DE112004003058B4 - Microfluidic coupling device with variable flow resistance and microfluidic arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

Microfluidic coupling device (63, 77, 95) comprising:
a connection (49, 67, 69),
a microfluidic flow path (5, 7) coupled to the port (49, 67, 69),
a valve spool (1, 35, 53, 65, 79, 97) having a microfluidic control element (3, 13) for controlling the flow within the microfluidic flow path (5, 7),
characterized in that the control element (3, 13) of the valve spool (1, 35, 53, 65, 79, 97) has a tapered flow path (5, 7) with a variable flow resistance, the tapered flow path (5, 7 ) connects an inlet (5, 7, 47) to an outlet (5, 7, 47), wherein the microfluidic coupling device (63, 77, 95) is constructed from a flat multilayer film (103, 105), and wherein the multilayer film ( 103, 105) has three layers (103, 105) and the valve slide in a middle layer (103) of the multilayer film (103, 105) is executed.

Description

The The present invention relates generally to microfluidic Laboratory technology for chemical, physical and / or biological analyzes, separations or syntheses of substances on a substrate with a microfluidic Structure. It relates in particular to microfluidic coupling devices according to the preamble of claim 1.

There is a growing demand for biological fluid processing systems that have created a need for small fluidic coupling devices. Such miniaturized microfluidic devices must meet various requirements, such as low dead volume and short flow paths with a cross section as constant as possible. This basically leads to improved performance characteristics. One approach in this field - compared, for example, with the use of threaded connector valves - is the use of microfluidic chips coupled to rotating valve elements for flow control of the microfluidic process carried out within the chip. Solutions are for example in the US 2003/0015682 A1 or in the EP 1520837 A1 disclosed.

Due to the enormous number of samples to be handled and microfluidic processes, efforts in this field are being made to integrate the processes in microfluidic devices. These approaches have led to highly integrated microfluidic systems and complex processes to be performed, and accordingly to increased expense in controlling. In particular, coupling and flow control is an important matter of recent developments in the technical field of microfluidic devices, as shown for example in US Pat EP 1536228 A1 will be shown. Increasing the complexity of the processes performed and the miniaturization of microfluidic devices generally disadvantageously results in higher microfluidic compound outputs, ie, to perform, switch, and / or control flow.

From the WO 2004/012862 A2 is a microfluidic chip with mutually displaceable structures known. For a fluidic control circuit are also mutually displaceable structures described in the DE 27 04 869 B2 , Passive flow restriction devices are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,376,074 US 5,655,568 A , A micro valve describes the DE 39 17 396 C2 ,

It The object of the present invention is improved flow control, and / or coupling of microfluidic devices. The task By devices having the features of claims 1 and 5 solved. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

According to the present Inventions, the task is solved through a microfluidic coupling device with valve slide. The slider is adapted to the flow within a flow path of the microfluidic coupling device to control. In doing so, the flow within the flow path is through Moving the slider controlled. For this purpose, the slider has a microfluidic Control on which has a variable flow resistance.

In embodiments the slide can be moved in a straight line or relative to the microfluidic coupling device be formed rotatable. For flow control, the flow path at least one recess, slot, recess, chamfer, hole and / or Level of the control to be coupled. The river path can through Moving the slider from the recess, slot, recess, chamfer, hole and / or stage are coupled or separated. advantageously, be the recess, slot, recess, chamfer, hole and / or Stage for generating a flow regulator tapered or tapered.

In embodiments the valve spool can be integrated within a chip. Of the Valve slide can represent a valve within the device. advantageously, will be no additional external Valve component parts for controlling flow within the flow path needed. The control device can be between an upper layer and a lower layer of the Be integrated chips. The layers can pass through a separation layer the same thickness as the controller are separated. The fat The upper and lower layers of the chip can vary. The separation layer may have a cutout for receiving the valve spool. Advantageously, the valve spool is supported to on the surfaces the upper layer and the lower layer pushed or rotated to become. The top and bottom layers can be joined together with the neckline from the separation layer, a flat and rectangular recess form, for receiving the valve spool and this rectilinear slidably store. The flow path may be to a second flow path or to the connection of the microfluidic coupling device via the Be coupled control. The flow is controlled between the two ports, which can be coupled to any other microfluidic devices.

The invention further relates to an arrangement for handling liquid within a microfluidic device with at least an integrated coupling device with valve slide as described above. The microfluidic device has at least one connection and at least one microfluidic flow path coupled to the connection. The flow path and / or the port are / is flow-controlled by the coupling device, as well as sealed, switched or coupled. Preferably, the coupling device, the flow path and / or the port can be sealed by an external sealing element.

The Invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings, wherein the same reference numerals to the same or functionally identical or similar Refer to features.

1 and 2 show in plan view a valve spool with different controls.

3 shows a partially schematic plan view of a microfluidic device with a microfluidic valve spool.

4 and 5 show schematic partial plan views of another microfluidic device with another microfluidic valve spool in different representations.

6 shows a partial longitudinal view of the microfluidic device after 4 with a microfluidic valve spool in a first arrangement, along the lines BB in FIG 4 ,

7 shows a partial longitudinal view of the microfluidic device after 5 with the microfluidic valve spool in a second arrangement, along the lines CC in 5 ,

8th shows a microfluidic coupling device.

9 shows a longitudinal view of a microfluidic coupling device according to 8th , shown along the lines DD in 8th ,

10 shows a plan view of another microfluidic coupling device.

11 shows a sectional view of a multi-layer valve spool.

1 shows in plan view a valve spool 1 which has a flat material, for example a foil, with a control element 3 for controlling the flow within two flow paths 5 and 7 - indicated by dotted lines. The valve spool 1 provides a controller for controlling the flow within the flow paths 5 and 7 represents.

The river paths 5 and 7 are part of a microfluidic device (not shown in this figure). The valve spool 1 is shaped like a rectangle and can be moved vertically, angular in embodiments, with respect to the flow direction of the flow paths 5 and 7 - as with a double arrow 9 shown. The control element 3 represents a fluid leading element. It is attached to the flow paths 5 and 7 coupled, so the flow paths 5 and 7 over the control 3 be coupled. Accordingly, the length of the control element 3 at least as long as the distance between the river paths 5 and 7 opposite to the valve spool 1 , The river paths 5 and 7 can be optionally coupled or separated by moving the valve spool perpendicular to the flow direction of the flow paths 5 and 7 , Invisible sidewalls 11 adjacent to the control element 3 of the valve spool 1 can use one or both of the river paths 5 and 7 shut down. In embodiments, the side walls 11 Sealing surfaces for the flow paths 5 and 7 with a leakage of less than one percent of the river within the river paths 5 and 7 represents.

2 shows a valve spool 1 but with a tapered control element 13 ,

The tapered control element 13 represents a tapered flow path with a variable flow resistance. The flow resistance can be achieved by sliding the valve spool 1 be varied from a minimum value to a maximum value. At the maximum value are the flow paths 5 and 7 practically sealed. The minimum value can be achieved by adding a first endpoint 15 the tapered control element 13 on the river path 5 is pushed. The maximum value can be achieved by moving a second endpoint 17 the tapered control element 13 or rather the sidewall 11 of the valve spool 1 near the endpoint 17 on the river path 7 be achieved. The tapered flow path of the tapered control element 13 has a maximum cross-sectional area at the first endpoint 15 and a minimum cross-sectional area at the second endpoint 17 ,

3 shows a schematic partial plan view of a microfluidic device 33 with a microfluidic valve slide 35 ,

The valve spool 35 has a control element 13 with a tapered slot 37 on. The valve spool 35 is inside the microfluidic device 33 integrated. Invisible parts are shown with dotted lines. The microfluidic device 33 has an upper layer 39 , a separation situation 41 (not visible) and a lower layer 43 (also not visible). The valve slide about 35 is movable - arrow 9 - and is in a section 45 the separation position 41 between the upper layer 39 and the separation position 41 arranged. The upper layer 39 , the cutout 45 and the separation position 41 and the lower layer 43 Make a bearing for the valve spool 35 dar. The thickness of the layers 39 . 41 and 43 of the microfluidic device 33 may vary.

The slot 37 is on a river path 5 coupled in the lower layer 43 of the microfluidic device 33 is inserted, and to a hole 47 in the upper position 39 of the microfluidic device 33 , The hole 47 makes a connection 49 of the microfluidic device 33 For example, an inlet or outlet port. The connection 49 can be flow-controlled by the valve spool 35 with the control element 13 , The slot 37 of the control element 13 provides a flow regulator with the same functionality as described above (see 2 ). The difference must be the endpoint 15 of the control element 13 to the hole 47 are moved to achieve the minimum flow resistance and corresponding to the maximum flow through the connection 49 of the microfluidic device 33 , In embodiments, the slot 37 be replaced by a tapered depression. The hole 47 can be achieved through a through hole or through any through hole of any shape.

The 4 and 5 show schematic plan views of a part of another microfluidic device 51 with a microfluidic valve slide 53 in different positions.

The control element 3 of the valve spool 53 can through holes 55 be achieved, for example, through holes. In contrast to the microfluidic device 33 as in 3 described, are the three holes 47 the three connections 49 of the microfluidic device 51 essentially in the same position as the ends of the five flow paths 5 arranged but implemented in different layers, the upper layer 39 and the lower layer 43 ,

6 shows a longitudinal view of a part of the microfluidic device after 4 with the microfluidic valve slide 53 in a first position, shown along the lines BB 4 ,

7 shows a longitudinal view of a part of the microfluidic device after 5 with the microfluidic valve slide 53 in a second position, shown along the lines CC 5 ,

In a first position, as in the 4 and 6 shown is the connection 49 of the microfluidic device 51 with the river path 5 the lower layer 43 of the microfluidic device 51 over the hole 47 the upper layer 39 and over the hole 55 the control element of the valve spool 53 coupled.

In a second position is the connection 49 of the microfluidic device 51 closed or rather separated from the river path 5 through an upper sealing surface 57 and a lower sealing surface 49 of the valve spool 53 ,

The lower and the upper layer 43 and 39 each have an inner surface 61 on. The sealing surfaces 57 and 59 be against the inner surface 61 the layers 39 and 43 of the microfluidic device 51 placed to the river path 5 seal and connect 5 close.

The valve spool 53 can be pushed at right angles, in embodiments angular, with respect to the flow direction of the flow path 5 or rather the picture plane of the 6 and 7 to change the position.

The microfluidic devices 33 and 51 are designed to perform microfluidic processes, such as analysis and separation processes or synthesis processes such as a PCR process.

8th shows a microfluidic coupling device 63 with a valve spool 65 ,

9 shows a longitudinal view of the microfluidic coupling device 63 to 8th , shown along the lines DD of 8th ,

Not visible parts are shown dotted.

The coupling device 63 has three first connections 67 in the upper position 39 and three second connections 69 in the lower position 43 on, the three pairs of connections 67 and 69 represent. The pair of connections 67 and 69 can each through the valve spool 65 selected and by the flow path 5 who is in the separation position 41 is implemented via a rectilinear depression 71 of the control element 3 of the valve spool 65 , above in the upper layer 39 implemented flow path 7 and over a hole 72 , for example, a hole, in the separation position 41 , The rectilinear depression 71 can with the valve spool 65 be moved in three different coupling positions. In 8th a coupling positions is shown. The pair of connections 67 and 69 - shown from below in 8th - goes to a continuous flow path 73 coupled. For all their positions of the valve spool 65 within the coupling device 63 all become river paths 5 and 7 of the coupling device 63 through longitudinal sidewalls 75 of the valve spool 65 sealed. Accordingly, all pairs of connections become 67 and 69 detached.

The coupling device 63 is intended to be coupled to other microfluidic devices.

10 shows in plan view another microfluidic coupling device 95 with a valve spool acting as a valve rotor 97 is executed. Sliding should be understood in this application as any plane movement, in particular straight and / or rotating. Invisible parts are indicated as dotted. In the following, only the differences to the coupling device of 8th and 9 to be discribed.

The valve rotor 97 has a hole 55 One in the top location 39 of the microfluidic coupling device 95 contained flow path 5 connects, and a river path 7 in the lower position 43 of the microfluidic coupling device 95 is included on. The river paths 5 and 7 can be decoupled from each other by rotating the valve rotor 97 , 10 shows a first position of the valve rotor 97 in the the river paths 7 and 9 connected to each other and what the hole 55 the valve rotor 97 close to the river paths 7 and 9 is positioned to connect these. In a second position are the river paths 5 and 7 decoupled from each other by sealing surfaces 57 and 59 the valve rotor 97 , Accordingly the connections become 67 and 97 separated in this position. The diameter of the valve rotor 97 is greater than the lateral dimension of the microfluidic coupling device 95 , The separation position 41 of the microfluidic coupling device 95 has a partial round section 99 on that together with the inner surfaces 61 the layers 39 and 43 a bearing for the valve rotor 97 represent. The valve rotor 97 can by grabbing and pressing the recesses 81 to be rotated in any sense of rotation - as with a double arrow 9 shown.

11 shows a sectional view of a microfluidic multi-layer valve spool 101 with a multilayer film that has three layers: a middle layer 103 and two sealing layers 105 , The middle position 103 may comprise a material adapted to the microfluidic plunger valve 101 to stiffen. The two gasket layers 105 may comprise a material adapted to dense and reduce friction. For example, the middle position 103 be covered with a surface modifying material and / or a material with a low coefficient of friction, such as Teflon, rubber or the like, around the gasket layers 105 display. In addition, the layers can 39 and 43 a material adapted to seal and reduce friction and / or a material adapted for stiffening.

The features shown in the various figures, in particular different controls 3 and or 13 , can be combined in embodiments.

In other embodiments are microfluidic devices Arrangements with more than one microfluidic coupling device possible.

In further embodiments can these arrangements can be made bendable or rotatable.

The Microfluidic arrangements can by made a known in the art lamination process become.

Finally, the multilayer microfluidic arrangements more than three layers and / or more as a microfluidic coupling device.

Claims (5)

Microfluidic coupling device ( 63 . 77 . 95 ) comprising: a connector ( 49 . 67 . 69 ), a microfluidic flow path ( 5 . 7 ) connected to the port ( 49 . 67 . 69 ), a valve spool ( 1 . 35 . 53 . 65 . 79 . 97 ) with a microfluidic control element ( 3 . 13 ) for controlling the flow within the microfluidic flow path ( 5 . 7 ), characterized in that the control element ( 3 . 13 ) of the valve spool ( 1 . 35 . 53 . 65 . 79 . 97 ) a tapered flow path ( 5 . 7 ) having a variable flow resistance, wherein the tapered flow path ( 5 . 7 ) an inlet ( 5 . 7 . 47 ) with an outlet ( 5 . 7 . 47 ), wherein the microfluidic coupling device ( 63 . 77 . 95 ) from a flat multilayer film ( 103 . 105 ), and wherein the multilayer film ( 103 . 105 ) three layers ( 103 . 105 ) and the valve slide in a middle position ( 103 ) of the multilayer film ( 103 . 105 ) is executed. Microfluidic coupling device ( 63 . 77 . 95 ) according to claim 1, wherein the valve spool ( 1 . 35 . 53 . 65 . 79 . 97 ) is adapted to be rectilinear or relative to the microfluidic coupling device ( 63 . 67 . 95 ) to rotate. Microfluidic coupling device ( 63 . 77 . 95 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the multilayer film is the middle layer ( 103 ) and two gasket layers ( 105 ), in particular two gasket layers ( 105 ) having a surface modifying material and / or a material having a low coefficient of friction, preferably Teflon. Microfluidic coupling device ( 63 . 77 . 95 ) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the valve spool ( 1 . 35 . 53 . 65 . 79 . 97 ) is integrated between an upper layer and a lower layer of a microfluidic chip. A microfluidic device comprising: a microfluidic device adapted to perform a microfluidic process and a microfluidic coupling device ( 63 . 77 . 95 ) according to any one of claims 1-4 for controlling the microfluidic process.