Drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis and use method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis and a using method thereof.The drug screening device comprises a capillary electrophoresis screening instrument, an electrophoresis drug screening assembly is installed on the upper side of the interior of the capillary electrophoresis screening instrument, and a drug screening conversion assembly is installed at the bottom of the electrophoresis drug screening assembly; the medicine screening conversion assembly comprises a main medicine screening assembly, and an auxiliary medicine screening assembly is installed on one side of the main medicine screening assembly. According to the drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis and the using method thereof, through collaborative design of the main drug screening assembly and the auxiliary drug screening assembly, automatic and alternate switching of the main test tube rack and the auxiliary test tube rack is achieved; when a batch of samples are being detected, an operator can prepare for a next batch of samples, and the samples are automatically changed through the device, so that the waiting time for switching the samples of the previous batch and the next batch is greatly shortened, nearly continuous drug screening is realized, and the experimental flux and the overall efficiency are remarkably improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of drug screening, in particular to a drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis and a method of using the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Increasingly complex biological samples and diverse qualitative and quantitative analysis requirements pose increasingly high challenges to analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis. Among numerous analysis methods, high performance capillary electrophoresis (HPCE) is widely used for its rapidity, high efficiency, automation, high sensitivity, and low sample consumption. Among existing HPCE detectors, ultraviolet detectors are most widely used, and substances with good ultraviolet absorption can be captured by the detector.

[0003] HPCE technology is widely used in the field of biological medicine, and has good application prospects in drug screening and research of intermolecular interactions. In the work of anti-tumor drug screening, previous studies extracted and separated specific protein receptors on the surface of tumor cells, and then used HPCE to study intermolecular interactions with the specific protein receptors as the stationary phase, successfully screening out lead compounds that interact with specific protein receptors. Traditional Chinese medicine preparations are complex and diverse, and the effective components are not accurate and clear enough, which has always been a big challenge in clinical application. If the effective components of these traditional Chinese medicine mixtures can be clearly identified, and the ineffective components or toxic components in the preparation can be simplified, it will bring new development to many traditional Chinese medicine mixtures.

[0004] Among the patents related to capillary electrophoresis instruments for drug screening, the Chinese patent with publication number CN110618184B discloses a high-efficiency capillary electrophoresis detection system, detection method and application. The system includes a separation buffer bottle, two electrodes, a front-end capillary, a connector, a rear-end capillary, a high-voltage power supply, a signal amplification device, a current detector, a UV detector, a diode array detector or a laser-induced fluorescence detector. The detection system is suitable for qualitative and quantitative analysis of inorganic compounds, amino acids, sugars, peptides, proteins, lipids, DNA, RNA, organic small molecules and other substances, intermolecular interactions and drug screening, etc. when using one or multiple detectors simultaneously. While the aforementioned device can identify sample components that interact with targets in biological materials and elucidate structure-activity relationships, in practical use, the capillary electrophoresis apparatus has two rows of different array sample tubes. This design is based on high-throughput screening requirements and experimental functional zoning. The two rows of array sample tubes can each carry different types of samples (such as experimental drug libraries / control group standards). Combined with the multi-channel sample introduction module of the capillary array, it enables continuous operation of "one set of sample introduction and separation and one set of sample preparation," avoiding equipment downtime caused by refilling single-row sample tubes and improving screening efficiency. In actual operation, after one set of drug samples has been screened, the test tube rack carrying the drug samples needs to be removed from the test station at the bottom of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus, and then another set of drug sample test tube racks needs to be refilled. Manual handling can easily cause positioning deviations of the test tube racks, which may affect the alignment accuracy of subsequent samples and capillaries, leading to a decrease in the repeatability of the detection results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis and its usage method, so as to solve the defects mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, a drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis is provided, including a capillary electrophoresis screening instrument. An electrophoretic drug screening component is installed on the upper side inside the capillary electrophoresis screening instrument, and a drug screening conversion component is installed at the bottom of the electrophoretic drug screening component. The drug screening conversion component includes a main drug screening component, and a secondary drug screening component is installed on one side of the main drug screening component. A main switching plate is provided on the main drug screening component, and a drive seat is provided at the bottom of the main switching plate. An accommodating opening is opened inside the drive seat, and an interference seat is inserted inside the accommodating opening. The main switching plate is fixed on the top of the interference seat.

[0007] As an improvement to the above scheme, the main drug screening component and the auxiliary drug screening component are horizontally distributed and move synchronously. An auxiliary switching plate is installed on one side of the main switching plate, and multiple sets of guide rods are equidistantly arranged at the bottom of the main switching plate. The guide rods are inserted into the guide channels opened on the drive seat.

[0008] As an improvement to the above solution, both the secondary switching plate and the main switching plate are provided with multiple sets of limiting seats, and the limiting seats are in the shape of "L". The secondary switching plate is provided with two sets of secondary test tube racks, and the secondary test tube racks are positioned and installed on the secondary switching plate by multiple sets of limiting seats; the main switching plate is provided with two sets of main test tube racks, and the main test tube racks are positioned and installed on the main switching plate by multiple sets of limiting seats.

[0009] As an improvement to the above solution, two sets of interference seats are installed on both sides of the bottom of the main switching plate, and an interference frame is fixed at the bottom of the interference seat. The bottom of the interference frame is rotatably connected to a wheel, and a passive frame is provided on one side of each set of wheels.

[0010] As an improvement to the above solution, a descending hole is provided through the passive frame, and a horizontal hole A is provided on one side of the descending hole, and a horizontal hole B is provided on the other side of the descending hole. The widths of the horizontal hole A, the descending hole and the horizontal hole B are the same. The main switching plate moves laterally and is driven to rise and fall by the wheels, the horizontal hole A, the descending hole and the horizontal hole B. The wheels are rolled inside the horizontal hole A, the descending hole and the horizontal hole B.

[0011] As an improvement to the above solution, a drive frame is fixed on the side wall of the drive seat, and the drive frame is U-shaped. A transmission pulley is fixed inside the drive frame, and a transmission belt is provided on both sides of the transmission pulley. At the same time, a lower wheel assembly is installed on one side of the transmission belt, and an upper wheel assembly is installed on the upper side of the lower wheel assembly. The upper wheel assembly and the lower wheel assembly are driven by a belt.

[0012] As an improvement to the above scheme, the upper wheel group is located on one side of the auxiliary drug screening component, and a guide sleeve is fixed on one side of the auxiliary drug screening component. A guide post is inserted inside the guide sleeve, and the guide post is fixed inside the capillary electrophoresis screening instrument.

[0013] As an improvement to the above solution, a transmission seat is installed on the other side of the auxiliary drug screening component, and a reciprocating screw is screwed inside the transmission seat. The reciprocating screw is movably connected inside the capillary electrophoresis screening instrument. A main shaft is fixed at the end of the reciprocating screw, and the main shaft is fixed to the output shaft of a motor installed inside the capillary electrophoresis screening instrument. An upper wheel assembly is installed at the end of the reciprocating screw, and the rotation of the reciprocating screw drives the main drug screening component to move laterally through the upper wheel assembly, lower wheel assembly, transmission pulley, transmission belt, and drive frame.

[0014] As an improvement to the above solution, the electrophoretic drug screening component includes a cartridge with a capillary tube inserted through it. The capillary tube is equipped with a connector. The electrophoretic drug screening component also includes a high-voltage power supply with a positive terminal installed on one side and a negative terminal installed on the other side.

[0015] A method of using a drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis includes the following steps: S1: Device Initialization and Sample Loading First, precisely position and install the pre-prepared main and auxiliary test tube racks, each carrying multiple sets of drug samples, into the limiting seats on the main and auxiliary switching plates, respectively, ensuring that the position of each sample tube is fixed. At the same time, ensure that the capillary array in the cartridge of the electrophoresis drug screening component is correctly installed, and that the connector at its end is connected to the high-voltage power supply circuit, and place the sample inlet and detection ends of the capillary array in the initial working position. Inject an appropriate amount of buffer solution and the drug sample to be tested into the sample tubes in the test tube rack. S2: Automatic Switching and Sample Alignment The drive motor of the drug screening conversion component is started, and the motor output shaft drives the main shaft and reciprocating screw to rotate. Through the transmission of the upper wheel group, lower wheel group, transmission belt and drive frame, the main drug screening component is driven to move laterally. The wheels at the bottom of the main switching plate move along the trajectory on the passive frame, controlling the main test tube rack to descend precisely, so that the sample tube opening and the capillary injection end inside are automatically and accurately aligned. The auxiliary drug screening component moves synchronously through the guidance of the guide sleeve and guide column, preparing for the next switch. S3: Sample introduction and high-voltage electrophoresis separation After sample localization, the standard procedure for capillary array electrophoresis is performed. First, a trace amount of drug sample from a specific sample tube in the main test tube rack is introduced into the capillary inlet using pressure or electric field injection. Then, the high-voltage power supply is turned on, and a stable high voltage is applied to both ends of the capillary array through the positive and negative terminals of the power supply to form a strong electric field. Under the action of this electric field, due to the differences in charge, size, and hydrophobicity of different components in the sample, their migration rates in the capillary are different, thereby achieving efficient and rapid separation in the capillary channel. S4: Online Detection and Data Acquisition As the components in the sample separate within the capillary and sequentially reach the online detection window, the integrated optical detector of the device performs real-time and continuous detection of the flowing components, converting the optical signal into an electrical signal. The data acquisition system simultaneously records the migration time and signal intensity of each component, forming an electrophoretic pattern that can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis, thus completing the acquisition of screening data for the current batch of drug samples. S5: Automatic Reset and Continuous Screening After the current batch of samples is screened, the drive motor rotates in the opposite direction, and through the aforementioned transmission mechanism, the main switching plate lifts the tested main test tube rack and moves it laterally out of the testing station. At the same time, driven by mechanisms such as the reciprocating screw, the auxiliary drug screening component moves the auxiliary test tube rack carrying the new batch of drug samples synchronously and precisely positions it to the testing station, repeating the sample injection and separation detection process in steps three and four. This cycle is repeated to achieve automatic, alternating switching and continuous operation of the main and auxiliary test tube racks until high-throughput and high-reproducibility screening of all batches of drug samples is completed.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. This invention achieves automatic and alternating switching between the main test tube rack and the auxiliary test tube rack through the collaborative design of the main drug screening component and the auxiliary drug screening component; when a batch of samples is being tested, the operator can prepare for the next batch of samples and the device can automatically complete the sample switching, which greatly reduces the waiting time for switching between batches of samples, realizes near-continuous drug screening, and significantly improves experimental throughput and overall efficiency. 2. This invention, through the cooperation of the guide rod and the guide channel, and the forced movement trajectory of the wheels in the horizontal holes A, the descending holes and the horizontal holes B of the passive frame, ensures that each set of test tube racks can achieve an extremely consistent spatial position when entering the testing station; it eliminates the positioning deviation that is difficult to avoid when manually placing test tube racks, and ensures that the relative position of the capillary tube and the sample liquid surface is constant during each sample injection, thereby greatly improving the repeatability and reliability of the test results. 3. This invention is designed with two sets of screening components, a main set and a secondary set, which have the ability to process in parallel and switch quickly, making the screening process more flexible. At the same time, the entire transmission and positioning mechanism is structurally sound and the motion trajectory is controllable, ensuring the stability and durability of the equipment under long-term, high-frequency operation, and providing reliable hardware support for the smooth progress of drug screening projects. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the capillary electrophoresis screening instrument of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drug screening and conversion component of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main drug screening component and the auxiliary drug screening component of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a top view of the main drug screening component and the auxiliary drug screening component of the present invention. Figure 6 The structure of this invention Figure 4 Top view Figure 7 This is a side view of the main drug screening component and the auxiliary drug screening component of the present invention. Figure 8 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the installation structure of the main drug screening component and the auxiliary drug screening component of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the main drug screening component of the present invention.

[0018] Figure Labels 100. Capillary electrophoresis screening instrument; 200. Electrophoretic drug screening component; 21. Cartridge; 22. Capillary; 23. Connector; 24. High voltage power supply; 241. Positive power supply terminal; 242. Negative power supply terminal; 300. Drug screening conversion component; 31. Main drug screening component; 311. Main switching plate; 3110. Guide rod; 312. Limiting seat; 313. Main test tube rack; 314. Drive seat; 3141. Drive frame; 315. Receiving port; 316. 317. Interference seat; 318. Interference frame; 319. Wheel; 310. Passive frame; 3191. Horizontal hole A; 3192. Descending hole; 3193. Horizontal hole B; 32. Sub-drug screening assembly; 321. Sub-switching plate; 322. Sub-test tube rack; 323. Guide sleeve; 324. Guide column; 325. Transmission seat; 326. Reciprocating lead screw; 327. Main shaft; 328. Upper wheel group; 3281. Lower wheel group; 3282. Transmission pulley; 3283. Transmission belt. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Example 1 A drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the device includes a capillary electrophoresis screening instrument 100. An electrophoretic drug screening component 200 is installed on the upper side inside the capillary electrophoresis screening instrument 100, and a drug screening conversion component 300 is installed at the bottom of the electrophoretic drug screening component 200. The drug screening conversion component 300 includes a main drug screening component 31, and a secondary drug screening component 32 is installed on one side of the main drug screening component 31. A main switching plate 311 is provided on the main drug screening component 31, and a drive seat 314 is provided at the bottom of the main switching plate 311. A receiving port 315 is opened inside the drive seat 314, and an interference seat 316 is inserted inside the receiving port 315. The main switching plate 311 is fixed on the top of the interference seat 316.

[0021] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown: the main drug screening component 31 and the auxiliary drug screening component 32 are horizontally distributed and move synchronously. The auxiliary switching plate 321 is installed on one side of the main switching plate 311. Multiple sets of guide rods 3110 are equidistantly provided at the bottom of the main switching plate 311, and the guide rods 3110 are inserted into the guide channel opened on the drive seat 314.

[0022] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown: Both the secondary switching plate 321 and the main switching plate 311 are provided with multiple sets of limiting seats 312, and the limiting seats 312 are in the shape of "L". The secondary switching plate 321 is provided with two sets of secondary test tube racks 322, and the secondary test tube racks 322 are positioned and installed on the secondary switching plate 321 by the multiple sets of limiting seats 312. The main switching plate 311 is provided with two sets of main test tube racks 313, and the main test tube racks 313 are positioned and installed on the main switching plate 311 by the multiple sets of limiting seats 312.

[0023] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown: Two sets of interference seats 316 are installed on both sides of the bottom of the main switching plate 311, and an interference frame 317 is fixed at the bottom of the interference seat 316. The bottom of the interference frame 317 is rotatably connected to a wheel 318, and a passive frame 319 is provided on one side of each of the two sets of wheels 318.

[0024] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown: A descending hole 3192 is provided through the passive frame 319, and a horizontal hole A3191 is provided on one side of the descending hole 3192, and a horizontal hole B3193 is provided on the other side of the descending hole 3192. The widths of the horizontal hole A3191, the descending hole 3192 and the horizontal hole B3193 are the same. The main switching plate 311 moves laterally and is driven to rise and fall by the wheels 318, the horizontal hole A3191, the descending hole 3192 and the horizontal hole B3193. The wheels 318 are rolled inside the horizontal hole A3191, the descending hole 3192 and the horizontal hole B3193.

[0025] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown: A drive frame 3141 is fixed on the side wall of the drive seat 314, and the drive frame 3141 is U-shaped. A transmission pulley 3282 is fixed inside the drive frame 3141, and a transmission belt 3283 is provided on both sides of the transmission pulley 3282. At the same time, a lower wheel assembly 3281 is installed on one side of the transmission belt 3283, and an upper wheel assembly 328 is installed on the upper side of the lower wheel assembly 3281. The upper wheel assembly 328 and the lower wheel assembly 3281 are driven by a belt.

[0026] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown: the upper wheel group 328 is located on one side of the auxiliary drug screening component 32. A guide sleeve 323 is fixed on one side of the auxiliary drug screening component 32, and a guide post 324 is inserted inside the guide sleeve 323. The guide post 324 is fixed inside the capillary electrophoresis screening instrument 100.

[0027] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 andFigure 9 As shown: A transmission seat 325 is installed on the other side of the auxiliary drug screening component 32, and a reciprocating screw 326 is screwed inside the transmission seat 325. At the same time, the reciprocating screw 326 is movably connected inside the capillary electrophoresis screening instrument 100. A main shaft 327 is fixed at the end of the reciprocating screw 326, and the main shaft 327 is fixed to the output shaft of the motor installed inside the capillary electrophoresis screening instrument 100. An upper wheel group 328 is installed at the end of the reciprocating screw 326, and the reciprocating screw 326 rotates through the upper wheel group 328, the lower wheel group 3281, the transmission pulley 3282, the transmission belt 3283, and the drive frame 3141 to drive the main drug screening component 31 to move laterally.

[0028] Working principle: When the motor inside the capillary electrophoresis screening instrument 100 starts, the motor output shaft drives the main shaft 327 to rotate, thereby driving the reciprocating screw 326 to rotate. The rotation of the reciprocating screw 326 causes the auxiliary drug screening component 32 to move laterally through the transmission seat 325. At the same time, the upper wheel group 328 at the end of the reciprocating screw 326 rotates, driving the lower wheel group 3281 to rotate through the belt drive. The lower wheel group 3281 drives the transmission pulley 3282 to rotate through the transmission belt 3283. The transmission pulley 3282 is fixed on the drive frame 3141, thereby driving the drive frame 3141 to move laterally. The drive frame 3141 drives the main switching plate 311 to move laterally. The main switching plate 311 is guided in the guide channel of the drive seat 314 through the guide rod 3110. The interference seat 316 at the bottom of the main switching plate 311... The wheels 318 on the interference frame 317 roll in the horizontal holes A3191, descent holes 3192 and B3193 of the passive frame 319. When the wheels 318 enter the descent hole 3192 from the horizontal hole A3191, the main switching plate 311 descends. When it enters the horizontal hole B3193 from the descent hole 3192, the main switching plate 311 rises, thereby realizing the raising and lowering of the main test tube rack 313. At the same time, the auxiliary switching plate 321 moves synchronously with the auxiliary drug screening component 32, and the auxiliary test tube rack 322 also moves accordingly. The main drug screening component 31 and the auxiliary drug screening component 32 move horizontally synchronously without motion interference. The wheels 318 roll in the holes on the passive frame 319 to achieve raising and lowering, thereby completing the automatic switching of drug screening and ensuring the efficient and continuous operation of the electrophoresis drug screening component 200. The automatic switching of drug screening is achieved through mechanical transmission and guiding structure, which improves screening efficiency and accuracy, reduces manual intervention, and is stable, reliable and easy to operate, making it suitable for high-throughput drug screening applications. Through the design of the drug screening conversion component 300, especially the synchronous movement of the main drug screening component 31 and the auxiliary drug screening component 32, and the lateral and lifting linkage of the main switching plate 311 and the auxiliary switching plate 321 driven by the reciprocating screw 326, the automatic and precise switching and positioning of the main test tube rack 313 and the auxiliary test tube rack 322 at the test station is realized, completely avoiding the operation caused by manual handling of the test tube racks. The straightness of the lateral movement is ensured by the cooperation of the drive seat 314, the guide rod 3110 and the guide channel. At the same time, the precise rolling trajectory of the wheels 318 in the preset horizontal holes A3191, the descending hole 3192 and the horizontal hole B3193 on the passive frame 319 is used to forcibly control the lifting sequence and position of the main switching plate 311, thereby ensuring that each set of test tube racks can obtain a consistent and accurate final positioning when entering or leaving the working position, fundamentally eliminating the capillary alignment problem caused by human positioning deviation, and significantly improving the repeatability and overall reliability of the test results of different batches of drug screening experiments.

[0029] Example 2 Based on Example 1, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown: The electrophoretic drug screening component 200 includes a cartridge 21, and a capillary tube 22 is inserted through the cartridge 21. A connector 23 is provided on the capillary tube 22. The electrophoretic drug screening component 200 also includes a high-voltage power supply 24, and a positive power supply 241 is installed on one side of the high-voltage power supply 24, while a negative power supply 242 is installed on the other side of the high-voltage power supply 24.

[0030] The integrated cartridge 21 design provides robust support and protection for the capillary 22, ensuring the precise arrangement and positioning of the capillary array, thereby guaranteeing the consistency of high-throughput separation. The connector 23 on the capillary 22 enables a fast and reliable electrical connection between the capillary and the high-voltage power supply 24. A stable high voltage is applied through the positive and negative terminals 241 and 242 of the power supply, forming a uniform and efficient electric field inside the capillary array, thereby driving the sample to achieve rapid and high-resolution electrophoretic separation. This integrated structure combines the capillary array, electrical interface, and high-voltage power supply system into one unit, simplifying the operation process. It not only significantly improves the efficiency and throughput of drug screening, but also greatly enhances the repeatability of detection and the reliability of results due to the precise positioning of key components and the stability of the electric field.

[0031] A method of using a drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis includes the following steps: S1: Device Initialization and Sample Loading First, the pre-prepared main test tube rack 313 and auxiliary test tube rack 322, each carrying multiple sets of drug samples, are precisely positioned and installed in the limiting seats 312 on the main switching plate 311 and auxiliary switching plate 321, respectively, to ensure that the position of each sample test tube is fixed. At the same time, it is ensured that the capillary array 22 in the cartridge 21 of the electrophoresis drug screening component 200 is correctly installed, and that the connector 23 at its end is connected to the high-voltage power supply 24 circuit. The sample inlet and detection ends of the capillary array are placed in the initial working position. An appropriate amount of buffer solution and the drug sample to be tested are injected into the sample tubes in the test tube rack. S2: Automatic Switching and Sample Alignment The drive motor of the drug screening conversion component 300 is started, and the motor output shaft drives the main shaft 327 and the reciprocating lead screw 326 to rotate. Through the transmission of the upper wheel group 328, the lower wheel group 3281, the transmission belt 3283 and the drive frame 3141, the main drug screening component 31 is driven to move laterally. The wheels 318 at the bottom of the main switching plate 311 move along the track horizontal holes A3191, the descending hole 3192 and the horizontal hole B3193 on the passive frame 319, controlling the main test tube rack 313 to descend precisely, so that the sample tube opening inside is automatically and accurately aligned with the sample inlet of the capillary tube 22. The auxiliary drug screening component 32 moves synchronously through the guidance of the guide sleeve 323 and the guide column 324, preparing for the next switch. S3: Sample introduction and high-voltage electrophoresis separation After sample localization, the standard procedure for capillary array electrophoresis is performed. First, a trace amount of drug sample from a specific sample tube in the main test tube rack 313 is introduced into the inlet end of the capillary 22 via pressure or electric field injection. Then, the high-voltage power supply 24 is turned on, and a stable high voltage is applied to both ends of the capillary array through the positive terminal 241 and the negative terminal 242 of the power supply to form a strong electric field. Under the action of this electric field, due to the differences in charge, size, and hydrophobicity of different components in the sample, such as drug molecules and metabolites, their migration rates in the capillary 22 are different, thereby achieving efficient and rapid separation in the capillary 22 channel. S4: Online Detection and Data Acquisition When the components in the sample are separated in the capillary 22 and arrive at the online detection window in sequence, the optical detectors integrated into the device, such as laser-induced fluorescence or ultraviolet absorption detectors, will detect the flowing components in real time and continuously, converting the optical signals into electrical signals; the data acquisition system will simultaneously record the migration time and signal intensity of each component, forming an electrophoretic pattern that can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis, and completing the acquisition of screening data for the current batch of drug samples; S5: Automatic Reset and Continuous Screening After the current batch of samples is screened, the drive motor rotates in the opposite direction, and through the aforementioned transmission mechanism, the main switching plate 311 lifts the tested main test tube rack 313 and moves it laterally out of the testing station. At the same time, driven by mechanisms such as the reciprocating screw 326, the auxiliary drug screening component 32 moves the auxiliary test tube rack 322 carrying the new batch of drug samples synchronously and precisely positions it to the testing station, repeating the sample injection and separation detection process in steps three and four. This cycle is repeated to achieve automatic, alternating switching and continuous operation of the main and auxiliary test tube racks 322 until high-throughput and high-reproducibility screening of all batches of drug samples is completed. Through the collaborative design of the main drug screening component 31 and the auxiliary drug screening component 32, the automatic and alternating switching of the main test tube rack 313 and the auxiliary test tube rack 322 is achieved. When one batch of samples is being tested, the operator can prepare for the next batch of samples and the device can automatically complete the sample change, greatly reducing the waiting time for switching between batches of samples, achieving near-continuous drug screening, and significantly improving experimental throughput and overall efficiency. Through a precise mechanical structure, such as the cooperation between the guide rod 3110 and the guide channel, and the forced movement trajectory of the wheels 318 in the horizontal holes A3191, descent holes 3192 and B3193 of the passive frame 319, it is ensured that each set of test tube racks can reach an extremely consistent spatial position when entering the testing station. This mechanized precise positioning fundamentally eliminates the positioning deviation that is difficult to avoid when manually placing test tube racks, ensuring that the relative position of the capillary tube 22 and the sample liquid surface is constant during each sample injection, thereby greatly improving the repeatability and reliability of the test results. The entire screening process, from the movement and positioning of the test tube rack to the switching, is automatically completed by transmission mechanisms such as the motor-driven reciprocating screw 326, minimizing manual intervention. This not only reduces the technical requirements and labor intensity of operators but also avoids errors caused by human error or fatigue, making large-scale, long-term automated drug screening possible. The electrophoretic drug screening component 200 adopts an integrated cartridge design 21, which integrates the capillary array, connector 23, and high-voltage power interface positive and negative terminals 241 and 242 into a stable module. This design not only ensures the precise arrangement of the capillary array itself but also ensures the stable application of the high-voltage electric field required for electrophoretic separation, providing a solid foundation for obtaining high-resolution, high-quality separation data, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of the screening results. This device is designed with two sets of screening components, a main one and a secondary one, which have the ability to process in parallel and switch quickly, making the screening process more flexible. At the same time, the entire transmission and positioning mechanism is structurally robust and the motion trajectory is controllable, ensuring the stability and durability of the equipment under long-term, high-frequency operation, and providing reliable hardware support for the smooth progress of drug screening projects.

Claims

1. A drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis, comprising a capillary electrophoresis screening instrument (100), characterized in that: The capillary electrophoresis screening instrument (100) has an electrophoretic drug screening component (200) installed on its upper side, and a drug screening conversion component (300) is installed at the bottom of the electrophoretic drug screening component (200). The drug screening conversion component (300) includes a main drug screening component (31), and a secondary drug screening component (32) is installed on one side of the main drug screening component (31). The main drug screening component (31) is provided with a main switching plate (311), and a drive seat (314) is provided at the bottom of the main switching plate (311). The drive seat (314) has an opening (315) inside, and an interference seat (316) is inserted inside the opening (315). The main switching plate (311) is fixed at the top of the interference seat (316).

2. The drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main drug screening component (31) and the auxiliary drug screening component (32) are horizontally distributed and move synchronously. An auxiliary switching plate (321) is installed on one side of the main switching plate (311). Multiple sets of guide rods (3110) are provided at equal intervals at the bottom of the main switching plate (311), and the guide rods (3110) are inserted into the guide channel opened on the drive seat (314).

3. The drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis according to claim 2, characterized in that: Both the secondary switching plate (321) and the main switching plate (311) are provided with multiple sets of limiting seats (312), and the limiting seats (312) are "L" shaped. The secondary switching plate (321) is provided with two sets of secondary test tube racks (322), and the secondary test tube racks (322) are positioned and installed on the secondary switching plate (321) through multiple sets of limiting seats (312). The main switching plate (311) is provided with two sets of main test tube racks (313), and the main test tube racks (313) are positioned and installed on the main switching plate (311) through multiple sets of limiting seats (312).

4. The drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis according to claim 3, characterized in that: Two sets of interference seats (316) are installed on both sides of the bottom of the main switching plate (311), and an interference frame (317) is fixed at the bottom of the interference seat (316). The bottom of the interference frame (317) is rotatably connected to a wheel (318), and a passive frame (319) is provided on one side of each of the two sets of wheels (318).

5. A drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis according to claim 4, characterized in that: The passive frame (319) is provided with a descending hole (3192) through it, and a horizontal hole A (3191) is provided on one side of the descending hole (3192), and a horizontal hole B (3193) is provided on the other side of the descending hole (3192). The widths of the horizontal hole A (3191), the descending hole (3192) and the horizontal hole B (3193) are the same. The main switching plate (311) moves laterally and is driven to rise and fall by the wheels (318), the horizontal hole A (3191), the descending hole (3192) and the horizontal hole B (3193). The wheels (318) are rolled inside the horizontal hole A (3191), the descending hole (3192) and the horizontal hole B (3193).

6. The drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis according to claim 1, characterized in that: A drive frame (3141) is fixed on the side wall of the drive seat (314), and the drive frame (3141) is U-shaped. A transmission pulley (3282) is fixed inside the drive frame (3141), and a transmission belt (3283) is provided on both sides of the transmission pulley (3282). At the same time, a lower wheel assembly (3281) is installed on one side of the transmission belt (3283), and an upper wheel assembly (328) is installed on the upper side of the lower wheel assembly (3281). The upper wheel assembly (328) and the lower wheel assembly (3281) are driven by a belt.

7. A drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis according to claim 6, characterized in that: The upper wheel assembly (328) is located on one side of the auxiliary drug screening component (32). A guide sleeve (323) is fixed on one side of the auxiliary drug screening component (32), and a guide post (324) is inserted inside the guide sleeve (323). The guide post (324) is fixed inside the capillary electrophoresis screening instrument (100).

8. A drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis according to claim 7, characterized in that: The auxiliary drug screening component (32) is equipped with a transmission seat (325) on the other side, and a reciprocating screw (326) is screwed inside the transmission seat (325). The reciprocating screw (326) is movably connected inside the capillary electrophoresis screening instrument (100). A main shaft (327) is fixed at the end of the reciprocating screw (326), and the main shaft (327) is fixed to the output shaft of the motor installed inside the capillary electrophoresis screening instrument (100). An upper wheel group (328) is installed at the end of the reciprocating screw (326), and the reciprocating screw (326) rotates through the upper wheel group (328), the lower wheel group (3281), the transmission pulley (3282), the transmission belt (3283), and the drive frame (3141) to drive the main drug screening component (31) to move laterally.

9. A drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrophoretic drug screening component (200) includes a cartridge (21) with a capillary tube (22) inserted through it. The capillary tube (22) is provided with a connector (23). The electrophoretic drug screening component (200) also includes a high-voltage power supply (24), with a positive terminal (241) installed on one side of the high-voltage power supply (24) and a negative terminal (242) installed on the other side of the high-voltage power supply (24).

10. A method of using the drug screening device based on capillary array electrophoresis as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1: Device Initialization and Sample Loading First, the pre-prepared main test tube rack (313) and auxiliary test tube rack (322), which carry multiple sets of drug samples, are precisely positioned and installed in the limiting seats (312) on the main switching plate (311) and auxiliary switching plate (321), respectively, to ensure that the position of each sample test tube is fixed; at the same time, ensure that the capillary (22) array in the cartridge (21) of the electrophoresis drug screening component (200) is correctly installed, and that the connector (23) at its end is connected to the high voltage power supply (24) circuit, and place the sample inlet and detection end of the capillary array in the initial working position; inject an appropriate amount of buffer solution and drug sample to be tested into the sample tube in the test tube rack; S2: Automatic Switching and Sample Alignment The drive motor of the drug screening conversion component (300) is started, and the output shaft of the motor drives the main shaft (327) and the reciprocating screw (326) to rotate. Through the transmission of the upper wheel group (328), the lower wheel group (3281), the transmission belt (3283) and the drive frame (3141), the main drug screening component (31) is driven to move laterally. The wheels (318) at the bottom of the main switching plate (311) move along the trajectory on the passive frame (319) to control the main test tube rack (313) to descend precisely, so that the sample tube opening inside is automatically and accurately aligned with the sample inlet of the capillary tube (22). The auxiliary drug screening component (32) moves synchronously with the guide sleeve (323) and guide post (324) to prepare for the next switch. S3: Sample introduction and high-voltage electrophoresis separation After sample localization, the standard procedure of capillary array electrophoresis is performed. First, a small amount of drug sample from a specific sample tube in the main test tube rack (313) is introduced into the sample inlet of the capillary (22) by pressure or electric field injection. Then, the high voltage power supply (24) is turned on, and a stable high voltage is applied to both ends of the capillary array through the positive terminal (241) and the negative terminal (242) of the power supply to form a strong electric field. Under the action of this electric field, due to the differences in charge, size and hydrophobicity of different components in the sample, their migration rates in the capillary (22) are different, thereby achieving efficient and rapid separation in the capillary (22) channel. S4: Online Detection and Data Acquisition When the components in the sample are separated in the capillary (22) and arrive at the online detection window in sequence, the optical detector integrated in the device will perform real-time and continuous detection on the flowing components and convert the optical signal into an electrical signal. The data acquisition system synchronously records the migration time and signal intensity of each component, forming an electrophoretic pattern that can be used for qualitative and quantitative analysis, thus completing the acquisition of screening data for the current batch of drug samples; S5: Automatic Reset and Continuous Screening After the current batch of samples is screened, the drive motor rotates in the opposite direction, and through the above-mentioned transmission mechanism, the main switching plate (311) drives the tested main test tube rack (313) to rise and move laterally out of the test station; at the same time, the auxiliary drug screening component (32), driven by the reciprocating screw (326) and other mechanisms, moves the auxiliary test tube rack (322) carrying the new batch of drug samples synchronously and accurately positions it to the test station, repeating the sample injection and separation detection process of steps three and four; in this cycle, the automatic, alternating switching and continuous operation of the main and auxiliary test tube racks are realized until the high-throughput and high-reproducibility screening of all batches of drug samples is completed.

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