Method and device for processing and preserving proteins in biological fluids

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for processing and preserving proteins in biological fluids. A multifunctional post-processing device and a diaphragm adapter lifting device are arranged along one side of the workbench. A filter screen rack recovery table is arranged on the diaphragm adapter lifting device. A robotic arm is arranged on the workbench. The robotic arm can move horizontally on the X-axis and the Y-axis. A robotic gripper is arranged on the robotic arm. A pipette and a gripper are arranged at the front end of the robotic gripper. A sample rack is arranged in the middle of the workbench. A scanning device and a suction filtration system are arranged on one side of the sample rack. The suction filtration system allows the sample body fluid in the sample test tube to flow into the diaphragm adapter through rotation. The suction filtration system corresponds to the position of the rotary workbench. Loading and unloading stations, a suction filtration station, a first drying station, and a second drying station are sequentially arranged on the circumference of the rotary workbench. The present invention automates the manual process and simultaneously operates multiple steps, improving work efficiency and solving the problem of cross-contamination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and device for processing and preserving proteins in biological fluids, where the biological fluids specifically include liquids such as urine, saliva, human milk, and blood. Background Art

[0002] For medical research and medical practice, biological specimens have great value. Biological fluids often contain rich information of patients. Among them, proteins are considered to contain potential markers of kidney diseases and are considered to include information of the whole body. As important biological samples, if biological fluids can be preserved together with clinical medical records at each stage of the disease, they will play an inestimable role in retrospective and prospective studies on searching for biomarkers in the future, especially in large-scale clinical validation experiments. However, biological samples in current medical practice are not fully preserved. This is because the preservation of biological fluids is technically difficult. Generally, cryopreservation at -80°C is adopted, which greatly increases the energy cost. Moreover, due to the relatively low protein concentration in biological samples, a large volume of liquid is required, and a large amount of preservation occupies more space. There may also be power outages and other situations, which cannot guarantee the freezing environment and will cause sample damage.

[0003] Therefore, in recent years, researchers have tried to adopt the method of membrane adsorption. After drying the filter membrane, it can be stored for a long time. Manual suction filtration bottles are used to filter and adsorb proteins in biological fluids. However, during the operation process, the operation is cumbersome and cross-contamination is likely to occur, resulting in the confusion of protein information in biological fluids and affecting the result judgment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a method and device for processing and preserving proteins in biological fluids, which automates the manual process and simultaneously operates multiple steps, improving work efficiency and solving the problem of cross-contamination. During the operation of the instrument, the whole process of the sample and the adsorbed filter membrane will not cross-contact, thus avoiding cross-contamination and achieving accurate traceability of the processed samples.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0006] A processing device for proteins in biological fluids, characterized in that: a multifunctional post-processing device and a membrane adapter lifting device are arranged along one side of the workbench, and a filter mesh rack recovery table is arranged on the membrane adapter lifting device;

[0007] A robotic arm is arranged on the workbench. The robotic arm can horizontally move on the X-axis and the Y-axis. A robotic claw is arranged on the robotic arm. A plurality of pipettes and grippers are arranged at the front end of the robotic claw. The gripper retracts inward to clamp the membrane-breaking needle and the sample test tube, and the gripper expands outward to support the membrane adapter;

[0008] A sample rack is provided in the middle of the workbench. A suction filtration system is provided on one side of the sample rack. The suction filtration system allows the sample body fluid in the sample test tube to flow into the membrane adapter through radial rotation. Between the suction filtration system and the multi-functional post-treatment device, a sample test tube rotating device, a needle washing device, and a scanning device are sequentially provided. The sample test tube rotating device allows the sample test tube to rotate and enables the scanning device to scan the sample test tube. The suction filtration system corresponds to the position of the rotary workbench. On the rotary workbench, a loading / unloading station, a suction filtration station, a first drying station, and a second drying station are sequentially arranged in a circumferential manner;

[0009] The control system is respectively signal-connected to the robotic arm, the robotic gripper, the scanning device, the suction filtration system, the rotary workbench, and the multi-functional post-treatment device. The control system enables the work process to be automated based on the received signals.

[0010] In the processing device for proteins in biological body fluids, the pipette is used to extract the sample body fluid in the sample test tube, and the gripper is used to grip the membrane adapter and move it to the corresponding position.

[0011] In the processing device for proteins in biological body fluids, the scanning device can record the information of the sample test tube, and the suction filtration system is used for suction filtration of the membrane adapter.

[0012] In the processing device for proteins in biological body fluids, the multi-functional post-treatment device is used to spray information on the coding pad paper and place it in the membrane adapter, and can also be used for separating the membrane adapter.

[0013] A method for processing and preserving proteins in biological body fluids, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0014] Step 1: The control system controls the movement of the robotic arm and drives the robotic gripper above the sample rack. The robotic gripper uses the gripper to clamp the sample test tube on the sample rack and places it on the sample test tube rotating device. The sample test tube rotating device allows the sample test tube to rotate and enables the scanning device to scan the sample test tube to record the information of the sample test tube. After the recording is completed, the robotic gripper then transfers the sample test tube to the suction filtration system;

[0015] Step 2: The robotic gripper moves to the diaphragm adapter lifting device, expands outward through the gripper to support the diaphragm adapter, and places it in the loading and unloading station. The control system starts the rotary table. The rotary table rotates radially to rotate and move the diaphragm adapter located on the loading and unloading station to the filtration station. The filtration system transfers the sample body fluid in the placed sample test tube into the diaphragm adapter. There are two transfer methods. One is that the filtration system rotates to pour the sample body fluid in the sample test tube into the diaphragm adapter. The other is that the pipette at the front end of the robotic gripper extracts the sample body fluid in the sample test tube and injects it into the diaphragm adapter;

[0016] Step 3: After the sample body fluid is added to the diaphragm adapter, the control system starts the filtration system for the filtration process. If there is a blockage or incomplete filtration during filtration, a membrane rupture needle is needed to rupture the membrane to make the body fluid filtration complete. After the membrane rupture needle is used, it is placed in the needle washing device for cleaning. After the filtration operation is completed, the control system rotates the rotary table to sequentially move the filtered diaphragm adapter to the first drying position and the second drying position for two drying processes. After the drying process is completed, the diaphragm adapter rotates through the rotary table and returns to the loading and unloading station;

[0017] Step 4: The control system manipulates the robotic gripper to clamp the diaphragm adapter to the multifunctional post-treatment device. The control system then manipulates the multifunctional post-treatment device to separate the diaphragm adapter. At the same time, the inkjet pad paper is placed on the filter membrane in the separated filter mesh holder. The multifunctional post-treatment device does not contact the filter membrane to avoid cross-contamination, and vacuum packages the separated filter mesh holder;

[0018] Step 5: The control system manipulates the robotic gripper to clamp the remaining filter mesh holder after the separation of the diaphragm adapter and transfers it to the filter mesh holder recycling station for the recycling and reuse process.

[0019] Advantages of the present invention: Automate the manual process, and at the same time perform multi-step operations simultaneously, improving work efficiency and solving the problem of cross-contamination. During the operation of the instrument, the whole process ensures that the sample and the adsorbed filter membrane will not cross-contact, thus avoiding cross-contamination and achieving accurate traceability of the processed sample. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of a device for processing proteins in biological body fluids.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a top view structural diagram of a device for processing proteins in biological body fluids.

[0022] Figure 3 Structural diagram of the mechanical claw for the protein processing device in biological body fluids.

[0023] Figure 4 Structural diagram of the suction filtration system for the protein processing device in biological body fluids.

[0024] Figure 5 Structural diagram of the rotary worktable for the protein processing device in biological body fluids.

[0025] Figure 6 Structural diagram of the multi-functional post-processing device for the protein processing device in biological body fluids.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals: 1 - workbench; 2 - robotic arm; 3 - mechanical claw; 4 - sample rack; 5 - scanning device; 6 - suction filtration system; 61 - sample injection device; 62 - O-ring seal; 63 - vacuum pump; 7 - rotary worktable; 71 - support seat plate; 72 - column; 73 - stepper motor; 74 - four-hole turntable; 8 - multi-functional post-processing device; 81 - sliding component; 82 - functional component; 83 - storage component; 9 - diaphragm adapter lifting device; 10 - filter screen rack recycling table; 11 - loading and unloading station; 12 - suction filtration station; 13 - first drying station; 14 - second drying station; 15 - sample test tube rotation device; 16 - needle washing device; 17 - pipette; 18 - gripper; 19 - membrane puncturing needle. Detailed implementation mode

[0027] As Figures 1 to 6 shown, the present invention provides a protein processing device for biological body fluids. A multi-functional post-processing device 8 and a diaphragm adapter lifting device 9 are arranged along one side of the workbench 1. The multi-functional post-processing device 8 includes a sliding component 81, a functional component 82 and a storage component 83. The storage component 83 is arranged inside the sliding component 81. The sliding component 81 is also slidably connected to the functional component 82. The functional component 82 adjusts its relative position with the storage component 83 by sliding. The functional component 82 can print information on the coding pad paper and place it in the diaphragm adapter, and can also separate the diaphragm adapter. The storage component 83 provides floating support for the coding pad paper and can also collect the separated filter screen holder. A filter screen rack recycling table 10 is arranged on the diaphragm adapter lifting device 9. The diaphragm adapter lifting device 9 provides a new diaphragm adapter. The filter screen rack recycling table 10 collects the separated filter screen racks.

[0028] A mechanical arm 2 is arranged on the workbench 1, and the mechanical arm 2 can move horizontally on the X-axis and the Y-axis. A mechanical claw 3 is arranged on the mechanical arm 2, and a liquid transfer gun 17 and a plurality of grabbers 18 are arranged at the front end of the mechanical claw 3. The grabber 18 contracts inward to clamp the membrane rupture needle 19 and the sample test tube, and the grabber 18 expands outward to support the membrane adapter;

[0029] A sample rack 4 is arranged in the middle of the workbench 1, and a filtration system 6 is arranged on one side of the sample rack 4. The filtration system 6 allows the sample fluid in the sample tube to flow into the membrane adapter through radial rotation. A sample tube rotating device 15, a needle washing device 16 and a scanning device 5 are arranged in sequence between the filtration system 6 and the multifunctional post-processing device 8. The sample tube rotating device 15 allows the sample tube to rotate and enables the scanning device 5 to scan the sample tube information. The needle washing device 16 can clean the membrane rupturing needle 19 after use.

[0030] The filtration system 6 allows the sample body fluid in the sample tube to flow into the diaphragm adapter by radial rotation. The filtration system 6 is connected to the vacuum pump 63 through a pipeline. The filtration system 6 contacts or separates from the sampling device 61 through telescopic movement. The filtration system 6 is also sealed and connected to the diaphragm adapter through an O-ring 62. The sampling device 61 allows the sample in the sample tube to flow into the diaphragm adapter by rotation. The diaphragm adapter is filtered by the vacuum pump 63.

[0031] The filtration system 6 corresponds to the position of the rotary workbench 7. The rotary workbench 7 includes a support base plate 71, which is fixed to the workbench by a column 72. A stepper motor 73 is arranged below the support base plate 71. The support base plate 71 is fixedly connected to a four-hole turntable 74 through a transition sleeve. The transition sleeve is transmission-connected to the stepper motor 73. The stepper motor 73 provides horizontal rotation for the four-hole turntable 74. Loading and unloading stations 11, a filtration station 12, a first drying station 13 and a second drying station 14 are sequentially arranged on the circumference of the four-hole turntable 74. The rotary workbench 7 rotates to provide the diaphragm adapter with filtration and drying twice in sequence. The filtration system 6 is arranged below the filtration station 12. A pair of drying components are symmetrically arranged above and below the first drying station 13 and the second drying station 14, respectively.

[0032] The control system is respectively connected with the robot arm 2, the robot claw 3, the scanning device 5, the filtration system 6, the rotary table 7 and the multifunctional post-processing device 8 by signals, and the control system can automate the work process through the received signals.

[0033] A method for processing and preserving proteins in biological fluids, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

[0034] Step 1: The control system manipulates the robotic arm 2 to move, driving the robotic gripper 3 above the sample rack 4. The robotic gripper 3 picks up the sample test tube on the sample rack 4 through the gripper and places it on the sample test tube rotating device 15. The sample test tube rotating device 15 allows the sample test tube to rotate and enables the scanning device 5 to scan the sample test tube to input the information of the sample test tube. After the input is completed, the robotic gripper 3 then transfers the sample test tube to the suction filtration system 6;

[0035] Step 2: The robotic gripper 3 moves to the diaphragm adapter lifting device 9, expands outward through the gripper 18 to support the diaphragm adapter and places it in the loading and unloading station 11. The control system starts the rotary table 7. The rotary table 7 rotates radially to rotate and move the diaphragm adapter located on the loading and unloading station 11 to the suction filtration station 12. The suction filtration system 6 transfers the sample body fluid in the placed sample test tube into the diaphragm adapter. There are two transfer methods. One is that the suction filtration system 6 rotates to pour the sample body fluid in the sample test tube into the diaphragm adapter. The other is that the pipette 17 at the front end of the robotic gripper 3 extracts the sample body fluid in the sample test tube and injects it into the diaphragm adapter;

[0036] Step 3: After the sample body fluid is added to the diaphragm adapter, the control system starts the suction filtration system 6 to perform the suction filtration process. If there is a blockage or incomplete suction filtration during the suction filtration, the membrane needs to be broken by the membrane-breaking needle 19 to make the body fluid be completely suction-filtered. After the membrane-breaking needle 19 is used, it is placed in the needle-washing device 16 for cleaning. After the suction filtration operation is completed, the control system manipulates the rotary table 7 to rotate, and sequentially moves the diaphragm adapter after suction filtration to the first drying position 13 and the second drying position 14 for two drying processes. After the drying process is completed, the diaphragm adapter rotates through the rotary table 7 and rotates back to the loading and unloading station 11;

[0037] Step 4: The control system manipulates the robotic gripper 3 to pick up the diaphragm adapter and place it on the multi-functional post-treatment device 8. The control system then manipulates the multi-functional post-treatment device 8 to separate the diaphragm adapter. At the same time, the inkjet cushion paper is placed on the filter membrane in the separated filter screen holder. The multi-functional post-treatment device 8 does not contact the filter membrane to avoid cross-contamination, and vacuum packages the separated filter screen holder;

[0038] Step 5: The control system manipulates the robotic gripper 3 to pick up the remaining filter screen holder after the separation of the diaphragm adapter and transfers it to the filter screen holder recycling table 10 for the recycling and reuse process.

[0039] Advantages of the present invention:

[0040] Automate the manual process and perform multiple steps simultaneously, improving work efficiency and solving the problem of cross-contamination. During the operation of the instrument, the sample and the adsorbed filter membrane will not come into cross-contact throughout the process, thus avoiding cross-contamination and enabling accurate traceability of the processed samples.

[0041] The above description is illustrative rather than restrictive to the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art understand that many modifications, variations or equivalents can be made without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the claims, and all of them will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A processing device for proteins in biological body fluids, characterized in that: A multi-functional post-processing device (8) and a diaphragm adapter lifting device (9) are arranged along one side of the workbench (1), and a filter screen rack recovery table (10) is arranged on the diaphragm adapter lifting device (9); A robotic arm (2) is arranged on the workbench (1), the robotic arm (2) can move horizontally on the X-axis and Y-axis, a robotic claw (3) is arranged on the robotic arm (2), a pipette (17) and several grippers (18) are arranged at the front end of the robotic claw (3), the grippers (18) contract inward to clamp the membrane-breaking needle (19) and the sample test tube, and the grippers (18) expand outward to support the diaphragm adapter; A sample rack (4) is arranged in the middle of the workbench (1), a suction filtration system (6) is arranged on one side of the sample rack (4), the suction filtration system (6) radially rotates to allow the sample body fluid in the sample test tube to flow into the diaphragm adapter, a sample test tube rotating device (15), a needle washing device (16) and a scanning device (5) are sequentially arranged between the suction filtration system (6) and the multi-functional post-processing device (8), the sample test tube rotating device (15) rotates the sample test tube and enables the scanning device (5) to scan the sample test tube, the suction filtration system (6) corresponds to the rotary workbench (7) in position, and a loading / unloading station (11), a suction filtration station (12), a first drying station (13) and a second drying station (14) are sequentially arranged on the circumference of the rotary workbench (7); The control system is respectively signal-connected to the robotic arm (2), the robotic claw (3), the scanning device (5), the suction filtration system (6), the rotary workbench (7) and the multi-functional post-processing device (8), and the control system automates the work process through the received signals; wherein, the scanning device (5) can input the sample test tube information, the suction filtration system (6) is used for suction filtration of the diaphragm adapter; the multi-functional post-processing device (8) is used for printing information on the coding pad paper and placing it in the diaphragm adapter, and can also separate the diaphragm adapter.

2. The processing device for proteins in biological body fluids according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pipette is used for extracting the sample body fluid in the sample test tube, and the gripper is used for gripping the diaphragm adapter and moving it to the corresponding position.

3. A processing and preservation method for proteins in biological body fluids, using the processing device for proteins in biological body fluids according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, including the following steps: Step 1. The control system manipulates the robotic arm (2) to move, driving the robotic gripper (3) above the sample rack (4). The robotic gripper (3) uses a gripper to pick up the sample test tube on the sample rack (4) and place it on the sample test tube rotating device (15). The sample test tube rotating device (15) allows the sample test tube to rotate and enables the scanning device to scan the sample test tube to input the information of the sample test tube. After the input is completed, the robotic gripper (3) then transfers the sample test tube to the suction filtration system (6); Step 2. The robotic gripper (3) moves to the diaphragm adapter lifting device (9), uses the gripper (18) to expand outwards to support the diaphragm adapter and places it in the loading and unloading station (11). The control system starts the rotary table (7). The rotary table (7) rotates radially to rotate and move the diaphragm adapter located on the loading and unloading station (11) to the suction filtration station (12). The suction filtration system (6) transfers the sample body fluid in the placed sample test tube into the diaphragm adapter. The transfer method is divided into two types. One is that the suction filtration system (6) rotates to pour the sample body fluid in the sample test tube into the diaphragm adapter. The other is that the pipette (17) at the front end of the robotic gripper (3) extracts the sample body fluid in the sample test tube and injects it into the diaphragm adapter; Step 3. After the sample body fluid is added to the diaphragm adapter, the control system starts the suction filtration system (6) to perform the suction filtration process. If there is a blockage or incomplete suction filtration during the suction filtration, a membrane puncturing needle (19) is required to puncture the membrane to make the body fluid be completely suction filtered. After the membrane puncturing needle (19) is used, it is placed in the needle washing device (16) for cleaning. After the suction filtration operation is completed, the control system manipulates the rotary table (7) to rotate, and sequentially moves the diaphragm adapter after suction filtration to the first drying position (13) and the second drying position (14) for two drying processes. After the drying process is completed, the diaphragm adapter rotates through the rotary table (7) and rotates back to the loading and unloading station (11); Step 4. The control system manipulates the robotic gripper (3) to pick up the diaphragm adapter and place it on the multi-functional post-treatment device (8). The control system then manipulates the multi-functional post-treatment device (8) to separate the diaphragm adapter. At the same time, the inkjet pad paper is placed on the filter membrane in the separated filter screen holder. The multi-functional post-treatment device (8) does not contact the filter membrane to avoid cross-contamination, and performs vacuum packaging on the separated filter screen holder; Step 5. The control system manipulates the robotic gripper (3) to pick up the remaining filter screen holder after the separation of the diaphragm adapter and transfers it to the filter screen holder recycling table (10) for the recycling and reuse process.

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