TW550234B - Configurable micro flowguide device - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a micro flowguide device comprising: a micro channel comprising at least one bubble trap to retard bubbles positioned in said bubble trap; an electrolytic bubble generating device to generate bubbles in said fluid by an electrolytic reaction; and a pressure source to supply a suited pressure to said fluid to pass through said micro channel; wherein said electrolytic bubble generating device causes bubbles to be generated at areas adjacent to said at least one bubble trap. Electrolytic bubbles are generated through a localized electrolytic reaction enabled by the exposure of a set of DC-source-connected electrodes inside a conduit branch. Accumulated bubbles will be trapped and kept at several traps of the invented flowguide. When the backward pressure of trapped bubbles is rising to the level of forward pressure head, flow speed reduces to zero and channel branch is shut down.

Description

550234 V. Description of the invention (1) [Name of the invention 1 * r huan secrecy] Micro [Application model of the invention The invention is a kind of 1 right ^ Jue Dan has electricity and invented micro communication: if # 道 流 来 保 、 雷2 Background of the invention of pharmaceuticals] "The application components of the micro-biochemical attack device without moving parts can be used for sample extraction, etc. The main principles include: 1 · the viscosity of the fluid within the thermal trigger, 2 · the thermal trigger generation Bubble formation 3. electromagnetic force guidance (MHD) di rected generated field force guidance 4 · gel valve (with contraction principle, made 5. bubble trigger gate valve) · · flow 0 channel channel of this channel fluid guide element] at A micro-channel fluid-guiding element, especially a micro-channel fluid-guiding element related to a bubble switch or a microvalve. 'Volume-guiding elements can be used in various medical, chemical, industrial, agricultural, and military applications. Flow elements, especially The microchannel fluid guiding element plays an important role in the application of micro-fluids. In the conventional techniques such as cell manipulation, classification, drug distribution, and biochemistry, the principle of the non-moving microfluidic element is Dividing by channel viscosity: favorable Change the velocity distribution of the microfluidic channel by heating to determine the flow direction of the fluid. Boiling vapor blockage: The use of heat causes the fluid to boil, and the flow is blocked to determine whether the fluid is circulating. Magneto-Hydrodynamically f 1 ow: Uses a magnetic field to act on a load. The current flow field is fluid.

Thermal gelation): Expansion of the thermosensitive gel into a valve. Gate valve （Electrolysis — bubble actuated

Page 6 550234 V. Description of the invention (2) 6 • Mechanical action • Use mechanical force or structure to actuate the valve to open and close the channel. In the above-mentioned applications, gelatin valves, bubble-triggered gate valves, and mechanically actuated valves require special materials or internal / external movable components to be built into the microchannels, increasing the complexity of the components and their external systems. The thermal trigger type can be divided into Ϊ T Ϊ and ί: Ϊ 流 Gas blocking and electromagnetic force guidance methods, although it can provide the vehicle driver as a built-in type. 妩 ^ ^ t This mechanism works, but its operating temperature or voltage is contrary to the intended operation of the biochemical fluid used. Set the microfluidic channel guide element to set the direction, speed and step at most specific positions in the channel system. ΪIn the microchannel system, the fluid will perform the required biochemical reactions one by one according to the so-called "microchannel matrix". In the matrix, through stylized ί = a developing trend.纟 This kind of micro-travel travel speed, dwell time 10,000 types of control of the micro-fluid's travel direction, the industry's efforts to achieve: standard: is the future required applications. Become this trip so there must be a component now. The novel non-moving-type micro-channel fluid guidance must also have a novel micro-channel fluid guidance element using special materials, without the need for guidance. _The complex components of Likou can complete the fluid without moving parts. At the same time, the working principle of the right one is not the same as the new one of the microchannel fluid guiding elements, and the fluid reaction is also the 9th. The fluid channel fluid is a low-cost, simple-to-manufacture, micro-component.

Page 7 550234 V. Description of the invention (3) At the same time, there must also be a microchannel fluid guiding element, which is suitable for a programmable control method to achieve a fluid guide bow. At the same time, there must be a stylized microchannel fluid ^ pass: rules, methods, guide fluid in which to complete the various reactions required in accordance with a predetermined path sequence j. , ', V step, and at the same time, there must be a stylized micro-channel flow to provide users with heart, 篮 丨 L basket, ¥ 糸 system chip, ^ ^. Ding Shenghua can be tested according to different purposes_ 易 i 登 in 4 m reaction procedures and steps. Easy 4 to choose [Purpose of the invention] The purpose of the guide ί i: is to provide-a novel type of micro-channel-free micro-channel flow of this article t $ _ lead element, $ 'must use two: 2 to provide a novel Materials or additional complex components of the microchannel fluid-conducting non-moving fluid can be used to complete the other components of the present invention, of which: = also provides a novel microchannel fluid-conducting another Impairs the purpose of fluid reaction. The micro-products without moving parts :: t provides a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture fluid channeling element of the present invention. The component "" Prosperity: Two: also provides a micro- The channel fluid guidance element of the present invention provides another control method to achieve fluid guidance control. The induction system is transparent; Iϋ is also providing a stylized microchannel fluid guideline and steps. The method is to guide the fluid in which various reactions required by the invention are predetermined. Another objective is to provide a stylized microchannel fluid guide

Hi ----— Page 8 550234 Five quotes, description of the invention (4)-Light system chip, providing users with biochemical experiments, can easily choose the appropriate reaction procedures and steps according to different purposes. Brief description of the invention] The gas turbine, according to the micro-channel fluid guiding element of the present invention, provides an electrolytic hibiscus type, fluid switch or micro valve as a non-moving member-type micro-channel fluid guiding generator. Because: Γ Γ The microfluidic properties to be reacted ′ quickly produce the difference in the surface tension of the pressure lice bubbles by electrolysis, and they are combined into large bubbles, which are left in the bubble trap. Select the appropriate position of the microchannel to form air bubbles and slightly open with the gas ::: 阙 之 :::, to form a resistance to provide a moving piece-free flow. The position and function of the electrode can be controlled by pre-planning, the purpose of channel fluid guidance. PrQgrammabie widget, π + Citing the microchannel fluid guidance element of the present invention, on June 6, June 5 and most of the microfluidic reaction zone of the wafer, arbitrary choice of fluid travel route, > »9 ^ c Ten I * biochemical reactions. The ankle body reaction steps and procedures to complete the above-mentioned and other aspects of the present invention M n and eliminate Ding < purposes and advantages, can be explained in detail below with reference to the following drawings, more clearly. [Simplified description of the figure] Figure. Fig. 1 shows the working principle of the micro-channel fluid guiding element of the present invention. Related ^ It shows that the micro-channel fluid guiding element of the present invention is applied to micro-opening. Illustration. FIG. 3 shows a schematic process diagram of the microchannel fluid guiding element of the present invention.

550234 V. Description of the invention (5) [Detailed description of the invention] The present invention provides a novel microchannel fluid guiding element and a method for preparing the element. Although not intending to be bound by any theory, the inventors have found that the liquid agent used in general biochemical reactions usually has specific electrochemical characteristics. In other words, a specific electrolyte is present in the commonly used biochemical reaction fluid. If a local current is applied to the biochemical reaction fluid, electrolytic bubbles can be generated quickly. This type of bubble generation does not require heating the reaction fluid to a level sufficient to damage the biochemical reaction, and the applied local current does not cause overall damage to the reaction system. The resulting bubbles are initially micro-bubbles, but due to the pressure exerted by the driving source of the reaction liquid on the reaction liquid, there is a considerable difference between the surface tension of the bubbles and the surface of the small bubbles is promoted to form larger bubbles. Until the two are in balance. By using a bubble trap and a large-angle reverse flow channel design to retain the large bubble, a first-rate resistance can be formed, which is sufficient to provide the function of the flow resistance of a microfluid. The electrolytic bubble-type flow resistance forms a fluidless micro-switch or micro-valve that provides a fluid guiding function. In a biochemical wafer or other biochemical reaction system, most reaction zones are prepared, selective microchannels are formed in each reaction zone, and the electrolytic bubble fluid microswitch or microvalve is set at a selected node to borrow a specific electrolytic bubble fluid Whether the micro-switch or micro-valve is activated or not determines the fluid's route, steps and procedures in each reaction zone. A programmable control device is used to control the operation of each of the electrolytic bubble fluid micro-switches or micro-valves to achieve the application of a stylized biochemical reaction chip.

Page 10 550234 V. Description of the invention (6) The microchannel fluid guiding element of the present invention and a method for preparing the microchannel fluid guiding element will be described below with examples. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the working principle of the microchannel fluid guiding element of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the microchannel fluid guiding element is built on a substrate (10). The substrate (10) can be a plate of any material to accommodate the micro-channel fluid guiding element, and generally can be a suitable material such as glass, plastic, or silicon wafer. The microchannel fluid guiding element includes a microchannel (20) carried on the substrate (10). The microchannel (20) has a fluid inlet (21) and a fluid outlet (25), and has a first bubble trap (22), a second gas # bubble trap (23) and a bridge section (24) therebetween. ). The fluid inlet (21) can be connected to a pressure source (not shown) to provide the pressure of the fluid flowing from the inlet (21) through the bridge section (24) to the outlet (25). The pressure source may be a pneumatic source, a hydraulic source, or other pressure source, as long as it is suitable for transporting a fluid to move in the microchannel (20). A first electrode (31) is provided below the first bubble well (22), a third electrode (3 3) is provided under the second bubble well (23), and a bridge electrode (24) is provided below A second electrode (32) is provided. Each electrode is electrically connected with a lead (3 4) (3 5) (3 6) to a contact (3 7) (3 8) (3 9) located on the edge of the substrate (10). The electrode (3 1) (3 2) (3 3) is better than bare at least partly in the microchannel (20) to provide a flow through the first bubble trap (22), the bridge section (24) And / or the fluid of the second bubble trap (23) is in electrical contact with the electrode (3 1) (3 2) (3 3) for supplying an electric current to the fluid. The electrode (3 1) (3 2) (3 3) and the lead

Page 11 550234 V. Description of the invention (7) (34) (3 5) (3 6) and the contact (3 7) (3 8) (3 9) can be the same material or different materials, but it is preferably The electrical conductor can be formed on the substrate (10) in a single step. In manufacturing, any suitable method can be used, such as printing, coating, etching, chemical vapor deposition and the like. If necessary, an insulating layer can be added to the surface of the electrode to reserve the required pores to regulate the electrical contact between the electrode and the fluid. In order to achieve the purpose of generating bubbles in electrolysis, the first electrode (31) and the third electrode (33) are preferably connected to a first polarity of a power source (not shown), and the second electrode (32) is Connect to the second polarity of this power supply (not shown). Therefore, the first electrode (31) and the second electrode (32) are connected to different polarities, respectively. The same applies to the second electrode and the third electrode. The microfluidic system to be reacted enters through the inlet (21) of the microchannel (20). The driving source of its movement is the pressure generated by the pressure source (not shown) or other pressure. The fluid usually includes a liquid and a substance to be reacted dissolved or suspended therein, and is used to perform a required biochemical experiment in a specific reaction zone in the microchannel (20). Possible experiments include: physical, chemical, or biological reactions such as heating, mixing, chemical reactions, immune reactions, adding substances, immersion, extraction, drying, and standing. The liquid contained in the fluid may be a carrier liquid or a reaction liquid itself, and generally may be water, a low molecular weight compound, other solvents, serum, human or animal body fluids or animal or plant products. However, in order to achieve the purpose of generating bubbles in the electrolysis of the present invention, it should have an electrolyte that does not adversely affect the reaction system and helps to generate bubbles in the electrolysis. Taking the liquid contained in the fluid to be reacted as a cell culture liquid as an example, a commercially available RPMI-1640 (GIBCO) can be applied. It contains a small amount of table salt

Page 12 550234 5. Description of the invention (8) can be used as a suitable electrolytic reaction solution. The concentration depends on the application. In addition, it is also feasible to add a liquid containing an electrolyte to the liquid to be reacted to promote the generation of bubbles in the electrolysis. As long as the added substances and their electrolyzed products do not adversely affect the reaction system of the reaction fluid. When the fluid is injected from the inlet (21) of the microchannel (20) and pressure is applied to the fluid by a pressure source, the fluid will flow to the first bubble trap (2 2) with a lower pressure and even the bridge segment (24). When part of the fluid enters the bridge section and the other part enters the first bubble trap (22), a current is provided by the first electrode (31) and the second electrode (32). In application, the first electrode (31) and the second electrode (32) should be of different polarities; so are the second electrode (32) and the third electrode (33). However, the polarity of each electrode should still depend on the application. In principle, when supplying current to a microfluid, one part of the continuous part of the microfluid should contact an electrode of the first polarity, and the other part should contact an electrode of the second polarity to promote the electrolytic reaction of the microfluid. When the microfluid is supplied with an electric current, the microfluid is in contact with electrodes of different polarities at the same time, and the fluid contains an electrolyte, so that an electrolytic reaction occurs, and many microbubbles occur near the electrode. For example, when the microfluid is water-containing and salt is contained therein, hydrogen gas will be generated at the negative electrode. The same phenomenon occurs in other microfluidics and other electrolytes. When a fluid is injected into the first bubble trap (22) and the bridge section (24), the first electrode (31) and the second electrode (32) are energized. Therefore, the fluid contains a specific electrolyte, which will generate micro-bubbles when energized. Due to the large potential energy of the surface of the micro-bubble, the pressure provided by the micro-fluid from the pressure source will destroy the surface of the bubble, causing the micro-bubbles to become larger bubbles, and the combination of the bubbles will continue.

Page 13 550234 V. Description of the invention (9) Occurs, and the bubbles will be blocked by the large-angle bends and build up in the downstream bubble trap until the surface tension of the bubbles, internal pressure and external pressure reach equilibrium. At this time, because there are bubbles (2 2) (2 3), the size and position of the bubbles can be maintained and grown. When the volume of the formed bubbles is appropriate, the microfluid can be isolated from the upper and lower sides of the first bubble well (22), stop the fluid from entering the downstream side of the first bubble well (22), and form a Micro valve. And when the bridge is filled with bubbles, the electrolytic reaction will automatically stop because the salt bridge is blocked by bubbles. This phenomenon can also occur in the second bubble trap (23). In other words, this device can be used in series. FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the microchannel fluid guiding element of the present invention when it is applied to a microswitch #. As shown in the figure, when used as a micro-switch, the micro-channel fluid guiding element is still fabricated on a substrate (50) and includes a micro-channel (40). The micro-channel (40) has an inlet (41), and is divided into two branches at a node (46), each of which has a micro-valve containing bubbles (42) (4 4) and its individual outlet (43 ) (45). The manufacturing method and structure of the substrate, micro-channels, electrodes, wires, contacts, etc. are as described above and will not be repeated. During application, the fluid is caused to enter the microchannel (40) from the inlet (41), and is advanced by pressure, and enters the first microvalve (42) containing the bubble trap_ and the second microbubble containing the bubble trap_ through the node (46), respectively. Micro valve (44). Use the operation of P to make small bubbles near the bubble trap of the selected microvalve to form large bubbles and form a barrier so that fluid cannot flow through the bubble trap of the selected electrode, forcing the fluid to flow only to another bubble trap The micro valve moves toward the outlet on its downstream side.

Page 14 550234 5. Description of the invention (10) With the above operation, the micro-channel fluid guiding element of the present invention can be used as a single-time micro switch. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of manufacturing a microchannel fluid guiding element according to the present invention. The micro-channel fluid guiding member of the present invention will be described below based on FIG. 3. As shown in the figure, in step (301), a glass substrate is first prepared, which is: (3202), and electrodes are formed by chemical evaporation and etching on the substrate: island followed by (3 0 3), A micro-channel micro-i is prepared above the substrate and the electrode layer, and then a pattern of 1 is formed in the micro-channel layer by a development etching method at (304), and at least a part of the electrodes of the electrode layer are in the channel. During the production, it is necessary to reserve a suitable gas order to prepare a coating layer above the broken microchannel layer, and finally to complete the production of the present invention at /; 05) at the fluid injection port and outlet. [Effects of the invention on the AU channel fluid guide element] Use the electrolytic channel fluid guide device disclosed in the present invention, and benefit from any t-switch or microvalve that consumes microelements and blocks reagents in the channel, etc. Therefore, the pole does not occur, and the microchannel fluid guiding element does not need to be controlled. Due to the use of electrolytic process. Furthermore, setting ^ t m when driving a micro-switch or micro-valve can be simplified and easy ', but the micro-switch or micro-jin provided: electricity: small rate, control 丨 has excellent and accurate functions. Experimental proof: In the range of back pressure, the bubbles are decomposed, which has a back pressure of 23.5% higher than the electricity generated at 20 ° C produced at 10 ° C. The thermally triggered boiling bubbles have The micro-channel fluid guiding element 1 is known to be capable of transmitting electrons.

Page 15 550234 V. Description of the invention (11) The circuit uses software to install several microfluidic components and detection time program parameter formulas of the present invention to accurately drive the complex drive of the present invention. The above is not difficult for those skilled in the art. Different extensions and micro communication modules included in its application [component description 10 20 21 22 23 24 25 31 32 33 34 '35, 36 control. All the micro communication components that can be implemented through, Ming Wei said, but only within. Substrate Microchannel Fluid inlet First bubble trap Second bubble trap Bridge segment Fluid outlet 1st electrode 2nd electrode 3rd electrode It is convenient on the lead wire. The body guiding element can be provided with corresponding micro-valves, micro-switches, anti-elements for operation or not, and programmable micro-channel fluid guiding purposes. The body guiding element is extremely simple and inexpensive because it is not provided. The description of the body guiding element, and the spirit of the present invention, which is beyond the spirit of the present invention, should include the application of the channel flow and its controllable flow control lumens, or not provide a reaction device, Both controls reveal that the hair changes from up to 4 daggers.

16th page 550234

Page 17 550234 Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the working principle of the microchannel fluid guiding element of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the application of the microchannel fluid guiding element of the present invention to a microswitch. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the manufacturing process of the microchannel fluid guiding element of the present invention.

Claims (1)

550234 6. Scope of patent application [Scope of patent application] 1. A microchannel fluid guiding element includes: a microchannel for a fluid to pass through; the microchannel includes at least one bubble trap formed in the channel, and is used for Bubbles formed in the microchannel are retained; an electrolytic bubble generating device generates an electrolytic reaction by supplying an electric current to the fluid in the microchannel; and generates a bubble in the fluid; and a pressure source for passing through the microchannel The fluid provides an appropriate pressure; characterized in that the electrolytic bubble generating device can cause the fluid passing through the microchannel 0 to generate bubbles near the bubble trap. 2. The micro-channel fluid guiding element according to item 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the bubble trap includes a large-angle curved channel formed in the micro-channel. 3. The micro-channel fluid guiding element according to item 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the bubble trap includes a portion formed in the micro-channel for blocking mud bubbles and agglomerating the bubbles. 4. The micro-channel fluid guiding element according to item 1 of the scope of the patent application, wherein the electrolytic bubble generating device includes at least one electrode near the bubble m-well. 5. The microchannel fluid guiding element according to item 4 of the scope of patent application, wherein the electrode has at least one portion that can contact the fluid. Page 19