Method of making a microplate assembly with a closure function and a cover

Abstract

The application relates to a method for manufacturing a microplate assembly and a cover with a closing function, which comprises a microplate assembly body, the microplate assembly body comprising a microplate base, a plurality of glass inner tubes and a plurality of covers, a plurality of well seats arranged in a geometric pattern are arranged on one side of the base plate of the microplate base, and there are gaps between adjacent well seats; a containing well is arranged in the well seat; the cover is embeddedly arranged in the containing well; the cover is axially limited in the containing well; a film is wrapped on the main body of the cover; the glass inner tube is elastically connected to the cover after the film wrapping; the film locally covers the cover; and the cover is tightly connected to the bottle mouth without the film on the end surface part. The application has the effects that the plurality of sample containers can be quickly and easily applied to the microplate, and the cross contamination and leakage of the samples can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of sample processing and storage components, and in particular to a microplate assembly with a closure function and a method for producing a cap. Background Technology

[0002] The growth of medical and pharmaceutical research, as well as diagnostic analysis and testing, has created a demand for low-cost, efficient equipment and procedures for handling samples; automated equipment can be used to fill and retrieve samples from sample containers.

[0003] Microplates with multiple sample wells provide a convenient means of storing samples, and automated equipment can be used to position microplates for sample filling, retrieval, and analysis. Despite improvements in sample handling equipment, many applications still require manual operation, such as preparing sample containers or vials, or covering or removing samples. This is particularly true when the sample quantity is insufficient to justify the design and construction of customized automated equipment, leaving manual operation as the primary mode of operation.

[0004] Microplates, glass inner tubes, and caps combined with chromatographic septa provide containers with multiple capping options, sample stability during analytical runs, and resealing after sample injection if necessary. However, currently available containers use fully PTFE membrane rubber stoppers with the bottle neck pressed against the membrane material for sealing. Since both the membrane and glass are rigid materials, there is an inherent risk of leakage.

[0005] In view of the aforementioned technologies, the inventors believe that there is a need for a microporous plate assembly that has a closing function and improves sealing to prevent and eliminate the risk of leakage. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a microplate assembly with a closure function and a method for manufacturing a cap. The assembly includes a microplate body, comprising a microplate base, multiple glass inserts, and multiple caps. The base plate has multiple wells arranged in a geometric pattern on one side, with gaps between adjacent wells. Each well has a receiving well, and a cap is embedded within it. The cap is axially constrained by the receiving well. A thin film covers the main body of the cap. The glass inserts are elastically connected to the cap after being covered with the film via a plug-in method. The film partially covers the cap, and there is no film at the sealing end face of the cap where it meets the bottle opening. This application allows for the rapid and easy application to multiple sample containers on microplates and reduces cross-contamination and leakage of samples.

[0007] This application provides a microplate assembly with a closing function, which adopts the following technical solution: it includes a microplate assembly body, the microplate assembly body including a microplate base, multiple glass insert tubes and multiple caps;

[0008] The microporous plate base has multiple well seats arranged in a geometric pattern on one side of the substrate, with gaps between adjacent well seats, and a receiving well is provided inside the well seat;

[0009] A cover is embedded in the receiving well, and the cover is constrained axially within the receiving well.

[0010] The cap is covered with a thin film, and the glass inner tube is elastically connected to the cap covered with the thin film in a plug-in manner.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, sealing can be quickly and easily applied to multiple sample containers of microplates to reduce cross-contamination of samples and improve chemical inertness compared with using plastic microplate wells.

[0012] Optionally, the microporous plate base is a 96-well base, and the well bases are arranged in a 12x8 array.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, multiple independent sample containers can be fully utilized, which is convenient to operate and eliminates the risk of cross-contamination when storing samples.

[0014] Optionally, the receiving well is provided with a raised limiting step, and the width between the inner side of the limiting step and the bottom of the receiving well is H.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the limiting step can axially position and constrain the axial limitation of the cap and glass inner tube after they are connected to the receiving well.

[0016] Optionally, the cover is made of rubber, and a step is provided on one side of the main body of the cover. The width of the step is L1, which is less than the width H between the inner side of the limiting step and the bottom of the receiving well. The diameter of the step is greater than the diameter of the main body, and the diameter of the step matches the diameter of the receiving well.

[0017] The cover has a conical hole inside, the major diameter of which is aligned with the step, and the bottom of the conical hole is connected to a blind hole.

[0018] The step of the cover is elastically connected to the receiving well. After the cover is connected to the well seat of the microporous plate base, the step is located inside the limiting step.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the cap uses a specific formula design to ensure that the rubber formula has extremely low leachates. At the same time, the partial PTFE membrane barrier effectively prevents the volatilization of volatile substances inside the bottle.

[0020] Optionally, the outer end of the cap body is covered with a film.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the use of PTFEE membrane also isolates the rubber components and external contaminants from entering. The partial membrane coating also ensures a tighter seal between the nozzle and the more airtight rubber section, guaranteeing better system sealing. This eliminates the leakage risk inherent in currently available products that use fully covered PTFE membrane rubber stoppers, where the bottle mouth is pressed against the membrane material for sealing. Since both the membrane and glass are rigid materials, this presents a risk of leakage.

[0022] Optionally, the glass inner tube is made of borosilicate glass;

[0023] A flange is provided on one end of the glass cannula with its own inner lumen;

[0024] The inner cavity is a blind hole, and the opening end of the inner cavity is aligned with the position of the flange.

[0025] The inner cavity of the glass inner tube is elastically connected to the cap body covered with a film by a plug-in method. The flange is inserted into the inner side of the limiting step, and the end face of the flange elastically abuts against the end face of the step.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, the flange of the glass inner tube elastically contacts the end face of the step on the inner side of the limiting step, thus ensuring better sealing of the system.

[0027] Optionally, both sides of the limiting step are chamfered, and the bottom of the chamfer is connected to the circumferential wall of the receiving well.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, it is convenient for the cap and the glass inner tube to be embedded in the limiting step through elastic deformation, and it can avoid tearing and breakage.

[0029] Optionally, the inner side of the flange is chamfered, and the specifications of the inner chamfer of the flange are consistent with those of the inner chamfer of the limiting step.

[0030] By adopting the above technical solution, after the glass inner tube is installed, the inner chamfer of the flange and the inner chamfer step of the limiting side become the contact surface, which increases the axial limiting effect.

[0031] Optionally, the diameter of the flange matches the diameter of the receiving well.

[0032] By adopting the above technical solution

[0033] A method for manufacturing a cap, wherein the cap is made of a composite rubber material;

[0034] Each piece of finished composite rubber material used to make the cap is composed of the following materials and quantities:

[0035] 10.1 Methyl vinyl silicone rubber 60-80 parts, dimethylsiloxane 20-40 parts, silica 10-15 parts, zinc oxide 4-6 parts, titanium dioxide 1-3 parts, hexamethylcyclodisilazane 6-8 parts, polyethylene powder 5-10 parts, catalyst 0.5-1.2 parts, glycerol 0.1-0.5 parts, antioxidant 1-3 parts, diethyl maleate 0.1-0.3 parts;

[0036] Feeding sequence: Methyl vinyl silicone rubber → Dimethylsiloxane → Silica → Hexamethylcyclodisilazane → Titanium dioxide, polyethylene powder, antioxidant → Zinc oxide → Diethyl maleate, glycerol → Catalyst.

[0037] Rubber mixing time: Mix the materials thoroughly after each addition (approximately 2 minutes each time, with a total mixing time of approximately 20 minutes).

[0038] Molding parameters: 1. First stage: one-time molding 100℃ x 1 min, two-time molding 120℃ x 8 min

[0039] 2. Second stage: 150℃ x 1h (vacuum -90kPa)

[0040] 3. Three sections: 250 degrees x 8 hours

[0041] 10.2 Extrusion molding process, the temperature during extrusion shall not exceed 40 degrees Celsius;

[0042] 1. The cap after extrusion molding is partially coated with a PTFE film;

[0043] The die-cutting mold and die-cutting process form a partially coated part, and then a secondary forming process is carried out to form a complete partially coated cap. There is no film on the end face where the cap fits tightly with the bottle mouth.

[0044] By adopting the above technical solution, the rubber formulation of the cap is guaranteed to have extremely low leachates. At the same time, the partial PTFE film barrier effectively prevents the volatilization of volatile substances inside the bottle. The use of the PTFE film also isolates the rubber components from the entry of external pollutants.

[0045] The purpose of using partial coating is to ensure a tighter bond between the nozzle and the rubber part with better sealing, thus guaranteeing better system sealing.

[0046] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0047] 1. This application has multiple sample containers that can be quickly and easily applied to microplates, and can reduce cross-contamination and leakage of samples;

[0048] 2. The cap of this application adopts a specific formula design to ensure that the rubber formula has extremely low leachates. At the same time, with the partial PTFE membrane barrier, the volatilization of volatile substances in the bottle is basically eliminated.

[0049] 3. The main body of the cap in this application is covered with a thin film. The glass inner tube is connected to the cap after being covered with the film in a plug-in elastic connection. The film is partially covered for the cap, and there is no film at the joint between the cap and the bottle mouth. The purpose of the partial film covering is to ensure that the tube mouth and the rubber part with better sealing are tightly connected, thus ensuring better sealing of the system. This solves the problem that currently used rubber stoppers with full PTFE film covering are used, and the bottle mouth is sealed by pressing the film material together. Since both the film material and the glass are rigid materials, there is a risk of leakage. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of this application;

[0051] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of direction AA;

[0052] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the base of the microplate;

[0053] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of part B in the image;

[0054] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part A in the image;

[0055] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of this application;

[0056] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the middle seal and the film.

[0057] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 900, microplate assembly body; 100, microplate base; 110, substrate; 120, well base; 130, receiving well; 131, limiting step; 140, gap; 200, cap; 210, main body; 220, step; 230, conical hole; 240, blind hole; 300, glass inner tube; 310, inner cavity; 320, flange; 400, thin film. Detailed Implementation

[0058] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-7 This application will be described in further detail.

[0059] This application discloses a microplate assembly with a closure function and a method for manufacturing a cap. The assembly includes a microplate assembly body 900, which comprises a microplate base 100, multiple glass insert tubes 300, and multiple caps 200. The base plate 110 of the microplate base 100 has multiple well seats 120 arranged in a geometric pattern on one side, with gaps 140 between adjacent well seats 120. Each well seat 120 has a receiving well 130, and a cap 200 is embedded within the receiving well 130. The cap 200 is axially constrained by the receiving well 130. A thin film 400 covers the main body of the cap 200. The glass insert tubes 300 are elastically connected to the cap 200 after being covered with the thin film 400 via a plug-in connection. The thin film 400 partially covers the cap 200, and the portion of the cap 200 that seals against the bottle opening is free of the thin film 400. This application allows for the rapid and easy application to multiple sample containers in microplates and reduces cross-contamination and leakage of samples.

[0060] Example 2

[0061] Reference Figures 1-5 As shown, the microplate assembly body 900 includes a microplate base 100, multiple glass insert tubes 300, and multiple caps 200. The substrate 110 of the microplate base 100 has multiple well seats 120 arranged in a geometric pattern on one side, typically 96 well seats 120 arranged in a 12x8 array. There is a gap 140 between adjacent well seats 120. Each well seat 120 has a receiving well 130, and a cap 200 is embedded within each receiving well 130. The cap 200 is axially constrained within the receiving well 130, and a thin film 40 covers the main body of the cap 200. 0. The glass inner tube 300 and the cap 200 after the film 400 are connected by a plug-in elastic connection. The film 400 is partially covered with the cap 200. There is no film 400 at the end face of the cap 200 that is sealed with the bottle mouth. The purpose of the partial film is to make the tube mouth of the glass inner tube 300 tightly connected with the rubber part of the cap 200 with better sealing performance, so as to ensure better sealing of the system. This solves the technical problem that the currently used products all use full-coverage PTFE film rubber stoppers, which are sealed by pressing the bottle mouth with the film material. However, since both the film material and the glass are rigid materials, there is a risk of leakage.

[0062] Example 3

[0063] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, a raised limiting step 131 is provided inside the receiving well 130. The width between the inner side of the limiting step 131 and the bottom of the receiving well 130 is H. The cover 200 is constrained axially inside the receiving well 130 to prevent the cover 200 inside the receiving well 130 from displacing outward.

[0064] The cap 200 is made of a rubber compound with a specific formula design and extremely low leaching. A step 220 is provided on one side of the main body 210 of the cap 200. The width of the step 220 is L1, which is less than the width H of the inner side of the limiting step 131 and the bottom of the receiving well 130. The diameter of the step 220 is greater than the diameter of the main body 210, and the diameter of the step 220 matches the aperture of the receiving well 130. After the cap 200 is installed into the receiving well 130, the step 220 of the cap 200 is located inside the limiting step 131. The inner end face of the cap 200 fits against the bottom end face of the receiving well 130, and the diameter of the step 220 is elastically circumferentially connected to the aperture of the receiving well 130. This allows the cap 200 to achieve a sealing effect through the elastic connection between the diameter of the step 220 and the circumferential surface of the aperture of the receiving well 130.

[0065] The outer end of the main body 210 of the cap 200 is covered with a thin film 400. The glass inner tube 300 is elastically connected to the main body 210 of the cap 200 covered with the thin film 400 by a plug-in type. The glass inner tube 300 is made of borosilicate glass, which has stable physical properties. One end of the glass inner tube 300 with its own inner cavity 310 is provided with a flange 320. The diameter of the flange 320 matches the diameter of the receiving well 130. After the opening of the inner cavity 310 of the glass inner tube 300 is elastically connected to the main body 210 of the cap 200 covered with the thin film 400 by a plug-in type, the flange 320 is inserted into the inner side of the limiting step 131, and the end face of the flange 320 elastically abuts against the end face of the step 220. The inner chamfer of the flange 320 elastically abuts against the inner chamfer surface of the limiting step 131.

[0066] After the microplate base 100, glass inner tube 300 and cap 200 are connected, a plurality of well seats 120 arranged in a geometric pattern are provided on one side of the substrate 110 of the microplate base 100. The step 220 of the cap 200 is located in the receiving well 130 of the microplate base 100. The step 220 is radially sealed with the receiving well 130. The bottom end face of the receiving well 130 is elastically attached to the contact end face of the step 220 and axially sealed.

[0067] like Figure 7 , Figure 4 As shown, the film 400 covers the outer circumference of the main body 210 of the cover 200, the adjacent end faces of the main body 210 are not covered by the film 400, the length d2 of the film 400 is not greater than the length d1 of the main body 210, and the inner diameter of the film 400 tightly covers the outer diameter of the main body 210.

[0068] The length of the receiving well 130 inside the limiting step 131 is H, the length of the main body 210 of the cap 200 is L1, the length of the flange 320 of the glass inner tube 300 is L2, the sum of the length L1 of the main body 210 and the length L2 of the flange 320 is greater than the length H of the receiving well 130 inside the limiting step 131, and the difference between L1 + L2 and H is not greater than the axial elastic compression value of the main body 210.

[0069] After the inner cavity 310 of the glass inner tube 300 is elastically sleeved with the main body 210 of the film 400, the flange 320 of the glass inner tube 300 simultaneously overcomes the axial elasticity of the cap 200 and enters the receiving well 130 inside the limiting step 131. The inner cavity 310 port of the flange 320 elastically abuts and seals with the end face of the main body 210 of the cap 200. Moreover, there is no film 400 at the sealing end face of the cap 200 and the bottle mouth, which ensures better sealing performance of the system and solves the technical problem that the currently used PTFE film rubber stoppers are all used, which make the bottle mouth and the film material press and seal, and the leakage risk exists because the film material and glass are both rigid materials.

[0070] The chamfer on the inner end face of the flange 320 fits elastically with the chamfer on the inner side of the limiting step 131, axially limiting the flange 320. This allows the glass inner tube 300 to be elastically connected to the microporous plate base 100 through the cap 200 and to be radially and axially sealed, effectively preventing leakage.

[0071] Example 4

[0072] The cover 200 is made of composite rubber material;

[0073] Each batch of finished composite rubber material used to make 200 caps is composed of the following materials and quantities:

[0074] 10.1 Methyl vinyl silicone rubber 60-80 parts, dimethylsiloxane 20-40 parts, silica 10-15 parts, zinc oxide 4-6 parts, titanium dioxide 1-3 parts, hexamethylcyclodisilazane 6-8 parts, polyethylene powder 5-10 parts, catalyst 0.5-1.2 parts, glycerol 0.1-0.5 parts, antioxidant 1-3 parts, diethyl maleate 0.1-0.3 parts;

[0075] Feeding sequence: Methyl vinyl silicone rubber → Dimethylsiloxane → Silica → Hexamethylcyclodisilazane → Titanium dioxide, polyethylene powder, antioxidant → Zinc oxide → Diethyl maleate, glycerol → Catalyst.

[0076] Rubber mixing time: Mix the materials thoroughly after each addition (approximately 2 minutes each time, with a total mixing time of approximately 20 minutes).

[0077] Molding parameters: 1. First stage: one-time molding 100℃ x 1 min, two-time molding 120℃ x 8 min

[0078] 2. Second stage: 150℃ x 1h (vacuum -90kPa)

[0079] 3. Three sections: 250 degrees x 8 hours

[0080] 10.2 Extrusion molding process, the temperature during extrusion shall not exceed 40°C;

[0081] 2. After extrusion molding, the cap 200 is partially coated with a PTFE film 400;

[0082] 3. The punching die and punching process form a partially coated part, and then a secondary forming is carried out to form a complete partially coated cap 200. The cap 200 has no film 400 at the end face where it is sealed to the bottle mouth.

[0083] The implementation principle of the microporous plate assembly with closure function and the method for manufacturing the cap according to the embodiments of this application is as follows:

[0084] 1. The technical solution, through a specific formula design, ensures that the rubber formula of the cap 200 has extremely low leachates. At the same time, the partial PTFE film 400 barrier effectively prevents the volatilization of volatile substances inside the bottle. The use of the PTFE film 400 also isolates the rubber components and external pollutants from entering.

[0085] 2. The micro-perforated plate base 100 is manufactured using precise mold design and a special injection molding process to achieve integral injection molding;

[0086] 3. The cap 200 adopts a multi-stage molding process. In the first production, a PTFE / silicone rubber film 400 is formed. Then, a partial film 400 is formed through a punching die and punching process design. Then, a second molding is carried out to form a complete partial film-coated rubber stopper. The part that seals with the bottle mouth is without film. Finally, it is assembled with the microporous plate base 100 and used in conjunction with the glass inner tube 300.

[0087] 4. The film 400 covers the outer circumference of the main body 210 of the cap 200. Adjacent end faces of the main body 210 are not covered by the film 400. The length d2 of the film 400 is not greater than the length d1 of the main body 210, and the inner diameter of the film 400 tightly covers the outer diameter of the main body 210. The sum of the length L1 of the main body 210 and the length L2 of the flange 320 is greater than the length H of the receiving well 130 inside the limiting step 131. The difference between L1 + L2 and H is not greater than the axial elastic compression value of the main body 210. The opening of the inner cavity 310 of the glass inner cannula 300 is adjacent to the main body 210 covered by the film 400. After the elastic sleeve is connected, the flange 320 of the glass inner tube 300 overcomes the axial elasticity of the cap 200 and enters the receiving well 130 inside the limiting step 131. The inner cavity 310 port of the flange 320 elastically abuts and seals with the end face of the main body 210 of the cap 200. There is no film 400 at the sealing end face of the cap 200 and the bottle mouth, which ensures better sealing of the system and solves the technical problem that the currently used PTFE membrane rubber stoppers are all used, which make the bottle mouth and the membrane material press and seal, and the membrane material and glass are both rigid materials, which have the inherent risk of leakage.

[0088] The chamfer on the inner end face of the flange 320 fits elastically with the chamfer on the inner side of the limiting step 131, axially limiting the flange 320. This allows the glass inner tube 300 to be elastically connected to the microporous plate base 100 through the cap 200 and to be radially and axially sealed, effectively preventing leakage.

[0089] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A microporous plate assembly with a closing function, characterized in that: The device includes a microporous plate assembly body, comprising a microporous plate base, multiple glass inner tubes, and multiple caps. The base has multiple well seats arranged in a geometric pattern on one side, with gaps between adjacent well seats. Each well seat contains a receiving well. A cap is embedded within each receiving well, and the cap is axially constrained within the receiving well. The outer end of the cap is covered with a thin film. No film is present at the sealing end face of the cap where it meets the bottle opening. The glass inner tubes are elastically connected to the caps covered with the thin film on the main body via a plug-in connection. A raised limiting step is provided within each receiving well, with the width H between the inner side of the limiting step and the bottom of the receiving well. The glass inner tubes are made of borosilicate glass. A flange is provided at one end of each glass inner tube with its own inner cavity. The inner cavity is a blind hole, with the opening end of the inner cavity aligned with the flange. The inner cavity of the glass inner tube is elastically connected to the cap body covered by the film in a plug-in manner. The flange is inserted into the inner side of the limiting step, and the end face of the flange elastically abuts against the end face of the step.

2. The microporous plate assembly with closure function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The microporous plate base consists of 96 well bases arranged in a 12x8 array.

3. A microporous plate assembly with a closing function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cover is made of rubber, and a step is provided on one side of the main body of the cover. The width of the step is L, which is less than the width H of the inner side of the limiting step and the bottom of the receiving well. The diameter of the step is greater than the diameter of the main body, and the diameter of the step matches the diameter of the receiving well. A conical hole is provided inside the cover. The major diameter of the conical hole is oriented in accordance with the step, and the bottom of the conical hole is connected to the blind hole. The step of the cover is elastically connected to the receiving well. After the cover is connected to the well seat of the microporous plate base, the step is located inside the limiting step.

4. A microporous plate assembly with a closing function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Both sides of the limiting step are chamfered, and the bottom of the chamfer is connected to the circumferential wall of the receiving well.

5. A microporous plate assembly with a closing function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The flange has a chamfer on its inner side, and the specifications of the chamfer on the inner side of the flange are consistent with those of the chamfer on the inner side of the limiting step.

6. A microporous plate assembly with a closing function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The diameter of the flange matches the diameter of the receiving well.

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