Capillary electrophoresis instrument

Abstract

The present invention discloses a capillary electrophoresis instrument, which includes a housing unit, a housing unit having an accommodating chamber formed therein, a bracket unit being arranged in the accommodating chamber, a clamping unit being arranged on the bracket unit, a clamping door being arranged at a position corresponding to the clamping unit on the housing unit, the clamping unit being replaceable through the clamping door, a capillary assembly being arranged in the clamping unit, a sample loading unit being arranged at a position corresponding to the cathode end of the capillary assembly on the bracket unit, a sample loading door being arranged at a position corresponding to the sample loading unit on the housing unit, and the sample loading unit being replaceable through the sample loading door. The capillary electrophoresis system of the present invention integrates the clamping unit, the sample loading unit, the optical detection unit and other components together, has a high degree of automation, and can meet the demand for increasingly miniaturized, integrated and convenient detection equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of biochemical detection, and in particular to an integrated automatic capillary electrophoresis instrument. Background Art

[0002] Capillary electrophoresis uses quartz capillaries as separation channels, high-voltage DC electric fields as driving forces, and porous gels as supporting media. When the size of a DNA molecule is comparable to the pore size of the gel, its mobility is related to its size. Short fragments are less obstructed and flow faster through the capillary, while long fragments are more obstructed and flow slower through the capillary. Because DNA molecules are negatively charged, after applying high-voltage DC electricity to both ends of the capillary, DNA labeled with fluorescent groups will enter the capillary from the cathode port of the capillary and flow toward the anode. DNA molecules of different lengths will pass through the detection window one after another. When a DNA molecule passes through the optical detection window, the fluorescent group on the DNA is excited by the laser to generate fluorescence, which is then collected by the CCD camera. By analyzing the collected data, the base sequence or relative fragment length of the DNA molecule can be obtained.

[0003] There are two main applications of capillary electrophoresis technology in the field of gene analysis: Sanger sequencing and fragment analysis. Sanger sequencing is the gold standard of DNA sequencing technology. It played a key role in the Human Genome Project and is still used to obtain highly accurate sequencing data. Fragment analysis is a special application developed based on Sanger sequencing technology. It is used to determine the relative length of DNA fragments without paying attention to the base composition and base arrangement order of the DNA fragments. Fragment analysis technology is widely used in clinical medicine, disease prevention and control, public security and justice, food safety, agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fishery, etc. due to its simple operation.

[0004] With the rapid development of genetic diagnosis, identity recognition, molecular breeding, transgenic detection, etc., existing capillary electrophoresis instruments can only meet basic detection needs and are gradually unable to meet the various specific needs of today's biotechnology, especially the needs of miniaturization, integration, and convenience. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a capillary electrophoresis instrument which is integrated, highly automated and easy to use.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the specific technical solution of the capillary electrophoresis instrument of the present invention is:

[0007] A capillary electrophoresis instrument comprises a shell unit, a housing chamber is formed inside the shell unit, a support unit is arranged in the housing chamber, a clamp unit is arranged on the support unit, a clamp door is arranged at a position of the shell unit corresponding to the clamp unit, the clamp unit can be replaced through the clamp door, a capillary assembly is arranged in the clamp unit, a sample loading unit is arranged at a position of the support unit corresponding to the cathode end of the capillary assembly, a sample loading door is arranged at a position of the shell unit corresponding to the sample loading unit, and the sample loading unit can replace samples through the sample loading door.

[0008] The capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0009] 1) It can be applied to Sanger sequencing and fragment analysis. While ensuring reliability, it also has the characteristics of easy operation and cost saving;

[0010] 2) The integrated clip design of capillary, gel and anode buffer reduces the operation and time of users in replacing consumables;

[0011] 3) The integration of a computer and a touch screen makes the instrument more compact, allowing experimenters to set up experiments more intuitively and quickly, and allowing users to focus more on data analysis rather than tedious operations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a stereoscopic diagram of a capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the open state of the sample loading door and the clamping door in the capillary electrophoresis instrument of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the extended state of the sample loading unit in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 4 The internal structure of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the present invention is Figure 1 ;

[0016] Figure 5 The internal structure of the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the present invention is Figure 2 ;

[0017] Figure 6 The three-dimensional structure of the clamping unit in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0018] Figure 7 The three-dimensional structure of the clamping unit in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0019] Figure 8The internal structure of the clamping unit in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0020] Fig. 9 The internal structure of the clamping unit in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0021] Fig.10 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a capillary assembly in a clamping unit;

[0022] Fig.11 It is a schematic diagram of assembling a clamp unit and a clamp heating unit in a capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the present invention;

[0023] Fig.12 The three-dimensional sample loading unit in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0024] Fig.13 The three-dimensional sample loading unit in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0025] Fig.14 for Fig.12 A stereoscopic view of a sample stage in a sample loading unit;

[0026] Fig.15 for Fig.14 A three-dimensional view of a reaction liquid tank in a sample stage;

[0027] Fig.16 for Fig.12 A stereogram of the three-dimensional moving components in the loading unit;

[0028] Fig.17 for Fig.16 A three-dimensional diagram of a first direction motion mechanism and a second direction motion mechanism in a three-dimensional moving assembly;

[0029] Fig.18 for Fig.16 A partial enlarged view of a first direction motion mechanism and a second direction motion mechanism in the three-dimensional moving assembly;

[0030] Fig.19 for Fig.16 A stereoscopic diagram of a first direction motion mechanism, a second direction motion mechanism, and a third direction motion mechanism in a three-dimensional moving assembly;

[0031] Fig. 20 for Fig.16 A partial enlarged view of the first direction motion mechanism, the second direction motion mechanism, and the third direction motion mechanism in the three-dimensional moving assembly;

[0032] Fig.21 The three-dimensional optical detection unit in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0033] Fig. 22 The three-dimensional optical detection unit in the capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0034] Fig.23 for Fig.21 The integrated support part of the optical detection unit in the stereo Figure 1 ;

[0035] Fig.24 for Fig.21 The integrated support part of the optical detection unit in the stereo Figure 2 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to better understand the purpose, structure and function of the present invention, a capillary electrophoresis apparatus of the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the capillary electrophoresis instrument of the present invention includes a shell unit 100, which is the external cover of the capillary electrophoresis instrument and mainly plays a protective role; a receiving chamber is formed inside the shell unit 100, and the receiving chamber is the installation space of various components of the capillary electrophoresis instrument; a bracket unit 200 is arranged in the receiving chamber, and the bracket unit 200 is the bearing structure of various components of the capillary electrophoresis instrument.

[0038] Furthermore, a clamping unit 300 is provided on the bracket unit 200, and a capillary assembly 310 and a gel block assembly 320 are provided in the clamping unit 300, and the clamping unit 300 is the reaction place for capillary electrophoresis; a loading unit 400 is provided at a position corresponding to the cathode end of the capillary assembly 310 on the bracket unit 200, and the cathode end of the capillary assembly 310 is connected to the loading unit 400, and the loading unit 400 provides samples, materials required for cathode reaction, etc. for capillary electrophoresis; the anode end of the capillary assembly 310 is connected to the gel block assembly 320, and the gel block assembly 320 provides gel, materials required for anode reaction, etc. for capillary electrophoresis; a glue filling unit 500 is provided at a position corresponding to the gel block assembly 320 in the clamping unit 300 on the bracket unit 200, and the glue filling unit 500 is connected to the gel block assembly 320, and the glue filling unit 500 is the control unit of the gel block assembly 320.

[0039] Furthermore, an optical detection unit 600 is provided at a position corresponding to the detection window of the capillary assembly 310 on the support unit 200, and the optical detection unit 600 is connected to the detection window of the capillary assembly 310 for completing data collection and analysis of capillary electrophoresis. It should be noted that the capillary electrophoresis apparatus also includes other auxiliary units, such as a power supply unit, a heat dissipation unit, etc., and the present invention does not further limit other auxiliary units, and the specific form can refer to the existing capillary electrophoresis apparatus.

[0040] Specifically, if Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the clamping unit 300 is arranged on the front side of the bracket unit 200, and is preferably detachably arranged on the bracket unit 200 through a connection piece such as a positioning pin, and a clamping door 110 is arranged at a position corresponding to the clamping unit 300 on the front side wall of the housing unit 100, and the clamping unit 300 can be replaced through the clamping door 110. Among them, since the clamping unit 300 is not frequently replaced, the opening frequency of the clamping door 110 is relatively small, and preferably, a safety door lock is arranged on the clamping door 110.

[0041] Further, in this embodiment, if Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the clamp unit 300 includes a clamp shell 330, on which a gel block assembly 320 is disposed, the gel block assembly 320 contains a reaction liquid, and a capillary 311 is installed in the clamp shell 330, one end of the capillary 311 is connected to the gel block assembly 320, and the other end extends out of the clamp shell 330 and is connected to the sample loading unit 400.

[0042] Further, if Fig.10 As shown, a cathode assembly 312 and a detection window 313 are also provided on the capillary 311 to form a capillary assembly 310, wherein the cathode assembly 312 is located at the cathode end of the capillary 311, the cathode end of the capillary 311 extends out of the clamp shell 330 and is connected to the sample loading unit 400; the detection window 313 is arranged close to the anode end of the capillary 311, and the anode end of the capillary 311 is connected to the rubber block assembly 320.

[0043] Specifically, if Figure 8 and Fig. 9As shown, the clamp shell 330 includes an anode area, a detection window area, a accommodating chamber area and a cathode area, wherein the anode area of ​​the clamp shell 330 is integrated with a rubber block assembly 320, and the anode end of the capillary 311 is connected to the rubber block assembly 320; the detection window area is arranged close to the anode area, and the detection window area is integrated with a window mounting seat, and the detection window 313 on the capillary 311 is mounted on the window mounting seat; the accommodating chamber area is located between the detection window area and the cathode area, and the accommodating chamber area is formed with a capillary accommodating chamber 340, and the main body of the capillary 311 is installed in the capillary accommodating chamber 340; the cathode area is formed with an opening, and the cathode assembly 312 on the capillary 311 is integrated in the cathode area, and the cathode end of the capillary 311 extends from the cathode area to be connected to the loading unit 400.

[0044] Further, with regard to the gel block assembly 320 in the anode region of the clamp housing 330, the gel block assembly 320 is provided with anode buffer and gel required for capillary electrophoresis, wherein the gel block assembly 320 may include conventional anode buffer box, gel bag, syringe, gel valve, buffer valve and other components. When the clamp housing is fixed to the bracket unit 200, the syringe, gel valve, and buffer valve may be connected to the gel filling unit 500, and their opening and closing may be controlled by the gel filling unit 500, wherein the gel filling unit 500 may include conventional motors, slide rails, sliding forks and other components to control the syringe, gel valve, buffer valve and the like in the gel block assembly 320. The structures of the gel block assembly 320 and the gel filling unit 500 may adopt existing structures in the art, and will not be described in detail.

[0045] Furthermore, with regard to the window mounting seat in the detection window area of ​​the clamp housing 330, it is for fixing the detection window 313 on the capillary 311 and being connected to the optical detection unit 600 to realize detection and analysis in capillary electrophoresis. The specific structure can adopt the existing mounting structure in the art and will not be described in detail.

[0046] Further, with respect to the capillary accommodating chamber 340 in the accommodating chamber area of ​​the clamp housing 330, at least two capillary installation channels are provided in the capillary accommodating chamber 340 for installing capillaries of different specifications. In this embodiment, two capillary installation channels are provided in the capillary accommodating chamber 340, one corresponding to a capillary of a shorter size (e.g., 36 cm), i.e., the first capillary 314, and the other corresponding to the capillary of a shorter size (e.g., 36 cm), i.e., the first capillary 314. Figure 5 Another corresponding longer size (eg, 50 cm) capillary, ie, the second capillary 315, such as Figure 6 Of course, it is understandable that, according to actual needs, more capillary installation channels can be provided in the capillary accommodating chamber so as to use capillaries of more specifications, or only one capillary installation channel can be provided to simplify the internal structure of the clip.

[0047] Further, if Figures 7 to 9 As shown, an air inlet 331 and an air outlet 332 are provided on the clamp housing 330, wherein the air inlet 331 and the air outlet 332 are respectively connected to the capillary accommodating chamber 340, and the temperature regulating airflow can flow into the capillary accommodating chamber 340 through the air inlet 331 and flow out from the air outlet 332 to regulate the temperature of the capillaries in the capillary accommodating chamber 340 to meet the temperature requirement for capillary electrophoresis.

[0048] Further, preferably, at least two airflow channels are provided in the capillary accommodating chamber 340, and the temperature-adjusting airflow flows through different airflow channels, so that the temperature of the capillaries 311 of different specifications can be adjusted. In this embodiment, the capillary accommodating chamber 340 is provided with a first airflow channel 341 and a second airflow channel 342. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the first air flow channel 341 is used to adjust the temperature of the first capillary 314, and the first air flow channel 341 and the second air flow channel 342 are used to adjust the temperature of the second capillary 315. Of course, it can be understood that the number of air flow channels in the capillary accommodating chamber can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs, such as one or more, as long as the temperature regulation of the capillary can be met. The figure is only a preferred example.

[0049] Specifically, in this embodiment, a fixed partition 343 is provided in the capillary accommodating chamber 340, and the fixed partition 343 divides the capillary accommodating chamber 340 into a first air flow channel 341 and a second air flow channel 342. A first movable partition 344 is provided between the fixed partition 343 and the air inlet 331, and the first movable partition 344 is used to open or close the air inlet of the second air flow channel 342. A second movable partition 345 is provided between the fixed partition 343 and the air outlet 332, and the second movable partition 345 can adjust the air outlet position of the second air flow channel 342.

[0050] Further, if Figure 8 As shown, the first capillary tube 314 is located in the first air flow channel 341. At this time, the first movable baffle 344 closes the air inlet of the second air flow channel 342, and the second movable baffle 345 is connected to the fixed baffle 343. As a result, the temperature-adjusting airflow flows directly into the first air flow channel 341 from the air inlet 331, adjusts the temperature of the first capillary tube 314 in the first air flow channel 341, and flows out from the air outlet 332. Since the area of ​​the first air flow channel 341 is small, the temperature-adjusting airflow only flows through the first air flow channel 341, which can improve the heat transfer efficiency.

[0051] Further, if Fig. 9As shown, the second capillary tube 315 is located in the first airflow channel 341 and the second airflow channel 342. At this time, the first movable baffle 344 opens the air inlet of the second airflow channel 342, and the second movable baffle 345 is separated from the fixed baffle 343. As a result, the temperature-adjusting airflow flows from the air inlet 331 into the first airflow channel 341 and the second airflow channel 342, respectively, adjusts the temperature of the second capillary tube 315 in the first airflow channel 341 and the second airflow channel 342, and flows out from the air outlet 332. The temperature-adjusting airflow flows through the first airflow channel 341 and the second airflow channel 342 at the same time, and can fully cover the second capillary tube 315 to ensure the temperature adjustment effect. Among them, in this embodiment, a hole is opened on the fixed baffle 343, and the second movable baffle 345 is separated from the fixed baffle 343, which can facilitate the installation of the second capillary tube 315.

[0052] Further, if Figure 4 and Fig.11 As shown, a clamp heating unit 700 is provided at a position corresponding to the clamp unit 300 on the bracket unit 200, and the clamp heating unit 700 is covered on the outside of the clamp housing 330. The clamp heating unit 700 is used to deliver a temperature-regulated airflow to the capillary accommodating chamber 340. In this embodiment, the clamp heating unit 700 includes an airflow circulation channel 710, and a heat source 720 and a fan 730 are provided in the airflow circulation channel 710. The heat source 720 can be an electric heating plate, TEC, etc. The airflow circulation channel 710 is connected to the air inlet 331 and the air outlet 332 on the clamp housing 330, so that the temperature-regulated airflow circulates between the airflow circulation channel 710 and the capillary accommodating chamber 340.

[0053] The clamp unit in the present invention integrates the capillary, anode buffer and gel to make it an integrated consumable, which reduces user operations and facilitates replacement; at the same time, it also saves installation space in the equipment, increases the integration of the device, and achieves the goal of miniaturization of the equipment.

[0054] Further, if Figures 3 to 5 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, a loading unit 400 is provided at a position on the support unit 200 corresponding to the cathode end of the capillary assembly 310. In this embodiment, the loading unit 400 includes a sample stage 410 and a three-dimensional moving component 420. The sample stage 410 is provided on the three-dimensional moving component 420. The three-dimensional moving component 420 can realize the movement of the sample stage 410 in a three-dimensional direction.

[0055] Furthermore, a loading door 120 is provided on the front side wall of the housing unit 100 at a position corresponding to the loading unit 400, and the three-dimensional moving component 420 can drive the sample stage to move out of the loading door 120 to perform operations such as replacement of samples and cathode reaction liquid. Since the sample needs to be replaced before each test, the loading door 120 is opened more frequently. Preferably, a reset component (such as a torsion spring, etc.) is provided on the loading door 120, and the loading door 120 will automatically open when the sample stage 410 leaves the chamber, and when the sample stage 410 returns to the chamber, the loading door 120 can be automatically closed under the action of the reset component without manual switch.

[0056] Specifically, if Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, in this embodiment, a first accommodating groove and a second accommodating groove are provided on the sample stage 410, wherein a sample plate 411 is placed in the first accommodating groove, and the sample plate 411 may be a 96-well plate, etc., for containing samples to be detected; a reaction liquid groove 412 is placed in the second accommodating groove, and the reaction liquid groove 412 includes a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber contains a cathode buffer solution, and the second chamber contains pure water, the cathode buffer solution can provide a buffer system and a conductive medium for the electrophoresis process, and the pure water can be used to discharge waste glue and clean capillaries.

[0057] Thus, during the electrophoresis process, the capillary can first be made to drain the waste glue in the pure water of the reaction liquid tank 412, then the sample can be injected into the sample plate 411 by means of the potential difference, and finally the electrophoresis can be carried out in the cathode buffer, wherein the sample needs to be washed in pure water when switching between different tanks, and the three-dimensional movement of the sample stage 410 is controlled by the three-dimensional moving component 420 to complete the switching between different tanks. In addition, optionally, during the electrophoresis process, the capillary can also be made to drain the waste glue in the pure water of the reaction liquid tank 412, then the pre-electrophoresis can be carried out in the cathode buffer of the reaction liquid tank 412, then the sample can be injected into the sample plate 411 by means of the potential difference, and finally the electrophoresis can be carried out in the cathode buffer. Of course, it can be understood that different operation processes can be selected according to different situations, and the above are only preferred examples and are not specifically limited.

[0058] like Figures 16 to 20 As shown, in this embodiment, the three-dimensional moving component 420 includes a first direction motion mechanism, a second direction motion mechanism and a third direction motion mechanism, wherein the sample table 410 is arranged on the third direction motion mechanism, the third direction motion mechanism is arranged on the second direction motion mechanism, the second direction motion mechanism is arranged on the first direction motion mechanism, and the first direction motion mechanism is arranged on the bracket unit 200.

[0059] Preferably, the first direction motion mechanism in this embodiment can realize the movement of the sample stage 410 in the X-axis direction, that is, the direction of entering and exiting the shell unit 100, or the longitudinal direction relative to the cathode end of the capillary; the second direction motion mechanism can realize the movement of the sample stage 410 in the Y-axis direction, that is, the lateral direction relative to the cathode end of the capillary; the third direction motion mechanism can realize the movement of the sample stage 410 in the Z-axis direction, that is, the direction of connecting or disconnecting from the cathode end of the capillary, or the vertical direction relative to the cathode end of the capillary.

[0060] Further, if Figures 16 to 20 As shown, in this embodiment, the first direction movement mechanism includes a first motor 431, a first belt 432 and a first slide rail 433, wherein the first slide rail 433 is fixedly arranged on the bracket unit 200, the first motor 431 is connected to the first belt 432, a first carrier 434 is fixedly arranged on the first belt 432, a first slider 435 is fixedly arranged on the first carrier 434, and the first slider 435 is slidably arranged on the first slide rail 433. Thus, the first motor 431 can drive the first belt 432 to rotate, and when the first belt 432 rotates, it can synchronously drive the first carrier 434 to move, and then drive the first slider 435 to move along the first slide rail 433, so as to realize the movement of the sample stage 410 in the X-axis direction.

[0061] Furthermore, the second direction movement mechanism includes a second motor 441, a second belt 442 and a second slide rail 443, wherein the second slide rail 443 is fixedly arranged on the first carrier 434, the second motor 441 is connected to the second belt 442, a second carrier 444 is fixedly arranged on the second belt 442, a second slider 445 is fixedly arranged on the second carrier 444, and the second slider 445 is slidably arranged on the second slide rail 443. Thus, the second motor 441 can drive the second belt 442 to rotate, and when the second belt 442 rotates, it can synchronously drive the second carrier 444 to move, and then drive the second slider 445 to move along the second slide rail 443, so as to realize the movement of the sample stage 410 in the Y-axis direction.

[0062] Further, the third directional motion mechanism includes a third motor 451, wherein the third motor 451 is fixedly arranged on the sample stage 410, the motor shaft of the third motor 451 is connected to the third bearing platform 452, the third bearing platform 452 is fixedly arranged on the second bearing platform 444, the third bearing platform 452 is provided with a third slide rail 453, and the sample stage 410 is fixedly provided with a third slider 454, and the third slider 454 is slidably arranged on the third slide rail 453. Therefore, the extension of the motor shaft of the third motor 451 can move the sample stage 410 in a direction away from the third bearing platform 452, and then the third slider 454 on the sample stage 410 moves along the third slide rail 453 on the third bearing platform 452, so as to realize the movement of the sample stage 410 in the Z-axis direction.

[0063] In general, the sample table 410 is fixedly connected to the third slider 454, the third slider 454 is slidably connected to the third slide rail 453, the third slide rail 453 is fixedly connected to the third support platform 452, and the third support platform 452 is fixedly connected to the second support platform 444; the second support platform 444 is fixedly connected to the second slider 445, the second slider 445 is slidably connected to the second slide rail 443, and the second slide rail 443 is fixedly connected to the first support platform 434; the first support platform 434 is fixedly connected to the first slider 435, the first slider 435 is slidably connected to the first slide rail 433, and the first slide rail 433 is fixedly set on the bracket unit 200.

[0064] The extension directions of the first slide rail 433, the second slide rail 443 and the third slide rail 453 are perpendicular to each other. Therefore, the motor shaft of the third motor 451 extends or retracts to drive the sample stage 410 to move back and forth in the extension direction of the third slide rail 453; the second motor 441 drives the second belt 442 to rotate to drive the sample stage 410 to move back and forth in the extension direction of the second slide rail 443; the first motor 431 drives the first belt 432 to rotate to drive the sample stage 410 to move back and forth in the extension direction of the first slide rail 433.

[0065] Further, if Fig.16 As shown, in this embodiment, a first fixing member 461 is provided on the bracket unit 200, and a second fixing member 462 is provided on the sample table 410. The first fixing member 461 and the second fixing member 462 can be connected to each other so that the sample table 410 can be temporarily fixed relative to the bracket unit 200 to solve the possible free sliding of the sample table 410 during transportation and ensure the safety of the equipment.

[0066] The loading unit in the present invention realizes the automation of movement through the structural design and layout of the sample table and the three-dimensional moving components, and fully utilizes the cooperation of the motor, belt, and slide rail structure, saving installation space, increasing the integration of the device, and achieving the goal of equipment automation and miniaturization.

[0067] Further, if Fig.21 and Fig. 22 As shown, an optical detection unit 600 is provided at a position corresponding to the detection window of the capillary assembly 310 on the bracket unit 200, and the optical detection unit 600 is connected to the detection window 313 of the capillary assembly 310. In this embodiment, the optical detection unit 600 includes a mounting base plate 601, and a laser 602, a focusing lens 603 and a reflector 604 are provided on the mounting base plate 601, wherein the laser 602 is used to emit an excitation beam; the focusing lens 603 is provided on the transmission path of the excitation beam, and is used to convert the excitation beam into a focusing beam; the reflector 604 is provided on the transmission path of the focusing beam, and is used to reflect the focusing beam onto the capillary 311 to generate fluorescence.

[0068] Furthermore, a detection lens 606 and a spectrometer 607 are also provided on the mounting base plate 601, wherein the detection lens 606 is arranged opposite to the capillary 311, and is used to receive the fluorescent light beam generated in the capillary 311; the spectrometer 607 is connected to the detection lens 606, and is used to receive the detection light beam transmitted by the detection lens 606, so as to perform detection and analysis. In addition, the optical detection unit 600 of the present invention also includes other commonly used auxiliary equipment, such as a power supply component, a laser heat dissipation component, etc., which can adopt existing structural forms and settings, and will not be described in detail.

[0069] Specifically, in this embodiment, Fig.21 and Fig. 22 As shown, the mounting base plate 601 is a rectangular structure, and a laser 602 is arranged at one corner of the mounting base plate 601. It should be noted that the laser 602 in the present invention is preferably a semiconductor laser. Of course, gas lasers, solid lasers or light-emitting diodes, etc. can also be selected according to needs, and there is no specific limitation.

[0070] Further, correspondingly, an integrated bracket 608 is provided at another corner of the mounting base plate 601. Fig.23 and Fig.24 As shown, a focusing lens 603, a detection lens 606 and a capillary connector 609 are provided on the integrated bracket 608, wherein a reflector 604 and a capillary receiving groove are provided on the capillary connector 609, and the detection window 313 on the capillary 311 is placed in the capillary receiving groove.

[0071] Furthermore, the focusing lens 603 on the integrated bracket 608 is respectively arranged opposite to the laser 602 and the reflector 604, the reflector 604 is respectively arranged opposite to the focusing lens 603 and the capillary 311, and the detection lens 606 is respectively arranged opposite to the capillary 311 and the spectrometer 607. Thus, the centralized installation of multiple components is realized through the integrated bracket 608, achieving the effect of high centralization and convenient installation. Preferably, the laser 602 and the focusing lens 603 are connected through a light shielding tube 605 to reduce the interference of other stray light on the excitation beam.

[0072] Further, if Fig.21 and Fig. 22 As shown, a spectrometer 607 is disposed at the middle position of the mounting base plate 601, specifically, the spectrometer 607 is located between the laser 602 and the integrated bracket 608. In this embodiment, based on the design of the laser 602 and the integrated bracket 608, the spectrometer 607 can be directly connected to the detection lens 606 without other intermediate connectors, which simplifies the optical path structure and makes the device more compact. Of course, according to actual conditions, the spectrometer 607 can also be disposed at other positions, and the detection lens 606 and the spectrometer 607 are connected by a transmission optical fiber.

[0073] Therefore, in this embodiment, the transmission path of the excitation light beam between the laser 602 and the focusing lens 603 and the transmission path of the focusing light beam between the focusing lens 603 and the reflector 604 overlap with each other; the transmission path of the focusing light beam between the focusing lens 603 and the reflector 604 and the transmission path of the reflected light beam between the reflector 604 and the capillary 311 are perpendicular to each other; the transmission path of the reflected light beam between the reflector 604 and the capillary 311 and the transmission path of the fluorescent light beam between the capillary 311 and the detection objective lens 606 are perpendicular to each other; the transmission path of the fluorescent light beam between the capillary 311 and the detection objective lens 606 and the transmission path of the detection light beam between the detection objective lens 606 and the spectrometer 607 overlap with each other; the transmission path of the focusing light beam between the focusing lens 603 and the reflector 604 and the transmission path of the fluorescent light beam between the capillary 311 and the detection objective lens 606 are parallel to each other.

[0074] The working process of the optical detection unit 600 in the present invention is: 1) the laser 602 emits an excitation light beam; 2) the excitation light beam is transmitted to the focusing lens 603 through the light-shielding tube 605 to form a focused light beam; 3) the focused light beam is irradiated onto the reflector 604 to form a reflected light beam; 4) the reflected light beam is irradiated onto the capillary 311 to generate fluorescence; 5) the detection objective lens 606 collects the fluorescence light beam generated in the capillary 311 to form a detection light beam; 6) the detection light beam is transmitted to the spectrometer 607 for detection and analysis.

[0075] The optical detection unit in the present invention reasonably arranges the positional relationship of each component and makes full use of the reflection effect of the reflector to adjust the light path, thereby avoiding the interference of the excitation light on the fluorescent signal, saving installation space, increasing the integration of the device, and achieving the goal of miniaturization of the equipment.

[0076] The capillary electrophoresis system of the present invention integrates components such as a clamping unit, a sample loading unit, and an optical detection unit, has a high degree of automation, and can meet the demand for increasingly miniaturized, integrated, and convenient detection equipment.

[0077] The present invention is further described above with the aid of specific embodiments. However, it should be understood that the specific description here should not be construed as limiting the essence and scope of the present invention. Various modifications made to the above embodiments by ordinary technicians in the field after reading this specification are all within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A capillary electrophoresis apparatus, characterized in that: The invention comprises a housing unit, wherein a receiving chamber is formed inside the housing unit, a bracket unit is arranged in the receiving chamber, a clamping unit is arranged on the bracket unit, a clamping door is arranged at a position corresponding to the clamping unit on the housing unit, the clamping unit can be replaced through the clamping door, and a capillary assembly and a rubber block assembly are arranged in the clamping unit; The clamping unit comprises a clamping shell, the anode area of ​​the clamping shell is integrated with a gel block assembly, the anode end of the capillary is connected to the gel block assembly, the gel block assembly is provided with anode buffer and gel, and a gel pouring unit is provided at a position of the bracket unit corresponding to the gel block assembly in the clamping unit, and the gel pouring unit is connected to the gel block assembly; A sample loading unit is arranged at a position on the support unit corresponding to the cathode end of the capillary assembly, and the sample loading unit comprises a sample stage, and a first accommodating groove and a second accommodating groove are arranged on the sample stage, the sample plate is placed in the first accommodating groove, and the reaction liquid groove is placed in the second accommodating groove, and the reaction liquid groove comprises a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber contains a cathode buffer solution, and the second chamber contains pure water; The loading unit includes a three-dimensional moving component, which includes a first direction moving mechanism, a second direction moving mechanism and a third direction moving mechanism. The sample stage is arranged on the third direction moving mechanism, the third direction moving mechanism is arranged on the second direction moving mechanism, the second direction moving mechanism is arranged on the first direction moving mechanism, and the first direction moving mechanism is arranged on the bracket unit. The sample stage can be moved in three directions by the first direction moving mechanism, the second direction moving mechanism and the third direction moving mechanism. The first direction moving mechanism can move the sample stage in the direction of entering and exiting the housing unit. A loading door is arranged at a position corresponding to the loading unit on the shell unit, and the loading unit can replace samples through the loading door. The loading door is arranged on the front side wall of the shell unit, and the three-dimensional moving component can drive the sample table to move out of the loading door.

2. The capillary electrophoresis instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: The anode end of the capillary assembly is connected to the gel block assembly, and the cathode end of the capillary assembly is connected to the sample loading unit.

3. The capillary electrophoresis instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: A capillary accommodating chamber is formed inside the clamping unit, and at least two capillary installation channels are arranged in the capillary accommodating chamber for installing capillaries of different specifications.

4. The capillary electrophoresis instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that: The clamping unit is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, which are respectively connected to the capillary tube accommodating chamber. The temperature regulating airflow can flow into the capillary tube accommodating chamber through the air inlet and flow out from the air outlet to regulate the temperature of the capillary in the capillary tube accommodating chamber.

5. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: At least two air flow channels are arranged in the capillary accommodating chamber, and the temperature regulating air flow flows through different air flow channels, so that the temperature of capillaries of different specifications can be regulated.

6. The capillary electrophoresis instrument according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: A clamp heating unit is arranged at a position on the bracket unit corresponding to the clamp unit, and the clamp heating unit is connected with an air inlet and an air outlet on the clamp unit so that a temperature-regulated airflow circulates between the clamp heating unit and the capillary accommodating chamber.

7. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The clamping door is arranged on the front side wall of the housing unit, a safety door lock is arranged on the clamping door, and the clamping unit is detachably arranged on the bracket unit.

8. The capillary electrophoresis instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that: A reset component is provided on the loading door.

9. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: An optical detection unit is arranged at a position of the detection window of the capillary assembly on the bracket unit, and the optical detection unit includes a laser, a focusing lens, a reflector, a detection objective lens and a spectrometer. The focusing lens is arranged on the transmission path of the excitation light beam emitted by the laser, the reflector is arranged on the transmission path of the focused light beam generated by the focusing lens and generates a reflected light beam to irradiate the capillary, the detection objective lens is arranged opposite to the capillary and is used to receive the fluorescent light beam generated in the capillary, and the spectrometer is connected to the detection objective lens and is used to receive the detection light beam transmitted by the detection objective lens for detection and analysis.

10. The capillary electrophoresis apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that: The optical detection unit includes an integrated bracket, on which a focusing lens, a detection objective lens and a capillary connector are arranged, on which a reflector and a capillary receiving groove are arranged, the detection window of the capillary assembly is placed in the capillary receiving groove, and the spectrometer is arranged between the laser and the integrated bracket.

11. The capillary electrophoresis instrument according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: The transmission path of the excitation beam coincides with the transmission path of the focusing beam, the transmission path of the focusing beam is perpendicular to the transmission path of the reflected beam, the transmission path of the reflected beam is perpendicular to the transmission path of the fluorescent beam, the transmission path of the fluorescent beam is coincident with the transmission path of the detection beam, and the transmission path of the focusing beam and the transmission path of the fluorescent beam are parallel to each other.

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