EP1714698B1 - Device and method for handling liquids - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for manipulating a liquid according to claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 11.

The present invention is concerned with microfluidic systems. The following statements relate to devices in which act capillary forces and are particularly crucial for the function.

In order to move fluids from one location to the next in a timely manner, so-called capillary stops are known, for example as in US Pat EP 1 441 131 A1 disclosed. In this case, the liquid in a channel or in a wide chamber is temporarily stopped due to a sudden increase in the capillary force. For example, the capillary stop may be formed by a transverse, in particular trench-like, control channel. If the control channel is flooded, for example by a control liquid or by the liquid itself, the liquid can overcome the capillary stop. Critical here is the temporal and / or local accuracy. If there is no rejuvenation of the channel cross section in the area of the capillary stop, it is very difficult or impossible to achieve a time-defined starting of the liquid over the entire channel cross section. If the channel is tapered in the area of the capillary stop, in order to obtain a better timing or resolution, the previously wider liquid front is narrowed and then often widened again, whereby due to diffusion processes, the spatial resolution of the investigation can be significantly impaired. Another difficulty is to flood the control channel quickly and precisely controlled.

From the EP 1 419 818 A1 It is known to control a liquid time by means of the so-called selective vent, in particular to temporarily stop. This is done by inhibiting the air displacement in the channel to be flooded. Opening the vent allows the fluid to continue to run. The problem here is the equipment expense. Furthermore arise Here, the same problems in terms of temporal and / or local resolution as in the aforementioned Kapillarstop with a control channel.

The EP 0 075 605 A1 deals with reaction vessels for analysis, wherein adhesion surfaces are approximated perpendicular to their surface extension.

The EP 0 590 695 A2 deals with liquid transfer devices, for example, where a extending through the liquid connecting portion for bridging a capillary stop is provided.

The US 4,902,629 discloses apparatus and methods in which a capillary channel is introduced into a reservoir to receive a liquid from the reservoir by capillary action.

The WO 2004/007078 A1 deals with a test device with lateral flow. Here, a movement of liquid is made possible by a movement transversely to the surface extension of the device.

The WO 2004/050246 A1 apparently a device for flowing liquid on a surface. A capillary stop can be overcome by moving perpendicular to the surface.

The US 5,766,962 relates to devices for collecting and analyzing body fluids. The device comprises a body having a capillary channel and a receiving chamber connected to the channel. A flexible sample holder with a sample to be examined can be inserted into a bore of a cover which leads to the inner capillary channel. By means of fluid from the chamber, the sample is diluted and transported along the channel and analyzed.

The US 5,399,316 relates to a reaction chamber having a reaction zone for examining a biological material. The chamber has a carrier with a capillary channel for receiving a sample. The carrier with the capillary channel can be pressed against an absorbent material of the liquid intake chamber.

In addition, external triggers, such as electrical and / or magnetic fields, sound waves or pressure waves are known to temporarily stop a liquid or to start the liquid transport. Here are the equipment cost and thus the cost is very high.

The present invention has for its object to provide an apparatus and a method for manipulating a liquid, which allow a temporary halting of the liquid in a particular wide channel, with a further flow is particularly possible with straight liquid front with relatively little effort and more precise timing.

The above object is achieved by a device according to claim 1 or a method according to claim 11. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A basic idea of the present invention is to bridge a capillary stop between a first channel section and a second channel section in that the two channel sections are moved relative to each other, in particular brought into contact with each other. This can be done, for example, that the two channel sections are pushed together.

The proposed solution allows even with large channel cross-sections a uniform starting of the liquid, so over the entire liquid front uniform transfer of the liquid from the first channel section into the second channel section. In particular, the liquid can start simultaneously over the entire channel cross section. Accordingly, a timely control is possible. Furthermore, an at least substantially rectilinear liquid front and in particular a uniform, laminar flow can preferably be maintained over the entire channel cross-section even when continuing from the first channel section into the second channel section, so that in addition to a temporal Auflö a good local resolution is also possible. This is desirable especially for analyzes, ie in particular when analyzing the liquid or for detecting analytes or reactants contained therein.

In the present invention, the channel sections and thus the channel formed therefrom preferably have a relatively large cross-section. These are wide or formed like a chamber. To simplify the description, only the channel or the channel sections will be discussed below.

Fig. 1

einen schematischen Längsschnitt einer vorschlagsgemäßen Vorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Fig.2

eine schematische Draufsicht der Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 ohne Abdeckung;

Fig. 3

einen Schnitt der Vorrichtung entlang Linie III-III gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

schematische Längsschnitte einer vorschlagsgemäßen Vorrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform mit getrennten Kanalabschnitten und zusammengeschobenen Kanalabschnitten;

Fig. 5

einen schematischen Längsschnitt einer vorschlagsgemäßen Vorrichtung gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform mit zusammengeschobenen Kanalabschnitten;

Fig. 6

schematische Draufsichten einer vorschlagsgemäßen Vorrichtung gemäß einer vierten Ausführungsform;

Fig. 7

schematische Draufsichten einer vorschlagsgemäßen Vorrichtung gemäß einer fünften Ausführungsform:

Fig. 8

eine schematische Draufsicht einer vorschlagsgemäßen Vorrichtung gemäß einer sechsten Ausführungsform:

Fig. 9

einen schematischen Längsschnitt eines Teils einer vorschlagsgemäßen Vorrichtung gemäß einer siebten Ausführungsform mit getrennten Kanalabschnitten;

Fig. 10

eine zu Fig. 9 korrespondierende Darstellung der Vorrichtung mit zusammengeschobenen Kanalabschnitten;

Fig. 11

eine schematische Draufsicht eines Teils einer vorschlagsgemäßen Vorrichtung gemäß einer achten Ausführungsform mit getrennten Kanalabschnitten; und

Fig. 12

eine zu Fig. 11 korrespondierende Darstellung der Vorrichtung mit zusammengeklappten Kanalabschnitten.

Further advantages, features, characteristics and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic longitudinal section of a proposed device according to a first embodiment;

Fig.2

a schematic plan view of the device according to Fig. 1 without cover;

Fig. 3

a section of the device along line III-III according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 4

schematic longitudinal sections of a proposed device according to a second embodiment with separate channel sections and pushed together channel sections;

Fig. 5

a schematic longitudinal section of a proposed device according to a third embodiment with pushed channel sections;

Fig. 6

schematic plan views of a proposed device according to a fourth embodiment;

Fig. 7

schematic plan views of a proposed device according to a fifth embodiment:

Fig. 8

a schematic plan view of a proposed device according to a sixth embodiment:

Fig. 9

a schematic longitudinal section of a portion of a proposed device according to a seventh embodiment with separate channel sections;

Fig. 10

one too Fig. 9 Corresponding representation of the device with collapsed channel sections;

Fig. 11

a schematic plan view of part of a proposed device according to an eighth embodiment with separate channel sections; and

Fig. 12

one too Fig. 11 Corresponding representation of the device with folded channel sections.

In the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar parts, and corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved, even if a repeated description is omitted Fig. 1 to 12 show devices according to the proposal 1 in not to scale representations to illustrate various aspects and ease of description.

Fig. 1 shows in a schematic longitudinal section a first embodiment of a proposed device 1 for manipulating a liquid 2, in particular a sample liquid, for example for chemical and / or biological investigations, in particular for the detection of an analyte by a reagent, an antibody or the like.

The device 1 has a first channel section 3 and a second channel section 4 for the liquid 2. The liquid 2 is absorbed and / or conveyed in particular exclusively by capillary forces from the channel sections 3, 4. However, other forces, such as compressive forces, centrifugal forces or the like., Act.

In the illustrated example, the device 1 has a first carrier section 5 and a second carrier section 6, and preferably an associated cover 7. The cover 7 is preferably continuous and formed, for example, by film or the like.

Between the first support portion 5 and the cover 7, the first channel portion 3 is formed. Between the second support portion 6 and the cover 7, the second channel portion 4 is formed. The channel formed by the channel sections 3, 4 is therefore preferably bounded or formed by only two opposing, substantially flat surfaces or flat sides, and designed free from side walls.

In particular, the channel sections 3, 4 are formed such that the liquid 2 in the flow direction S flows at least substantially laminar over the preferably flat, formed by the support sections 5, 6 flat sides and / or with at least substantially rectilinear liquid front transverse to the flow direction S.

In the illustrated example, the device 1 has a carrier 8 for forming and / or holding the required microstructures, in particular the carrier sections 5, 6. The carrier 8 and the carrier sections 5, 6 are formed substantially flat or plate-like and optionally provided with necessary recesses, channels or the like. The cover 7 is flat in the illustrated embodiment, and preferably formed at least substantially ausnehmungsfrei. However, this can be the other way around. If necessary, both the carrier 8 and the recess 7 can be recessed and / or formed with projections for forming desired structures and, if necessary, for receiving chemicals, reagents, examination devices or the like, not shown. In particular, the device 1 is a so-called microchip (platform with microstructure).

Fig. 2 shows the device 1 in a plan view without the cover. 7 Fig. 3 shows the device 1 in a section along line III-III of Fig. 1 ,

In the representation example according to Fig. 1 to 3 the cover 7 and the carrier 8 are not formed in one piece. Rather, the cover 7 is preferably placed, clamped, glued, welded or connected in any other suitable manner with the carrier 8. This facilitates, for example, the production, However, according to an embodiment, not shown, the cover 7 and the carrier 8 may also be integrally formed. In this case, then at least one support portion 5, 6 and in particular both support portions 5 and 6 are laterally inserted into the one-piece component. The device 1 is then correspondingly laterally open for receiving the first and / or second carrier section 5, 6.

The channel sections 3 and 4 - hereinafter sometimes also called only the "channel" - preferably have a flat and / or rectangular cross-section transverse to Fig. 1 and 3 indicated flow direction S of the liquid 2. The height of the channel - ie the distance of the channel bounding, preferably parallel surfaces - is in the illustrated example a maximum of 2000 microns, preferably at most 500 microns, in particular about 50 to 200 microns. The width of the channel is preferably about 100 to 5000 microns, more preferably about 200 to 4000 microns. The height of the channel is significantly lower, in particular at least by a factor of 10 or 100, than the width of the channel. The uptake volume of the channel is preferably less than 1 ml, in particular less than 100 μl, particularly preferably not more than 10 μl.

The device 1 thus forms a microfluidic system. In particular, the device 1 is used for microfluidic diagnostics for medical or non-medical purposes or other examinations.

The channel and its main extension plane E extend in the position of use preferably at least substantially horizontally. Depending on the intended use or constructive solution, however, a different orientation is possible, especially since the inclusion or filling of the channel with the liquid 2 and / or the conveying of the liquid 2 in the channel is preferably determined or effected at least primarily by capillary forces.

The main extension planes of the channel sections 3, 4 are in the representation example at least substantially in the common plane E, as in Fig. 1 indicated. The upper or flat side of the support sections 5, 6 run parallel to the plane E.

The device 1, according to the proposal, has a device for temporarily stopping the liquid 2. This device is formed by a capillary stop 9. The capillary stop 9 ensures at least temporary stopping of the liquid 2 before the passage from the first channel section 3 to the second channel section 4 and is preferably arranged at the end of the first channel section 3 or between the two channel sections 3, 4. The capillary stop 9. This is achieved by a correspondingly sharp edge at the downstream end of the first channel section 3 or support section 5 in the flow direction S and / or another, in particular abrupt, cross-sectional enlargement, whereby the capillary forces a further flow of the liquid 2 in the second channel section 4 do not allow. In particular, the capillary stop 9 is formed by a trench-like recess or a corresponding spacing of the two channel sections 3, 4 or carrier sections 5, 6.

The capillary stop 9 preferably extends across the entire width of at least one flat side delimiting the channel, preferably between the two carrier sections 5, 6. The capillary stop 9 thus preferably extends transversely to the flow direction S of the liquid 2 and / or transversely in the longitudinal direction of the first or second Channel section 3, 4.

Fig. 1 to 3 show the device 1 in a state in which between the two channel sections 3 and 4 of the capillary stop 9 is formed, in particular in that the two support portions 5, 6 are spaced. As a result, the liquid 2 present in the first channel section 3 or on the first carrier section 5 is temporarily stopped.

According to the proposal, it is provided that the two channel sections 3, 4 for bridging or canceling the capillary stop 9 are movable relative to each other with each other in contact or conditioning can be brought. For this purpose, the channel sections 3, 4 and in particular the support sections 5, 6 are translationally and / or rotationally movable relative to each other, relative to each other displaceable, preferably additionally deformable, hinged and / or bendable.

In the illustrated example, the two support sections 5, 6 are guided displaceably relative to each other, in particular by means of a in Fig. 1 and 3 The guide device 10 permits a displacement of at least one support section 5 or 6. The corresponding support section 5, 6 or both support sections 5, 6 is or are formed, for example, carriage-like and in corresponding, preferably groove-like and / or formed in the support 8 guide sections the guide means 10 slidably guided.

The direction of movement of the two channel sections 3, 4 or carrier sections 5, 6 relative to one another preferably extends into or against the flow direction S of the liquid 2 and / or in the longitudinal extent or in the main extension plane E of the channel sections 3, 4 or carrier sections 5 ,. 6

The two channel sections 3, 4 or support sections 5, 6 are, if necessary, manually movable relative to each other, in particular brought into contact with each other. This allows a simple and inexpensive construction. Preferably, the device 1 has a suitable, not shown manipulation device or the like. On.

Alternatively or additionally, the device 1 preferably has an actuator or other drive, not shown, such as a motor, an electromagnet, a piezoelectric actuator or the like., To the channel sections 3, 4 and the support sections 5, 6 for canceling or bridging the capillary 9 to move relative to each other, in particular to bring into contact. The drive can - as needed - purely mechanical or electrical, electromagnetic, magnetic, pneumatic and / or hydraulic work.

The two support sections 5 and 6 may be biased away from each other by means of a spring, not shown, or other biasing means such that an unwanted merging of the support sections 5 and 6 is excluded. When, for example, manual actuation or activation of the corresponding drive (not shown), then the biasing force overcome and the desired merging of the channel sections 3, 4 and the carrier sections 5, 6 take place.

In the illustrated example, the two carrier sections 5, 6 meet in the pushed together (not shown) state with their transverse sides or at least their channel facing transverse edges 11, 12, so that in this collapsed state at least substantially continuous surface of the two upper or Flat sides of the support sections 5, 6 is formed. Thus, the capillary stop 9 is preferably simultaneously lifted or bridged over the entire channel cross section, and the liquid 2 can flow from the first channel section 3 formed by the first carrier section 5 into the second channel section 4 formed by the second carrier section 6.

As already explained, the flow or conveyance of the liquid 2 is preferably carried out exclusively by capillary force. In order to achieve the desired transfer of the liquid 2 from the first channel section 3 into the second channel section 4 when the capillary stop 9 is lifted or bridged - ie in particular when the support sections 5, 6 are pushed together - the capillary force acting on the liquid 2 in the second channel section 4 is preferably greater in the first channel section 3. This higher capillarity can be achieved by a corresponding modification of the second carrier section 6, for example by a corresponding coating, reducing the distance to the cover 7 and / or - as indicated in the illustration example - by corresponding microstructures 13, in particular elevations or the like For example, the microstructures 13 are arranged with a greater or increasing density on the second support portion 6 in contrast to the first support portion 5 to the desired increase in the capillary force to the second channel labschnitt 4 or support section 6 to achieve.

In the illustrated example, the second channel section 4 represents an extension or continuation of the first channel section 3. In particular, the channel sections 3 and 4 form a quasi-continuous, in particular rectilinear, channel, preferably of substantially constant cross-section. Preferably, the cross section of the first channel section 3 corresponds directly before the capillary stop 9 at least substantially the cross section of the second channel section 4 immediately after the capillary stop. 9

In the illustrated example, the channel formed by the channel sections 3, 4 preferably has a substantially constant cross-section. However, according to a variant of the embodiment not shown, it is also possible to narrow the channel cross-section in the area of the capillary stop 9. This reduction in cross-section is preferably achieved by uniform tapering of the liquid stream and subsequent spreading of the liquid stream.

The device 1 preferably has a means for preventing the lateral advancement of liquid 2 in the flow direction S and / or for generating a curved or rectilinear flow front which is as slightly curved or rectilinear as possible or for generating a homogeneous or laminar flow, which closes laterally to the channel sections 3, 4 a liquid stop, which is formed in particular by a groove or trench-like recess 14 in the carrier 8. The lateral liquid stop for the liquid 2 constitutes a flow obstacle which can not be overcome by capillary forces, so that the liquid 2 is guided along the open longitudinal sides of the channel sections 3, 4 free of side walls.

The recess 14 forming the liquid stop preferably adjoins the channel sections 3, 4 with sharp edges and is formed in particular in the carrier 8, extends in the illustrations according to FIG Fig. 1 and 3 So essentially only down with respect to a lateral projection of the channel. However, the recess may optionally also extend upwards or both sides of the lateral projection of the channel, ie in particular upwards and downwards.

The preferably rectangular cross-section recess 14 leads to such, in particular stepped or sudden cross-sectional enlargement, as is the case with the capillary stop 9, that reduce the capillary forces such that said liquid stop for the liquid 2 in the transition from the channel to the recess 14 is formed. In particular the height of the recess 14 at least twice as large as the height of the channel.

The recess 14 and the liquid stop formed therefrom preferably extend in the illustrated embodiment along the open longitudinal side of the channel, in particular around the channel sections 3, 4 or the carrier sections 5, 6 on all sides.

A corresponding side wallless leadership of the liquid 2 in the channel is also in the in Fig. 4a and 4b illustrated, second embodiment of the device 1 by the lateral recess 14 and the lateral liquid stop possible.

In the second embodiment, the liquid 2 is preferably only on a bottom or flat side - ie on the first support section 5 or the two support sections 5, 6 - out. The liquid 2 is thus not in contact with the opposite, formed by the cover 7 flat side. Instead, in the illustrated embodiment, the cover 7 is arranged correspondingly higher or possibly except to obtain the desired distance. Fig. 4a shows the device 1 with (still) separate channel sections 3 and 4, Fig. 4b with pushed channel sections 3 and 4.

In the second embodiment, the liquid 2 in the collapsed state - ie at connected channel sections 3, 4 - at least substantially evenly distributed over the channel sections 3 and 4, as in Fig. 4b indicated. This is the case in particular if at least substantially equal capillary forces act over the entire length of the channel and if there is no simultaneous guidance between the cover 7 and the support sections 5, 6.

The thickness of the liquid film formed by the liquid 2 depends in particular on the wetting behavior and on the amount of liquid 2 fed in, in particular metered in. Preferably, the corresponding dimensions for the liquid film as explained in the first embodiment for the channel.

In the Fig. 4 The illustrated second embodiment is otherwise formed substantially according to the first embodiment, so that there are corresponding advantages, aspects and characteristics.

Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment of the proposed device 1, Preferably, a reaction region 15 and a collecting region 16 in the second channel section 4 and on the second support section 6 are formed. Thus, for example, a three-chamber system may be formed together with the first channel section 3, which may, if necessary, have the function of a so-called immunoassay. For this purpose, the first carrier section 5 may be provided or coated with a preferably detachable reagent, which may be in one first phase after supplying the liquid 2 is dissolved by this or reacted with the reagent.

In a second phase - in particular after a certain period of time - the two channel sections 3, 4 or carrier sections 5, 6 are pushed together, this state is in Fig. 5 represented, so that the liquid 2 then flow into the reaction region 15 and finally into the collecting region 16 and in particular can collect there. In the reaction region 15, the liquid 2 or the reagent contained therein and / or an analyte contained therein - in particular a complex formed from the reagent, preferably an antibody, and the analyte - can react and in particular bind to immobilized antibodies or the like for detection. Subsequently, a detection, for example optically, take place in the reaction region 15.

In the process described above, in particular in a qualitative or even quantitative detection of an analyte of the liquid 2 is preferably provided that the liquid 2 at least substantially completely from the first channel section 3 - in particular after expiry of a predetermined reaction time - in the subsequent reaction region 15 and then flows into the collection area 16 to allow a defined reaction. In this case, a kind of block-wise movement of the liquid 2 results from the first channel section 3 to the end of the second channel section 4, this type of movement can in particular by accordingly rising Capillary forces - preferably by appropriate texturing or microstructuring and / or coating of the upper sides of the support sections 5, 6 - can be achieved.

According to a further alternative, the bridging or canceling of the capillary stop 9 can only be used to actually start a reaction or examination of the liquid 2. Thus, for example, in the case of very time-critical reactions or examinations, the liquid 2 is initially supplied to the channel section 3 as a sample - in particular via a filling opening or the like, or possibly even with insertion of the first support section 5 into the support 8 - and so for a certain time stored or transported. Only after the moving together of the two support sections 5, 6 of the capillary stop 9 is bridged or canceled. The liquid 2 can then pass into the second channel section 4 and start the time-critical reaction or investigation.

In the case of the reaction sequence already described above, the individual phases can then run one after the other in the second channel section 4. In particular, for this purpose, the above-mentioned, preferably detachable reagent is not in the first channel section 3 or not on the first support section 5, but preferably at the beginning of the second channel section 4 or support section 6 - in particular in a release region, the Fig. 5 not shown separately - arranged.

However, the described reaction sequence or another sequence can also be controlled thereby - even more clearly in terms of time - by bringing several channel sections into contact with each other, depending on the desired progress of the reaction, with suspension or bridging of capillary stops 9 arranged therebetween. These basic possibilities emerge from the following description of further embodiments.

Fig. 6a to 6c show in very schematic plan views a proposed device 1 without cover 7 according to a fourth embodiment, with the particular reactions or reaction sequences as in the second embodiment - as described above - realized are. In addition, the device 1 has at least one further channel section 17, which is correspondingly formed by at least one further carrier section 18. The further channel section 17 or support section 18 - hereinafter also referred to as another section 17/18 - allows, for example, that after the passage of the liquid 2 from the first channel section 3 or support section 5 into the second channel section 4 or support section 6, a further liquid , in particular a washing liquid, can be supplied, in which the further carrier section 18 is brought into contact with the further liquid with the first or second channel section 3, 4 or support section 5, 6. Fig. 6a shows the still spaced apart support sections 5, 6, 18th Fig. 6b shows the state in which the first support portion 5 has already been moved to the second support portion 6 and is in contact therewith. Fig. 6c shows a further phase in which the further support portion 18 - in the illustrated embodiment with the first support portion 5 - was brought into contact, in particular to perform a washing step by a washing liquid or the like. Is supplied. Thus, the reaction in the reaction region 15 can also be stopped very accurately again.

Fig. 7a to 7c show in a further abstracted plan view a fifth embodiment of the proposed device 1, in addition to the two first and second channel sections 3, 4 or carrier sections 5, 6 here several more sections 17/18 are provided, the demand successively and / or simultaneously and / or optionally moved to each other and in particular can be brought into contact with each other to the liquid 2 or possibly more liquids by canceling or bridging between the individual sections 3, 4, 17 and 5, 6, 18 existing Kapillarstops 9 in the desired manner manipulate and allow desired reaction (s) to run or allow investigations.

Fig. 7a shows the still separate channel sections 3, 4, 17 and support sections 5, 6, 18, wherein the arrow indicates that the first channel section 3 or support section 5 with an adjacent, here the second channel section 4 and support section 6 by sliding in contact is brought. Subsequently can the liquid 2 flow accordingly from the first channel section 3 into the second channel section 4,

Fig. 7b shows a state in which the first channel section 3 and the second channel section 4 or the first support section 5 and the second support section 6 are already in contact. The arrows indicate the displacement of second further sections 17 and 18, respectively, in order to contact the second channel section 4 or support section 6, preferably from opposite sides and in particular simultaneously. Accordingly, then a forwarding or division of the liquid 2 to the other two channel sections 17 and carrier sections 18 is possible.

However, the two other sections 17/18 can also perceive different functions as needed. For example, a further carrier element 18 serve to supply a further liquid, for example washing liquid. The then preferably brought on the opposite side in Appendix, further support portion 18 then serves, for example, a recording of the liquid 2 from the second channel section 4 and carrier section 6, which is displaced by the further liquid and in particular washed out.

However, it is also possible that the two in Fig. 7b indicated further support portions 18 only alternatively - depending on the outcome of the previous reaction step or for optional variation of the reaction sequence - are brought into contact with the second channel section 4 and support section 6.

In the illustration according to Fig. 7c the latter state is shown, in which a further carrier section 18 is in contact with the second channel section 4 or carrier section 6 and the liquid 2 has already flowed into this further carrier section 18 or the further channel section 17 formed therefrom. In the illustrated example, the liquid 2 has completely overflowed. However, this depends in particular on the acting capillary forces. For example, the liquid 2 can also be distributed over a plurality of sections 3, 4, 17 or 5, 6, 18. The two arrows indicate additional combination options with further sections 17/18. Here, the above statements on the constellation according to Fig. 7b corresponding.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic plan view of a sixth embodiment of the proposed device 1 without cover 7. This embodiment preferably corresponds at least substantially to the third embodiment, wherein two second channel sections 4 and support sections 6 are arranged in parallel and can be applied in parallel with the liquid 2. In particular, two parallel or independently running reactions can be started simultaneously. For this purpose, the first channel section 3 or support section 5 with the liquid 2 on the one hand and the two second channel sections 4 and support sections 6 are movable relative to each other, in particular in Kotakt or plant brought. In the illustrated example, this takes place in that the first carrier section 5 is movable relative to the second carrier sections 6, in particular displaceable.

At the in Fig. 8 The arrangement shown is the first channel section 3 or support section 5 offset and / or centered with respect to the associated second channel sections 4 and 6 carrier sections arranged that the first support portion 5 - as indicated by the arrow - simultaneously with the two second support sections 6 in Contact is brought to allow simultaneous transfer of liquid 2 to the two second support sections 6.

If necessary, according to an embodiment not shown, the first support portion 5 have a correspondingly increased width and / or the second support portions 6 may have a reduced width, so that upon contact of the first support portion 5 to the two second support portions 6 Kapillarstops 9 between each preferably at least substantially over the entire width of the two second support portions 6 are canceled or bridged to a uniform as possible filling of the second support sections 6 defined second channel sections 4 with liquid 2 over the entire channel cross-section - in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the flow direction S extending Liquid front - to allow.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a seventh embodiment of the proposed device in very schematic sectional views, which illustrate only the first and second support sections 5, 6. Fig. 9 shows the spaced state, ie with not yet bridged or not raised Kapillarstop 9 between the first support section 5 and the second support section 6. Compared with the above-explained embodiments, the two support sections 5, 6 in the seventh embodiment by a connecting portion 19 with each other connected. The connecting portion 19 is preferably flexible or elastically deformable and / or web-like. If necessary, the support portions 5, 6 and the connecting portion 19 are integrally formed.

When moving relative, in particular pushing together, the connecting portion 19 is deformed such that the two support portions 5, 6 at least in the region of their transverse sides or transverse edges 11, 12 for canceling or bridging the capillary touch, as in Fig. 10 shown. Then, the liquid 2 can freely pass from the first support section 5 to the second support section 6 or continue to flow in the channel, not shown, as in Fig. 10 indicated.

The preferably elastic connecting portion 19 leads to the advantage that the two support portions 5, 6 in the manufacture and, for example, during storage and / or transport with already filled liquid can not be moved unintentionally relative to each other, so that an unintentional lifting or bridging the capillary stop can be excluded.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show an eighth embodiment of the proposed device 1 in schematic plan views without cover 7. The two support sections 5,6 are here relative to each other rotatable or hinged to cancel the capillary stop 9 or at least to bridge, so that the liquid 2 from the first support section 5 on the second carrier section 6 can flow, Fig. 11 shows the state in the unfolded state, ie with temporarily stopped liquid. 2 Fig. 12 shows the folded state, ie with abolished Kapillarstop 9, wherein the liquid 2 from first carrier section 5 has already flowed onto the second carrier section 6.

Other rotational movements and combinations of rotational and translatory movements for canceling or bridging the capillary stop 9 are also possible. For example, it is possible for the device 1 or the carrier 8 also to be disposed transversely to the flow direction at least substantially in the main extension plane E S buckling or bending axis to thereby adjacent channel sections or support sections to each other to move and bridging a capillary stop disposed therebetween or even cancel, so that then the liquid can continue to flow in the channel formed.

Individual aspects and constructive solutions of the described embodiment can also be combined with one another as desired.

Claims (13)

1. Microfluidic device (1) in which capillary forces act, for the manipulation of a liquid (2), having a first channel portion (3) and a second channel portion (4),
   wherein the liquid (2) is able to flow from the first channel portion (3) into the second channel portion (4) and a capillary stop (9) is formed between the channel portions (3, 4) for temporarily stopping the liquid (2) from passing from the first channel portion (3) into the second channel portion (4),
   wherein the device (1) comprises carrier portions (6, 6) which delimit the channel portions (3, 4) and are of plate-like construction,
   wherein the main planes of extent of the channel portions (3, 4) are located at least substantially in a common plane (E) and the flat sides of the carrier portions (5, 6) run parallel to this plane (E),
   wherein the liquid (2) is guided in the channel portions (3, 4) without any side walls, wherein the height of the channel portions (3, 4) is substantially less than the width of the channel portions (3, 4),
   wherein the device (1) is embodied such that, in order to bridge or overcome the capillary stop (9), the two channel portions (3, 4) are movable relative to one another and can be brought into contact with each other at their end faces, the carrier portions (5, 6) being movable relative to one another in their main plane of extent for this purpose.
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that in cross-section the channel portions (3, 4) are flat, rectangular and/or at least identical at their open ends and/or the channel portions (3, 4) or the carrier portions (5, 6) are preferably of rigid construction throughout.
3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second channel portion (4) forms an extension or continuation of the first channel portion (3).
4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the channel portions (3, 4) are formed by the carrier portions (5, 6) and by a common, continuous cover (7).
5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the device comprises guide means (10) for movably guiding at least one carrier portion (5, 6).
6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in order to bridge or overcome the capillary stop (9) transverse sides or transverse edges (11, 12) of the carrier portions (5, 6), can be brought into contact or abutment preferably over the entire length, and/or the carrier portions (5, 6) can be brought Into contact or abutment at their end faces.
7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the channel portions (3, 4) are movable relative to one another into or counter to the direction of flow (S) of the liquid (2).
8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the capillary force acting on the liquid (2) is greater in the second channel portion (4) than in the first channel portion (3).
9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cross-section of the first channel portion (3) before the capillary stop (9) corresponds at least substantially to the cross-section of the second channel portion (4) after the capillary stop (9).
10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the capillary stop (9) extends over at least one side or surface - particularly the entire width - delimiting the first channel portion (3) and/or in that the capillary stop (9) extends transversely of the direction of flow (S) of the liquid (2) and/or transversely of the longitudinal extent of the first or second channel portion (3, 4).
11. Method for the manipulation of a liquid (2) by means of a device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid (2) is able to flow from the first channel portion (3) into the second channel portion (4) and is temporarily prevented by means of the capillary stop (9) from passing from the first channel portion (3) into the second channel portion (4),
    characterised in that
    in order to bridge or overcome the capillary stop (9) the channel portions (3, 4) that are flat in cross-section and delimited by plate-shaped carrier portions (5, 6) are moved relative to one another in a common plane (E) of their main plane of extent and are brought into end-to-end abutment.
12. Method according to claim 11, characterised in that a plurality of channel portions (3, 4, 17) are selectively moved relative to one another, more particularly brought into contact with one another, in order to bridge or overcome capillary stops (9) formed between them.
13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that a plurality of channel portions (3, 4, 17) are simultaneously or successively moved relative to one another, more particularly brought into contact with one another, in order to bridge or overcome capillary stops (9) formed between them.

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