Low-temperature protection white matter clamping forceps
By designing low-temperature protected white matter clamping forceps and using semiconductor cooling sheets and negative pressure suction technology, the problems of mechanical damage and uneven cutting were solved, and efficient extraction of high-quality microglia was achieved, thereby improving cell activity and experimental reliability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510825513.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-30
AI Technical Summary
During the extraction of microglial cells, traditional tweezers cause mechanical damage and long operation time, leading to accumulation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and low cell survival rate. Mechanical damage also causes cell membrane rupture or apoptosis. Uneven cut size leads to poor penetration efficiency of digestive enzymes, affecting cell purity and the reproducibility of experimental results.
A cryogenically protected white matter grasping forceps was designed. A semiconductor refrigeration chip was used to reduce the temperature of the forceps tip. Combined with negative pressure suction and a built-in light source, it provided a technical means for negative pressure cell adsorption. Optical fiber was used to introduce and guide light to the forceps tip to assist in deep tissue observation. The forceps tip was designed with an arc structure to increase the contact area, and a built-in blade was used to cut tissue blocks.
It reduces mechanical damage, improves cell activity and extraction efficiency, shortens operation time, and improves cell purity and the reproducibility of experimental results.
Smart Images
Figure CN120714724A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical instruments, and in particular to a pair of tweezers for clamping brain white matter. Background Art
[0002] Microglia, located in the white matter of the brain, are cellular immune targets in ischemic stroke and offer promising therapeutic targets. Currently, research on the immune mechanisms of microglia in stroke is limited, necessitating extensive in vitro and in vivo experiments, which require large numbers of microglia. Because microglia have a poor proliferation capacity and their phenotype changes after passage, multiple extractions of primary microglia are necessary during experiments.
[0003] The current process of extracting primary microglia is as follows: remove the entire brain of a young mouse, clean the pia mater under a microscope or magnifying glass, remove the neuronal cells on the surface of the brain tissue and retain the white matter, then remove the white matter in blocks, and then digest the blocks of white matter into single cells under the action of enzymes. Finally, primary microglia are extracted through a special culture method.
[0004] When isolating primary mouse microglia, researchers often face the following technical difficulties and problems, which directly affect cell viability, purity, and the reproducibility of subsequent experimental results: 1. Mechanical damage: When traditional forceps are used to clamp or scissors are used to cut the white matter, the mechanical squeezing and shearing force can easily lead to microglial cell membrane rupture or apoptosis; approximately 20-30% of cells die due to mechanical damage (verified by trypan blue staining); 2. Manual stripping of the meninges, separation of brain regions, and mincing of white matter are required. This process takes 8-15 minutes per mouse for experienced personnel, but may take longer for novices. Prolonged operation time (>10 minutes) or exposure to room temperature can induce cellular metabolic stress, leading to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and accelerated cell death. 3. Uneven cut sizes lead to different penetration efficiencies of digestive enzymes (such as collagenase / DNase I), resulting in large fluctuations in cell release. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In response to the high requirements of primary microglial cells for tissue activity and integrity, the present invention provides a pair of tweezers with low-temperature protection to quickly obtain high-quality brain white matter samples, thereby improving cell survival rate and extraction efficiency.
[0006] The technical solution of the present invention: A low-temperature protected brain white matter clamping forceps comprises two forceps arms 1, a left forceps arm 1 and a right forceps arm 2. Semiconductor cooling plates 2 are installed at the front ends of the forceps arms 1 to reduce the temperature of the forceps.
[0007] A negative pressure aspirator is installed in one of the forceps arms 1, and the suction tube 4 of the negative pressure aspirator extends to the forceps tip 3. A negative pressure suction hole 33 is opened on the inner wall of the upper half of the forceps tip 3. When clamping white matter, the negative pressure aspirator is activated to absorb the white matter on the upper part of the forceps tip 3.
[0008] The inner wall of the forceps arm 1 has a conduit groove 11 for installing the suction tube 2 and a mounting groove 12 for installing the semiconductor cooling plate 2. The upper end of the mounting groove 12 is connected to two wire grooves, which are located on both sides of the conduit groove 11.
[0009] The forceps tip 3 includes a cavity structure in the upper part and a concave arc surface structure in the lower part. The cavity structure is connected to the suction tube 2, and a negative pressure suction hole 33 is opened in the cavity structure.
[0010] A blade 32 is installed in the concave arc surface structure.
[0011] The forceps tip 3 is a detachable structure, with a threaded hole 31 at the upper end of the forceps tip 3 and a hollow stud 13 at the lower end of the forceps arm 1. The hollow stud 13 is connected to the catheter interface 14, and the catheter interface 14 is inserted into the suction tube 2.
[0012] An LED light source is installed at the upper end of the other tweezers arm 1, which guides light to the tip of the tweezers through the optical fiber 5.
[0013] The surface of the tweezers has nano-level non-slip texture and hydrophobic coating.
[0014] Beneficial effects of the present invention: 1. The semiconductor cooling chip inside the forceps arm can maintain the temperature of the tweezers tip at 4°C, reducing tissue metabolic damage during the sampling process.
[0015] 2. Provide negative pressure adsorption mode: There is a negative pressure suction hole at the tip to connect to the external negative pressure device, which fixes the tissue by gentle adsorption and then clamps it, reducing the risk of mechanical damage.
[0016] 3. The forceps arm has a built-in light source to assist in deep tissue observation.
[0017] 4. The tip of the forceps has an arc-shaped structure that fits the white matter fiber bundles of the brain, increasing the contact area and improving grasping stability.
[0018] 5. Built-in blade can further divide the obtained tissue into tissue blocks of uniform size. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of tweezers.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the inner structure of the forceps arm (showing the installation space for the cooling plate and suction tube).
[0021] Figure 3It is a structural diagram of the forceps arm with the cooling plate and suction tube installed and the forceps tip removed.
[0022] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tweezers tip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Example 1: A cryoprotective white matter grasping forceps comprises two left and right forceps arms 1, each with a semiconductor cooling chip 2 mounted on its inner side. The semiconductor cooling chip 2 is used to reduce the temperature of the forceps. A mounting slot 12 for mounting the semiconductor cooling chip 2 is provided on the inner side of each arm 1. Two wire guides 21 for securing the semiconductor cooling chip 2 are connected to the upper end of the mounting slot 12. The two power supply wires 21 of the semiconductor cooling chip 2 are placed in the two wire guides and led out from the upper end of the forceps to connect to a power source.
[0024] Example 2: A cryogenically protected white matter extraction forceps comprises left and right forceps arms 1, each with a semiconductor cooling plate 2 mounted on its inner side. The semiconductor cooling plate 2 reduces the temperature of the forceps. A suction tube 4 of a negative pressure aspirator is mounted in the left forceps arm 1, extending to a forceps tip 3. A negative pressure suction hole 33 is formed on the inner sidewall of the upper half of the forceps tip 3. When extracting white matter, the negative pressure aspirator is activated to absorb the white matter from the upper portion of the forceps tip 3. The inner sidewall of the forceps arm 1 has a catheter groove 11 for mounting the suction tube 2, as well as an installation groove 12 for mounting the semiconductor cooling plate 2. The upper end of the installation groove 12 is connected to two wire grooves, which are located on either side of the catheter groove 11. The forceps tip 3 is a detachable structure, with a threaded hole 31 at its upper end and a hollow stud 13 at its lower end. The hollow stud 13 is connected to a catheter interface 14, into which the suction tube 2 is inserted. The forceps tip 3 can be removed and installed via the hollow stud 13 and the threaded hole 31. The forceps tip 3 comprises a hollow structure in the upper half and a concave arc-shaped structure in the lower half. A hollow stud 13 directs the negative pressure from the suction tube 2 into the hollow structure of the forceps tip 3, effectively connecting the cavity structure and the suction tube 2. A negative pressure suction hole 33 is defined in the cavity structure. A blade 32 is mounted in the concave arc-shaped structure. An LED light source is mounted at the upper end of the other forceps arm 1, guiding light to the tip of the forceps via an optical fiber 5.
[0025] The tip of the forceps 3 is approximately 5mm wide and blunted to prevent puncture of fragile white matter. The pointed tip is designed to remove the surface layer of brain tissue and the pia mater. The tip features a concave curved surface that conforms to the curved structure of the white matter fiber bundles, increasing contact area and enhancing grip stability. Three built-in ceramic blades further separate the harvested tissue into uniformly sized chunks.
[0026] Surface treatment: Nano-scale anti-slip texture and laser-etched micron-scale horizontal grooves prevent tissue slippage. The surface has a hydrophobic coating to reduce the adhesion of cerebrospinal fluid or blood, maintaining a clear field of vision.
[0027] Material of tweezers arm and grip: Medical grade stainless steel or titanium alloy, lightweight design (total weight <20g), corrosion-resistant and autoclavable.
[0028] Elasticity adjustment: The forceps arms have a preset elastic curvature to provide graded clamping force (0.1-0.5N).
[0029] Ergonomic handle: Silicone non-slip handle fits the thumb and index finger, and the extended fulcrum at the tail reduces operating fatigue.
[0030] Auxiliary function: integrated lighting, the forceps arm has a built-in micro LED light source (cold light, wavelength 450nm), which guides light to the tip through optical fiber to assist in deep tissue observation.
[0031] Working Principle: Before the experiment begins, pre-cool the forceps in a 4°C refrigerator. A semiconductor refrigeration element at the tip of the forceps effectively maintains the tip temperature, minimizing brain tissue damage during the procedure. A vacuum aspirator connected to the right forceps controls the suction pressure. During use, connect suction tube 2 to the vacuum aspirator, using vacuum suction to draw brain tissue into the forceps tip, minimizing brain tissue damage and increasing the survival rate of target cells. The forceps tips are replaceable, allowing specimens of varying sizes to be cut according to different experimental needs, facilitating uniform digestion and processing.
Claims
1. A cryogenically protected white matter gripping forceps, comprising two left and right forceps arms (1), characterized in that: A semiconductor cooling plate (2) is installed inside the tweezers arm (1), and the temperature of the tweezers is reduced by the semiconductor cooling plate (2).
2. The cryoprotective white matter grasping forceps according to claim 1, characterized in that A suction tube (4) of a negative pressure aspirator is installed in one of the forceps arms (1), and the suction tube (4) extends to the forceps tip (3). A negative pressure aspirator hole (33) is provided on the inner side wall of the upper half of the forceps tip (3). When clamping white matter, the negative pressure aspirator is activated to absorb the white matter on the upper part of the forceps tip (3).
3. The cryoprotective white matter grasping forceps according to claim 2, characterized in that The inner wall of the forceps arm (1) has a conduit groove (11) for installing the suction tube (2), and a mounting groove (12) for installing the semiconductor cooling plate (2). The upper end of the mounting groove (12) is connected to two wire grooves, and the two wire grooves are located on both sides of the conduit groove (11).
4. The cryoprotective white matter grasping forceps according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The forceps tip (3) includes a cavity structure in the upper part and an inner concave arc surface structure in the lower part. The cavity structure is connected to the suction tube (2), and a negative pressure suction hole (33) is opened on the cavity structure.
5. The cryoprotective white matter grasping forceps according to claim 4, characterized in that : A blade (32) is installed in the concave arc surface structure.
6. The cryoprotective white matter grasping forceps according to claim 4, characterized in that The forceps tip (3) is a detachable structure, the upper end of the forceps tip (3) is provided with a threaded hole (31), the lower end of the forceps arm (1) is provided with a hollow stud (13), the hollow stud (13) is communicated with the catheter interface (14), and the catheter interface (14) is inserted into the suction tube (2).
7. The cryoprotective white matter grasping forceps according to claim 4, characterized in that : An LED light source is installed at the upper end of the other tweezers arm (1), which guides light to the tip of the tweezers through an optical fiber (5).
8. The cryoprotective white matter grasping forceps according to claim 4, characterized in that :The surface of the tweezers has nano-level non-slip texture and hydrophobic coating.