Sample loading device and gene sequencer

Abstract

A sample loading device and a gene sequencer, the sample loading device comprising: a fixed seat assembly, a gland assembly and a cap assembly, the fixed seat assembly having a fixed position for placing a slide frame loaded with a biochip; the gland assembly is rotatably connected to the fixed seat assembly, and the gland assembly is further snap-connected with the fixed seat assembly to fix the slide frame in the fixed position, and the gland assembly is provided with a positioning hole for installing a pipette head; the cap assembly is detachably arranged on the gland assembly and covers the positioning hole, and the cap assembly is used for pressing the pipette head in the positioning hole to provide a pushing force for the liquid in the pipette head. The sample loading device of the present application can realize the fixation of the slide frame by the gland assembly and the fixed seat assembly, and the cap assembly arranged on the gland assembly can provide a pushing force for the liquid in the pipette head, promote the flow of the internal liquid, and be beneficial to the automatic liquid passing of the biochip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of instruments and equipment for workpiece adsorption, and in particular to a sample loading device and a gene sequencer. Background Technology

[0002] In gene sequencing, biological material needs to be loaded onto specific biochips (such as sequencing chips) for sequencing. There are two main methods for loading biological material: automated liquid pumping and manual loading. Automated liquid pumping offers high precision and stability, but it suffers from drawbacks such as large reagent consumption and the need to clean the tubing and machine. Manual loading typically uses a pipette. While it allows for control of the loading volume, manual operation results in low loading efficiency, and automated liquid transfer is difficult due to limitations in liquid volume and chip size. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, in order to solve at least one of the above defects, it is necessary to propose a sample loading device and a gene sequencer using the sample loading device.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a sample loading device, comprising: a fixing base assembly, a capping assembly, and a sealing cap assembly. The fixing base assembly has a fixing position for placing a slide frame loaded with a biochip. The capping assembly is rotatably connected to the fixing base assembly and is also engaged with the fixing base assembly to fix the slide frame at the fixing position. The capping assembly has a positioning hole for mounting a pipette tip. The sealing cap assembly is detachably disposed on the side of the capping assembly away from the fixing base assembly and covers the positioning hole. The sealing cap assembly is used to press the pipette tip in the positioning hole to provide a driving force for the liquid in the pipette tip.

[0005] In some possible embodiments, the cap assembly includes a pressing head and an elastic pressing member. The pressing head is detachably connected to the cap assembly. The pressing head has a pressing groove with an opening facing the cap assembly. The pressing groove can communicate with the positioning hole. The elastic pressing member is disposed in the pressing groove.

[0006] In some possible embodiments, the sample loading device further includes an adsorption assembly, which includes a first adsorption element disposed on the pressing head and a second adsorption element disposed on the cap assembly, the second adsorption element being located at the periphery of the positioning hole, and the first adsorption element being adsorbedly connected to the second adsorption element.

[0007] In some possible embodiments, the elastic pressing element is a silicone pad, and both the first and second adsorption elements are magnets.

[0008] In some possible embodiments, the fixing base assembly includes a base and a first sidewall disposed around the periphery of the base. The first sidewall and the base form a receiving groove, which constitutes the fixing position. The side of the first sidewall facing the receiving groove is provided with a first engaging portion and a limiting structure. The pressure cap assembly includes a top cover rotatably connected to the base and a second sidewall disposed around the periphery of the top cover. The second sidewall and the top cover form a cavity, which communicates with the receiving groove. A positioning hole is provided through the top cover and communicates with the cavity. The end of the second sidewall away from the top cover is provided with a second engaging portion and a supporting structure. The second engaging portion engages with the first engaging portion. The limiting structure is used to restrict the movement of the slide frame in the horizontal direction. The supporting structure is used to abut against the surface of the slide frame away from the base to restrict the movement of the slide frame in the vertical direction.

[0009] In some possible embodiments, the base is provided with a first sidewall on each of its opposite sides, and each first sidewall is provided with a first engaging portion; the top cover is provided with a second sidewall on each of its opposite sides, and each second sidewall is provided with a second engaging portion.

[0010] In some possible embodiments, each of the first sidewalls is provided with the limiting structure, the limiting structure including a plurality of limiting parts spaced apart in the horizontal direction, a limiting opening being formed between two adjacent limiting parts, and the first engaging part being located within one of the limiting openings.

[0011] In some possible embodiments, the abutment structure includes an abutment portion disposed on each of the second sidewalls and an abutment arm connecting the two abutment portions.

[0012] In some possible embodiments, the base is provided with a window communicating with the receiving groove, and one end of the window is provided with a slot.

[0013] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a gene sequencer, including a sample loading device and a slide frame as described above. The slide frame is used to mount a biochip, and the slide frame on which the biochip is mounted is detachably fixed to the sample loading device.

[0014] The sample loading device provided in this application embodiment can fix a slide frame on which a biochip is mounted in a fixed position through the engaging connection between the cap assembly and the fixing base assembly. A positioning hole is provided on the cap assembly, allowing a pipette tip to extend into the fixed position and communicate with the liquid inlet of the biochip, thereby adding liquid to the biochip. Furthermore, a detachably connected cap assembly is provided on the cap assembly, which can press against the top of the pipette tip in the positioning hole to provide a pushing force for the liquid inside the pipette tip. This pushing force squeezes out the air inside the pipette tip, thereby promoting the flow of the internal liquid and assisting in the automatic liquid transfer of the biochip and the flow of liquid within the chip. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a sample loading device according to an embodiment of this application, in which a slide frame and a pipette tip are mounted.

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of a substrate frame containing a biochip.

[0018] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the sample loading device.

[0019] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the sample loading device.

[0020] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the middle fixed base assembly.

[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the medium pressure cover assembly.

[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the pressure cap assembly covering the pressure cap assembly.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the modules of a gene sequencer according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Explanation of main component symbols The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this application. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0026] It should be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to" or "mounted to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or may be interspersed with an intermediate component. When a component is described as "set to" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or may be interspersed with an intermediate component. The term "and / or" as used herein includes all and any combination of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] Please see Figure 1 As shown, this application embodiment provides a sample loading device 100 for liquid loading of a biochip 10. The biochip 10 serves as a carrier for biochemical reactions, providing a reaction site for biological substances and reagents required for the biochemical reaction. For example, in the field of gene sequencing, the biochip 10 can be a gene sequencing chip. Furthermore, during the biochemical reaction process, the biochip 10 needs to be mounted in a slide frame 20 to facilitate sample loading and mounting on a biochemical reaction device (e.g., a gene sequencer).

[0028] Please see Figure 2 As shown, the substrate frame 20 of this embodiment includes a first frame 201 and a second frame 202 that are detachably connected. The first frame 201 has a chip mounting area A, with an inlet 212 and an outlet 213 at opposite ends of the chip mounting area A. The second frame 202 is detachably disposed on one side of the chip mounting area A and has a chip slot 221. The biochip 10 can be placed in the chip slot 221. When the first frame 201 and the second frame 202 are assembled, the biochip 10 can be clamped between the first frame 201 and the second frame 202. The inlet 212 communicates with the inlet hole 101 of the biochip 10 to load liquid into the flow channel of the biochip 10, and the outlet 213 communicates with the outlet hole 102 of the biochip 10 to discharge liquid from the flow channel of the biochip 10. Understandably, depending on actual needs, the liquid inlet 212 and the corresponding liquid inlet hole 101 can also be used as a liquid outlet, and the liquid outlet 213 and the corresponding liquid outlet hole 102 can also be used as a liquid inlet.

[0029] The first frame 201 and the second frame 202 can be connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. Specifically, the first frame 201 is provided with multiple slots 214 and the second frame 202 is provided with multiple buckles 222. The snap-fit ​​connection between the first frame 201 and the second frame 202 is achieved by the corresponding buckles 222 being snapped into the slots 214.

[0030] A first opening 211 is provided through the chip installation area A, and a second opening 223 is provided through the bottom of the second frame 202. After the biochip 10 is installed, the upper surface of the biochip 10 is exposed through the first opening 211 to facilitate the acquisition of images inside the biochip 10. In addition, the lower surface of the biochip 10 is exposed through the second opening 223 to facilitate the temperature control device (not shown) to regulate the temperature of the biochip 10.

[0031] Please see Figures 1 to 4 As shown, during the liquid loading process for the biochip 10, the biochip 10 needs to be installed inside the slide frame 20, and the slide frame 20 needs to be fixed on the sample loading device 100. To achieve the fixation of the slide frame 20, the sample loading device 100 includes: a fixing base assembly 1, a capping assembly 2, and a capping cap assembly 3. The fixing base assembly 1 has a fixing position for placing the slide frame 20. The capping assembly 2 is rotatably connected to the fixing base assembly 1, and the capping assembly 2 and the fixing base assembly 1 can be engaged to fix the slide frame 20 on the fixing position. The capping assembly 2 is provided with a positioning hole 21 for installing a pipette tip 30. The pipette 30, which is filled with liquid, can pass through the positioning hole 21 and extend into the fixed position, and further extend into the liquid inlet 212 of the slide frame 20. The liquid in the pipette 30 can be transferred into the flow channel of the biochip 10 through the liquid inlet 212 and the liquid inlet 101 of the biochip 10 under the action of its own gravity and capillary force.

[0032] Please see Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the fixing assembly 1 includes a base 11 and a first sidewall 13 disposed around the periphery of the base 11. The first sidewall 13 and the base 11 form a receiving groove 14, which constitutes the fixing position. Normally, the fixing assembly 1 is placed on a horizontal surface. After the slide frame 20 on which the biochip 10 is mounted is placed in the receiving groove 14, the biochip 10 extends horizontally, and the pipette tip 30 extends vertically into the inlet 212. In this way, the liquid in the pipette tip 30 can enter the flow channel of the biochip 10 under the action of its own gravity and capillary force.

[0033] like Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, each of the first sidewalls 13 has a limiting structure 15 on its side facing the receiving groove 14. After the slide frame 20 is placed in the receiving groove 14, the limiting structure 15 can limit the slide frame 20 in the horizontal direction X. Specifically, the limiting structure 15 includes a plurality of limiting parts 151 provided on the first sidewall 13. The plurality of limiting parts 151 are spaced apart along the first horizontal direction X, and a limiting opening 152 is formed between two adjacent limiting parts 151. Correspondingly, at least one positioning part 215 is provided on each of the two opposite sidewalls of the slide frame 20. The positioning part 215 can be inserted between two adjacent limiting parts 151 through the limiting opening 152. In this way, the limiting structure 15 can limit the slide frame 20 in the horizontal direction (for example, it can restrict the movement of the slide frame 20 in the first horizontal direction X and the second horizontal direction Y), so as to improve the stability of the slide frame 20 during liquid transfer and reduce the risk of misalignment of the slide frame 20 during liquid loading.

[0034] In some embodiments, each of the first sidewalls 13 is provided with four limiting portions 151, and the four limiting portions 151 can form three limiting ports 152. Correspondingly, one sidewall of the first frame 201 is provided with three positioning portions 215. The positioning portion 215 is embedded between two adjacent limiting portions 151 by a limiting port 152, so as to further improve the stability of the slide frame 20 during the pipetting process.

[0035] In some embodiments, one end of the limiting portion 151 is fixed to the first sidewall 13, and the other end extends toward the receiving groove 14. The length of the limiting portion 151 extending toward the receiving groove 14 is larger to abut against the sidewall of the tray frame 20, thereby further improving the stability of the tray frame 20. An elastic pad 216 can also be provided at a corresponding position of the tray frame 20, and the limiting portion 151 can abut against the elastic pad 216 to achieve flexible contact.

[0036] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, a window 16 is provided through the base 11, and the window 16 corresponds to the second opening 223 on the substrate frame 20. The lower surface of the biochip 10 can be exposed through the window 16 so that the temperature control device (not shown) can regulate the temperature of the biochip 10.

[0037] A slot 17 is provided on the base 11, and a strip 217 is provided at the bottom of the slide frame 20. When the slide frame 20 is placed in the receiving groove 14, the strip 217 at the bottom of the slide frame 20 can be inserted into the slot 17 to further limit the slide frame 20 in the horizontal direction and improve the stability of the slide frame 20.

[0038] Please see Figure 6 As shown, please refer to the following:Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The capping assembly 2 includes a top cover 22 rotatably connected to the base 11 and a second sidewall 23 located around the periphery of the top cover 22. The second sidewall 23 and the top cover 22 form a cavity 24, which communicates with the receiving groove 14. A positioning hole 21 penetrates the top cover 22 and communicates with the cavity 24. The positioning hole 21 and the cavity 24 on the capping assembly 2 allow the pipette tip 30 to be inserted into the cavity 24 through the positioning hole 21 and further into the receiving groove 14, providing support for the pipette tip 30 and preventing it from tipping over during liquid addition. The height of the cavity 24 in the vertical direction Z can be designed according to the length of the pipette tip 30.

[0039] The top cover 22 has a second side wall 23 on each of its two opposite sides. The two second side walls 23 are connected by a third side wall 25. A rotating shaft 26 is provided at the end of the third side wall 25 away from the top cover 22. Correspondingly, a bearing seat 12 is provided at one end of the base 11. The rotating shaft 26 is rotatably connected to the bearing seat 12, thereby realizing that the cover assembly 2 is rotatably connected to the fixed base assembly 1. The cover assembly 2 can be opened or closed by rotating the cover assembly 2.

[0040] Combination Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the capping assembly 2 is also engaged with the fixing seat assembly 1 via a locking structure 4. The locking structure 4 includes a first locking portion 41 on the fixing seat assembly 1 and a second locking portion 42 on the capping assembly 2. When the capping assembly 2 is rotated and placed over the fixing position (i.e., the receiving groove 14) of the fixing seat assembly 1, the second locking portion 42 can engage with the first locking portion 41 to achieve connection stability between the capping assembly 2 and the fixing seat assembly 1, reducing the risk of accidental rotation of the capping assembly 2 during pipetting.

[0041] In some embodiments, the fixing seat assembly 1 includes a first engaging portion 41 disposed on the side of each of the first sidewalls 13 facing the receiving groove 14. For example, the first engaging portion 41 may be disposed in one of the limiting openings 152. The pressure cap assembly 2 includes a second engaging portion 42 disposed at the end of each of the second sidewalls 23 away from the top cover 22. By providing two sets of engaging structures 4, the connection stability of the pressure cap assembly 2 and the fixing seat assembly 1 after they are closed can be improved.

[0042] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown, the pressure cap assembly 2 further includes a retaining structure 27 disposed on the second side wall 23 at the end away from the top cover 22. The retaining structure 27 is used to abut against the surface of the carrier frame 20 away from the base 11 to restrict the movement of the carrier frame 20 in the vertical direction Z.

[0043] In some embodiments, the abutment structure 27 includes an abutment portion 271 disposed on each of the second sidewalls 23 and an abutment arm 272 connecting the two abutment portions 271, the abutment arm 272 being located between the two second sidewalls 23. That is, the two abutment portions 271 and the abutment arm 272 form an integral abutment structure 27. When the pressure cap assembly 2 is closed on the fixing seat assembly 1, the two abutment portions 271 and the abutment arm 272 are pressed against the upper surface of the carrier frame 20 to provide a uniform pressing force to the carrier frame 20 and improve the stability of the carrier frame 20.

[0044] In some embodiments, the opening and closing of the cap assembly 2 on the fixing base assembly 1 can be adjusted manually. It is understood that in other embodiments, the opening and closing of the cap assembly 2 on the fixing base assembly 1 can also be achieved automatically, for example, by driving the cap assembly 2 to move via a drive mechanism, thereby realizing the opening and closing operation on the fixing base assembly 1.

[0045] When using a pipette for manual liquid addition, the liquid needs to rely on its own gravity and capillary force to achieve automatic liquid transfer at the liquid inlet 101 of the biochip 10. When the amount of liquid (such as biological material or reagents required for biochemical reactions) is small and the flow channels inside the biochip 10 are narrow (for example, when using a miniature biochip 10), it is difficult for the liquid to achieve automatic liquid transfer in this way.

[0046] For this purpose, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the sample loading device 100 of this application embodiment further includes a cap assembly 3, wherein the cap assembly 3 is detachably disposed on the side of the cap assembly 2 away from the fixing base assembly 1, and the cap assembly 3 covers the positioning hole 21. The cap assembly 3 is used to provide a pushing force for the liquid in the pipette 30 in the positioning hole 21, so that the liquid in the pipette 30 can be smoothly loaded into the biochip 10.

[0047] The cap assembly 3 includes a pressing head 31 and an elastic pressing member 32. The pressing head 31 is detachably connected to the cap assembly 2. The pressing head 31 has a pressing groove 33 with an opening facing the cap assembly 2. The pressing groove 33 can communicate with the positioning hole 21. The elastic pressing member 32 is disposed in the pressing groove 33.

[0048] In some embodiments, the elastic pressing member 32 may be a silicone pad or may be made of other elastic materials.

[0049] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the sample loading device 100 further includes an adsorption component 5, which includes a first adsorption element 51 disposed on the pressing head 31 and a second adsorption element 52 disposed on the capping assembly 2. The second adsorption element 52 is located at the periphery of the positioning hole 21, and the first adsorption element 51 and the second adsorption element 52 are adsorbedly connected.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first adsorption member 51 and the second adsorption member 52 are both magnetic members, such as magnets.

[0051] In some embodiments, the installation and removal of the cap assembly 3 can be performed manually. It is understood that in other embodiments, the cap assembly 3 can also be operated automatically, for example, by using a drive mechanism to drive the cap assembly 3 to close and open on the cap assembly 2.

[0052] When the pressing head 31 is placed above the positioning hole 21, the pressing head 31 can be attracted and fixed at the positioning hole 21 by the magnetic attraction force. At the same time, the pipette head 30 extends into the pressing groove 33 and abuts against the elastic pressing member 32. Under the magnetic attraction, the elastic pressing member 32 will undergo elastic deformation to form a pushing force. This pushing force will squeeze the air inside the pipette head 30, thereby promoting the flow of internal liquid, thus assisting the automatic liquid transfer of the biochip 10 and the flow of liquid in the chip.

[0053] The sample loading device 100 of this application is a purely mechanical manual loading device. The slide frame 20, on which the biochip 10 is mounted, can be fixed in a fixed position (i.e., the receiving groove 14) by the engaging connection between the cap assembly 2 and the fixing base assembly 1. A positioning hole 21 is provided on the cap assembly 2, allowing the pipette head 30 to extend into the fixed position and communicate with the liquid inlet 101 of the biochip 10, thereby adding liquid to the biochip 10. Furthermore, a detachably connected cap assembly 3 is provided on the cap assembly 2. The cap assembly 3 can press against the top of the pipette head 30 in the positioning hole 21, providing a driving force for the liquid inside the pipette head 30. This driving force squeezes the air inside the pipette head 30, thereby promoting the flow of the internal liquid, thus assisting in the automatic liquid transfer of the biochip 10 and the flow of liquid within the chip, especially facilitating the automatic liquid transfer of micro-biochips.

[0054] Please see Figure 8As shown in the embodiments of this application, a gene sequencer 200 is also provided, which can realize the gene sequencing process. The gene sequencer 200 includes the aforementioned sample loading device 100 and slide frame 20, and uses a biochip 10 (e.g., a sequencing chip) as the carrier for the sequencing reaction. The biochip 10 is detachably mounted on the sample loading device 100 through the slide frame 20. In this way, during the gene sequencing process, biological substances and reagents required for the gene sequencing reaction can be loaded onto the biochip 10 with the assistance of the sample loading device 100.

[0055] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and are not intended to limit it. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A sample loading device, characterized in that, include: A mounting assembly having a fixing position for placing a slide frame loaded with a biochip; A capping assembly is rotatably connected to the fixing base assembly. The capping assembly is also engaged with the fixing base assembly to fix the slide frame in the fixing position. The capping assembly is provided with a positioning hole for installing a pipette tip. as well as A cap assembly is detachably disposed on the side of the cap assembly away from the fixing base assembly, and the cap assembly covers the positioning hole. The cap assembly is used to press the pipette tip in the positioning hole to provide a driving force for the liquid in the pipette tip.

2. The sample loading device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cap assembly includes a pressing head and an elastic pressing member. The pressing head is detachably connected to the cap assembly. The pressing head has a pressing groove with an opening facing the cap assembly. The pressing groove can communicate with the positioning hole. The elastic pressing member is disposed in the pressing groove.

3. The sample loading device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes an adsorption assembly, which includes a first adsorption element disposed on the press head and a second adsorption element disposed on the cap assembly. The second adsorption element is located around the periphery of the positioning hole, and the first adsorption element and the second adsorption element are adsorbed and connected.

4. The sample loading device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic pressing element is a silicone pad, and both the first and second adsorption elements are magnets.

5. The sample loading device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing seat assembly includes a base and a first sidewall disposed around the periphery of the base. The first sidewall and the base form a receiving groove, which constitutes the fixing position. The side of the first sidewall facing the receiving groove is provided with a first engaging portion and a limiting structure. The pressure cap assembly includes a top cover rotatably connected to the base and a second sidewall disposed around the periphery of the top cover. The second sidewall and the top cover form a cavity, which communicates with the receiving groove. A positioning hole is provided through the top cover and communicates with the cavity. A second engaging portion and a retaining structure are provided at the end of the second sidewall away from the top cover. The second engaging portion engages with the first engaging portion, the limiting structure restricts the movement of the carrier frame in the horizontal direction, and the abutting structure abuts against the surface of the carrier frame away from the base to restrict the movement of the carrier frame in the vertical direction.

6. The sample loading device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The base has a first sidewall on each of its two opposite sides, and each first sidewall has a first engaging portion. The top cover has a second sidewall on each of its two opposite sides, and each second sidewall has a second engaging portion.

7. The sample loading device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the first sidewalls is provided with the limiting structure, the limiting structure includes a plurality of limiting parts spaced apart in the horizontal direction, a limiting opening is formed between two adjacent limiting parts, and the first engaging part is located in one of the limiting openings.

8. The sample loading device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The abutment structure includes an abutment portion provided on each of the second sidewalls and an abutment arm connecting the two abutment portions.

9. The sample loading device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The base is provided with a window that communicates with the receiving groove, and a slot is provided at one end of the window.

10. A gene sequencer, characterized in that, The sample loading device includes any one of claims 1 to 9 and a slide frame, the slide frame being used to mount a biochip, and the slide frame on which the biochip is mounted is detachably fixed to the sample loading device.

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