A microbial growth curve measurement device

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of microbial growth curve determination device, including shell and the oscillation module, illumination module and measurement module being arranged in shell, shell is arranged on detection platform, oscillation module, illumination module and measurement module are connected with controller;Oscillation module is used to oscillate under the control of controller, oscillation module is provided with oscillation frame, and oscillation frame is used to carry microbial sample;Illumination module is arranged below oscillation module, and illumination module is used to provide illumination condition for microbial sample under the control of controller;Measurement module is used to move from one end of oscillation module to the other end of oscillation module under the control of controller, and the microbial sample carried on the oscillation frame along the way is detected to growth curve.The microbial growth curve determination device provided in the present application can provide illumination growth environment for microorganisms;And high degree of automation, low degree of human participation, thereby greatly improving the efficiency and accuracy of growth curve determination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This article relates to the field of microbial research instrument technology, and in particular to a device for measuring microbial growth curves. Background Technology

[0002] Microbial growth curves reflect the growth patterns of microbial communities under specific culture conditions, and are crucial for obtaining information on microbial growth and optimal culture environments. A common method for determining microbial growth curves is turbidimetry, which uses a spectrophotometer to measure the optical density of a bacterial suspension to infer its concentration. However, turbidimetry requires technicians to manually extract the bacterial suspension every so often (usually 1-2 hours) to measure absorbance, resulting in a lengthy experimental cycle (typically longer than 12 hours) and low detection efficiency. Furthermore, the standardization level is low, and the probability of contamination during absorbance measurement is high, leading to inaccurate results. In addition, existing microbial growth curve instruments often fail to provide the necessary illumination for microbial growth.

[0003] In view of this, this paper aims to provide a device for measuring microbial growth curves, which can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of microbial growth curve measurement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this paper is to provide a device for measuring microbial growth curves, so as to solve the problems of low efficiency and poor accuracy in the existing technology for measuring growth curves.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the specific technical solution presented in this paper is as follows:

[0006] This article provides a microbial growth curve determination device, including a housing, which is set on a detection stage. The housing is equipped with an oscillation module, a light illumination module and a measurement module, all of which are connected to a controller.

[0007] The oscillation module is used to oscillate under the control of the controller, and the oscillation module is provided with an oscillation frame for holding microbial samples;

[0008] The light module is located below the oscillation module, and the light module is used to provide light conditions for the microbial sample under the control of the controller;

[0009] The measurement module is used to move from one end of the oscillation module to the other end of the oscillation module under the control of the controller, and to detect the growth curve of the microbial samples carried on the oscillation rack along the way.

[0010] Specifically, the illumination module includes an illumination platform, a lifting motor, a connecting rod, a lifting platform, and a culture light source;

[0011] The lifting motor is connected to the controller and the lifting platform, and the lifting motor is used to drive the lifting platform to move closer to or away from the oscillation module.

[0012] The illumination platform is located on the side of the lifting platform near the oscillation module, and the lifting platform and the illumination platform can be detachably connected;

[0013] Both the connecting rod and the culture light source are mounted on the illumination platform. The culture light source is connected to the controller and operates under the control of the controller. The connecting rod is used to connect to the oscillation module so that the culture light source oscillates synchronously with the oscillation module.

[0014] Furthermore, the oscillation module includes a snap-fit ​​structure; the side of the oscillation module facing the illumination platform is provided with a mounting groove, the snap-fit ​​structure is disposed in the mounting groove, and the snap-fit ​​structure cooperates with the connecting rod.

[0015] Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​structure includes a spring and a snap-fit ​​block connected to each other;

[0016] The snap-fit ​​block has a snap-fit ​​groove at the end away from the spring. The snap-fit ​​groove is adapted to the connecting rod. The snap-fit ​​groove and the connecting rod engage to connect the oscillation module and the illumination module.

[0017] Preferably, the snap-fit ​​block is further provided with a slot, and the illumination module further includes a pin;

[0018] The pin is mounted on the pin base, which is located on the side of the lifting platform away from the oscillation module. The pin base is fixedly connected to the lifting platform. The slot is adapted to the pin, and the pin and the slot are engaged so that the locking block applies a force to the spring.

[0019] Specifically, the oscillation module also includes an enzyme-labeled plate, an oscillation motor, a first bearing, and a connecting plate;

[0020] The enzyme-labeled plate is detachably connected to the oscillation frame; the enzyme-labeled plate is provided with a growth chamber for microbial growth; one end of the first bearing is connected to the first output shaft of the oscillation motor, the other end of the first bearing is connected to the connecting plate, and the connecting plate is connected to the oscillation frame; the first output shaft and the first bearing are eccentrically arranged, and the oscillation motor is connected to the controller to drive the oscillation frame to oscillate under the control of the controller.

[0021] Furthermore, the oscillation module also includes a limiting structure, which is connected to the controller and is used to limit the oscillation amplitude of the oscillation frame.

[0022] Preferably, the culture light source corresponds one-to-one with the growth chamber; the culture light source is connected to the controller, and the controller is also used to control the operation of each culture light source.

[0023] Specifically, the measurement module includes an absorbance detector, a detection bracket, a second drive motor, and a second conveyor belt. The absorbance detector is mounted on the detection bracket, the second drive motor is connected to the controller, and the output shaft of the second drive motor is connected to the second conveyor belt. The second conveyor belt is mounted on the detection platform and is connected to the detection bracket in a transmission manner.

[0024] The detection bracket includes a vertical bracket, a first horizontal bracket, and a second horizontal bracket, both of which are connected to the vertical bracket. The absorbance detector includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is disposed on one of the first and second horizontal brackets, and the receiving unit is disposed on the other of the first and second horizontal brackets, with the transmitting unit and the receiving unit being disposed opposite to each other. A gap is formed between the first and second horizontal brackets to avoid the oscillation module.

[0025] Specifically, the device further includes a temperature control module disposed on the inner wall of the housing. The temperature control module includes a heating plate and a temperature sensor, both of which are connected to the controller.

[0026] Using the above technical solution, the microbial growth curve measurement device provided in this paper can provide a light-based growth environment for microorganisms; it has a high degree of automation and low human intervention, reducing errors caused by human factors, thereby greatly improving the efficiency and accuracy of growth curve measurement.

[0027] To make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this document more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or prior art described herein, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this article. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1This document shows a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a microbial growth curve measuring device provided in the embodiments of this article;

[0030] Figure 2 This document shows a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a microbial growth curve measuring device provided in an embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This document shows a schematic diagram of the control logic of a microbial growth curve measuring device provided in an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the oscillation module in the embodiments of this paper is shown;

[0033] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the assembly of the first bearing and the oscillating motor is shown;

[0034] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the oscillation module in the embodiment of this paper is shown;

[0035] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the limiting structure in the embodiments of this paper is shown;

[0036] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the structure of the oscillation module and the illumination module in the embodiments of this paper from another perspective;

[0037] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the snap-fit ​​structure in the embodiments of this article is shown;

[0038] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the illumination module in the embodiment of this paper is shown;

[0039] Figure 11 This document shows a schematic diagram of the structure at the bottom of the illumination module in the embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the measurement module in the embodiments of this paper is shown;

[0041] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the temperature control module in the embodiment of this paper is shown.

[0042] Explanation of symbols in the attached drawings:

[0043] 10. Shell;

[0044] 11. Cabin door;

[0045] 12. Pins;

[0046] 13. Shaft pin;

[0047] 20. Testing station;

[0048] 30. Controller;

[0049] 40. Oscillation module;

[0050] 41. Vibration frame;

[0051] 42. Snap-fit ​​structure;

[0052] 421. Spring;

[0053] 422. Snap-on block;

[0054] 423. Snap-on slot;

[0055] 424. Slot;

[0056] 43. ELISA plate;

[0057] 44. Vibrating motor;

[0058] 441. First output shaft;

[0059] 45. First bearing;

[0060] 46. ​​Connecting plate;

[0061] 47. Counterweight;

[0062] 48. Limiting structure;

[0063] 481. Limit motor;

[0064] 482. Second bearing;

[0065] 483. Rollers;

[0066] 484. First follower wheel; 485. Second connecting arm; 486. Tension spring;

[0067] 50. Lighting module;

[0068] 51. Illumination platform;

[0069] 511. Connecting rod;

[0070] 52. Lifting motor;

[0071] 53. Cancellation; 54. Cultivation light source;

[0072] 55. Slide rail; 56. First drive motor; 57. First conveyor belt;

[0073] 58. Pin base;

[0074] 59. Lifting platform;

[0075] 60. Measurement module;

[0076] 61. Testing bracket;

[0077] 611. First horizontal support; 612. Second horizontal support; 613. Vertical support; 62. Second drive motor; 63. Second conveyor belt; 70. Temperature control module; 71. Heating plate. Detailed Implementation

[0078] The technical solutions in the embodiments described below will be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments described herein, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments described herein, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this document.

[0079] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings herein are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, apparatus, product, or device that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0080] Existing methods for determining microbial growth curves mainly include volumetric measurement, dry weight method, and turbidimetric method. Microbial growth causes an increase in the turbidity of the culture. The turbidimetric method uses a spectrophotometer to detect the optical density of the bacterial suspension to infer the concentration of the bacterial solution, thereby obtaining the microbial growth curve. However, the turbidimetric method requires laboratory technicians to manually take samples of the bacterial solution every certain period (usually 1 to 2 hours) to measure the absorbance, resulting in a long experimental cycle (usually more than 12 hours) and low detection efficiency. Furthermore, the standardization level is low, and the probability of contamination by other microorganisms during absorbance measurement is relatively high, leading to inaccurate results. Additionally, existing microbial growth curve measuring instruments often fail to provide the necessary illumination for microbial growth.

[0081] To address the aforementioned problems, this embodiment provides a microbial growth curve measurement device that can provide the necessary light conditions for microbial growth and improve the efficiency and accuracy of microbial growth curve measurement. Specifically, as shown... Figures 1 to 13As shown, the microbial growth curve measuring device includes a housing 10, which is mounted on a detection stage 20. The housing 10 contains an oscillation module 40, a light module 50, and a measurement module 60, all of which are connected to a controller 30.

[0082] The oscillation module 40 is used to oscillate under the control of the controller 30. The oscillation module 40 is provided with an oscillation frame 41, which is used to carry microbial samples. The light module 50 is located below the oscillation module 40 and is used to provide light conditions for the microbial samples under the control of the controller 30. The measurement module 60 is used to move from one end of the oscillation module 40 to the other end of the oscillation module 40 under the control of the controller 30, and to detect the growth curve of the microbial samples carried on the oscillation frame 41 along the way.

[0083] In the embodiments of this specification, the controller 30 can be a microcontroller, a microprocessor (MCU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a control board with an integrated controller. In the embodiments of this specification, as... Figure 3 As shown, the connection between the oscillation module 40, the illumination module 50, and the measurement module 60 and the controller 30 means that the oscillation module 40, the illumination module 50, and the measurement module 60 are connected to the controller 30 via wired electrical connection through control lines or data lines, or via wireless communication technology.

[0084] The microbial growth curve measuring device provided in the embodiments of this specification includes an illumination module that provides a suitable growth environment for phototrophic microorganisms, thereby improving the applicability of the device; a measurement module that moves along the oscillation module under the control of the controller and measures the growth curve of the microbial sample therein, which is highly automated and helps to improve detection efficiency; and it can reduce human intervention, thereby reducing errors caused by human factors and improving the accuracy of growth curve detection.

[0085] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the specification, the oscillation frame 41 can be elongated and adapted to the length direction of the detection stage 20, so the measurement module 60 can move along the length direction of the oscillation module 40. For example, the measurement module 60 can move from... Figure 2 left side Figure 2 The measurement module 60 can also move to the right. Alternatively, it can move along the width of the oscillation module 40; in this case, the detection range of the measurement module 60 should be appropriately adjusted to meet the detection requirements of all microbial samples along the path.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown, the oscillation module 40 also includes an enzyme-labeled plate 43, an oscillation motor 44, a first bearing 45, and a connecting plate 46.

[0087] The enzyme-labeled plate 43 is detachably connected to the shaking rack 41; the enzyme-labeled plate 43 is provided with a growth chamber for microbial growth. In the embodiments of this specification, such as... Figure 4 As shown, four ELISA plates 43 can be arranged side-by-side on the shaking rack 41. Each ELISA plate 43 can have 96 wells, meaning each ELISA plate 43 can have 96 growth chambers, thereby increasing the number of microbial samples it can hold and improving the throughput of microbial growth curve measurements. For example, in this embodiment of the specification, these 96 growth chambers are arranged in 12 rows by 8 columns, so the measurement range of the measurement module 60 should cover at least 12 growth chambers in the same column. Of course, the number of ELISA plates 43, the number of growth chambers on each ELISA plate 43, and their arrangement can be adjusted according to actual needs. Therefore, the measurement range of the measurement module 60 should also be adaptively adjusted according to the size of the ELISA plate 43 and the number and arrangement of its growth chambers.

[0088] In some preferred embodiments, the oscillation rack 41 may be provided with a fixing structure, which is used to prevent the enzyme labeling plate 43 from being thrown out during oscillation.

[0089] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, one end of the first bearing 45 is connected to the first output shaft 441 of the oscillating motor 44, and the other end of the first bearing 45 is connected to the connecting plate 46. The connecting plate 46 is connected to the oscillating frame 41. The first output shaft 441 of the oscillating motor 44 is eccentrically positioned with the first bearing 45. The oscillating motor 44 is connected to the controller 30 to drive the oscillating frame 41 to oscillate under the control of the controller 30.

[0090] like Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the assembly of the first bearing 45 and the oscillating motor 44. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, under the control of the controller 30, the first output shaft 441 of the oscillating motor 44 rotates, and the first bearing 45, which is eccentrically connected to the first output shaft 441, oscillates accordingly, thereby driving the oscillating frame 41 and the microbial sample placed on it to oscillate.

[0091] like Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the oscillation module 40 also includes a limiting structure 48, which is connected to the controller 30 and is used to limit the oscillation amplitude of the oscillation frame 41.

[0092] Specifically, the limiting structure 48 includes a limiting motor 481, a second bearing 482, and a roller 483. The limiting motor 481 is connected to the roller 483 via the second bearing 482; the roller 483 is eccentrically positioned relative to the second bearing 482. A first connecting arm and a second connecting arm 485 are formed on the side of the connecting plate 46 near the limiting structure 48. The first connecting arm is integrally formed with the connecting plate 46 and is connected to a first follower wheel 484, the axis of which is coaxial with the first connecting arm. The second connecting arm is rotatably connected to the connecting plate 46, and the second connecting arm 485 is connected to a second follower wheel, the axis of which is coaxial with the second connecting arm 485. A tension spring 486 is provided between the first connecting arm and the second connecting arm 485, ensuring that the first and second follower wheels always abut against the roller 483. Thus, the limiting structure 48 operates under the control of the controller 30 to limit the oscillation amplitude of the oscillation module 40.

[0093] It should be noted that the above is only one feasible implementation of the limiting structure. In addition to the specific structure and connection relationship of the limiting structure 48, the oscillation amplitude of the oscillation module 40 can also be limited by limiting structures with other structures and other connection relationships.

[0094] The oscillation module also includes a counterweight 47, which is disposed on the side of the connecting plate 46 away from the oscillation frame 41. The counterweight 47 is used to keep the oscillation direction of the oscillation frame 41 in a horizontal plane, thereby preventing the microbial sample on the oscillation frame 41 from tipping over during oscillation.

[0095] like Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown in the embodiments of this specification, the oscillation module 40 includes a snap-fit ​​structure 42; the snap-fit ​​structure 42 is disposed at the bottom of the oscillation frame 41, and the snap-fit ​​structure 42 is used to connect the oscillation module 40 to the illumination module 50 so that the illumination module 50 (specifically, the illumination platform 51 therein) oscillates synchronously with the oscillation module 40. In some feasible embodiments, the oscillation frame 41 has a mounting groove (not shown in the figure) on the side facing the illumination module 50, and the snap-fit ​​structure 42 is disposed in the mounting groove.

[0096] like Figure 8 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the illumination module 50 includes an illumination platform 51, a connecting rod 511, a lifting motor 52, a cultivation light source 54, and a lifting platform 59.

[0097] The lifting motor 52 is connected to the controller 30 and the lifting platform 59, and is used to drive the lifting platform 59 to move up and down. The lighting platform 51 is mounted on the lifting platform 59, and is located on the side of the lifting platform 59 closer to the oscillation module 40, thereby moving the lighting platform 51 closer to or further away from the oscillation module 40. Specifically, the output shaft of the lifting motor 52 is connected to a slide rail 55 via a transmission structure (not shown in the figure), such as a nut, and the slide rail 55 is connected to the lifting platform 59. Thus, when the output shaft of the lifting motor 52 rotates forward or backward under the control of the controller 30, the transmission structure can convert the rotational motion into linear reciprocating motion, that is, drive the lifting platform 59 together with the lighting platform 51 to move up and down. Furthermore, in this embodiment of the specification, the lifting platform 59 and the illumination platform 51 can be detached. That is, when the lifting platform 59 lifts the illumination platform 51 to below the oscillation module 40 and securely connects it, the lifting platform 59 can be separated from the illumination platform 51. Thus, when the illumination platform 51 vibrates synchronously with the oscillation frame 41, the lifting platform 59, along with the lifting motor 52 and other components, will not vibrate accordingly.

[0098] Preferably, in this embodiment of the specification, the detection platform 20 may be provided with a channel for the illumination module 50 to descend through, that is, the detection platform 20 will not interfere with the descent of the illumination module 50. When the illumination platform 51 separates from the oscillation frame 41 and descends below the surface of the detection platform 20, it facilitates the movement and detection of the measurement module 60.

[0099] like Figures 8 to 11 As shown, the connecting rod 511 (as shown) Figure 8 As shown, both the culture light source 54 and the light source 54 are mounted on the illumination platform 51. The culture light source 54 is connected to the controller 30 and operates under the control of the controller 30. The connecting rod 511 engages with the snap-fit ​​structure 42 to synchronize the oscillation of the culture light source 54 with the oscillation module 40. Specifically, the snap-fit ​​structure 42 includes a spring 421 and a snap-fit ​​block 422 connected to each other. The spring 421 is in a pre-compressed state to abut and fix the snap-fit ​​block 422 in the mounting groove. The snap-fit ​​block 422 has a snap-fit ​​groove 423 at one end away from the spring 421. The snap-fit ​​groove 423 is adapted to the connecting rod 511, and the snap-fit ​​groove 423 and the connecting rod 511 engage to connect the oscillation module 40 and the illumination module 50.

[0100] The latching block 422 is also provided with a slot 424, and the illumination module 50 also includes a pin 53; the pin 53 is disposed on a pin base 58, which is located on the side of the lifting platform 59 away from the oscillation module 40, and the pin base 58 is fixedly connected to the lifting platform 59; the slot 424 is adapted to the pin 53, and the pin 53 and the slot 424 are inserted into each other so that the latching block 422 can apply force to the spring 421. The end of the pin 53 may be provided with a boss to ensure its stability when inserted into the latching block 422.

[0101] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the specification, four snap-fit ​​structures 42 may be provided, and the four snap-fit ​​structures 42 are evenly distributed on the oscillation frame 41. For example, two snap-fit ​​structures 42 may be provided on each of the two long sides of the oscillation frame 41; correspondingly, four connecting rods 511 and four pins 53 may also be provided. The connecting rods 511 may be provided on the side of the illumination platform 51 along its length. Of course, the number of snap-fit ​​structures 42, connecting rods 511 and pins 53 may be increased or decreased according to actual usage needs, and their positions may be adjusted according to actual usage needs, but the premise should always be to ensure the stability of the connection between the illumination platform 51 and the oscillation frame 41.

[0102] Each culture light source 54 corresponds one-to-one with a growth chamber; each culture light source 54 is connected to a controller 30, which also controls the operation of each culture light source 54. That is, the illumination platform 51 has four sets of light sources, and each set includes an array of 12 rows by 8 columns of culture light sources 54. It should be noted that the controller 30 can control the on / off state (i.e., working time and duration) and power of any one of the culture light sources 54 in the illumination platform 51, serving as a reference for setting up a comparative experiment. Furthermore, structures can be provided between each culture light source 54 and / or between the growth chambers of each microplate to prevent light signal interference between different wells.

[0103] The pin base 58 may be connected to a drive module (not shown in the figure). The drive module is connected to the controller 30 and is used to drive the pin base 58 together with the pin 53 to move along the length of the illumination module. Specifically, when the pin 53 is inserted into the slot 424, the drive module will drive the pin 53 to move, which will also drive the locking block 422 connected to the pin 53 to move synchronously. When the locking block 422 moves toward the corresponding spring 421, the locking block 422 presses against the spring 421, and a gap is formed between the locking block 422 and the inner wall of the mounting groove for the connecting rod 511 to be inserted. When the pin 53 disengages from the slot 424, or when the pin 53 causes the force of the locking block 422 pressing against the spring 421 to disappear, the spring 421 will apply a reaction force to the locking block 422, so that the locking groove 423 locks and fixes the connecting rod 511, thereby realizing the connection between the illumination platform 51 and the oscillation frame 41. Similarly, when the illumination platform 51 is separated from the oscillating frame 41, the control pin 53 is inserted into the corresponding slot 424, and the locking block 422 is driven to compress the spring 421. At this time, the locking block 422 loses its pressure on the corresponding connecting rod 511, and the gap between the locking block 422 and the inner wall of the mounting groove increases so that the connecting rod 511 can be disengaged, thereby the illumination platform 51 is disengaged from the oscillating frame 41.

[0104] In this embodiment of the specification, by setting the snap-fit ​​structure 42, the connecting rod 511, and the pin 53, when the connecting rod 511 is snapped into the snap-fit ​​structure 42, the oscillation frame 41, driven by the oscillation motor 44, will oscillate, causing the illumination platform 51 and the culture light source 54 on it to oscillate synchronously. This ensures that the culture light source 54 is always aligned with the corresponding growth chamber, providing a stable light environment for microbial growth. Of course, in addition to the snap-fit ​​structure 42, connecting rod 511, and pin 53 used in this embodiment, other structures and methods of cooperation between these structures can also be used to achieve a detachable connection between the oscillation frame 41 and the illumination platform 51.

[0105] like Figure 8 and Figure 11 As shown, the illumination module 50 also includes a first drive motor 56, a first conveyor belt 57, and a pin base 58.

[0106] The first drive motor 56 is connected to the controller 30, the output shaft of the first drive motor 56 is connected to the first conveyor belt 57, the first conveyor belt 57 is connected to the pin base 58, and the first conveyor belt 57 is used to align the pin 53 with the oscillation module 40 under the control of the controller 30.

[0107] For example, the conveying direction of the first conveyor belt 57 is adapted to the length direction of the oscillating frame 41. When the controller 30 drives the first drive motor 56 to work, the output shaft of the first drive motor 56 rotates and drives the first conveyor belt 57 to rotate. The first conveyor belt 57 is connected to the pin base 58, i.e. the light platform 51, so it will drive the light platform 51 to move along the length direction of the oscillating frame 41.

[0108] In some experiments involving microbial culture and growth curve determination that do not require a light-based environment, the illumination platform 51 may not be raised to connect with the oscillation frame 41 (of course, the illumination platform 51 may also be raised to connect with the oscillation frame 41, but the culture light source 54 will not operate under the control of the controller 30). Therefore, when the oscillation module 40 stops oscillating under the control of the controller 30, its position may not have returned to its initial position. In this case, if a light-based environment is required, not only must the illumination platform be raised, but the horizontal position of the illumination platform 51 must also be adjusted so that each culture light source 54 in the illumination platform is aligned with each growth chamber of the microorganisms on the oscillation frame 41. The first drive motor 56 and the first conveyor belt 57 in the embodiments of this specification can be used to adjust the illumination platform 51 along the length of the oscillation frame 41. Similarly, a motor and conveyor belt structure can also be provided to adjust the illumination platform along the width of the oscillation frame 41.

[0109] In some feasible embodiments, a position sensor or encoder may also be provided at the oscillation motor 44. The position sensor or encoder can be used to obtain the position of the oscillation frame 41 on the oscillation horizontal plane, thereby adjusting the illumination platform 51 according to the position, thereby improving the efficiency of adjusting the position of the illumination platform.

[0110] like Figure 12 As shown in the embodiment of this specification, the measurement module 60 includes an absorbance detector, a detection bracket 61, a second drive motor 62, and a second conveyor belt 63. The absorbance detector is mounted on the detection bracket 61. The second drive motor 62 is connected to the controller 30, and the output shaft of the second drive motor 62 is connected to the second conveyor belt 63. The second conveyor belt 63 is mounted on the detection stage 20 and is drivenly connected to the detection bracket 61. Thus, under the control of the controller 30, the second drive motor 62 rotates to drive the second conveyor belt 63, thereby causing the detection bracket 61, along with the absorbance detector thereon, to move on the detection stage 20 to detect microbial samples on the oscillation rack 41 along its path.

[0111] Optionally, the detection bracket 61 includes a vertical bracket 613, a first horizontal bracket 611, and a second horizontal bracket 612, both of which are connected to the vertical bracket 613; and the first horizontal bracket 611 and the second horizontal bracket 612 are disposed on the same side of the vertical bracket 613. The absorbance detector includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, the transmitting unit being disposed on one of the first horizontal bracket 611 and the second horizontal bracket 612, and the receiving unit being disposed on the other of the first horizontal bracket 611 and the second horizontal bracket 612, with the transmitting unit and the receiving unit being disposed opposite to each other; a gap is formed between the first horizontal bracket 611 and the second horizontal bracket 612 to avoid the oscillation module 40. That is, the height of the first horizontal support 611 is higher than the height of the oscillation frame 41, and the height of the second horizontal support is lower than the height of the oscillation frame 41. Thus, when the measuring module 60 moves along the length of the oscillation frame 41, the receiving unit and the transmitting unit are located on the upper and lower sides (or the upper and lower sides) of the oscillation frame, respectively. The light emitted by the transmitting unit passes through the microorganisms in the growth chamber and is received by the receiving unit, thereby obtaining the growth curve of the microorganisms based on the optical density of the microbial liquid in the growth chamber.

[0112] like Figure 13 As shown in the figure, the device provided in this embodiment further includes a temperature control module 70, which is disposed on the inner wall of the housing 10. The temperature control module 70 includes a heating plate 71 and a temperature sensor (not shown in the figure). Both the heating plate 71 and the temperature sensor are connected to the controller 30. The temperature sensor is disposed inside the housing 10 and is used to acquire the ambient temperature for microbial growth inside the housing 10 and send it to the controller 30. The controller 30 can then adjust the start / stop and operating power of the heating plate 71 according to the ambient temperature to achieve control of the ambient temperature.

[0113] The housing 10 is provided with a hinged hatch 11, which is connected to the housing 10 via a pin 12 (e.g., Figure 1 As shown), it can also be connected by flipping via pivot pin 13 (as shown). Figure 13 (As shown).

[0114] To more clearly explain the microbial growth curve determination device provided in the embodiments of this specification, its operation steps will be briefly introduced below.

[0115] (1) Prepare the ELISA plate containing microorganisms in advance.

[0116] (2) Open the door 11, place the enzyme label plate 43 on the shaking rack 41, and close the door 11.

[0117] (3) Set the experimental parameters of the microbial growth curve measuring device, including oscillation speed (i.e., the oscillation speed of the oscillating motor), culture temperature (i.e., the working temperature of the heating plate 71), culture time, light intensity (i.e., the working power of each culture light source), light exposure time, detection wavelength (i.e., the light emission attribute of the absorbance detector emission unit), and the number of detections and detection time interval (i.e., how often the measurement module performs microbial growth curve measurement), etc. After the experimental parameters are set, start the microbial growth curve measuring device.

[0118] (4) The lifting motor drives the light platform to rise, and the light platform is connected and fixed to the oscillation frame through the connecting rod and the snap-fit ​​structure. The temperature sensor obtains the ambient temperature of microbial growth inside the shell of the microbial growth curve measuring device. When the ambient temperature reaches the set culture temperature, the oscillation motor is controlled to work to drive the oscillation frame and the light platform to oscillate. At the same time, the microorganisms in each growth chamber are cultured by light according to the set light intensity.

[0119] (5) When growth curve measurements are required during cultivation, stop the oscillation and turn off the cultivation light source. Control the lifting motor to lower the illumination platform and detach it from the oscillation frame. Control the measurement module to move from one side of the oscillation frame to the other side to sequentially detect the microbial samples along the way. After detection, control the measurement module to move back to its initial position (for example, the initial position could be as follows). Figure 2 As shown, on the left side of the testing rack), and repeat steps (3) to (5) above until the set incubation time is reached.

[0120] (6) The above measurement module outputs the growth curve of the microorganisms in each growth chamber.

[0121] (7) Stop the microbial growth curve assay device, open the door and take out the enzyme-labeled plate.

[0122] In summary, the microbial growth curve measurement device provided in this specification can meet the requirements of light environment and ambient temperature for growth, and can improve the throughput of microbial culture and growth curve measurement, improve the efficiency and accuracy of growth curve measurement, and promote the construction of high-throughput and highly automated experimental platforms.

[0123] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this document, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this document.

[0124] It should also be understood that, in the embodiments herein, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0125] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of the various examples have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this document.

[0126] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0127] In the embodiments provided herein, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be indirect couplings or communication connections through some interfaces, devices, or units, or they may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms of connection.

[0128] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of the embodiments described herein, depending on actual needs.

[0129] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this document can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0130] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this paper, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this paper. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0131] This document uses specific embodiments to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this document. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this document. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this document. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this document.

Claims

1. A device for measuring microbial growth curves, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, which is mounted on a testing platform. Inside the housing are an oscillation module, a light illumination module, and a measurement module, all of which are connected to a controller. The oscillation module is used to oscillate under the control of the controller. The oscillation module is equipped with an oscillation frame for carrying microbial samples. The oscillation module also includes an enzyme-labeled plate, an oscillation motor, a first bearing, and a connecting plate. The oscillation module includes a snap-fit ​​structure; the side of the oscillation module facing the illumination platform is provided with a mounting groove, the snap-fit ​​structure is disposed in the mounting groove, and the snap-fit ​​structure cooperates with the connecting rod; The snap-fit ​​structure includes a spring and a snap-fit ​​block connected together; The snap-fit ​​block has a snap-fit ​​groove at the end away from the spring. The snap-fit ​​groove is adapted to the connecting rod. The snap-fit ​​groove and the connecting rod snap-fit ​​together to connect the oscillation module and the illumination module. The enzyme-labeled plate is detachably connected to the oscillation frame; the enzyme-labeled plate is provided with a growth chamber for microbial growth; one end of the first bearing is connected to the first output shaft of the oscillation motor, the other end of the first bearing is connected to the connecting plate, and the connecting plate is connected to the oscillation frame; the first output shaft and the first bearing are eccentrically arranged, and the oscillation motor is connected to the controller to drive the oscillation frame to oscillate under the control of the controller; The light module is located below the oscillation module, and the light module is used to provide light conditions for the microbial sample under the control of the controller; The illumination module includes an illumination platform, connecting rods, lifting platform, and culture light source; Both the connecting rod and the culture light source are mounted on the illumination platform. The culture light source is connected to the controller and operates under the control of the controller. The connecting rod is used to connect to the oscillation module so that the culture light source oscillates synchronously with the oscillation module. The measurement module is used to move from one end of the oscillation module to the other end of the oscillation module under the control of the controller, and to detect the growth curve of the microbial samples carried on the oscillation rack along the way.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The illumination module includes an illumination platform, a lifting motor, a connecting rod, a lifting platform, and a culture light source; The lifting motor is connected to the controller and the lifting platform, and the lifting motor is used to drive the lifting platform to move closer to or away from the oscillation module. The illumination platform is located on the side of the lifting platform near the oscillation module, and the lifting platform and the illumination platform can be detachably connected.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The card block is also provided with a slot, and the lighting module also includes a pin; The pin is mounted on the pin base, which is located on the side of the lifting platform away from the oscillation module. The pin base is fixedly connected to the lifting platform. The slot is adapted to the pin, and the pin and the slot are engaged so that the locking block applies a force to the spring.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oscillation module also includes a limiting structure, which is connected to the controller and is used to limit the oscillation amplitude of the oscillation frame.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each culture light source corresponds to one of the growth chambers; each culture light source is connected to the controller, which is also used to control the operation of each culture light source.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The measurement module includes an absorbance detector, a detection bracket, a second drive motor, and a second conveyor belt. The absorbance detector is mounted on the detection bracket. The second drive motor is connected to the controller, and the output shaft of the second drive motor is connected to the second conveyor belt. The second conveyor belt is mounted on the detection platform and is connected to the detection bracket in a transmission manner. The detection bracket includes a vertical bracket, a first horizontal bracket, and a second horizontal bracket, both of which are connected to the vertical bracket. The absorbance detector includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is disposed on one of the first and second horizontal brackets, and the receiving unit is disposed on the other of the first and second horizontal brackets, with the transmitting unit and the receiving unit being disposed opposite to each other. A gap is formed between the first and second horizontal brackets to avoid the oscillation module.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device also includes a temperature control module disposed on the inner wall of the housing. The temperature control module includes a heating plate and a temperature sensor, both of which are connected to the controller.

Images