic analysis chip having a plurality of electrodes according to the present specification.
Figures 11 and 12 are illustrations of microtubules for subchannels with valves in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings The advantages and features of the invention disclosed herein and the manner of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the description is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein but may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein, Is provided to fully convey the scope of the present specification to a person skilled in the art, and the scope of the present description is only defined by the scope of the claims.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing the embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In the present specification, the singular form includes plural forms unless otherwise specified in the specification. The terms " comprises "and / or" comprising "used in the specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements in addition to the stated element. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the specification and "and / or" include each and every combination of one or more of the elements mentioned. Although "first "," second "and the like are used to describe various components, it is needless to say that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. Therefore, it goes without saying that the first component mentioned below may be the second component within the technical scope of the present invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used interchangeably in common sense to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs . In addition, commonly used predefined terms are not ideally or excessively interpreted unless explicitly defined otherwise.

The terms spatially relative, "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", "upper" And can be used to easily describe a correlation between an element and other elements. Spatially relative terms should be understood in terms of the directions shown in the drawings, including the different directions of components at the time of use or operation. For example, when inverting an element shown in the figures, an element described as "below" or "beneath" of another element may be placed "above" another element . Thus, the exemplary term "below" can include both downward and upward directions. The components can also be oriented in different directions, so that spatially relative terms can be interpreted according to orientation.

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

1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a microfluidic analysis chip according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a method for fabricating a microfluidic analysis chip according to an embodiment of the present invention includes fabricating a chip housing having a microtubule for a main channel and microtubes for a plurality of subchannels (S10) (S20) a surface treatment for immobilizing a reaction material on the surface of the microtubule; and injecting a reaction material (S30) through the microtubule for the main channel or the microtubule for the subchannel.

2 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a microfluidic analysis chip fabricated according to the microfluidic analysis chip manufacturing method of the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 2, the microfluidic analysis chip 100 according to the present invention may include a chip housing 110, a main channel microtubule 120, and a plurality of subchannel microtubules 130.

The chip housing 110 may be made of a polymer material such as plastic.

In this specification, the microtubule 120 for the main channel is a space through which a sample such as blood, urine, etc. is injected and moved. Inside the microtubule for the main channel, a reaction chamber for reaction with a reagent, Can be formed. Both ends of the microtubule 120 for the main channel may be connected to the outside of the chip housing 110. The outside does not necessarily mean a physically spaced space with respect to the end of the housing. Since the main channel microtubule 120 has to be supplied with a sample, one end of the microtubule 120 must be connected to the outside for injecting the sample. In addition, the sample injected into the main channel microtubule 120 should be moved to the opposite side to confirm the result after reacting with the reagent, and the result should be confirmed from the outside. Although an illustration and an example in which an inlet and an outlet of a microtubule 120 for a main channel are formed on a top surface of a chip housing are shown in the figure, the microfluidic analysis chip according to the present invention is not limited to the drawings. It is apparent that the inlet and the outlet may be formed in various forms such as an upper end, a lower end, a side, and the like of the chip housing. Therefore, in this specification, both ends of the main channel micro-tube 120 are connected to the outside of the chip housing 110, and the reaction between the sample and the reagent in the main channel micro- And it should be understood in various forms.

One end of the plurality of sub-channel micro-tubes 130 may be connected to the side of the main channel micro-tube 120 and the other end may be connected to the outside of the chip housing 110. In the present specification, 'the side of the micro-tube for the main channel' refers to a side of the direction of movement of the fluid flowing in the micro-tube for the main channel. Therefore, it is not necessary that the microtubes for the subchannels are vertically connected to the surface of the microchannels for the main channel, and the microchannels for the subchannels are variously connected to the interior of the microchannels for the subchannels do. 2, there is shown an embodiment having two sub-channel micro-tubes 130, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and the number thereof may vary according to need.

 The chip housing 110 may be integrally formed by an injection method, or may be manufactured by a combination of a chip lower plate 111 and a chip upper plate 112. If the chip housing 110 is divided into a chip lower plate 111 and a chip upper plate 112, the step S10 may include forming a main channel micro tube 120 and a plurality of sub channel micro tubes 130 Fabricating the chip lower plate 111 and the chip top plate 112 and joining the chip lower plate 111 and the chip top plate 112. The bonding step may be performed by using at least one of a heat treatment, an ultraviolet treatment, and a chemical treatment to bond the chip lower plate 111 and the chip upper plate 112 together. In this case, the main channel microtubes 120 may be formed on a surface to which the chip lower plate 111 and the chip top plate 112 are coupled.

3 is an exemplary view in which a cap is formed in a microfluidic analysis chip according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the caps 140 are formed at the ends of the microtubes for the main channel and the sub-channels. The cap 140 is configured to open or close the microtubule for the main channel or the sub channel when the cap is closed, and the microtubule is blocked from the outside, . In this case, the step (S10) may further include forming a cap or a valve for blocking the micro-tube for the main channel or the micro-tube for the sub-channel to the micro-tube for the main channel or the sub- have. A method of using the cap 140 will be described below.

 According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that, in the entire region of the microtubule for the main channel, (i) the first subchannel for the first subchannel and the first branch And (ii) a surface of a region between the microtubules for the second subchannel among the plurality of microchannels for subchannels and the second point where the microchannels for the main channel are connected, .

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step S20 includes the steps of removing both the ends of the main channel microtubes, the microtubes for the first subchannel and the second subchannel among the microtubules for the plurality of subchannels The method comprising the steps of: closing an end of the microtubule for subchannels to be connected to the outside with a cap or a valve; and (i) connecting the microchannel for the first subchannel to the microchannel for the mainchannel (Ii) a surface of a region between a microtubule for the second subchannel and a second point to which the microchannel for the main channel is connected, Or injecting the surface treatment solution through the microtubes for the second subchannel.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step S30 may include the step of connecting the ends of the microtubes for the main channel and the ends connected to the outside of the microtubes for the subchannels except the microtubules for the first and second subchannels, (I) a first point at which the microtubule for the first subchannel and the microtubule for the main channel are connected, and (ii) a second point at which the microchannel for the second subchannel is connected to the microchannel, Injecting a reagent solution through the microtubules for the first subchannel or the microchannel for the second subchannel to immobilize the reactive material on the surface of the region between the tubule and the second point to which the microchannel for the main channel is connected .

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view illustrating injection of a surface treatment solution and a reactant solution according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Referring to FIG. 4 (d) for a moment, it can be seen that the surface treatment and the reaction material are fixed in a part of the microtubule for the main channel. In the present specification, for convenience of understanding, it is assumed that (i) a point where the microtubes for the first subchannel and the microchannel for the main channel are connected to each other among the plurality of subchannels for the subchannels, (Ii) a point at which the microtubule for the second subchannel and the microtubule for the main channel are connected, among the microtubules for the plurality of subchannels, will be referred to as a 'second point'. The 'microtubes for the first subchannel' are subcellular microtubes corresponding to the first point and the 'microtubes for the second subchannel' are microtubules for the subchannel corresponding to the second point.

First, in FIG. 4 (a), the cap formed in the main channel micro-tube 120 is closed, and the cap formed in the sub-channel micro-channel 130 is opened. The ends of the microtubes for the main channel and the ends of the microtubes for the subchannels except for the first and second subchannel microtubes are capped. Since only the microtubes for the first and second subchannels are shown in Fig. 4, the way of blocking the microtubules for the remaining subchannels is not shown. However, microtubules for subchannels other than the microtubules for the first and second subchannels may be formed according to various embodiments. At this time, when the surface treatment solution for fixing the reaction material is injected through the sub-channel micro tube 130, the surface between the first point and the second point is treated as shown in FIG. 4B. The surface treatment solution may be bovine serum albumin (BSA), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), methyl cellulose (MC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), pluronic polyol (PP) or dextransulfate The reactant solution may be injected through one end of the microtubule for the first subchannel and the other end of the microchannel for the second subchannel as shown in FIG. 4 (c) As a result, the reaction material is fixed on the surface between the first point and the second point as shown in Fig. 4 (d).

The reactant may be a substance that chemically reacts with a specific substance, an antigen-antibody reaction substance, or a protein that binds to a specific component. That is, it may be various substances that react with the target substance depending on the characteristics of the substance to be sought in the sample.

5 is an exemplary view illustrating the injection of a surface treatment solution and a reactant solution according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 5 (a) and 5 (b) are the same as Figures 4 (a) and 4 (b). Therefore, the description of the repeated portions will be omitted and the difference will be described from the portion (c) of FIG. Referring to FIG. 5 (c), the cap formed in the main channel micro-tube 120 is opened and the cap formed in the sub-channel micro-channel 130 is closed. The reactant solution may be injected through one of the opposite ends of the main channel micro tube 120. In this case, since the reactive substance-fixing substance is surface-treated only between the first point and the second point, the reactive substance is fixed to the surface between the first point and the second point as shown in FIG. 5 (d).

6 is an exemplary view illustrating the injection of a surface treatment solution and a reactant solution according to another embodiment of the present invention.

First, in FIG. 6 (a), the cap formed in the main channel micro-tube 120 is opened and the cap formed in the sub-channel micro-tube 130 is closed. When the surface treatment solution for immobilizing the reaction material is injected through the main channel microtubes 120, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the surfaces of all the areas of the microtubules for the main channel are surface- Processing. Next, referring to FIG. 6 (c), it is found that the cap formed in the micro-tube 120 for the main channel is closed and the cap formed in the sub-channel micro-tube 130 is opened. The reactant solution may be injected through one end of the microtubule for the first sub-channel and the other end of the microtubule for the second sub-channel. As a result, the reaction material is fixed on the surface between the first point and the second point as shown in Fig. 6 (d).

4 to 6, an embodiment has been described in which the surface of the local region is fixed with a reactive material. 4 to 6, description has been made mainly on the embodiment in which the microtubes for the two subchannels are formed for the sake of simplicity and ease of understanding. However, the microchannels for the subchannels for the first and second subchannels , It is possible to form a plurality of reactive material fixing regions even in one microchannel for the main channel. At this time, using a heterogeneous reaction material, it is possible to perform an analysis on multiple target substances in one channel.

On the other hand, the reactant can be fixed beyond the required first point or second point and is likely to remain on the surface of the microtubes for the subchannels.

7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a microtubule for a main channel according to the present specification.

In the manufacturing method according to the present invention, the microtubule for the main channel is blocked with a cap or a valve, and the surface treatment solution and the reactant solution are injected through the sub-channel microtubes corresponding to the desired local region. , The surface treatment solution or the reactant solution may deviate from the first point or the second point that is expected. In FIG. 7, on the right side wall of the microchannel for the first subchannel, the left side is expressed as a region in which the reaction material is not fixed. Further, a part of the reactive material remained on the surface of the microtubes for the first sub-channel. The manufacturing method according to the present invention is capable of removing the reactants in the undesired regions.

8 is an illustration of an example of a method for removing unnecessary reactants according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8 (a), the protein is immobilized between the first point and the second point according to the method of FIG. At this time, it is assumed that unwanted reactive substances are to be removed on the surface of the microchannel for the first subchannel, the surface of the microchannel for the second subchannel, the left side of the first point and the right side of the second point. 8 (b), the left end of the microtubule for the main channel and the cap of the microtubule for the first sub-channel are opened, and the right end of the microtubule for the main channel and the microtubule for the second sub- The cap closes. Then, the remover is injected through the left end of the micro-tube for the main channel or the micro-tube for the first sub-channel. This removes unnecessary reaction materials present on the surface of the microtubule for the first subchannel and on the left side of the first point. Next, as shown in FIG. 8 (c), the right end of the main channel microtubes and the cap of the second subchannel microtubule are opened, and the left end of the main channel microtubule and the first sub- Of the cap is closed. Then, the solution is injected through the right end of the main channel microtubule or the microtubule for the second sub channel. This removes unnecessary reaction material present on the surface of the microtubule for the second subchannel and on the right side of the second point. As a result, as shown in (d) of FIG. 8, unnecessary reaction materials can be removed through the removal liquid.

Meanwhile, FIG. 8 shows an embodiment in which microtubules for two subchannels are provided, and thus an example in which microtubules for a main channel are used together is shown. However, if more than two microtubes for the subchannels are provided, the microtubes for the adjacent subchannels can perform the role of the microchannels for the main channel. For example, the microtubes for the four subchannels are provided, and the points of the microtubes for the main channel corresponding to the microtubes for the respective subchannels are referred to as the first point, the second point, the third point, and the fourth point I will name it. At this time, it is assumed that the reaction material is fixed between the second point and the third point and the unnecessary reaction material is removed in the remaining part. To this end, the microtubes for the first subchannel and the second subchannel are opened and the remaining microchannels are closed, and the remover is injected through the microchannel for the first subchannel or the microchannel for the second subchannel. The third subchannel microtubule and the fourth subchannel microchannel are opened and the remaining microchannels are closed, and the remover is injected through the microchannel for the third subchannel or the microchannel for the fourth subchannel. In this way, unnecessary reaction materials will be removed from the remaining region except for the reactive substance fixed between the second point and the third point.

(I) a cap or valve of the microtubule for the first or second subchannel, and (ii) a cap or valve for the main channel for the main channel adjacent to the cap or valve selected in (i) And opening the valve. In addition, the step of injecting the removing liquid for removing the non-fixed reaction material on the surface of the area between the first point and the second point through the opened sub-channel micro-tube or the micro-tube for the main channel.

For example, 15 g glycine, 1 g SDS, 10 ml Tween 20, Adjust pH to 2.2, Bring volume up to 1 L, and the like are selected according to the method of bonding the surface to be removed with the substance to be removed. with ultrapure water solution or 20 ml SDS 10%, 12.5 ml Tris HCl pH 6.8 0.5 M, 67.5 ml ultra pure water, 0.8 ml ß-mercaptoethanol solution can be used.

On the other hand, the sample reacts with (or binds to) the reactant, but a sample that does not react with the reactant or an amount exceeding the amount of the reactant may remain in the microtubule for the main channel. Therefore, there is a need to clean the microtubes for the main channel.

FIG. 9 is an exemplary view illustrating washing the interior of the microtubule for the main channel according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

Referring to FIG. 9A, the sample is injected first. The sample was expressed as containing a substance that binds to the reactant. Referring to FIG. 9 (b), it can be seen that the sample reacted with the reactant, but a part of the sample remained in the microtubule for the main channel. Next, as shown in (c) of FIG. 9, the cap or valve connected to both ends of the micro-tube for the main channel is opened, (ii) the end connected to the outside of the micro- Or valve. And a washing liquid for washing the sample remaining in the main channel micro-tube without reacting with the reactive material through either end of the micro-tube for the main channel is injected. As a result, as shown in (d) of FIG. 9, the residual material can be removed through the washing liquid. The operation of removing the residual material through the washing liquid may be performed by the user when the microfluidic analysis chip is manufactured or the user uses the microfluidic analysis chip according to the embodiment.

The washing solution may be variously selected according to the use environment conditions of the micro channel for the main channel and may be DIW (deionized water), PBS (phosphate buffered saline) or TBS (tris buffered saline) .

1 to 8 all corresponded to examples in which the reactant was fixed to the surface of the microtubule for the main channel. However, according to the present specification, the hydrogel may be fixed between the first point and the second point.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, in the entire region of the microtubes for the main channel, (i) the first subchannels for the first subchannel and the first branch And (ii) the hydration gel 160 may be fixed on the surface of a region between the microtubules for the second subchannel among the microtubules for the plurality of subchannels and the second point where the microchannels for the main channel are connected. At this time, it may further comprise a surface treatment for fixing the hydrogel on the surface of the microtubule for the main channel.

The above-mentioned 'hydrogel' is a polymer material and is widely used in diapers, contact lenses, medical electrodes, cell cultures, and is used for molding materials, soil moisture storage, and wound scarring for special purposes. This is a hydrophilic polymer crosslinked by a cohesive force such as covalent bond, hydrogen bond, van der waals bond or physical bond, and has a three-dimensional polymer network structure capable of swelling a large amount of water in an aqueous solution Lt; / RTI > For example, Matrigel, Puramatrix, Collagen, or the like are used to form a concentration gradient of the chemical by cultivating the cells in three dimensions or through diffusion of a specific chemical through the three- Fibrin gel, PEGDA, and alginate. In addition, according to the characteristics, the hydrated gel formed by ionic cross-linking method has alginate (Ca2 + ion added together), UV curable gel (photo-polymerization required) contains PEGDA And temperature sensitive gels such as collagen and matrigel. Since the kind of the hydrated gel is well known to those skilled in the art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, the hydrogel may be the reactant itself according to the present invention, or may be an agent containing the reactant according to the present invention. Also, after the reaction material according to the present invention is fixed to the surface of the microtubule for the main channel, the microtubule for the main channel may be filled by injecting the hydrogel.

According to the present invention, when the chip top plate and the chip housing are coupled to each other in advance, compared with the conventional manufacturing method, before the reaction material used as a reagent is fixed to the surface of the microchannel for main channel, And the bottom plate of the chip are joined first. Since the microtubule for the main channel of the microfluidic chip is very small, if the reactive substance is a protein, the protein is first fixed on the surface of the microtubule, and then the chip top plate and the chip bottom plate are bonded. At this time, since the heat treatment, the ultraviolet ray treatment and the chemical treatment are used in the process of bonding the chip top plate and the bottom plate, deformation of the protein may occur. Protein structure denaturation may cause degradation of analytical performance, so it has been restricted for use in microfluidic analysis chips depending on the nature of the protein. On the other hand, in the microfluidic analysis chip 100 according to the present invention, since the chip upper plate 112 and the chip lower plate 111 are first bonded to each other, and then the protein is fixed on the surface of the microtubule for the main channel, The probability of occurrence is very low.

On the other hand, the microfluidic analysis chip 100 according to the present invention may be configured such that (i) whether a sample or a reagent is reached, (ii) whether the sample or reagent is reached, (Iii) a quantity of the sample or the reagent, and (iv) a type of the sample or the reagent is connected to the main channel microtubule .

The control unit may include a plurality of electrodes provided at both ends of a target region of the micro channel for the main channel and a sensor for measuring impedance between the plurality of electrodes.

And the control unit may include a magnetic field measurement sensor provided at both ends of the target region of the microtubes for the main channel.

The optical unit may include a light source provided at one end of a target area of the micro-tube for the main channel and an optical sensor provided at the other end of the target area of the micro-tube for the main channel.

10 is a partial enlarged view of a microfluidic analysis chip having a plurality of electrodes according to the present specification.

Referring to FIG. 10, it can be seen that two electrodes are provided in a part of the microtubule, and a voltage sensor for impedance measurement is connected between the two electrodes. Since the gas has an infinite impedance and the liquid has a relatively close impedance to zero, it is possible to electrically measure the arrival of the liquid on the region of interest when the liquid and the gas are injected in series, Injection information can be utilized as an accurate feedback control method. It is possible to measure the arrival of a liquid in a specific region, that is, a target region, by changing a magnetic field by adding a substance that affects a magnetic field in a sample or a reagent as well as an impedance change. Also, it is possible to measure the amount of light scattered in the process of transmitting the sample or the reagent through the light emitted from the light source, or measure the reflected light to measure the arrival of the liquid in the target area. (Ii) the flow rate of the sample or reagent, (iii) the sample or reagent, or the sample or reagent, based on the measured impedance, magnetic field or optical numerical value, (Amount) of the reagent and (iv) the type of the sample or the reagent.

When multiple samples and reagents are sequentially injected into the microtubule, the order and capacity information of the previously injected fluid are stored and the passage time of a specific region is predicted according to the flow rate of the applied fluid. In this case, the actual passage time of the sample and the reagent is not known accurately because it depends on the predetermined condition, and abnormal fluid operation may occur when an unexpected situation occurs or an error occurs in the preset. On the other hand, according to the present specification, a microfluidic analysis chip including a control unit is configured such that (i) whether a sample or a reagent is reached, (ii) a flow rate of the sample or the reagent, (iii) and iv) the type of the sample or the reagent. Thus, especially when performing biological analysis, it is possible to determine the arrival point of the sample and reagent and to control the subsequent fluid actuation.

On the other hand, when a large number of liquids having similar electrical conductivity are injected, there may be restrictions on the distinction of liquids due to impedance differences. In this case, it is possible to indirectly monitor the liquid using a liquid having a distinctly different electrical conductivity. That is, the flow velocity and the passage time point can be determined based on the impedance information of the already known index liquid. This method can be similarly applied to magnetic field or optical numerical measurement methods.

According to the present invention, a microtubule microfluidic analysis chip 100 for a plurality of subchannels is provided with a cap or a valve for shutting off the fluid flow in the subchannel microchannels for microchannels for some of the microchannels for the subchannels . In this case, the control unit may control opening / closing of at least one of the fluid flow blocking cap or the valve based on any one of the measured impedance, the magnetic field, and the optical numerical value.

Figures 11 and 12 are illustrations of microtubules for subchannels with valves in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, electrodes and sensors for impedance measurement are provided on the micro-tubes for the main channel in the transverse direction. A valve is provided in the micro tube for the sub channel in the longitudinal direction. (a) shows that the microtubule for the main channel is filled with gas, and the valve for the sub-channel microtubule for the liquid injection is closed. As shown in (b), when the liquid is injected, the sub-channel valve is opened to start the injection. Then, the liquid reaches between the electrodes as shown in (c). When the impedance between the electrodes is measured, since the impedance of the gas has been infinite but the liquid reaches and the impedance value close to zero is measured, it is possible to monitor the liquid reaching the region of interest and the flow rate. In (d), the valve is closed after the target amount of liquid has been injected to limit inflow.

Referring to FIG. 12, in (a), pink liquid flows through the microtubules for the main channel, and valves of the microtubes for the subchannel are closed. In (b), when the injection of the blue liquid is required, the sub-channel microvessel valve is opened to start the injection. (c), by measuring the impedance between the electrodes, it is possible to monitor the arrival of the blue region of interest, the flow rate, and the like. Finally, in (d), the blue liquid closes the valve after infusion of the target volume to limit inflow.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. You will understand. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive.

100: Microfluidic analysis chip
110: chip housing
111: Chip bottom plate
112: chip top plate
120: Micro tube for main channel
130: microtubes for subchannels
140: cap
150: Protein fixing material
151: protein
160: Hydrating Gel

Claims (11)

(a) fabricating a chip housing having a microtubule for a main channel and a microtubule for a plurality of subchannels;
(b) subjecting the surface of the microtubule for the main channel to a surface treatment for fixing the reaction material; And
(c) injecting a reactant through the microtubes for the main channel or the microtubes for the subchannel. The method according to claim 1,
The step (a)
Fabricating a chip bottom plate and a chip top plate on which microtubes for the main channel and microtubes for the plurality of subchannels are formed; And
And bonding the chip bottom plate and the chip top plate to each other. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the bonding step comprises bonding the chip bottom plate and the chip top plate using at least one of heat treatment, ultraviolet ray treatment, and chemical treatment. The method according to claim 1,
The step (a) may further include forming a cap or a valve for shutting off the micro-tube for the main channel or the micro-tube for the sub-channel to the micro-tube for the main channel or the sub-channel, Wherein the microfluidic chip is fabricated from a microfluidic chip. The method according to claim 1,
The step (b)
A cap connected to the outside of the microtubes for the sub-channels other than the microtubes for the first sub-channel and the second sub-channel among the microtubes for the sub-channels, Closing with a valve; And
(I) a first point at which the microtubule for the first subchannel and the microchannel for the main channel are connected to each other and (ii) a first point at which the microchannel for the second subchannel and the main channel Injecting a surface treatment solution through a microtubule for the first subchannel or a microtubule for the second subchannel for surface treatment for immobilizing a reactive substance on the surface of the area between the second points to which the microtubules are connected; Wherein the microfluidic chip is fabricated from a microfluidic chip. The method according to claim 1,
The step (c)
Closing the ends of the microtubes for the main channel and the ends connected to the outside of the microtubes for the subchannels except for the first and second subchannel microtubules by a cap or a valve; And
(I) a first point at which the microtubule for the first subchannel and the microchannel for the main channel are connected to each other and (ii) a first point at which the microchannel for the second subchannel and the main channel And injecting the reactant solution through the microtubules for the first subchannel or the microtubules for the second subchannel in order to immobilize the reactant on the surface of the region between the second points to which the microtubules are connected Wherein the microfluidic chip is fabricated by a method comprising: The method according to claim 1,
(d) opening a cap or valve of the microtubule for (i) the microtubule for the first or second subchannel and (ii) the microtubule for the main channel adjacent to the cap or valve selected in (i) above; And
(e) injecting a removing liquid for removing a non-fixed reactant on the surface of the area between the first point and the second point via the microtubes for the subchannels or the main channel opened in the step (d); Further comprising the steps of: (a) a micro-tube for a main channel which provides a space for reacting with a reagent while the sample injected from the sample inlet formed at one end moves to the other end, one end connected to a side surface of the micro-tube for the main channel, And a chip housing enclosing a plurality of sub-channel micro-tubes connected to the outside of the chip housing and a micro-tube for the main channel and a plurality of micro-tubes for the sub-channel,
(I) a first point where the microtubes for the first subchannel and the main channel microtubules are connected to each other among the microtubules for the plurality of subchannels, and (ii) The sample is injected through the sample inlet of the microfluidic analysis chip in which the reactive substance or the hydrogel is fixed on the surface of the region between the microtubule for the second subchannel and the second point for connecting the microchannel for the main channel ;
(b) opening the cap or valve connected to both ends of the microtubule for the main channel; (ii) closing the end connected to the outside of the microtubules for the plurality of subchannels with a cap or a valve; And
(c) injecting a washing solution for washing a sample remaining in the main channel microtubule without reacting with the reactive material through either end of the both ends of the microtubule for main channel. How to use fluid analysis chip. (a) fabricating a chip housing having a microtubule for a main channel and a microtubule for a plurality of subchannels;
(b) closing the ends of the microtubes for the main channel and the ends of the microtubes for the subchannels except for the first and second subchannel microtubules by a cap or a valve; And
(c) injecting a hydrogel through the microtubules for the first or second subchannels. The method of claim 9,
(b-1) a surface treatment for fixing the hydrogel on the surface of the microtubule for the main channel. The method according to claim 1,
(ii) a flow rate of the sample or the reagent; (iii) a flow rate of the sample or reagent, based on at least any one of the measured impedance, the magnetic field, Further comprising the step of connecting a control section to the main channel microtubule to determine at least one of the amount of the reagent and the amount of the reagent and (iv) the type of the sample or the reagent. Production method.

Images