A detection device and PCR instrument

Abstract

The application provides a detection device and relates to the technical field of DNA amplification detection. The detection device comprises a base and a rotating disc, the rotating disc is arranged on the base and can rotate relative to the base; a plurality of detection units are arranged on the rotating disc and are distributed in the circumferential direction of the rotating disc along the rotating shaft; each detection unit comprises a light source and a probe; a plurality of optical fibers are connected to the base; when each detection unit rotates to a predetermined position, the light source and the probe are connected to one optical fiber. The detection device of the application sets the light source and the probe on the rotating disc, connects the plurality of optical fibers with a plurality of reaction tubes, and can complete the determination of the sample solution in the plurality of reaction tubes through the rotating action, thereby compressing the overall space of the equipment. On this basis, the application further provides a PCR instrument.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of DNA amplification and testing technology, and more specifically, to a detection device and a PCR instrument. Background Technology

[0002] During nucleic acid amplification in a real-time PCR instrument, the test solution sample undergoes an amplification reaction over time. During this process, the solution sample is continuously or periodically irradiated with a laser, exciting it to produce fluorescence. As the solution sample continues to amplify, the generated fluorescence gradually intensifies. Real-time data reflecting the amplification of the solution sample can be obtained by measuring changes in light intensity using detection elements such as photodiodes.

[0003] When testing solution samples, to save time and improve efficiency, multiple reaction tubes should be irradiated and probed sequentially. In this process, the laser source and probe head are typically positioned on opposite sides of the reaction tubes and can move sequentially along the arrangement of the multiple reaction tubes, completing the irradiation and probe operations one by one.

[0004] Among the aforementioned equipment and detection schemes, the laser light source and the probe have a relatively large range of motion, requiring a large installation and operating space. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a detection device that can reduce the installation and operating space of the detection module.

[0006] Another objective of this invention is to provide a PCR instrument that avoids the adverse effects of laser light sources on the temperature control conditions of reaction tubes.

[0007] The embodiments of the present invention are implemented as follows:

[0008] A detection device includes a base and a rotating disk, the rotating disk being disposed on the base and rotatable relative to the base; multiple sets of detection units are disposed on the rotating disk, the multiple sets of detection units being distributed circumferentially along the rotation axis of the rotating disk; each detection unit includes a light source and a probe; multiple optical fibers are connected to the base; when the detection unit rotates to a predetermined angle position, the light source and the probe each correspond to one of the optical fibers.

[0009] In this method, a stepper motor or other drive device that can rotate at a specific frequency is used to drive the rotating disk to rotate, so that the light source and the probe are aligned one by one with the predetermined optical fiber location during the stepping rotation.

[0010] In the aforementioned detection device, a light source emits light to the reaction tubes via an optical fiber, and a probe collects the light from the reaction tubes via another optical fiber. Multiple optical fibers are fixedly mounted on a base, and the light source and probe are aligned with the fibers via a rotating disk. Therefore, the light source and probe can rotate within a compact space to measure solution samples from multiple reaction tubes, significantly reducing the installation and operating space required for the detection device.

[0011] It should be noted that the detection unit includes a light source and a probe, and the wavelength and frequency of the light emitted by the light source in different detection units are different in order to meet the measurement requirements of a variety of different solution samples.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light source includes LED beads. The advantages are: LED beads are small in size, require less installation space, and have greater installation stability, allowing them to move stably in a rotating disk for extended periods; simultaneously, LED beads generate little heat, consume little energy, have a long lifespan, and provide high brightness.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the probe includes a photoelectric sensor. The technical advantage lies in the fact that the basic principle of a photoelectric sensor is based on the photoelectric effect, converting the change in the measured quantity into a change in a light signal, and then further converting the non-electrical signal into an electrical signal using photoelectric elements. In this device, the light signal is converted into an electrical signal to measure the intensity value of the light signal. Preferably, the photoelectric sensor is a photodiode detector.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a filter lens is further included; both the light source and the probe are connected to the optical fiber through the filter lens. The technical advantage is that the filter lens includes an exit filter lens and an incident filter lens. The light source emits light into the reaction liquid through the exit filter lens and the optical fiber; the exit filter lens can filter out stray light from the light source. The reaction liquid is excited to produce fluorescence, and the fluorescence signal reaches the probe through the optical fiber and the incident filter lens. The incident filter lens can filter out light from the excitation light source in the reaction liquid, allowing only the excited fluorescence signal to pass through, thereby preventing other light from the light source from overwhelming the fluorescence signal.

[0015] The filter lens should include an incident lens, a filter, and an exit lens. The incident lens collimates the incident point light source, while the exit lens focuses the light that has passed through the filter.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a support is further included; the base is disposed on the upper surface of the support, and the rotating disk is disposed on the lower surface of the support. The technical advantage is that, since the base is fixed and the rotating disk rotates around its axis, placing the rotating disk below the support and the base on the support reduces the impact of the moving parts on the fixed parts under gravity.

[0017] A PCR instrument includes a reaction tube holder, a temperature control device, and the aforementioned detection device. The temperature control device includes a thermoelectric cooler and a heat dissipation module. The reaction tube holder has multiple reaction tube placement slots, each of which is connected to two optical fibers. When the detection unit is rotated to any position, the light source and the probe in the same detection unit are respectively connected to one of the reaction tube placement slots through one of the optical fibers. The thermoelectric cooler is disposed between the reaction tube holder and the heat dissipation module.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reaction tube holder and the temperature control device are integrated into a temperature control module, and the temperature control module and the detection device are optically connected via the optical fiber. The technical advantage is that by separately configuring the temperature control module and the detection device, physical isolation is achieved between the two modules except for the optical fiber, thus avoiding interference between the two modules.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one side of the thermoelectric cooler is attached to the reaction tube holder, and the other side of the thermoelectric cooler is attached to the heat dissipation module. The technical advantage is that the thermoelectric cooler, also known as a semiconductor cooler, has two sides, each of which can be heated or absorbed by applying a voltage. A temperature sensing device monitors the temperature of the reaction tube holder in real time, and precise and rapid temperature control is achieved through software control.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heat dissipation module includes a heat sink and a fan; one end of the heat sink is connected to the thermoelectric cooling chip, and the other end of the heat sink is connected to the fan. The technical advantages are as follows: a heat sink is a device for dissipating heat from easily heated electronic components in electrical appliances, and is often made of aluminum alloy, brass, or bronze in the form of a plate, sheet, or multiple sheets. The heat sink can physically conduct excess heat from the thermoelectric cooling chip through its plate or sheet-like hardware structure. The fan provides airflow to the heat sink, rapidly transferring heat from the heat sink's hardware structure into the air.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a housing is further included, which covers the outside of the reaction tube holder, the temperature control device, and the detection device; a heating module and a temperature sensor are disposed above the reaction tube holder in the housing. The technical advantage is that the housing integrates the temperature control module and the detection device in one environment, facilitating portability and operation. The housing may also have a display screen or control panel, and a flip-top or opening corresponding to the reaction tube holder can be provided for easy removal and insertion of the reaction tubes. During the PCR reaction, the solution sample temperature is high and prone to evaporation. Detecting the temperature using the temperature sensor on the housing and driving the heating module to maintain the temperature at the corresponding location on the housing at approximately 105 degrees Celsius can prevent losses due to evaporation of the reaction solution or incomplete reaction.

[0022] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention are:

[0023] The detection device of the present invention sets the light source and probe on a rotating disk and uses multiple optical fibers to achieve optical connection with multiple reaction tubes. The measurement of sample solutions in multiple reaction tubes can be completed by rotating the device, thus reducing the overall space of the equipment.

[0024] In addition to possessing the advantages of the aforementioned detection device, the PCR instrument of the present invention also utilizes optical fibers to isolate the detection device from the reaction tube holder and temperature control device by a greater distance, thus avoiding mutual interference. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the detection device provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a front view of the detection device provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a top view of the detection device provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 A bottom view of the detection device provided in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the reaction tube holder and temperature control device in the PCR instrument provided in the second and third embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a front view of the reaction tube holder and temperature control device in the PCR instrument provided in the second and third embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a left view of the reaction tube holder and temperature control device in the PCR instrument provided in the second and third embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 The above view shows the reaction tube holder and temperature control device in the PCR instrument provided in the second and third embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the temperature control device in the PCR instrument provided in the second and third embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 10 These are schematic diagrams of the internal structure of the PCR instrument provided in the second and third embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the PCR instrument provided in the second and third embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] In the diagram: 1-Base; 2-Rotating disk; 3-Detection unit; 5-Bracket; 6-Reaction tube holder; 61-Reaction tube placement slot; 7-Thermoelectric cooling element; 8-Heat dissipation module; 81-Heat dissipation fin; 82-Fan; 9-Housing shell; 10-Display screen; 11-Flip cover. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0039] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0040] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0042] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0045] First embodiment:

[0046] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the detection device provided in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a front view of the detection device provided in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a top view of the detection device provided in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the detection device provided in the first embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figures 1-4 This embodiment provides a detection device, which includes a base 1 and a rotating disk 2. The rotating disk 2 is disposed on the base 1 and can rotate relative to the base. Multiple sets of detection units 3 are disposed on the rotating disk 2 and are distributed circumferentially along the rotation axis of the rotating disk 2. The detection unit 3 includes a light source and a probe. Multiple optical fibers (not labeled) are connected to the base 1. When the detection unit 3 rotates to a predetermined angle position, the light source and the probe correspond to one optical fiber.

[0047] The light source includes LED beads.

[0048] The probe includes a photoelectric sensor. Preferably, the photoelectric sensor is a photodiode detector.

[0049] This system also includes a filter lens; both the light source and the probe are connected to the optical fiber via the filter lens. Specifically, the filter lens includes an incident lens, a filter, and an exit lens, with exit and incident filters positioned at different locations. The light source emits light into the reaction liquid through the exit filter lens and the optical fiber; the exit filter lens filters out stray light from the light source. The reaction liquid is excited to produce fluorescence, and the fluorescence signal reaches the probe through the optical fiber and the incident filter lens. The incident filter lens filters out light from the excitation light source in the reaction liquid, allowing only the excited fluorescence signal to pass through, thus preventing other light from the light source from overwhelming the fluorescence signal.

[0050] In addition, the filter lens includes an incident lens, a filter, and an exit lens. The incident lens collimates the incident point light source, while the exit lens focuses the light that has passed through the filter.

[0051] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, it also includes a support 5; a base 1 is disposed on the upper surface of the support 5, and a rotating disk 2 is disposed on the lower surface of the support 5. Optionally, the base 1 can be disposed on the support 5, and the rotating disk 2 can be disposed above the base 1. In this detection device structure, the optical fiber is not easily disassembled after installation, while the light source or probe is easy to disassemble and replace.

[0052] Optionally, a stepper motor or other drive device that can rotate at a specific frequency can be used to drive the rotating disk 2 to rotate, so that the light source and the probe are aligned with the predetermined optical fiber one by one in the stepping rotation.

[0053] In the detection device of this embodiment, a light source emits light to the reaction tubes through an optical fiber, and a probe collects the light from the reaction tubes through an optical fiber. Multiple optical fibers are fixedly mounted on the base 1, and the light source and probe correspond to the optical fibers via a rotating disk 2. Therefore, the light source and probe can rotate within a compact space to measure solution samples from multiple reaction tubes, significantly reducing the installation and operating space of the detection device.

[0054] It should be noted that the installation positions of the optical fibers on the base 1 should correspond to the installation positions of the light source and probe on the rotating disk 2. Whenever the rotating disk 2 stops at a certain position, there should be a pair of optical fibers on the base 1 paired with the light source and probe. The orderly distribution of multiple optical fibers on the base 1 facilitates the later maintenance and repair of the equipment.

[0055] In addition, the detection unit 3 includes a light source and a probe, and the wavelengths of the light emitted by the light sources in different detection units 3 are different in order to meet the measurement requirements of various different solution samples.

[0056] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the reaction tube holder 6 and temperature control device in the PCR instrument provided in the second and third embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a front view of the reaction tube holder 6 and temperature control device in the PCR instrument provided in the second and third embodiments of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a left view of the reaction tube holder 6 and temperature control device in the PCR instrument provided in the second and third embodiments of the present invention; Figure 8 The above view shows the reaction tube holder 6 and temperature control device in the PCR instrument provided in the second and third embodiments of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the temperature control device in the PCR instrument provided in the second and third embodiments of the present invention; Figure 10 These are schematic diagrams of the internal structure of the PCR instrument provided in the second and third embodiments of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the PCR instrument provided in the second and third embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] Second embodiment:

[0058] Please refer to Figures 5-11 This embodiment provides a PCR instrument, which includes a reaction tube holder 6, a temperature control device, and the aforementioned detection device. The temperature control device includes a thermoelectric cooler 7 and a heat dissipation module 8. The reaction tube holder 6 is provided with multiple reaction tube placement slots 61, and each reaction tube placement slot 61 is connected to two optical fibers. When the detection unit 3 is rotated to any position, the light source and the probe in the same detection unit 3 are respectively connected to a reaction tube placement slot 61 through an optical fiber. The thermoelectric cooler 7 is provided between the reaction tube holder 6 and the heat dissipation module 8.

[0059] The reaction tube holder 6 has two through holes in its reaction tube placement slot 61, each through hole housing an optical fiber. Preferably, both through holes are located on the same side of the reaction tube placement slot 61. In this case, at least two rows of reaction tube placement slots 61 can be provided on the reaction tube holder 6, greatly increasing the number of reaction tubes used in the experiment and improving the efficiency of the experiment.

[0060] One side of the thermoelectric cooler 7 is attached to the reaction tube holder 6, and the other side of the thermoelectric cooler 7 is attached to the heat dissipation module 8.

[0061] It should be noted that PCR reactions typically switch between three temperatures: denaturation temperature 94°C, annealing temperature 55°C, and extension temperature 72°C. Therefore, the temperature control of a real-time PCR instrument is usually set to these three temperatures. During temperature control, precise temperature control is extremely important, as even small temperature changes can be amplified and affect the overall amplification results. In the PCR instrument of this embodiment, when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the reaction tube holder 6 is lower than the required temperature, the software can control the heating of the reaction tube holder 6 to raise the temperature, and vice versa, to meet the high-precision temperature control requirements.

[0062] Third embodiment:

[0063] Please refer to Figures 5-11 This embodiment provides a PCR instrument that is largely the same as the PCR instrument in the second embodiment. The difference is that in the PCR instrument of this embodiment, the reaction tube holder 6 and the temperature control device are integrated into a temperature control module, and the temperature control module and the detection device are optically connected through an optical fiber.

[0064] The temperature control module and the detection device are set up separately, which achieves physical isolation between the temperature control module and the detection device except for the optical fiber, thus avoiding interference between the two modules.

[0065] Furthermore, such as Figures 5-8 As shown, the heat dissipation module 8 includes a heat sink 81 and a fan 82; one end of the heat sink 81 is connected to the thermoelectric cooling element 7, and the other end is connected to the fan 82. The heat sink 81 is a device for dissipating heat from heat-generating electronic components in electrical appliances, and is typically made of aluminum alloy, brass, or bronze in the form of a plate, sheet, or multiple sheets. The airflow provided by the fan 82 should be parallel to the plate or sheet structure to improve the heat transfer efficiency of the flowing air.

[0066] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, it also includes a housing 9, which covers the outside of the reaction tube holder 6, the temperature control device, and the detection device. Preferably, a display screen 10 or a control screen can also be provided on the housing 9, and a flip cover 11 or an opening can be provided at the position corresponding to the reaction tube holder 6 to facilitate the removal and insertion of the reaction tube. A heating module and a temperature sensor are also provided on the housing 9 above the reaction tube holder 6. After the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the reaction liquid, it drives the heating module to maintain the temperature at the corresponding position of the housing 9 at approximately 105 degrees Celsius, which can prevent losses caused by the evaporation of the reaction liquid or incomplete reaction.

[0067] It should be noted that several circuit boards are also installed inside the housing 9, which are used to monitor the temperature of the reaction tube holder 6 through a temperature sensor, control the illumination of the light source and the collection of light by the probe.

[0068] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A PCR instrument, characterized in that, It includes a reaction tube holder (6), a temperature control device and a detection device. The detection device includes a base (1) and a rotating disk (2). The rotating disk (2) is disposed on the base (1) and the rotating disk can rotate relative to the base. The rotating disk (2) is provided with multiple sets of detection units (3), and the multiple sets of detection units (3) are distributed circumferentially along the rotation axis of the rotating disk (2); the detection unit (3) includes a light source and a probe; Multiple optical fibers are fixedly connected to the base (1). The installation positions of the optical fibers on the base (1) correspond to the installation positions of the light source and the probe in the rotating disk (2). When the detection unit (3) rotates to a predetermined angle position, the light source and the probe correspond to one optical fiber respectively. The temperature control device includes a thermoelectric cooling element (7) and a heat dissipation module (8). The reaction tube holder (6) is embedded in the temperature control device; The reaction tube holder (6) is provided with a plurality of reaction tube placement slots (61), and each reaction tube placement slot (61) is connected to two optical fibers. When the detection unit (3) is rotated to any position, the light source and the probe in the same detection unit (3) are respectively connected to the same reaction tube placement slot (61) through one optical fiber. The reaction tube placement slot (61) is provided with two through holes, and one optical fiber is inserted into each through hole. The two through holes are both located on the same side of the reaction tube placement slot (61). The thermoelectric cooling element is disposed between the reaction tube holder (6) and the heat dissipation module (8); It also includes a housing (9), which covers the outside of the reaction tube holder (6), the temperature control device and the detection device; the housing (9) is located above the reaction tube holder (6) and is equipped with a heating module and a temperature sensor.

2. The PCR instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source includes LED beads.

3. The PCR instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The probe includes a photoelectric sensor.

4. The PCR instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a filter lens; both the light source and the probe are connected to the optical fiber through the filter lens.

5. The PCR instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a bracket (5); the base (1) is disposed on the upper surface of the bracket (5), and the rotating disk (2) is disposed on the lower surface of the bracket (5).

6. The PCR instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reaction tube holder (6) and the temperature control device are integrated into a temperature control module, and the temperature control module and the detection device are optically connected through the optical fiber.

7. The PCR instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, One side of the thermoelectric cooling chip (7) is attached to the reaction tube holder (6), and the other side of the thermoelectric cooling chip (7) is attached to the heat dissipation module (8).

8. The PCR instrument according to claim 7, characterized in that, The heat dissipation module (8) includes a heat sink (81) and a fan (82); one end of the heat sink (81) is connected to the thermoelectric cooling chip (7), and the other end of the heat sink (81) is connected to the fan (82).

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