Reagent container, operating method thereof, and reagent processing system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a reagent container, an operating method thereof, and a reagent processing system. The reagent container comprises: a tube body and an elastic tube plug, wherein the tube body comprises a tube plug accommodating section, the tube plug accommodating section comprising a first inner diameter section and a second inner diameter section along the depth direction of the tube body, the inner diameter of the second inner diameter section being smaller than the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section; the elastic tube plug is provided with a through-channel along the direction of extending into the tube body; wherein the elastic tube plug can be fitted with the first inner diameter section without interference or with a first interference, and can be fitted with the second inner diameter section with a second interference; when the elastic tube plug is fitted with the first inner diameter section without interference, the second interference is greater than zero, and when the elastic tube plug is fitted with the first inner diameter section with the first interference, the second interference is greater than the first interference; wherein the through-channel is configured so that when the elastic tube plug is fitted with the second inner diameter section with the second interference, the through-channel is compressed and sealed as the elastic tube plug contracts radially.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of biological detection technology, and in particular to a reagent container, an operation method thereof, and a reagent processing system. Background Art

[0002] Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular biology technique used to amplify specific DNA fragments. This method can efficiently amplify selective gene fragments in vitro, thereby enabling the detection of target genes.

[0003] During the nucleic acid amplification operation, it is sometimes necessary to add or remove part of the reagent into or from the container. In this case, the lid of the reagent container needs to be opened manually, and after adding or removing the reagent, the lid needs to be closed manually. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a novel reagent container, the novel structure of which makes it particularly suitable for automated operation.

[0005] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a reagent container comprising:

[0006] The pipe body includes a pipe plug accommodating section, wherein the pipe plug accommodating section includes a first inner diameter section and a second inner diameter section along the depth direction of the pipe body, wherein the inner diameter of the second inner diameter section is smaller than the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section;

[0007] An elastic pipe plug is provided with a through passage along the direction of extending into the pipe body;

[0008] The elastic tube plug can be fitted with the first inner diameter section without interference or with a first interference fit, and the elastic tube plug can be fitted with the second inner diameter section with a second interference fit;

[0009] When the elastic tube plug is capable of non-interference fit with the first inner diameter section, the second interference amount is greater than zero; when the elastic tube plug is capable of fitting with the first inner diameter section with the first interference amount, the second interference amount is greater than the first interference amount;

[0010] The through-channel is configured so that when the elastic tube plug is fitted with the second inner diameter section at a second interference fit, the through-channel is compressed and sealed as the elastic tube plug contracts radially.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first interference amount and the second interference amount are both greater than zero.

[0012] In some embodiments, the non-interference fit (interference greater than or equal to zero) is a transition fit (interference equal to zero / clearance equal to zero) or a clearance fit (clearance greater than zero).

[0013] In some embodiments, the through-channel being compression sealed means that at least a portion or all of the through-channel is compression sealed.

[0014] In some embodiments, in a non-interference fit state, the through-channel is open or naturally closed. Naturally closed means that when the elastic tube plug is not subjected to radial pressure, the through-channel is closed only by the elastic pressure of the elastic tube plug itself. When the through-channel is in the naturally closed state, it can be penetrated by a pipette.

[0015] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section is greater than or equal to at least one outer diameter of the elastic tube plug.

[0016] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the second inner diameter section is smaller than at least one outer diameter of the elastic tube plug.

[0017] In some embodiments, the elastic tube plug has a non-interference fit or a first interference fit with the first inner diameter segment at a first depth of insertion into the tube body, and has a second interference fit with the second inner diameter segment at a second depth of insertion into the tube body, and the second depth is greater than the first depth.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first inner diameter segment and the second inner diameter segment are directly adjacent.

[0019] In some embodiments, a chamfered surface is provided between the first inner diameter section and the second inner diameter section.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first inner diameter segment gradually decreases in inner diameter adjacent to the second inner diameter segment.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second inner diameter segment gradually increases in inner diameter adjacent to the first inner diameter segment.

[0022] In some embodiments, the inner diameter at the junction of the first inner diameter segment and the second inner diameter segment transitions smoothly.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second inner diameter segment is deeper into the tubular body than the first inner diameter segment.

[0024] In some embodiments, the tube body and / or the elastic tube plug are provided with a limiting structure for preventing the elastic tube plug from rising and / or falling relative to the tube body in the depth direction.

[0025] In some embodiments, the tube body and / or the elastic tube plug is provided with one or more of the following limiting structures:

[0026] - a first limiting structure to prevent the elastic pipe plug from falling out of the pipe opening of the pipe body;

[0027] - a second limiting structure that prevents the elastic pipe plug from entering the second inner diameter section from the first inner diameter section;

[0028] - A third limiting structure that prevents the elastic pipe plug from going deeper than the pipe plug accommodating section.

[0029] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a reagent container comprising:

[0030] a pipe body including a pipe plug receiving section;

[0031] The elastic tube plug includes, in order of insertion into the tube plug receiving section, a third outer diameter section and a fourth outer diameter section, the outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter section being larger than the outer diameter of the third outer diameter section, and a through passage being provided in the direction of insertion into the tube body of the elastic tube plug;

[0032] The third outer diameter section can be fitted with the pipe plug receiving section in a non-interference fit or with a first interference fit, and the fourth outer diameter section can be fitted with the pipe plug receiving section in a second interference fit.

[0033] When the third outer diameter section can be fitted with the pipe plug receiving section in a non-interference fit, the second interference amount is greater than zero; when the third outer diameter section can be fitted with the pipe plug receiving section in a first interference fit, the second interference amount is greater than the first interference amount;

[0034] The through-channel is configured so that when the fourth outer diameter section and the pipe plug accommodating section are fitted with a second interference fit, the through-channel is compressed and sealed as the fourth outer diameter section contracts radially.

[0035] In some embodiments, at least one inner diameter of the plug receiving segment is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the third outer diameter segment.

[0036] In some embodiments, at least one inner diameter of the plug receiving segment is smaller than the outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter segment.

[0037] In some embodiments, when the elastic tube plug is inserted into the tube body at a third depth, the third outer diameter section and the tube plug accommodating section have a non-interference fit or a first interference fit. When the elastic tube plug is inserted into the tube body at a fourth depth, the fourth outer diameter section and the tube plug accommodating section have a second interference fit. The fourth depth is greater than the third depth.

[0038] In some embodiments, when the elastic tube plug is inserted into the tube body at a first depth, the third outer diameter section and the tube plug accommodating section have a non-interference fit or a first interference fit; when the elastic tube plug is inserted into the tube body at a second depth, the fourth outer diameter section and the tube plug accommodating section have a second interference fit, and the second depth is greater than the first depth.

[0039] In some embodiments, the average outer diameter of the third outer diameter segment is smaller than the average outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter segment.

[0040] In some embodiments, the third outer diameter segment and the fourth outer diameter segment are directly adjacent.

[0041] In some embodiments, a chamfered surface is provided between the third outer diameter section and the fourth outer diameter section.

[0042] In some embodiments, the third outer diameter segment gradually increases in outer diameter adjacent to the fourth outer diameter segment.

[0043] In some embodiments, the fourth outer diameter segment gradually decreases in outer diameter adjacent to the third outer diameter segment.

[0044] In some embodiments, the tube body and / or the elastic tube plug is provided with a limiting structure that prevents the elastic tube plug from rising and / or falling relative to the tube body in the depth direction.

[0045] In some embodiments, the retaining structure includes one or more of the following:

[0046] - a first limiting structure to prevent the elastic pipe plug from falling out of the pipe opening of the pipe body;

[0047] - A third limiting structure for preventing the elastic pipe plug from exceeding the pipe plug receiving section in depth;

[0048] - A fourth limiting structure that prevents the fourth outer diameter section of the elastic tube plug from entering the elastic tube plug accommodating section.

[0049] In some embodiments, the reagent container is configured such that when the elastic tube plug is inserted into the tube body to a first depth, the elastic tube plug and the tube plug accommodating section have a non-interference fit or a first interference fit, and the through-channel is not compressed to form a sealed state or is compressed to form a first sealed state; and when the elastic tube plug is inserted into the tube body to a second depth, the elastic tube plug and the tube plug accommodating section have a second interference fit, and the through-channel is compressed to form a second sealed state; wherein the second depth is greater than the first depth, and the degree of sealing of the through-channel in the second sealed state is greater than that in the first sealed state.

[0050] In some embodiments, the second sealed state is a hermetic seal.

[0051] In some embodiments, according to the order in which the elastic tube plug is inserted into the tube body, the through channel includes a second channel section and a first channel section.

[0052] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel segment is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel segment.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the channel of the first channel segment is a two-dimensional shape, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel of the second channel segment is a one-dimensional shape.

[0054] In some embodiments, the elastic pipe plug further comprises a sealing element for sealing the through-channel;

[0055] In some embodiments, the sealing element is removable.

[0056] In some embodiments, the sealing element is pierceable.

[0057] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of operating a reagent container, comprising the steps of:

[0058] a) providing a reagent container according to any one of the above items, wherein the elastic tube plug of the reagent container has been fitted with the first inner diameter section but has not yet formed an interference fit with the second inner diameter section;

[0059] b) using a pipette to penetrate the through-channel of the elastic tube stopper and inject the reagent into the tube body and / or extract the reagent from the tube body;

[0060] c) pushing the elastic pipe plug to move along the depth direction of the pipe body so that the elastic pipe plug is interference-fitted with the second inner diameter section;

[0061] Preferably, it also includes

[0062] d) placing the reagent container in a predetermined environment to cause the reagent in the container to react, such as a reaction related to nucleic acid amplification or nucleic acid detection;

[0063] Preferably, the method for manipulating the reagent container is a nucleic acid amplification method or a nucleic acid detection method.

[0064] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of operating a reagent container, comprising the steps of:

[0065] a) providing a reagent container according to any one of the above items, wherein the third outer diameter section of the elastic tube plug of the reagent container has been engaged with the tube plug receiving section, but the fourth outer diameter section has not yet formed an interference fit with the elastic tube plug receiving section;

[0066] b) using a pipette to penetrate the through-channel of the elastic tube stopper and inject the reagent into the tube body and / or extract the reagent from the tube body;

[0067] c) pushing the elastic tube plug deeper into the tube body so that the fourth outer diameter section and the elastic tube plug receiving section have an interference fit;

[0068] Preferably, it also includes

[0069] d) placing the reagent container in a predetermined environment to cause the reagent in the container to react, such as a reaction related to nucleic acid amplification or nucleic acid detection;

[0070] Preferably, the method for manipulating the reagent container is a nucleic acid amplification method or a nucleic acid detection method.

[0071] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a reagent processing system comprising

[0072] -A reagent container according to any one of the above;

[0073] - a pipette configured to penetrate the through-channel on the elastic tube stopper to inject a reagent into the tube body and / or extract a reagent from the tube body; and

[0074] - a pressure head configured to push the elastic pipe plug to move along the depth direction of the pipe body;

[0075] Preferably, the reagent processing system further comprises a robotic arm, and the pipette gun and / or the pressure head are mounted on the robotic arm.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first inner diameter segment and the second inner diameter segment are a section of the tube, and the inner diameter variation along the depth direction of the tube is less than or equal to ±3%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%.

[0077] In some embodiments, the third outer diameter segment and the fourth outer diameter segment are a section of the tube body of the elastic tube plug, and their outer diameter changes in the direction of extending into the tube body are less than or equal to ±3%, for example, less than or equal to ±2%, for example, less than or equal to ±1%.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first channel section and the second channel section are a section of the channel on the elastic tube plug, and the inner diameter thereof changes by less than or equal to ±3%, for example, less than or equal to ±2%, for example, less than or equal to ±1% in the direction in which the elastic tube plug extends into the tube body.

[0079] In some embodiments, the first inner diameter segment is adjacent to the second inner diameter segment.

[0080] In some embodiments, the third outer diameter segment is adjacent to the third outer diameter segment.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first channel segment is adjacent to the second channel segment.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first inner diameter segment does not overlap with the second inner diameter segment.

[0083] In some embodiments, the third outer diameter segment does not overlap with the third outer diameter segment.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first channel segment does not overlap with the second channel segment.

[0085] In some embodiments, the inner diameter refers to the average inner diameter.

[0086] In some embodiments, the outer diameter refers to the average outer diameter.

[0087] Terminology Notes:

[0088] If the present invention uses the following terms, they may have the following meanings:

[0089] Various relative terms, such as "front," "back," "top," and "bottom," "upper," "lower," "above," and "below," may be used to facilitate the description of various embodiments. Relative terms are defined with respect to a general orientation of a structure and do not necessarily indicate the actual orientation of the structure when manufactured or used.

[0090] As used in the description and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0091] The term "container" refers to a vessel suitable for receiving, storing, transporting and / or releasing contents such as test samples (e.g., blood, urine, serum, plasma or liquefied biopsy samples, etc.), test reagents (e.g., reagents for immunochemical tests, clinical chemistry tests, coagulation tests, hematology tests, molecular biology tests, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0092] The term "tube" may refer to a vessel having a cylindrical, conical, or rectangular parallelepiped shape. The tube may have a closed bottom and an open top. The closed bottom of a cylindrical vessel may be circular. Non-limiting examples of a single cylindrical or conical separation vessel are primary or secondary tubes, as are known in the art. Alternatively, two or more tubes may be arranged as a multi-tube assembly. A non-limiting example of such a multi-tube assembly is a multi-well plate, as is known in the art.

[0093] The term "inner diameter" refers to the diameter of a circular cross-section and the diameter of a circle of the same area for a non-circular cross-section.

[0094] The term "outer diameter" refers to the diameter of a circular cross-section and the diameter of a circle of the same area for a non-circular cross-section.

[0095] The term "through passage" may be a through hole or slit. The cross-section of the through passage may be a two-dimensional shape, such as a circle or a polygon, or a one-dimensional shape (such as a slit). The one-dimensional shape may be a "-" shape, a "+" shape, a "z" shape, a "*" shape, etc.

[0096] The term "elasticity" may refer to the property of returning to its original size and shape after deformation. The material of the elastic pipe plug may have an elastic modulus (Young's modulus) of 10 4 ~10 8 Pa, for example 10 5 ~10 7 Pa, for example, 10 6 ~10 7 Material of Pa. The elastic pipe plug may be made of an elastomeric polymer, such as rubber or silicone rubber.

[0097] The term "limiting mechanism" may include a convex block, a stop block, a boss, a convex ring, a concave-convex inlaid structure between the elastic tube plug and the tube body, or a snap-fit ​​structure between the elastic tube plug and the tube body.

[0098] The depth of a specific location in a pipe body refers to the distance from that location to the pipe opening. For example, the "depth of an elastic pipe plug" refers to the distance from the lowest end of the elastic pipe plug to the pipe opening. For example, the "depth of the first inner diameter segment" refers to the distance from the bottom edge of the first inner diameter segment to the pipe opening.

[0099] Unless otherwise specified, the term "depth direction" refers to the direction from the pipe mouth to the pipe bottom.

[0100] The term "interference amount" refers to the larger dimension ΔD of the elastic tube plug in the radial direction compared with the tube body with which it has interference fit, and the largest ΔD shall prevail.

[0101] The term "pipette" refers to a sharp-shaped instrument capable of injecting / extracting reagents through a through-channel.

[0102] The term "press head" refers to a component that is capable of applying pressure to an elastic pipe plug.

[0103] The term "robotic arm" refers to a device that can move an object. The displacement can be in any direction in three-dimensional space, such as horizontally or vertically.

[0104] The term "nucleic acid amplification" generally refers to a technique for increasing the copy number of a nucleic acid molecule in a sample or specimen. Techniques that can be used for nucleic acid amplification are well known in the art. An example of nucleic acid amplification is polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in which a nucleic acid sample collected from a subject is contacted with a primer (the nucleic acid sample can be single-stranded or double-stranded, and if the nucleic acid sample is double-stranded, the double strand is first dissociated and then annealed and contacted with the primer) under conditions that allow hybridization of the primer to the nucleic acid template in the sample, the primer is extended under suitable conditions, and then the steps of dissociation (denaturation), annealing and extension are repeated to amplify the copy number of the nucleic acid. Other examples of in vitro amplification techniques include strand displacement amplification, non-transcriptional isothermal amplification, repair chain reaction amplification, ligase chain reaction, gap-filling ligase chain reaction amplification, coupled ligase detection and PCR, and RNA non-transcriptional amplification.

[0105] The term "nucleic acid" generally refers to a polymeric form of nucleotides (deoxyribonucleotides (dNTPs) or ribonucleotides (rNTPs)) of any length or their analogs. Nucleic acids can have any three-dimensional structure and can perform any known or unknown function. For the inventions involved in this application, non-limiting examples of nucleic acids include DNA, RNA, coding or non-coding regions of genes or gene fragments, one or more loci determined by linkage analysis, exons, introns, messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA), microRNA (miRNA), ribozymes, cDNA, recombinant nucleic acids, branched nucleic acids, plasmids, vectors, isolated DNA of any sequence, isolated RNA of any sequence, nucleic acid probes, and primers. Nucleic acids may contain one or more modified nucleotides, such as methylated nucleotides and nucleotide analogs. The nucleotide sequence of a nucleic acid may be interrupted by non-nucleotide components. Nucleic acids may be further modified after polymerization (e.g., by coupling or binding to a reporter).

[0106] The term reagent refers to any substance in gaseous, liquid or solid state. The reagent may be a liquid.

[0107] Beneficial effects

[0108] One or more technical solutions disclosed herein have one or more of the following beneficial effects:

[0109] (1) Reagents can be added and removed by using a pipette through the through-channel of the elastic tube plug without removing the elastic tube plug from the tube body;

[0110] (2) By pushing the elastic pipe plug deep into the pipe body, the through-channel can be compressed and sealed;

[0111] (3) Easy to operate automatically;

[0112] (4) Simple structure;

[0113] (5) Low cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0114] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a reagent container according to an embodiment;

[0115] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a reagent container according to another embodiment;

[0116] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a reagent container and an elastic tube plug according to another embodiment;

[0117] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a reagent container according to another embodiment;

[0118] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a reagent container according to another embodiment;

[0119] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a reagent processing system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0120] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the examples, but it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the following examples are merely illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Where specific conditions are not specified in the examples, the methods were performed according to conventional conditions or the conditions recommended by the manufacturer. Where the manufacturers of the reagents or instruments are not specified, they are all conventional products that can be obtained commercially.

[0121] Figure 1 Schematic diagrams of a reagent container are shown, wherein (a) and (b) respectively show schematic diagrams of the tube plug being located at different depths in the tube body. Figure 1 As shown in (a) and (b), the reagent container includes a tube body 10 and an elastic tube plug 20; the tube body 10 includes a tube plug accommodating section 16, and the tube plug accommodating section 16 includes a first inner diameter section 11 and a second inner diameter section 12 along the depth direction of the tube body 10, and the inner diameter of the second inner diameter section 12 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section 11; the elastic tube plug 20 is provided with a through channel 21 along the direction of extending into the tube body 10; wherein, the elastic tube plug 20 can be non-interference fitted with the first inner diameter section 11, and the elastic tube plug 20 can be fitted with the second inner diameter section 12 with a second interference fit, and the second interference fit is greater than zero; wherein, when the elastic tube plug 20 is fitted with the second inner diameter section 12 with the second interference fit, the elastic tube plug 20 is radially compressed and the through channel 21 is compressed and sealed.

[0122] like Figure 1 As shown in (a), the depth to which the elastic tube plug 20 extends into the tube body 10 is a first depth. The elastic tube plug 20 is located in the first inner diameter section 11 and has not yet entered the second inner diameter section 12. The outer diameter of the elastic tube plug 20 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section 11, and the relationship between the elastic tube plug 20 and the first inner diameter section 11 is a non-interference fit (clearance fit). The elastic tube plug 20 is not radially compressed, and the through-channel 21 is not compressed and sealed. The through-channel 21 is open (in some embodiments, the through-channel 21 is naturally closed). When the reagent container is in this state, a pipette is used to penetrate the through-channel 21 of the elastic tube plug 20 to inject reagents into the tube body 10 and / or extract reagents from the tube body 10.

[0123] like Figure 1As shown in (b), the elastic tube plug 20 extends into the tube body 10 to a second depth, which is greater than the first depth. A portion of the elastic tube plug extends into the second inner diameter section 12. The outer diameter of the elastic tube plug 20 is greater than the inner diameter of the second inner diameter section 12, and the elastic tube plug 20 and the second inner diameter section 12 form an interference fit. When the reagent container is in this state, the elastic tube plug 20 is radially compressed, and the through-channel 21 is compressed and sealed, ensuring a good seal.

[0124] In some embodiments, a method for operating the above-mentioned reagent container is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0125] a) providing the above-mentioned reagent container, wherein the elastic tube plug 20 of the reagent container has been engaged with the first inner diameter section 11 but has not yet formed an interference fit with the second inner diameter section 12;

[0126] b) using a pipette to penetrate the through channel 21 of the elastic tube plug 20 to inject the reagent into the tube body 10 and / or extract the reagent from the tube body 10;

[0127] c) pushing the elastic tube plug 20 to move along the depth direction of the tube body 10 (towards the depth of the tube body) so that the elastic tube plug 20 is interference fit with the second inner diameter section 12;

[0128] Preferably, it also includes

[0129] d) Placing the reagent container in a preset environment to cause the reagent in the container to react, such as a reaction related to nucleic acid amplification or nucleic acid detection.

[0130] In some embodiments, the method of manipulating the reagent container is a nucleic acid amplification method or a nucleic acid detection method.

[0131] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the elastic pipe plug 20 includes a cylindrical plug body with a constant outer diameter along the direction of extending into the pipe body.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first inner diameter section 11 and the second inner diameter section 12 are directly adjacent. In some embodiments, a chamfered surface is provided between the first inner diameter section 11 and the second inner diameter section 12. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section 11 gradually decreases adjacent to the second inner diameter section 12. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the second inner diameter section 12 gradually increases adjacent to the first inner diameter section 11. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section 11 and the second inner diameter section 12 transitions smoothly at the junction. In this embodiment, the elastic tube plug 20 can be switched more smoothly between the first inner diameter section 11 and the second inner diameter section 12.

[0133] In one embodiment, the second inner diameter section 12 is deeper in the pipe body 10 than the first inner diameter section 11. The second inner diameter section 12 and the first inner diameter section 11 may be adjacent to each other but not overlap.

[0134] Figure 2 A reagent container with a limited position structure is shown, such as Figure 2 As shown, the reagent container is provided with a limiting structure (13, 14, 15) for preventing the elastic tube plug 20 from rising and / or falling relative to the tube body 10 in the depth direction.

[0135] In one embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the tube body 10 is provided with a first limiting structure 13 (e.g., a limiting block or limiting ring) that prevents the elastic tube plug 20 from being dislodged from the tube opening. During use of the reagent container, it is sometimes necessary to use a pipette to penetrate the through-channel 21 of the elastic tube plug 20 to inject reagent into and / or extract reagent from the tube body 10. When the pipette is pulled out of the through-channel 21, there is a possibility that the elastic tube plug 20 will be pulled out of the tube body 10. The first limiting structure 13 effectively prevents the elastic tube plug 20 from being pulled out of the tube body 10.

[0136] In one embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the tube body 10 is provided with a second limiting structure 14 (e.g., a limiting block or limiting ring) that prevents the elastic tube plug 20 from passing from the first inner diameter section 11 into the second inner diameter section 12. During use of the reagent container, it is sometimes necessary to use a pipette to penetrate the through-channel 21 of the elastic tube plug 20 to inject reagent into and / or extract reagent from the tube body 10. When inserting the pipette, there is a possibility that the tube plug 20 will be pushed deeper into the tube body 10, for example, into the second inner diameter section 12. The second limiting structure 14 effectively prevents the elastic tube plug 20 from being pushed into the second inner diameter section 12.

[0137] In one embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the tube body 10 is provided with a third limiting structure 15 (e.g., a limiting block or limiting ring) that prevents the elastic tube plug 20 from extending deeper than the tube plug receiving section 16. During use of the reagent container, it is sometimes necessary to push the elastic tube plug 20 deeper into the tube body 10 to achieve an interference fit between the elastic tube plug 20 and the second inner diameter section 12. During this process, the elastic tube plug 20 may be pushed deeper than the tube plug receiving section 16. The third limiting structure 15 effectively prevents the elastic tube plug 20 from being pushed deeper than the tube plug receiving section 16.

[0138] It is understandable that the above-mentioned limiting structures (such as the first limiting structure, the second limiting structure and the third limiting structure) can all be elastic limiting structures, that is, when the applied stress exceeds the load of the limiting structure, the elastic tube plug can break through the limiting structure.

[0139] Figure 3Schematic diagrams of another reagent container are shown, wherein (a) and (c) respectively show a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the reagent container and a cross-sectional view of the elastic tube plug when the elastic tube plug is located at the first inner diameter section, and (b) and (d) respectively show a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the reagent container and a cross-sectional view of the elastic tube plug when the elastic tube plug is located at the second inner diameter section. Figure 3 As shown, in the order in which the elastic tube plug 20 extends into the tube body 10, the through-channel 21 includes a second channel section 212 and a first channel section 211, with the first channel section 211 having a larger cross-sectional area than the second channel section 212. During use of the reagent container, it is sometimes necessary to use a pipette to penetrate the through-channel 21 of the elastic tube plug 20 to inject and / or extract reagents from the tube body 10. A larger inner diameter of the through-channel facilitates the passage of a pipette. Furthermore, after injecting and extracting the desired reagents during use of the reagent container, it is sometimes necessary to create an interference fit between the elastic tube plug 20 and the second inner diameter section 12, radially compressing the elastic tube plug 20 times and compressing and sealing the through-channel 21. A smaller inner diameter allows for easier compression and sealing. According to the above solution, the first channel section 211 of the through-channel 21 has a larger cross-sectional area, making it easier for a pipette to pass through, while the second channel section 212 has a smaller cross-sectional area, making it easier for the pipette to be compressed and sealed. This solution improves the ease of use and sealing performance of the reagent container.

[0140] like Figure 3 As shown in (a), the elastic tube plug 20 extends into the tube body 10 to a first depth. The elastic tube plug 20 is located in the first inner diameter section 11 and has not yet entered the second inner diameter section 12. The outer diameter of the elastic tube plug 20 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section 11, and the elastic tube plug 20 and the first inner diameter section 11 have a non-interference fit (a clearance fit). Neither the first channel section 211 nor the second channel section 212 has yet been compressed and sealed.

[0141] like Figure 3 As shown in (b), the elastic tube plug 20 extends into the tube body 10 to a second depth, which is greater than the first depth. A portion of the elastic tube plug extends into the second inner diameter section 12. The outer diameter of the elastic tube plug 20 is greater than the inner diameter of the second inner diameter section 12, and the elastic tube plug 20 and the second inner diameter section 12 form an interference fit. When the reagent container is in this state, the elastic tube plug 20 is radially compressed, and the second channel section 212 extending through the channel 21 is compressed and sealed, effectively sealing the reagent container.

[0142] like Figure 3As shown in (c) and (d), the cross-section of the first channel section 211 is a two-dimensional shape, such as a circle, while the cross-section of the second channel section 212 is a one-dimensional shape, such as a "-" shape. Due to the elasticity of the elastic tube plug, a pipette can penetrate the channel even if the cross-section of the second channel section 212 is a one-dimensional shape. In this solution, the shape of the first channel section 211 facilitates the passage of a pipette, while the shape of the second channel section 212 facilitates compression and sealing, which improves the usability and sealing performance of the reagent container.

[0143] Figure 4 The schematic diagram of another reagent container is shown. As shown in the figure, the elastic tube plug 20 of this reagent container is provided with a sealing element 25, and the sealing element 25 seals and runs through passage 21. The sealing element 25 is a pierceable sealing element. For the reagent container that has not yet been put into use, the elastic tube plug 20 can be matched with the first inner diameter section 11 in advance. At this moment, the sealing element 25 can seal and runs through passage 21, avoids the container interior from entering impurities. When needs are in the tubular body 10, injecting reagent and / or extracting reagent from the tubular body, use the reagent gun to pierce the sealing element 25 and get final product.

[0144] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another reagent container is shown. As shown in the figure, the reagent container includes a tube body 10 and an elastic tube plug 20. The tube body 10 includes a tube plug accommodating section 16. The elastic tube plug 20 includes a third outer diameter section 23 and a fourth outer diameter section 24 in the order in which they extend into the tube plug accommodating section 16, wherein the outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter section 24 is larger than the outer diameter of the third outer diameter section 23. The elastic tube plug 20 is provided with a through-channel 21 in the direction of extending into the tube body. The third outer diameter section 23 can be fitted with the tube plug accommodating section 16 without interference, and the fourth outer diameter section 24 can be fitted with the tube plug accommodating section 16 with a second interference, wherein the second interference is greater than zero. The elastic tube plug 20 is configured such that when the fourth outer diameter section 24 is fitted with the tube plug accommodating section 16 with the second interference, the fourth outer diameter section 24 is radially compressed and the through-channel 21 is compressed and sealed.

[0145] like Figure 5 As shown in (a), the depth of the elastic tube plug 20 inserted into the tube body 10 is a first depth. The third outer diameter section 23 of the elastic tube plug 20 extends into the tube plug accommodating section 16, and the fourth outer diameter section 24 has not yet extended into the tube plug accommodating section 16. The outer diameter of the third outer diameter section 23 is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube plug accommodating section 16, and the relationship between the tube plug accommodating section 16 and the third outer diameter section 23 is a non-interference fit (clearance fit). The third outer diameter section 23 is not radially compressed, and the through-channel 21 is not compressed and sealed. The through-channel 21 is open and can be penetrated by a pipette. In this state, a pipette can be used to penetrate the through-channel 21 of the elastic tube plug 20 to inject reagents into the tube body 10 and / or extract reagents from the tube body 10.

[0146] like Figure 5As shown in (b), the elastic tube plug 20 extends into the tube body 10 to a second depth, which is greater than the first depth. At least a portion of the fourth outer diameter section 24 of the elastic tube plug extends into the tube plug receiving section 16. The outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter section 24 is greater than the inner diameter of the tube plug receiving section 16, and the fourth outer diameter section 24 and the tube plug receiving section 16 form an interference fit. The fourth outer diameter section 24 is radially compressed, and the through-channel 21 is compressed and sealed. In this state, the reagent container is securely sealed.

[0147] In some embodiments, a method for operating the above-mentioned reagent container is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0148] a) providing the above-mentioned reagent container, wherein the third outer diameter section 23 of the elastic tube plug 20 of the reagent container has been engaged with the tube plug receiving section 16, but the fourth outer diameter section 24 has not yet formed an interference fit with the elastic tube plug receiving section 16;

[0149] b) using a pipette to penetrate the through channel 21 of the elastic tube plug 20 to inject a reagent into the tube body 10 and / or extract a reagent from the tube body 10;

[0150] c) pushing the elastic tube plug 20 deeper into the tube body 10 so that the fourth outer diameter section 24 is interference fit with the elastic tube plug receiving section 16;

[0151] Preferably, the method of operating a reagent container further comprises

[0152] d) Placing the reagent container in a preset environment to cause the reagent in the container to react, such as a reaction related to nucleic acid amplification or nucleic acid detection.

[0153] In some embodiments, the method of manipulating the reagent container is a nucleic acid amplification method or a nucleic acid detection method.

[0154] In some embodiments, as Figure 5 As shown, the plug receiving section 16 comprises a cylindrical tube cavity with a constant inner diameter along the depth direction of the tube body.

[0155] In some embodiments, as Figure 5 As shown in (a), the reagent container is provided with a retaining structure 17 that prevents the elastic tube plug 20 from rising and / or falling relative to the tube body 10 in the depth direction. Retaining structure 17 comprises a groove located in the third outer diameter section 23 and a projection located in the tube plug receiving section 16. The groove and projection fit together to form a snap fit. This retaining structure 17 prevents the elastic tube plug 20 from falling out of the tube opening.

[0156] In some embodiments, the third outer diameter section 23 and the fourth outer diameter section 24 are directly adjacent. In some embodiments, a chamfered surface is provided between the third outer diameter section 23 and the fourth outer diameter section 24. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the third outer diameter section 23 gradually increases adjacent to the fourth outer diameter section 24. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter section 24 gradually decreases adjacent to the third outer diameter section 23. In this embodiment, the elastic tube plug 20 can more smoothly switch between mating states with the tube plug mating section 16. In this embodiment, the elastic tube plug can easily switch between mating states with the tube plug receiving section.

[0157] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a reagent processing system is shown. In some embodiments, a reagent processing system is provided, comprising:

[0158] A reagent container, comprising a tube body 10 and an elastic tube plug 20. The tube body 10 includes a tube plug receiving section 16. The tube plug receiving section 16 includes a first inner diameter section 11 and a second inner diameter section 12 along the depth direction of the tube body 10. The inner diameter of the second inner diameter section 12 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section 11. The elastic tube plug 20 is provided with a through-channel 21 along the direction in which it extends into the tube body 10. The elastic tube plug 20 can fit with the first inner diameter section 11 with a first interference fit, and can fit with the second inner diameter section 12 with a second interference fit, the second interference fit being greater than the first interference fit. When the elastic tube plug 20 fits with the second inner diameter section 12 with the second interference fit, the elastic tube plug 20 is radially compressed and the through-channel 21 is compressed and sealed.

[0159] a pipette 30 configured to penetrate the through-channel 21 on the elastic tube plug 20 to inject reagents into the tube body 10 and / or extract reagents from the tube body; and

[0160] A pressing head 40 is configured to push the elastic pipe plug 20 to move along the depth direction of the pipe body 10 .

[0161] The method of operating the above-mentioned reagent processing system comprises the following steps:

[0162] a) providing the above-mentioned reagent container, wherein the elastic tube plug 20 of the reagent container has been engaged with the first inner diameter section 11 but has not yet formed an interference fit with the second inner diameter section 12;

[0163] b) using a pipette to penetrate the through channel 21 of the elastic tube plug 20 to inject the reagent into the tube body 10 and / or extract the reagent from the tube body 10;

[0164] c) pushing the elastic tube plug 20 to move along the depth direction of the tube body 10 (towards the depth of the tube body) so that the elastic tube plug 20 is interference fit with the second inner diameter section 12;

[0165] Preferably, it also includes

[0166] d) Placing the reagent container in a preset environment to cause the reagent in the container to react, such as a reaction related to nucleic acid amplification or nucleic acid detection.

[0167] In some embodiments, as Figure 6 As shown in (a), the tube body 10 is provided with a second limiting structure 14 to prevent the elastic tube plug 20 from entering the second inner diameter section 12 from the first inner diameter section 11. The second limiting structure 14 prevents the elastic tube plug 20 from being carried deeper when the pipette passes through the through channel 21. Figure 6 As shown in (b), the stress applied by the pressure head 40 exceeds the load of the limiting structure 14 , and the elastic tube plug 20 breaks through the limiting structure 14 under the pressure of the pressure head 40 and reaches the second inner diameter section 12 .

[0168] In some embodiments, the reagent processing system further includes a robotic arm 50 , on which the pipette gun 30 and / or the press head 40 are mounted.

[0169] Although the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the details based on all the teachings disclosed, and these changes are all within the scope of protection of the present invention. The full scope of the present invention is given by the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A reagent container, comprising: A pipe body (10), comprising a pipe plug accommodating section (16), wherein the pipe plug accommodating section (16) comprises a first inner diameter section (11) and a second inner diameter section (12) along the depth direction of the pipe body (10), wherein the inner diameter of the second inner diameter section (12) is smaller than the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section (11); An elastic tube plug (20), wherein the elastic tube plug (20) is provided with a through passage (21) in a direction extending into the tube body (10); The elastic tube plug (20) can be fitted with the first inner diameter section (11) in a non-interference fit or with a first interference fit, and the elastic tube plug (20) can be fitted with the second inner diameter section (12) in a second interference fit; When the elastic tube plug is capable of non-interference fit with the first inner diameter section, the second interference amount is greater than zero; when the elastic tube plug is capable of fitting with the first inner diameter section with the first interference amount, the second interference amount is greater than the first interference amount; The through-channel (21) is configured to be compressed and sealed as the elastic tube plug (20) contracts radially when the elastic tube plug (20) is fitted with the second inner diameter section (12) at a second interference fit; According to the order in which the elastic tube plug (20) extends into the tube body (10), the through channel (21) comprises a second channel section (212) and a first channel section (211), and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel section (211) is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel section (212).

2. The reagent container according to claim 1, having one or more of the following features: - the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section (11) is greater than or equal to at least one outer diameter of the elastic pipe plug (20); - the inner diameter of the second inner diameter section (12) is smaller than at least one outer diameter of the elastic pipe plug (20); - The elastic pipe plug (20) has a non-interference fit or a first interference fit with the first inner diameter section (11) at a first depth of insertion into the pipe body (10), and has a second interference fit with the second inner diameter section (12) at a second depth of insertion into the pipe body (10), the second depth being greater than the first depth.

3. The reagent container according to claim 1, having one or more of the following features: - the first inner diameter section (11) and the second inner diameter section (12) are directly adjacent; - a chamfered surface is provided between the first inner diameter section (11) and the second inner diameter section (12); - the inner diameter of the first inner diameter section (11) gradually decreases adjacent to the second inner diameter section (12); - the inner diameter of the second inner diameter section (12) gradually increases adjacent to the first inner diameter section (11); - a smooth transition of the inner diameter at the junction of the first inner diameter section (11) and the second inner diameter section (12); - The second inner diameter section (12) is deeper in the pipe body than the first inner diameter section (11).

4. The reagent container according to claim 1, wherein the tube body (10) and / or the elastic tube plug (20) are provided with a limiting structure for preventing the elastic tube plug (20) from rising and / or falling relative to the tube body (10) in the depth direction.

5. The reagent container according to claim 4, wherein The tube body (10) and / or the elastic tube plug (20) are provided with one or more of the following limiting structures: - a first limiting structure (13) for preventing the elastic pipe plug (20) from escaping from the pipe opening of the pipe body (10); - a second limiting structure (14) for preventing the elastic pipe plug (20) from entering the second inner diameter section (12) from the first inner diameter section (11); - A third limiting structure (15) that prevents the elastic pipe plug (20) from extending deeper than the pipe plug receiving section (16).

6. A reagent container, comprising: A pipe body (10) including a pipe plug receiving section (16); An elastic tube plug (20) comprises, in order of insertion into the tube plug receiving section (16), a third outer diameter section (23) and a fourth outer diameter section (24), the outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter section (24) being greater than the outer diameter of the third outer diameter section (23), and a through passage (21) being provided in the direction of insertion into the tube body of the elastic tube plug (20); The third outer diameter section (23) can be fitted with the pipe plug accommodating section (16) in a non-interference fit or with a first interference fit, and the fourth outer diameter section (24) can be fitted with the pipe plug accommodating section (16) in a second interference fit; When the third outer diameter section can be fitted with the pipe plug receiving section in a non-interference fit, the second interference amount is greater than zero; when the third outer diameter section can be fitted with the pipe plug receiving section in a first interference fit, the second interference amount is greater than the first interference amount; The through-channel (21) is configured such that when the fourth outer diameter section (24) and the pipe plug accommodating section (16) are fitted with a second interference fit, the through-channel (21) is compressed and sealed as the fourth outer diameter section (24) contracts radially; According to the order in which the elastic tube plug (20) extends into the tube body (10), the through channel (21) comprises a second channel section (212) and a first channel section (211), and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel section (211) is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel section (212).

7. The container according to claim 6, having one or more of the following features: - at least one inner diameter of the plug receiving section (16) is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the third outer diameter section (23); - at least one inner diameter of the plug receiving section (16) is smaller than the outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter section (24); - When the elastic tube plug (20) is inserted into the tube body (10) at a first depth, the third outer diameter section (23) and the tube plug receiving section (16) are non-interference fit or fit with the first interference fit; when the elastic tube plug (20) is inserted into the tube body (10) at a second depth, the fourth outer diameter section (24) and the tube plug receiving section (16) are fit with the second interference fit, and the second depth is greater than the first depth.

8. The container according to claim 6, characterized in that One or more of the following: - the third outer diameter section (23) and the fourth outer diameter section (24) are directly adjacent; - a chamfered surface is provided between the third outer diameter section (23) and the fourth outer diameter section (24); - the outer diameter of the third outer diameter section (23) gradually increases adjacent to the fourth outer diameter section (24); - The outer diameter of the fourth outer diameter section (24) gradually decreases adjacent to the third outer diameter section (23).

9. The reagent container according to claim 6, wherein the tube body (10) and / or the elastic tube plug (20) are provided with a limiting structure for preventing the elastic tube plug (20) from rising and / or falling relative to the tube body (10) in a depth direction.

10. The reagent container according to claim 9, wherein The limiting structure includes one or more of the following: - a first limiting structure (13) for preventing the elastic pipe plug (20) from escaping from the pipe opening of the pipe body (10); - a third limiting structure (15) for preventing the elastic pipe plug (20) from extending deeper than the pipe plug receiving section (16); - a fourth limiting structure for preventing the fourth outer diameter section (24) of the elastic tube plug (20) from entering the elastic tube plug receiving section.

11. The reagent container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the container is configured such that when the elastic tube plug (20) is inserted into the tube body (10) to a first depth, the elastic tube plug (20) and the first inner diameter section (11) are non-interference fit or are fit with the first interference fit, and the first channel section (211) and the second channel section (212) are not compressed to form a sealed state or are compressed to form a first sealed state; and when the elastic tube plug (20) is inserted into the tube body (10) to a second depth, the elastic tube plug (20) and the second inner diameter section (12) are fit with the second interference fit, and the second channel section (212) is compressed to form a second sealed state; in, The second depth is greater than the first depth, and the second sealing state of the second channel section (212) is greater than the first sealing state.

12. The reagent container according to claim 11, wherein The second sealing state is an airtight seal.

13. The reagent container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The channel cross-section of the first channel section (211) is a two-dimensional shape, and the channel cross-section of the second channel section (212) is a one-dimensional shape.

14. The reagent container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the elastic tube plug (20) further comprises a sealing element (25), wherein the sealing element (25) is used to seal the through-channel (21).

15. The reagent container according to claim 14, wherein The sealing element (25) is detachable.

16. The reagent container according to claim 14, wherein The sealing element (25) is pierceable.

17. The reagent container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is a PCR tube.

18. A method for operating a reagent container, comprising the steps of: a) providing a reagent container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the elastic tube plug (20) of the reagent container has been fitted with the first inner diameter section (11) but has not yet formed an interference fit with the second inner diameter section (12); b) using a pipette to penetrate the through channel (21) of the elastic tube plug (20) to inject a reagent into the tube body (10) and / or extract a reagent from the tube body (10); c) pushing the elastic tube plug (20) to move along the depth direction of the tube body (10) so that the elastic tube plug (20) and the second inner diameter section (12) are interference-fitted.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: d) Place the reagent container in a preset environment to allow the reagent in the container to react.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein The method for operating the reagent container is a nucleic acid amplification method or a nucleic acid detection method.

21. A method for operating a reagent container, comprising the steps of: a) providing a reagent container according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the third outer diameter section (23) of the elastic tube plug (20) of the reagent container has been fitted with the tube plug receiving section (16), but the fourth outer diameter section (24) has not yet been interference fitted with the elastic tube plug receiving section (16); b) using a pipette to penetrate the through channel (21) of the elastic tube plug (20) to inject a reagent into the tube body (10) and / or extract a reagent from the tube body (10); c) pushing the elastic tube plug (20) deeper into the tube body (10) so that the fourth outer diameter section (24) and the elastic tube plug receiving section (16) are interference fit.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: d) Place the reagent container in a preset environment to allow the reagent in the container to react.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein The method for operating the reagent container is a nucleic acid amplification method or a nucleic acid detection method.

24. A reagent processing system comprising -The reagent container according to any one of claims 1 to 17; - a pipette configured to penetrate the through-channel (21) on the elastic tube plug (20) to inject a reagent into the tube body (10) and / or extract a reagent from the tube body (10); and - a pressure head configured to push the elastic pipe plug (20) to move along the depth direction of the pipe body (10).

25. The reagent processing system according to claim 24, further comprising a robotic arm, wherein the pipette gun and / or the pressure head are mounted on the robotic arm.

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