Cell culture device provided with an electret

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of biotechnology, and provides a cell culture device with an electret, which comprises a culture device body for cell culture, and an electric field generating device for providing an electric field environment for the culture device body, wherein the electric field generating device is provided with two electrodes, and at least one of the electrodes is an electrode made of electret material. The electrode made of electret material has the characteristic that the polarization state will not completely disappear after being affected by an external electric field. When the two situations mentioned in the background art occur, the electret electrode can effectively inhibit or slow down the change degree of the electric field because the polarization state will not completely disappear, so as to ensure or prolong the promotion effect of the electric field on cell proliferation, and reduce or prevent the inhibition effect of the electric field on cell proliferation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of biotechnology, and more particularly to cell culture devices. Background Technology

[0002] Electric fields can affect the rate of cell proliferation, both promoting and inhibiting it. In laboratory cell culture, a promoting electric field is typically used to accelerate cell proliferation within the culture apparatus.

[0003] However, the dielectrics currently used to increase the electric field are mostly dielectrics containing inherent electric dipoles. These dielectrics will align with the direction of the external electric field under its influence, i.e., they will become polarized. Moreover, this polarization occurs simultaneously with the external electric field and disappears at the same time. That is, if the power is accidentally cut off, the electric field disappears instantly, and if the power supply is unstable, the electric field will fluctuate rapidly. When the electric field exhibits these two situations, its effect on cell proliferation becomes uncertain, and an inhibitory effect cannot be ruled out, and is highly likely. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cell culture apparatus equipped with electrets to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] The technical problem solved by this invention can be achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0006] A cell culture apparatus equipped with an electret includes a culture apparatus body for cell culture and an electric field generating device for providing an electric field environment for the culture apparatus body. The electric field generating device is provided with two electrodes, characterized in that at least one of the electrodes is an electrode made of electret material.

[0007] This patent uses electrodes made of electret material, which have the characteristic that the polarization state does not completely disappear when the external electric field is removed after being subjected to an external electric field. When the two situations described in the background art occur, the electret electrode can effectively suppress or slow down the degree of change in the electric field because the polarization state does not completely disappear. This ensures or prolongs the promoting effect of the electric field on cell proliferation and reduces or prevents the inhibiting effect of the electric field on cell proliferation.

[0008] Preferably, the electric field generating device includes a housing, the right side of which is recessed inward to form a first receiving cavity for accommodating the culture device body. Alternatively, one of the two electrodes may be fixed to the bottom of the first receiving cavity and the other to the top of the first receiving cavity. Or, one of the two electrodes may be fixed to the top of the first receiving cavity and the other to the bottom of the culture device body.

[0009] Preferably, the culture device body can be a petri dish, a 96-well plate, etc.

[0010] Preferably, the electrode can be a needle-shaped, rod-shaped, disc-shaped, cylindrical, or wire-shaped electrode made of inorganic piezoelectric material. Alternatively, it can be a film-shaped electrode made of PVDF piezoelectric film. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of the bottom of the first receiving cavity under one configuration.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the bottom of the first receiving cavity under another configuration.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the bottom of the first receiving cavity under another configuration.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the bottom of the first receiving cavity under another configuration.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a partial structural diagram of the bottom of the first receiving cavity under another configuration.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a partial structural diagram of the top of the first receiving cavity under one configuration.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the top of the first receiving cavity under another configuration.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a partial structural diagram of the top of the first receiving cavity under another configuration.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a partial structural diagram of the top of the first receiving cavity under another configuration.

[0020] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the main structure of the cultivation device;

[0021] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another structure of the main body of the cultivation device;

[0022] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a rotating shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described below with reference to specific illustrations.

[0024] A cell culture apparatus equipped with an electret includes a culture apparatus body for cell culture and an electric field generating device for providing an electric field environment for the culture apparatus body. The electric field generating device has two electrodes, at least one of which is an electrode made of electret material. This patent uses electrodes made of electret material, which have the characteristic that their polarization state does not completely disappear after being subjected to an external electric field and the field is removed. When the two situations described in the background art occur, the electret electrode, because its polarization state does not completely disappear, can effectively suppress or slow down the degree of change in the electric field, thereby ensuring or prolonging the promoting effect of the electric field on cell proliferation and reducing or preventing the inhibiting effect of the electric field on cell proliferation.

[0025] The electric field generating device includes a housing with its right side recessed inward to form a first receiving cavity for accommodating the culture device body. Alternatively, one of the two electrodes may be fixed to the bottom of the first receiving cavity and the other to the top. Or, one electrode may be fixed to the top of the first receiving cavity and the other to the bottom of the culture device body. The culture device body can be a petri dish, a 96-well plate, etc. The electrodes can be needle-shaped, rod-shaped, disc-shaped, cylindrical, or wire-shaped electrodes made of inorganic piezoelectric material. They can also be film-shaped electrodes made of PVDF piezoelectric thin film.

[0026] Regarding the electrodes fixed at the bottom of the first receiving cavity Specific Implementation Example 1

[0028] The bottom of the first receiving cavity includes a first substrate 1 located below and a first protective plate 2 located above. Multiple columnar first sub-electrodes 3 made of inorganic piezoelectric material are fixed at equal intervals on the first substrate 1. The first sub-electrodes 3 constitute electrodes fixed to the bottom of the first receiving cavity. The top ends of the first sub-electrodes 3 are inserted into the first protective plate 2. The top ends of the first sub-electrodes 3 can be located within the first protective plate 2, flush with the upper surface of the first protective plate 2, or protrude from the first protective plate 2. The bottom ends of the first sub-electrodes 3 are connected to the power output module of the electric field generating device via a first connecting plate 44 made of conductive material. The first connecting plate 44 can be made of inorganic piezoelectric material, PVDF piezoelectric film, or a common conductive plate.

[0029] Yes, refer to Figure 1 The first connecting plate 4 is embedded in the first substrate 1, and the bottom end of the first sub-electrode 3 abuts against the first connecting plate 4. The first protective plate 2 has a downward-facing blind hole at the position corresponding to the first sub-electrode 3, and the top end of the first sub-electrode 3 abuts against the bottom of the blind hole. The first protective plate 2 is used to press the first sub-electrode 3 firmly onto the connecting plate.

[0030] It's alright, refer to Figure 2The first connecting plate 4 is embedded in the first substrate 1, and the bottom end of the first sub-electrode 3 is welded to the first connecting plate 4. The first protective plate 2 has a through hole running vertically through the first sub-electrode 3 at the corresponding position. The top end of the first sub-electrode 3 is flush with or protrudes from the top surface of the first protective plate 2. This ensures the flatness of the surface of the first protective plate 2, facilitating the placement of the culture device body. Simultaneously, it minimizes the distance between the first sub-electrode 3 and the culture device body, which is beneficial for improving the effect of the electric field.

[0031] It's alright, refer to Figure 3 The first substrate 1 has a downward-facing recess at its lower part. A through-hole is formed at the corresponding position of the recess. The first sub-electrode 3 consists of a first part located above and a second part located below. The outer diameter of the first part is smaller than the diameter of the through-hole, and the outer diameter of the second part is larger than the diameter of the through-hole. The first sub-electrode 3 is inserted into the through-hole of the first substrate 1 from below. The opening of the recess is sealed by a connecting plate. The first protective plate 2 has a through-hole at the corresponding position of the first sub-electrode 3, and the top plate of the first sub-electrode 3 protrudes through the first protective plate 2. In this structure, the culture device body is supported by the first sub-electrode 3, which helps maintain air circulation around the culture device body. More importantly, the first sub-electrode 3 is only pressed against the connecting plate after being subjected to the force of the culture device body. Thus, the shape formed by the first sub-electrode 3, which is well connected to the connecting plate, can vary according to the shape of the culture medium body. A spring 5 made of insulating material can be provided between the bottom end of the first sub-electrode 3 and the connecting plate. A spring 5 made of insulating material can effectively isolate the unused first sub-electrode 3, thereby avoiding energy waste. The lower part of the second portion of the first sub-electrode 3 may have a downward-opening annular groove, with the upper part of the spring embedded in the groove and the lower end of the spring abutting against the first connecting plate 4. Alternatively, the first connecting plate 4 may have an upward-opening annular groove at a position corresponding to the first sub-electrode 3, with the lower part of the spring embedded in the groove and the upper end of the spring abutting against the first sub-electrode 3. Alternatively, the lower part of the second portion of the first sub-electrode 3 may have a downward-opening annular groove, while the first connecting plate 4 may have an upward-opening annular groove at a position corresponding to the first sub-electrode 3. Alternatively, the first connecting plate 4 may have an upward-opening protrusion at a position corresponding to the first sub-electrode 3, with the lower part of the spring fitting over the outside of the protrusion and the upper end of the spring abutting against the first sub-electrode 3. Alternatively, the lower part of the second portion of the first sub-electrode 3 may have a downward-opening annular groove, while the first connecting plate 4 may have an upward-opening protrusion at a position corresponding to the first sub-electrode 3.

[0032] In the above schemes, the connecting plate can also be omitted, and the first sub-electrode 3 can be directly connected to the power output module of the electric field generating device through a wire. Specific Implementation Example 2

[0034] Reference Figure 4 The bottom of the first receiving cavity includes a first substrate 1 located below and a first protective plate 2 located above. A conductive layer 6 made of inorganic piezoelectric material is disposed between the first substrate 1 and the first protective plate 2. Alternatively, a PVDF piezoelectric film is disposed. The conductive layer 6 and the PVDF piezoelectric film constitute electrodes fixed to the bottom of the first receiving cavity. This structure is simple, easy to manufacture, and produces a more uniform electric field. The first protective plate 2 can be omitted. Alternatively, a perforated structure can be provided on the first protective plate 2, exposing the electrodes. This reduces the electric field loss caused by the first protective plate 2 and allows the main body of the culture device to be supported, ensuring good ventilation.

[0035] Regarding the electrodes fixed at the top of the first receiving cavity Specific Implementation Example 1

[0037] The top of the first receiving cavity includes a second substrate 7 located above and a second protective plate 8 located below. Multiple columnar second sub-electrodes 9 made of inorganic piezoelectric material are fixed at equal intervals on the second substrate 7. The second sub-electrodes 9 constitute electrodes fixed to the top of the first receiving cavity. The bottom end of the second sub-electrodes 9 is inserted into the second protective plate 8. The bottom end of the second sub-electrodes 9 can be located within the second protective plate 8, flush with the lower end surface of the second protective plate 8, or protruding from the second protective plate 8. The top end of the second sub-electrodes 9 is connected to the power output module of the electric field generating device via a second connecting plate 10 made of conductive material. The second connecting plate 10 can be made of inorganic piezoelectric material, PVDF piezoelectric film, or a common conductive plate.

[0038] Yes, refer to Figure 5 The second connecting plate 10 is embedded in the second substrate 7, and the top end of the second sub-electrode 9 abuts against the second connecting plate 10. The second protective plate 8 has an upward-facing blind hole at the position corresponding to the second sub-electrode 9, and the bottom end of the second sub-electrode 9 abuts against the bottom of the blind hole. The second protective plate 8 is used to press the second sub-electrode 9 firmly onto the connecting plate.

[0039] It's alright, refer to Figure 6 The second connecting plate 10 is embedded in the second substrate 7, and the top end of the second sub-electrode 9 is welded to the second connecting plate 10. The second protective plate 8 has a through hole running vertically through the second sub-electrode 9 at the corresponding position. The bottom end of the second sub-electrode 9 is flush with the bottom surface of the second protective plate 8 or protrudes from the second protective plate 8. This reduces the electric field loss caused by the second protective plate 8.

[0040] It's alright, refer to Figure 7The top end of the second sub-electrode 9 is welded to the second connecting plate 10. The second substrate 7 has a through hole running vertically through the second sub-electrode 9 at the position corresponding to the second sub-electrode 9. The second connecting plate 10 sits on the second substrate 7, and the second sub-electrode 9 is inserted into the through hole. This allows for the replacement of the second substrate 7 and the second sub-electrode 9.

[0041] In the above schemes, the connecting plate can also be omitted, and the first sub-electrode 3 can be directly connected to the power output module of the electric field generating device through a wire. Specific Implementation Example 2

[0043] Reference Figure 8 The top of the first receiving cavity includes a second substrate 7 located above and a second protective plate 8 located below. A conductive layer 11 made of inorganic piezoelectric material is disposed between the second substrate 7 and the second protective plate 8. Alternatively, a PVDF piezoelectric film is provided. The conductive layer 11 and the PVDF piezoelectric film constitute an electrode fixed to the top of the second receiving cavity. This structure is simple, easy to manufacture, and produces a more uniform electric field. The second protective plate 8 can be omitted. Alternatively, a perforated structure can be provided on the second protective plate 8 to expose the electrode portion, thereby reducing the electric field loss due to the second protective plate 8.

[0044] Regarding the fixation at the bottom of the culture device body

[0045] The main body of the culture device can be a culture dish, a 96-well plate, etc. Typically, the main body of the culture device has a second receiving cavity 12 for holding cells, with the opening of the second receiving cavity 12 facing upwards. Specific Implementation Example 1

[0047] Reference Figure 9 A spiral electrode 13, arranged in a spiral shape, is embedded below the second receiving cavity 12, serving as an electrode fixed to the bottom of the culture device body. This ensures a uniform electric field. The outer end of the spiral electrode is connected to the power output module of the electric field generating device via a wire, facilitating circuit connection. A USB interface can be provided on the side wall of the culture device body, with the outer end of the spiral electrode connected to the USB interface, through which external wires are connected. Specific Implementation Example 2

[0049] Reference Figure 10At least three electret microneedles 14 are embedded below the second receiving cavity 12, serving as electrodes fixed to the bottom of the culture device body. The electret microneedles can be arranged in a spiral, radial, matrix-like, or staggered arrangement. The bottom of the electret microneedles rests against a third connecting plate, which is fixed to the lower surface of the culture medium body. The third connecting plate is connected to the power output module of the electric field generating device via wires, facilitating circuit connection. A USB interface can be provided on the side wall of the culture device body, and the third connecting plate is connected to the USB interface for connecting external wires. The third connecting plate can be made of an inorganic piezoelectric material forming a conductive layer, a PVDF piezoelectric film, or a conventional electrode plate.

[0050] In the two embodiments described above, when the culture device body is a 96-well plate, the culture device body is provided with multiple second receiving cavities. These cavities can be provided with a single, integrated electrode, with all the second receiving cavities located above this electrode. Alternatively, each second receiving cavity can have its own relatively independent electrode, allowing for separate electric field control of each cavity. Furthermore, both a single integrated electrode and multiple relatively independent electrodes can be used simultaneously, allowing for free switching between the two electric field control modes according to the requirements of cell culture.

[0051] Regarding the casing

[0052] When electrodes are provided on the main body of the culture device, the first receiving cavity of the electric field generating device can be without a bottom, thus simplifying the structure of the first receiving cavity. In this case, the electric field generating device housing preferably includes a first housing and a second housing, with the power output module located inside the first housing and the electrodes located inside the second housing. A slide rail is provided on the right side wall of the first housing, and the second housing consists of a horizontal part and a vertical part. A groove is provided on the left side wall of the vertical part, allowing the vertical part to slide up and down along the first housing via the slide rail and groove. The horizontal part serves as the top of the first receiving cavity of the electric field generating device. The horizontal and vertical parts are connected by a pivot. During use, the user can adjust the height of the horizontal part relative to the tabletop by sliding it up and down, allowing the main body of the culture device to be easily placed inside while ensuring the strength of the electric field. After use, the horizontal part can be rotated to a vertical position via the pivot, thereby reducing the footprint of the equipment.

[0053] When the electrode is located at the bottom of the first receiving cavity, the structure of the first receiving cavity is preferably drawer-shaped. This facilitates the placement of the main body of the culture device. Alternatively, the upper surface of the first protective plate may be provided with a groove or slide rail structure, and the first receiving cavity may also include a push-pull plate with a structure on the lower surface of the push-pull plate that matches the groove or slide rail structure. This allows the receiving cavity to be placed in position using the push-pull plate.

[0054] When the electrode is located at the top of the first receiving cavity, to make the electric field more uniform, the top of the first receiving cavity may also include a top plate. A motor is fixed on the upper surface of the top plate, and the motor shaft passes through the top plate. The second base plate and the second protective plate 8 are disc-shaped and are fixedly connected to the shaft, and can rotate with the shaft. This allows each sub-electrode to rotate, thereby eliminating the uneven electric field caused by uneven distribution of the sub-electrodes. At the same time, it can drive the gas flow in the first receiving cavity, thereby making the airflow in the main body of the culture device smooth. The second connecting plate 10 can be a single disc-shaped plate, and the second connecting plate 10 is also fixedly connected to the shaft. Alternatively, the second connecting plate 10 can be composed of multiple fan-shaped sub-connecting plates arranged at equal intervals. Each sub-connecting plate can be connected to the power output module of the electric field generating device. It is allowed to output the same or different electrical signals. When the second connecting plate is composed of multiple fan-shaped sub-connecting plates, refer to Figure 11Multiple slots 15 parallel to the axial direction can be provided on the outer wall of the electrode shaft. These slots 15 are evenly spaced and each connects to one of the sub-connecting plates. The length and depth of each slot 15 are different, with longer slots being deeper. The bottoms of all slots are at the same height. At the top of each slot, the shaft has an annular groove 16 with the center of the shaft as its centerline. The depth of each annular groove 16 is equal to the depth of the connected slot. The bottom and walls of each slot and annular groove are covered with an insulating layer made of insulating material. A conductive ring made of annular conductive material is fitted inside the annular groove. The conductive ring is located within the first receiving structure formed by the insulating layer of the annular groove. A conductive strip made of conductive material is fixed inside the slot. The conductor is located within the second receiving structure formed by the insulating layer of the slot. The upper end of the conductive strip is fixedly connected to the conductive ring at the same depth, and the lower end of the conductive strip is fixedly connected to the nearest sub-connecting plate. The motor is mounted on top of the top plate via a cylindrical bracket. Conductive claws are positioned within the bracket at locations corresponding to the annular grooves. These claws contact and connect to the corresponding conductive rings, and are also connected via wires to the power output module of the electric field generating device, thus providing power. To ensure the strength of the shaft, reinforcing ribs can be added within the slots. These ribs press the corresponding conductive strips against the insulating layer of the slots. After the reinforcing ribs are added to the slots, the distance from the outer surface of the portion of the reinforcing rib above the upper surface of the top plate to the central axis of the shaft does not exceed the distance from the bottom of the shallower adjacent slot to the central axis of the shaft. The distance from the outer surface of the portion of the reinforcing rib below the upper surface of the top plate to the central axis of the shaft is equal to the maximum outer diameter of the shaft. If the first receiving cavity has sidewalls, preferably, the inner surface of the sidewalls has a cylindrical profile, and the inner side of the sidewalls has inward-facing spiral grooves. This allows the internal airflow to be guided by the spiral grooves. The spiral grooves are located on the lower part of the device, with baffles spaced at intervals within them. These baffles form an angle with the airflow direction within the spiral grooves. This changes the airflow direction at the baffles, directing it towards the main body of the culture device in the center. This further improves airflow within the main body of the culture device. A gap exists between the bottom of the baffles and the bottom of the spiral grooves, allowing some airflow to continue moving along the spiral direction of the grooves. Multiple spiral grooves can be arranged side-by-side at equal intervals.

[0055] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cell culture apparatus equipped with an electret, comprising a culture apparatus body for cell culture and an electric field generating device for providing an electric field environment for the culture apparatus body, wherein the electric field generating device is provided with two electrodes, characterized in that, At least one of the electrodes is an electrode made of electret material; The electric field generating device includes a housing, the right side of which is recessed inward to form a first receiving cavity for accommodating the body of the culture device, and one of the electrodes is fixed at the top of the first receiving cavity; The remaining electrode is fixed to the bottom of the first receiving cavity; The bottom of the first receiving cavity includes a first substrate located below and a first protective plate located above; Multiple columnar inorganic piezoelectric material first sub-electrodes are fixed at equal intervals on the first substrate. The first sub-electrodes constitute electrodes fixed at the bottom of the first receiving cavity. The lower part of the first substrate has a downward-facing recess, the opening of which is sealed by a connecting plate. The first substrate has a through hole at the corresponding position of the recess. The first sub-electrode is composed of a first part located above and a second part located below. The outer diameter of the first part is smaller than the diameter of the through hole, and the outer diameter of the second part is larger than the diameter of the through hole. The first sub-electrode is inserted into the through hole of the first substrate from below. The first protective plate has a through hole at the corresponding position of the first sub-electrode. The top plate of the first sub-electrode protrudes from the first protective plate. A spring made of insulating material is provided between the bottom end of the first sub-electrode and the connecting plate.

2. The cell culture apparatus equipped with an electret as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the first receiving cavity includes a second substrate located above and a second protective plate located below; Multiple columnar inorganic piezoelectric material second sub-electrodes are fixed at equal intervals on the second substrate. The second sub-electrodes constitute the electrodes fixed at the top of the first receiving cavity, and the bottom end of the second sub-electrodes is inserted into the second protective plate.

3. The cell culture apparatus equipped with an electret as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The top of the second sub-electrode is connected to the power output module of the electric field generating device via a second connecting plate made of conductive material.

4. The cell culture apparatus equipped with an electret as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom end of the first sub-electrode is connected to the power output module of the electric field generating device via a first connecting plate made of conductive material.

5. The cell culture apparatus equipped with an electret as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The main body of the culture device is a petri dish or a 96-well plate; The main body of the culture device is equipped with a second containment cavity for holding cells, with the opening of the second containment cavity facing upwards.

6. The cell culture apparatus equipped with an electret as described in claim 5, characterized in that, A spiral electrode is embedded below the second accommodating cavity, and the spiral electrode is used as an electrode fixed to the bottom of the culture device body. The outer end of the spiral electrode is connected to the power output module of the electric field generating device through a wire.

7. The cell culture apparatus equipped with an electret as described in claim 5, characterized in that, At least three electret microneedles are embedded below the second receiving cavity, and the electret microneedles are used as electrodes fixed to the bottom of the culture device body. The bottom of the electret microneedles rests against the third connecting plate, which is fixed to the lower surface of the culture device body. The third connecting plate is connected to the power output module of the electric field generating device through a wire.

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