JP2011072876A - Microfluid device - Google Patents

Abstract

A microfluidic device having a pump mechanism and a valve mechanism is miniaturized and manufactured easily.
A microfluidic device (1) includes a first gas generation film (17e) adhered to a first main surface (10a) of a substrate (10) so as to cover an end (11a) of a first microchannel (11). A second gas generating film adhered to cover the end portion 11b of the first microchannel 11 and the end portion 15a of the second microchannel 15, and external stimulation to the first gas generating film The first external stimulus applying mechanism 20a for applying an external stimulus and the second external stimulus applying mechanism 20b for applying an external stimulus to the second gas generating film are provided.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a microfluidic device. Specifically, the present invention relates to a microfluidic device having a pump mechanism and a valve mechanism.

  In recent years, for example, a microfluidic device having a microchannel has been widely used as a device for analyzing a minute sample. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a micro total analysis system having a micropump system as an example of a microfluidic device.

  The micro total analysis system described in Patent Document 1 includes a substrate on which a micropump chamber connected to a microchannel is formed. The micropump chamber is filled with a gas generating material that generates gas when irradiated with light. In the micro total analysis system described in Patent Document 1, gas is generated from the gas generating material by irradiating the micro pump chamber with light. The generated gas is supplied to the microchannel. As a result, the micropump system is activated.

  The micropump system described in Patent Document 1 can be incorporated in a substrate. For this reason, by using this micro pump system, it is not necessary to connect the pump system provided separately from the substrate to the substrate. Therefore, a micro total analysis system can be easily constructed. In addition, the micro total analysis system can be reduced in size.

JP 2005-297102 A

  However, the micro total analysis system also requires a valve mechanism for opening and closing the micro flow channel and switching connection of the micro flow channel together with the micro pump system. Conventionally, this valve mechanism has been externally attached to the substrate. For this reason, even if the micropump system described in Patent Document 1 is used, it has been difficult to sufficiently miniaturize a microfluidic device such as a micro total analysis system. In addition, it is difficult to manufacture a microfluidic device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to reduce the size and facilitate the manufacture of a microfluidic device having a pump mechanism and a valve mechanism.

  A microfluidic device according to the present invention includes a microfluidic device having a pump mechanism that supplies gas to a first microchannel, and a valve mechanism that opens and closes between the first microchannel and the second microchannel. It is a device. The microfluidic device according to the present invention includes a substrate, a first gas generating film, a second gas generating film, a first external stimulus applying mechanism, and a second external stimulus applying mechanism. The substrate has first and second main surfaces facing each other. A first microchannel and a second microchannel are formed on the substrate. Each of the both ends of the first microchannel is open to the first main surface. At least one end of the second microchannel is open to the first main surface. The first gas generating film is adhered to the first main surface of the substrate so as to cover one end of the first microchannel. The first gas generating film generates gas by receiving an external stimulus. The second gas generation film adheres to the first main surface of the substrate so as to cover the other end of the first microchannel and at least one end of the second microchannel. ing. The second gas generating film generates gas by receiving an external stimulus. The first external stimulus applying mechanism applies an external stimulus to the first gas generating film. The second external stimulus applying mechanism applies an external stimulus to the second gas generating film. The first gas generating film and the first external stimulus applying mechanism constitute a pump mechanism. A valve mechanism is constituted by the second gas generating film and the second external stimulus applying mechanism.

  In a specific aspect of the microfluidic device according to the present invention, when an external stimulus is applied to the second gas generating film, a part of the second gas generating film is peeled off from the substrate, whereby the first micro The flow path and the second micro flow path are connected.

  In another specific aspect of the microfluidic device according to the present invention, each of the first and second gas generating films has a film base and an adhesive layer that adheres the film base and the substrate. The layer includes an adhesive having adhesiveness and a gas generating agent that generates gas in response to an external stimulus.

  In another specific aspect of the microfluidic device according to the present invention, the gel fraction is in the range of 75 wt% to 80 wt%. According to this configuration, the gas generated in the gas generating film can be concentrated on the interface between the gas generating film and the substrate. Therefore, the valve mechanism and the pump mechanism operate effectively. If the gel fraction is too small, the generated gas may foam in the adhesive matrix, and if the gel fraction is too large, diffusion of gas molecules to the surface may be hindered.

  In still another specific aspect of the microfluidic device according to the present invention, the external stimulus is light, and each of the first and second external stimulus applying mechanisms is configured by a light emitting mechanism. By using external stimuli as light, photochemical reactions can be used to control gas generation. For example, compared with the case where external stimuli are heat, electricity, high energy rays, or ultrasonic waves, control of gas generation Becomes easier. For example, it is possible to accurately generate the amount of gas desired to be generated.

  In still another specific aspect of the microfluidic device according to the present invention, each of the first and second external stimulus applying mechanisms is an LED. A low-power LED has a small amount of heat generation, is easy to control and is inexpensive. Therefore, according to this configuration, an easily controlled and inexpensive microfluidic device can be realized.

  In another specific aspect of the microfluidic device according to the present invention, the substrate includes a third microchannel that is connected to an intermediate portion of the first microchannel, and the first or second main surface. Are further formed, and the fourth microchannel having a smaller channel cross-sectional area than the second microchannel is formed. ing. According to this configuration, it is possible to switch whether the liquid in the first microchannel flows to the second microchannel side or the third microchannel side by driving the valve mechanism.

  In still another specific aspect of the microfluidic device according to the present invention, the first microfluidic device has a portion on the pump mechanism side of a portion of the first microchannel that is connected to the third microchannel. A concentration unit for concentrating the solution supplied to the channel is provided, and the portion of the first microchannel closer to the valve mechanism than the portion to which the third microchannel is connected is included in the solution. A detection unit for detecting the substance is provided.

  In still another specific aspect of the microfluidic device according to the present invention, the microfluidic device is formed on surfaces of the first and second gas generating films opposite to the substrates, and the first and second The gas generating film further includes a barrier layer that suppresses leakage of the gas generated from the surface opposite to the substrate of the gas generating film. According to this configuration, it is possible to effectively suppress the gas generated in the gas generating film from leaking to the side opposite to the substrate. Therefore, the gas generated in the gas generating film can be efficiently guided to the substrate side. Therefore, the pump mechanism and the valve mechanism can be operated efficiently.

  In still another specific aspect of the microfluidic device according to the present invention, the barrier layer is formed of a film or substrate made of glass, resin, or metal.

  In still another specific aspect of the microfluidic device according to the present invention, the first gas generating film and the second gas generating film are integrally formed. According to this configuration, the configuration of the microfluidic device can be simplified. Also, the manufacture of the microfluidic device becomes easier.

  In the present invention, the pump mechanism and the valve mechanism are partly constituted by the first and second gas generating films adhered to the substrate, and the first and second gas generating films are selectively externally stimulated. By providing the above, the pump mechanism and the valve mechanism operate. For this reason, the microfluidic device of the present invention has a very simple structure and is small. In addition, the microfluidic device of the present invention can be easily manufactured only by adhering the first and second gas generating films to the substrate and arranging the first and second external stimulus applying mechanisms.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a microfluidic device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a microfluidic device with a pump mechanism activated. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a microfluidic device with a valve mechanism activated. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a microfluidic device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 4. It is a schematic sectional drawing of a part of microfluidic device concerning a modification.

(First embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the microfluidic device 1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the microfluidic device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example. The present invention is not limited to this microfluidic device 1.

  The application of the microfluidic device 1 is not particularly limited. The microfluidic device 1 may be, for example, a microanalytical device for performing heavy metal analysis, biochemical analysis, electrochemical analysis, gene analysis, immunological analysis, and other affinity analysis, and performs organic synthesis, for example. May be for.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the microfluidic device 1 includes a substrate 10. The substrate 10 includes first and second main surfaces 10a and 10b that face each other.

  The material of the substrate 10 is not particularly limited. The substrate 10 may be made of glass or resin, for example. Specifically, the substrate 10 may be made of, for example, an organosiloxane compound. Specific examples of the organic siloxane compound include polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS: poly (dimethylsiloxane)), polymethylhydrogensiloxane, and the like.

  First and second microchannels 11 and 15 are formed on the substrate 10. The first microchannel 11 and the second microchannel 15 are independent channels.

  In this specification, the term “microchannel” means that the liquid flowing through the microchannel is strongly affected by surface tension and capillary action, and behaves differently from the liquid flowing through a channel of normal dimensions. It refers to a channel formed in a shape and dimension. That is, the “micro flow channel” refers to a flow channel formed in a shape and dimension in which a so-called micro effect appears in the liquid flowing through the micro flow channel.

  However, the shape and dimension of the channel in which the micro effect appears depends on the physical properties of the liquid introduced into the channel. For example, when the microchannel has a rectangular cross section, generally, the smaller of the height and width in the cross section of the microchannel is 5 mm or less, preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 200 μm. Set to: When the microchannel has a circular cross section, the diameter of the microchannel is generally set to 5 mm or less, preferably 500 μm or less, more preferably 200 μm or less.

  Each of the both end portions 11a and 11b of the first microchannel 11 is open to the first main surface 10a. The end 15a of the second microchannel 15 is also open to the first main surface 10a.

  The substrate 10 is formed with a liquid supply port 13 and a liquid discharge port 12 connected to a portion of the first microchannel 11 on the end 11a side. The liquid supply port 13 is open on the second main surface 10 b of the substrate 10. The liquid supply port 13 is a port for supplying the liquid 16 to the first microchannel 11. The liquid supply port 13 is opened only when the liquid 16 is supplied to the first microchannel 11, and the rest is closed by the closing member 14.

  The liquid discharge port 12 opens on the second main surface 10 b of the substrate 10. The liquid discharge port 12 is a port for discharging the liquid 16 in the first microchannel 11. The channel cross-sectional area of the liquid discharge port 12 is set smaller than the channel cross-sectional area of the second micro channel 15.

  A gas generation film 17 is provided on the first main surface 10 a of the substrate 10. The gas generating film 17 is provided so as to cover both end portions 11 a and 11 b of the first microchannel 11 and the end portion 15 a of the second microchannel 15. The gas generating film 17 is adhered to the first main surface 10a.

  The gas generating film 17 is a film that generates gas by receiving an external stimulus. The external stimulus may be, for example, heat, light, current, high energy ray, ultrasonic wave, physical pressure, or the like. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, a case where the external stimulus is light will be described.

  On the opposite side of the gas generating film 17 from the substrate 10, a barrier layer 18 is formed. This barrier layer 18 is for suppressing the gas generated in the gas generating film 17 from leaking from the surface of the gas generating film 17 opposite to the substrate 10. By providing this barrier layer 18, the gas generated in the gas generating film 17 can be efficiently guided to the substrate 10 side. Therefore, the later-described valve mechanism 1b and pump mechanism 1a can be operated efficiently.

  The barrier layer 18 is preferably one that does not easily allow gas to pass therethrough. Specifically, the barrier layer 18 preferably has a slower gas diffusion rate than the adhesive layer 17b, more preferably has a lower gas diffusion rate than the film substrate 17a, and the adhesive layer. It is more preferable that the gas diffusion rate is slower by one digit or more than 17b and the film substrate 17a.

  Moreover, when the photoresponsive gas generating agent generates gas by light irradiation, the barrier layer 18 preferably transmits light.

  The barrier layer 18 can be composed of, for example, a resin, glass, or metal film, film, or substrate. Examples of the material of the barrier layer 18 include polyacryl, polyolefin, polycarbonate, vinyl chloride resin, ABS resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, polystyrene resin, nylon resin, urethane resin, polyimide resin, epoxy resin, glass, and metal. Is mentioned.

  As shown in FIG. 1, first and second LEDs 20 a and 20 b are provided on the gas generation film 17 side of the substrate 10 as light emitting mechanisms constituting the first and second external stimulus applying mechanisms. Yes. The first LED 20a as the first external stimulus applying mechanism is a light as an external stimulus on the first portion 17c of the gas generating film 17 covering the first end portion 11a of the first microchannel 11. Irradiate. On the other hand, the second LED 20b as the second external stimulus applying mechanism is between the second end portion 11b of the first microchannel 11 of the substrate 10 and the end portion 15a of the second microchannel 15. The second portion 17d of the gas generating film 17 covering the portion located at is irradiated with light as an external stimulus.

  In the present embodiment, the pump mechanism 1 a is configured by the first LED 20 a and the first portion 17 c of the gas generating film 17. Gas is supplied to the first microchannel 11 by the pump mechanism 1a. The second LED 20b and the second portion 17d of the gas generating film 17 constitute a valve mechanism 1b. The valve mechanism 1b opens and closes between the first microchannel 11 and the second microchannel 15. Specifically, the valve mechanism 1 b has a function of communicating the first microchannel 11 and the second microchannel 15.

  In addition, the radiation intensity of the light of the first and second LEDs 20a and 20b can be, for example, about 10 mW to 100 mW. The wavelength range of the light of the first and second LEDs 20a and 20b can be, for example, ultraviolet light or visible violet light of about 310 nm to 410 nm.

  Moreover, you may use ultraviolet light sources other than LED, such as a cold cathode ray tube, an EL element, a plasma light emitting element, and a micro low pressure mercury lamp, as a 1st and 2nd external stimulus provision mechanism.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the case where the 1st part 17c and the 2nd part 17d were comprised by the same film was demonstrated. However, the 1st part 17c and the 2nd part 17d may be comprised by the separate film.

  Next, the operation of the microfluidic device 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when light is not irradiated from the second LED 20 b, the second portion 17 d of the gas generating film 17 is adhered to the first main surface 10 a of the substrate 10. For this reason, the second end 11b of the first microchannel 11 and the end 15a of the second microchannel 15 are isolated. In this state, as shown in FIG. 2, when light 21 is irradiated from the first LED 20a to the first portion 17c of the gas generating film 17, gas is generated from the first portion 17c. The generated gas is supplied to the first microchannel 11. Thereby, the liquid 16 is transferred. However, as described above, the second end portion 11b of the first microchannel 11 and the end portion 15a of the second microchannel 15 are isolated. The second end 11b of the first microchannel 11 is closed by the second portion 17d. For this reason, the liquid 16 is not transferred to the second end portion 11 b of the first microchannel 11. The liquid 16 is discharged from the liquid discharge port 12.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the second LED 20 b is turned on while the first LED 20 a is turned on, and the second portion 17 d of the gas generation film 17 is irradiated with light 21. Then, the second portion 17d is peeled off from the first main surface 10a of the substrate 10 by the gas. As a result, the first microchannel 11 and the second microchannel 15 communicate with each other. Then, the liquid 16 in the first microchannel 11 is transferred to the second microchannel 15.

  For this reason, in this embodiment, when the first LED 20a is in the lighting state, the flow direction of the liquid 16 can be easily changed by lighting the second LED 20b.

  It is not essential to turn on the first LED 20a and the second LED 20b at the same time, and the first LED 20a may be turned on after the second LED 20b is turned on for a certain period of time. Alternatively, the first LED 20a and the second LED 20b may be pulsed alternately. The first LED 20a may be turned on for a certain period of time, and the second LED 20b may be turned on by increasing the gas pressure in the first flow path.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the gas generating film 17 adhered to the substrate 10 constitutes part of the pump mechanism 1a and the valve mechanism 1b. Then, the pump mechanism 1a and the valve mechanism 1b are operated by selectively applying an external stimulus to the first and second portions 17c and 17d of the gas generating film 17. For this reason, the microfluidic device 1 has a very simple structure and is small. In addition, the microfluidic device 1 can be easily manufactured only by adhering the gas generating film 17 to the substrate 10 and arranging the first and second LEDs 20a and 20b.

  Hereinafter, the details of the gas generating film 17 will be described.

  The gas generating film 17 is not particularly limited as long as it generates gas by receiving external stimulation. The gas generating film 17 can be constituted by, for example, a film base material 17a and an adhesive layer 17b that is provided on the film base material 17a and generates gas by receiving an external stimulus.

  Although the thickness of the adhesion layer 17b is not specifically limited, For example, it can be set as about 30 micrometers-50 micrometers. If the thickness of the adhesive layer 17b is too small, the amount of gas generated decreases, and the output of the pump mechanism 1a to be described later may decrease. If the thickness of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 17b is too large, it takes time to diffuse gas molecules, and the time required until bubbles are formed at the adhesive interface may be too long.

  The film substrate 17a is not particularly limited as long as it transmits light from the LEDs 20a and 20b described later. The film base material 17a can be formed of glass or resin, for example. Specific examples of the resin suitably used as the material for the film substrate 17a include, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, polyacrylic resin, polyolefin resin, polycarbonate resin, vinyl chloride resin, ABS resin, nylon resin, urethane resin, Examples thereof include polyimide resin and silicon resin.

  The adhesive layer 17b includes an adhesive having adhesiveness and a gas generating agent dispersed in the adhesive. And the gel fraction of the adhesion layer 17b shall be in the range of 75 weight%-80 weight%. Thus, gas can be selectively generated at the interface between the substrate 10 and the gas generating film 17 by setting the gel fraction of the adhesive layer 17b within the range of 75 wt% to 80 wt%.

  As an adhesive, for example, an adhesive polymer can be used. The adhesive polymer is not particularly limited as long as it can adhere the film substrate 17a and the substrate 10. The tacky polymer is preferably one that is not cured by an external stimulus applied to generate gas. The adhesive polymer is preferably not cross-linked by an external stimulus, for example. In other words, it is preferable that the adhesive polymer does not have, for example, a crosslinking component that is crosslinked by an external stimulus. By doing so, it can suppress effectively that the gas generating film 17 peels off from the board | substrate 10 after external stimulus provision.

  Specific examples of the adhesive polymer include, for example, rubber-based adhesive resin, acrylic-based adhesive resin, silicon-based adhesive resin, urethane-based adhesive resin, styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymer Examples thereof include system adhesive resin, styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer adhesive resin, epoxy adhesive resin, and isocyanate adhesive resin.

  Especially, as an adhesive polymer, acrylic adhesive resin which has adhesiveness at normal temperature is used especially suitably. As in the case of general (meth) acrylic polymers, the acrylic adhesive resin is, for example, an acrylic acid alkyl ester and methacrylic acid in which the carbon number of the alkyl group as the main monomer is usually in the range of 2-18 It can be obtained by copolymerizing at least one of the alkyl esters, a functional group-containing monomer, and another modifying monomer that can be copolymerized as necessary, by a conventional method. The preferred weight average molecular weight of the functional group-containing (meth) acrylic polymer is usually about 200,000 to 2,000,000.

  The adhesive polymer contains various polyfunctional compounds blended in general adhesives such as isocyanate compounds, melamine compounds, and epoxy compounds as desired for the purpose of adjusting the cohesive force as an adhesive. You may mix | blend suitably. The adhesive layer 17b further includes additives such as a binder such as a binder resin, a plasticizer, a surfactant, a wax, a filler, a fine particle filler, a photochemical reaction sensitizer, and a filler such as a dye. Also good.

  The gas generating agent may be a heat-responsive gas generating agent that generates gas by heat, but here, a case where a photo-responsive gas generating agent that generates gas by light is used will be described.

  The wavelength of light as an external stimulus is not particularly limited. The light as the external stimulus may be, for example, visible light, ultraviolet light, near ultraviolet light, infrared light, or near infrared light. Of these, light having a short wavelength such as ultraviolet light or near ultraviolet light is preferable. Specifically, light having a wavelength of about 310 nm to 410 nm is preferable.

  The photoresponsive gas generating agent may be composed only of a material that generates gas by receiving an external stimulus. In addition, the photoresponsive gas generating agent includes a stimulus generating agent that generates another stimulus by receiving an external stimulus, and a stimulating gas generating agent that generates a gas by receiving a stimulus generated by the stimulus generating agent. May be included. Here, another stimulus may be an acid or an alkali. Further, the stimulus generator may be a material that generates light by receiving heat or a material that generates heat when irradiated with light.

  Examples of the photoresponsive gas generating agent that directly generates gas by receiving an external stimulus include azo compounds such as azoamide compounds and azide compounds. Of these, azo compounds are preferably used. This is because the azo compound is extremely easy to handle because it does not generate gas upon impact. Further, the azo compound dispersed in the binder does not cause a chain reaction and explosively generate a gas, and the generation of gas can be interrupted by interrupting light irradiation.

  Specific examples of the azo compound include, for example, 2,2′-azobis (N-cyclohexyl-2-methylpropionamide), 2,2′-azobis [N- (2-methylpropyl) -2-methylpropionamide]. Etc.

  Specific examples of the azide compound include 3-azidomethyl-3-methyloxetane, terephthalazide, a polymer having an azide group, and the like. Specific examples of the polymer having an azide group include glycidyl azide polymer.

  As a combination of a stimulus generator that generates a stimulus different from a given external stimulus by receiving an external stimulus and a stimulus gas generator that generates a gas by receiving a stimulus generated by the stimulus generator, Examples include photoacid generators and acid stimulating gas generating agents, and photobase generators and base stimulating gas generating agents.

  A photo-acid generator generates an acid when irradiated with light. Specific examples of the photoacid generator include quinonediazide compounds, onium salts, sulfonic acid esters, and organic halogen compounds.

  The acid stimulating gas generating agent generates a gas by contacting with an acid. Specific examples of the acid stimulating gas generating agent include carbonates and bicarbonates.

  The photobase generator generates a base when irradiated with light. Specific examples of the photobase generator include cobalt amine complex, o-nitrobenzyl carbamate, oxime ester and the like.

The base stimulating gas generating agent generates gas by contacting with a base. Specific examples of the base stimulating gas generating agent include a tert-butyloxy group (t-butoxy group) represented by the structural formula of -O-tBu and a tert-butyloxycarbonyl group represented by the structural formula of -CO-O-tBu. (T-butoxycarbonyl group), tert-butyl carbonate group (t-butoxycarbonyloxy group) represented by the structural formula of -O-CO-O-tBu, keto acid and keto acid ester group, etc. as degradable functional groups Examples thereof include organic molecules and polymers. Incidentally, -tBu represents a -C _{(CH 3)} 3. These compounds are decomposed by an acid or a base to generate a gas composed of isobutene, carbon dioxide and the like.

  Moreover, you may comprise a photoresponsive gas generating agent with a photobase generator and a base growth agent.

  In the present invention, the acid generator or the base generator is not limited to the above examples, and is generally used in a chemically amplified photoresist, photocation polymerization, and the like. What is called an agent can be used.

  The photoresponsive gas generating agent preferably further contains a photosensitizer. By including a photosensitizer in the photoresponsive gas generating agent, gas can be generated more rapidly when irradiated with light. The photosensitizer is not particularly limited as long as it is a compound that promotes the decomposition of the gas generating agent by transferring energy to the gas generating agent that generates gas when irradiated with light. Examples of the photosensitizer include thioxanthone and benzophenone.

(Second Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a microfluidic device 3 capable of detecting a substance or a sample contained in a liquid shown in FIG. 4 will be described. In the description of the present embodiment, members having substantially the same function as those of the first embodiment are referred to by the common function, and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the microfluidic device 3 includes a first microchannel 33. One end of the first microchannel 33 is connected to the first port 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the first port 32 opens in the second main surface 10 b of the substrate 10.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a pump mechanism 31 is connected to a connection portion of the first microchannel 33 with the first port 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the pump mechanism 31 has a configuration substantially similar to that of the pump mechanism 1a in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a third microchannel 35 is connected to the middle portion of the first microchannel 33. The third micro flow path 35 is connected to the second port 37 opened to the first or second main surface 10 a, 10 b of the substrate 10 by the fourth micro flow path 36. The fourth microchannel 36 has a smaller channel cross-sectional area than a second microchannel 41 described later.

  The end of the first microchannel 33 opposite to the first port 32 is connected to the second microchannel 41 via the valve mechanism 40. As shown in FIG. 6, the valve mechanism 40 has substantially the same configuration as the valve mechanism 1b in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the end of the second microchannel 41 opposite to the valve mechanism 40 is connected to the third port 42. As shown in FIG. 6, the third port 42 opens in the second main surface 10 b of the substrate 10.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a concentrating portion 34 is provided in a portion closer to the pump mechanism 31 than the connection portion between the first microchannel 11 and the third microchannel 35. The concentrating part 34 is a part for concentrating the liquid supplied from the first port 32 to the first microchannel 11. For example, when the liquid to be detected is an antigen or an antibody, the concentrating part should be composed of an affinity concentrating part to which the antibody or antigen is fixed or a filtration concentrating part capable of filtering and capturing the antigen-antibody complex. Can do.

  In addition, a detection unit 39 is provided in a portion closer to the valve mechanism 40 than the connection portion between the first microchannel 11 and the third microchannel 35.

  Next, an analysis method using the microfluidic device 3 will be described. First, a liquid to be analyzed is supplied from the first port 32 to the first microchannel 33. Next, the first LED 20a is driven to operate the pump mechanism 31. Thereby, the liquid is transferred in the first microchannel 33. Then, the liquid is concentrated by passing through the concentration unit 34. The liquid that has passed through the concentration unit 34 is discharged from the second port 37 via the third microchannel 35 and the fourth microchannel 36.

  Next, an eluent is supplied from the first port 32 into the first microchannel 33. Then, the first LED 20a is driven to operate the pump mechanism 31. At this time, the second LED 20b is also turned on, and the valve mechanism 40 is opened. As a result, the eluent is transferred through the first microchannel 33. Then, when the eluent passes through the concentration unit 34, the detection target is dissolved in the eluent. Here, since the valve mechanism 40 is in the open state, the eluent containing the detection target is phase-shifted to the second microchannel 41 side. Then, the detection unit 39 detects the detection object. Thereafter, the eluent is discharged via the second microchannel 41.

  As described above, by using the microfluidic device 3, for example, a substance can be easily detected.

(Modification)
In the first embodiment, an example in which the first portion 17c constituting a part of the pump mechanism 1a and the second portion 17d constituting a part of the valve mechanism 1b are integrally formed. explained. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. You may provide separately the gas generating film which comprises a part of pump mechanism 1a, and the gas generating film which comprises a part of valve mechanism 1b. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 7, the first gas generation film 17 e formed so as to cover the first end portion 11 a of the first microchannel 11 and the second of the first microchannel 11. The second gas generation film 17f is provided so as to cover the end portion 11b of the second microchannel 15 and the end portion 15a of the second microchannel 15. Even in this case, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained. However, from the viewpoint of ease of manufacture, it is preferable to integrally form the first gas generating film and the second gas generating film as in the first embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,3 ... Microfluidic device 1a ... Pump mechanism 1b ... Valve mechanism 10 ... Board | substrate 10a ... 1st main surface 10b ... 2nd main surface 11 ... 1st microchannel 11a ... 1st edge part 11b ... 1st 2 end portion 12 ... liquid discharge port 13 ... liquid supply port 14 ... closing member 15 ... second microchannel 15a ... end portion 16 ... liquid 17 ... gas generating film 17a ... film base material 17b ... adhesive layer 17c ... first 1 part 17d ... 2nd part 18 ... barrier layer 20a ... 1st LED
20b ... second LED
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 21 ... Light 31 ... Pump mechanism 32 ... 1st port 33 ... 1st microchannel 34 ... Concentration part 35 ... 3rd microchannel 36 ... 4th microchannel 37 ... 2nd port 39 ... Detection Portion 40 ... Valve mechanism 41 ... Second microchannel 42 ... Third port

Claims (11)

A microfluidic device having a pump mechanism for supplying a gas to a first microchannel, and a valve mechanism for opening and closing between the first microchannel and the second microchannel,
The first microchannel having first and second main surfaces facing each other, each of both end portions being open to the first main surface, and at least one end of the first microchannel A substrate on which the second microchannel opening in the main surface is formed;
A first gas generating film that is adhered on the first main surface of the substrate so as to cover one end of the first microchannel, and that generates gas by receiving an external stimulus;
A second gas generating film that adheres to the first main surface of the substrate so as to cover the other end of the first microchannel, and generates gas by receiving an external stimulus;
A first external stimulus applying mechanism for applying an external stimulus to the first gas generating film;
A second external stimulus applying mechanism for applying an external stimulus to the second gas generating film,
The pump mechanism is configured by the first gas generating film and the first external stimulus applying mechanism,
The microfluidic device in which the valve mechanism is configured by the second gas generating film and the second external stimulus applying mechanism.   When an external stimulus is applied to the second gas generation film, a part of the second gas generation film is peeled off from the substrate, whereby the first microchannel and the second microchannel. And the microfluidic device according to claim 1.   Each of the first and second gas generating films has a film base and an adhesive layer that adheres the film base and the substrate, and the adhesive layer has an adhesive having adhesiveness, The microfluidic device according to claim 1, further comprising a gas generating agent that generates gas in response to the external stimulus.   The microfluidic device according to claim 3, wherein the gel fraction of the adhesive layer is in the range of 75 wt% to 80 wt%.   The microfluidic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the external stimulus is light, and each of the first and second external stimulus applying mechanisms is configured by a light emitting mechanism.   The microfluidic device according to claim 5, wherein each of the first and second external stimulus applying mechanisms is an LED.   The substrate includes a third microchannel that is connected to an intermediate portion of the first microchannel, an opening that opens to the first or second main surface, and the opening. The third microchannel is connected to the third microchannel, and a fourth microchannel having a smaller channel area than the second microchannel is further formed. The microfluidic device according to one item. The portion of the first microchannel that is closer to the pump mechanism than the portion to which the third microchannel is connected has a concentrating unit that concentrates the solution supplied to the first microchannel. Provided,
The detection part which detects the substance contained in the said solution is provided in the part by which the said valve mechanism side is located rather than the part to which the said 3rd micro flow path of the said 1st micro flow path is connected. Item 8. The microfluidic device according to Item 7.   The gas generating film is formed on the surface opposite to the substrate, and the gas generated in the first and second gas generating films is opposite to the substrates of the first and second gas generating films. The microfluidic device according to claim 1, further comprising a barrier layer that suppresses leakage from a side surface.   The microfluidic device according to claim 8, wherein the barrier layer is formed of a film or a substrate made of glass, resin, or metal.   The microfluidic device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first gas generation film and the second gas generation film are integrally formed.

Images