An automatic biological sample storage system under gas phase liquid nitrogen temperature and application thereof

Abstract

The application relates to an automatic biological sample storage system in a gaseous phase liquid nitrogen temperature environment and application thereof. The automatic biological sample storage system can quickly and accurately find out a biological sample tube required for experimental operation from a box body, and quickly and individually transport the biological sample tube to a designated working area, so that laboratory operators can carry out various experimental work. Meanwhile, the automatic biological sample storage system avoids the thermal cycle risk of other biological samples. The automatic biological sample storage system solves the difficulty of the laboratory operation process, such as stable storage of biological samples in a gaseous phase liquid nitrogen environment, constant temperature, liquid nitrogen isolation, avoidance of manual operation errors, avoidance of accidental injuries caused by liquid nitrogen volatilization and the like. Meanwhile, the automatic biological sample storage system avoids the problems of low efficiency and high error rate caused by manual operation, avoids biological exposure hazards of operators, and avoids injuries of workers in a low-temperature environment and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of biological storage technology, and in particular to an automated biological sample storage system at gas phase liquid nitrogen temperature, a method for storing biological samples at gas phase liquid nitrogen temperature, a method for retrieving biological samples at gas phase liquid nitrogen temperature, and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, testing or inspection laboratories of various biomedical research institutions have a large demand for the storage of biological samples, including tissues and cells, in the biomedical field. Simultaneously, with the post-pandemic era, the increased experimental and testing needs arising from the development of new vaccines and drugs have also created a substantial demand for biological sample storage.

[0003] In traditional biological sample storage techniques, there are two main methods: laboratory workers can either immerse various tissue and cell biological samples directly in liquid nitrogen and store the samples at a temperature of -196 degrees Celsius, or they can suspend the tissue and cell biological samples above the surface of liquid nitrogen.

[0004] However, it is well known that directly immersing tissue and cell samples in liquid nitrogen can easily lead to "liquid nitrogen contamination," thus affecting the quality of the biological samples. However, if tissue and cell samples are suspended above the surface of liquid nitrogen, although the temperature closer to the surface is very close to -196 degrees Celsius, the temperature further away from the surface will be higher due to liquid nitrogen evaporation and variations in suspension position, even reaching around -130 degrees Celsius (the temperature at the mouth of the liquid nitrogen tank).

[0005] Biological samples of tissues and cells can only completely cease the activity of intracellular enzymes and cellular metabolism when stored at -196 degrees Celsius. Even after being stored for many years, when they are retrieved and revived, the cell activity can remain at a high level.

[0006] With the evaporation of liquid nitrogen and the difference in suspension position, this expectation is simply impossible to achieve in actual work.

[0007] Therefore, researchers in various research institutions and laboratories all hope to stably store biological samples of tissues and cells in an environment close to -196 degrees Celsius.

[0008] In addition to the problems mentioned above, the following issue also arises: how to achieve automated storage and retrieval of biological samples in a liquid nitrogen environment? This is also a major challenge.

[0009] Currently, there are also products on the market that claim to achieve automatic storage in a liquid nitrogen environment, such as:

[0010] A company uses ordinary liquid nitrogen tanks and installs an industrial-grade overhead crane system directly above the liquid nitrogen pipes. While this achieves a "pseudo-automation," it not only fails to automate the experimental work but also consumes a significant amount of laboratory space and wastes the user's experimental budget due to its cumbersome design.

[0011] A certain company used a regular liquid nitrogen tank and installed a cryogenic motor directly above the liquid nitrogen tube to achieve electric displacement. However, this only replaced the process of manually lifting the sample basket and did not achieve true automation.

[0012] Therefore, most traditional biological sample storage methods use traditional liquid nitrogen tubing, which leads to problems such as liquid nitrogen contamination, mycoplasma contamination of liquid nitrogen tanks, regular cleaning of liquid nitrogen tanks, large liquid nitrogen loss, uneven temperature between gas and liquid nitrogen, and liquid nitrogen asphyxiation. In addition, the technical defects of pseudo-automated handling and placement cannot meet the needs of daily laboratory work. Summary of the Invention

[0013] To address the aforementioned issues, this application proposes an automated biological sample storage system at gas phase liquid nitrogen temperature, a method for storing biological samples at gas phase liquid nitrogen temperature, a method for retrieving biological samples at gas phase liquid nitrogen temperature, and an electronic device.

[0014] This application proposes an automated biological sample storage system at gaseous liquid nitrogen temperature, comprising:

[0015] Control circuit board, used for logic control and calculation;

[0016] Liquid nitrogen tanks are used to supply liquid nitrogen;

[0017] A liquid nitrogen pump is used to deliver liquid nitrogen from the liquid nitrogen tank to the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage when the system detects that the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage has reached a preset low temperature or low pressure condition;

[0018] Liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device for cryopreserving biological sample tubes;

[0019] A sample tube selector is used to select the biological sample tubes, enabling interaction between the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device and the outside world.

[0020] As an optional implementation of this application, it may also include:

[0021] A carrier stage, located on one side of the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device, serves as a temporary support platform for the biological sample tubes, enabling tubing connection with the sample tube selector.

[0022] The carrier plate stage is equipped with a tray, a local transfer pipeline and a remote transfer pipeline for sample tubes. The biological sample tubes are placed on the tray. The carrier plate stage is connected to the sample tube picker through the local transfer pipeline and to the outside through the remote transfer pipeline for sample tubes.

[0023] Under pneumatic action, the biological sample tube is routed and transmitted between the carrier stage and the sample tube picker through the local transmission pipeline;

[0024] or,

[0025] Under pneumatic action, the biological sample tube is routed and transmitted between the carrier stage and the outside through the sample tube remote transmission pipeline.

[0026] As an optional embodiment of this application, the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device may include:

[0027] Insulation layer;

[0028] A suspended stainless steel drum is suspended in an insulated cage composed of the aforementioned insulation layer;

[0029] The liquid nitrogen filling port is located on the suspended stainless steel tank and is connected to the output end of the liquid nitrogen pump;

[0030] A nitrogen exhaust port is located on the suspended stainless steel tank and is connected to the outside of the insulation cage to discharge the nitrogen gas volatilized from the liquid nitrogen outside the insulation cage.

[0031] Several stainless steel tubes are placed in the suspended stainless steel tank, with the lower part of the tubes submerged in liquid nitrogen, for the purpose of preserving the biological sample tubes.

[0032] The stainless steel tube works in conjunction with the sample tube selector to complete the selection and transfer of the biological sample tubes.

[0033] As an optional embodiment of this application, the insulation layer may optionally include:

[0034] Top insulation layer, side insulation layer and bottom insulation layer;

[0035] The insulation cage is formed by the top insulation layer, the side insulation layer and the bottom insulation layer;

[0036] The suspended stainless steel tank is attached to the top insulation layer.

[0037] As an optional embodiment of this application, optionally, the side insulation layer and the bottom insulation layer are respectively provided with gap spaces between them and the suspended stainless steel tank; the bottom of the stainless steel pipe is fixed to the bottom surface of the suspended stainless steel tank and contacts the gap space;

[0038] The side insulation layer has an air outlet. When nitrogen is discharged through the nitrogen outlet, part of it is discharged outside the insulation cage and part enters the gap space. When the sample tube selector selects the biological sample tube from the stainless steel tube, it provides power for the movement of the biological sample tube inside the stainless steel tube.

[0039] As an optional embodiment of this application, the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device may further include:

[0040] A nitrogen pressure sensor is installed inside the suspended stainless steel tank to monitor the nitrogen pressure value inside the tank and feed it back to the control circuit board. When the control circuit board determines that the nitrogen pressure value exceeds the preset pressure value, it controls the venting until the nitrogen pressure inside the suspended stainless steel tank reaches the preset pressure value.

[0041] A temperature sensor is installed inside the suspended stainless steel tank to monitor the temperature inside the tank and feed it back to the control circuit board.

[0042] A liquid nitrogen level sensor is installed inside the suspended stainless steel tank to monitor the liquid nitrogen level and feed it back to the control circuit board. When the control circuit board determines that the liquid level exceeds the preset pressure value, it controls the liquid nitrogen pump to add liquid nitrogen from the liquid nitrogen tank to the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage until the preset liquid level is reached.

[0043] The nitrogen pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and liquid nitrogen level sensor are electrically connected to the control circuit board.

[0044] As an optional implementation of this application, it may also include:

[0045] The location information recording module is used to record the location information of the biological sample tube during the preservation process and save it in the system's database in real time;

[0046] The location information recording module is electrically connected to the control circuit board.

[0047] In another aspect, this application proposes a method for storing biological samples at gaseous liquid nitrogen temperature, comprising the following steps:

[0048] Place the biological sample tubes on the tray of the stage;

[0049] Under pneumatic action, the biological sample tube is blown into the turntable of the sample tube picker through the local transfer pipe;

[0050] The software of the biological sample storage system instructs the circuit board of the sample tube picker to rotate over a specific stainless steel tube.

[0051] The circuit board of the sample tube selector controls the turntable to rotate to the position of the corresponding stainless steel tube. The biological sample tube inside the turntable falls into the stainless steel tube by gravity, thus achieving the low-temperature preservation of the biological sample tube.

[0052] The location information recording module records the location information of the biological sample tube during the preservation process and saves it in the system's database in real time.

[0053] In another aspect, this application also proposes a method for extracting biological samples at gaseous liquid nitrogen temperature, comprising the following steps:

[0054] The software of the biological sample storage system searches the database one by one according to the received work forms, checks the physical coordinates of the stainless steel tube where the target biological sample tube is located, and rotates the sample tube picker to the physical coordinate position of the stainless steel tube.

[0055] The sample tube picker is controlled by the program embedded in its own circuit board. It opens the suction solenoid valve to generate suction. Under the action of pneumatic force, the biological sample tube located in the stainless steel tube is sucked into the turntable of the sample tube picker.

[0056] The system controls the sample tube picker to rotate to the position corresponding to the local transfer channel, and controls the turntable inside the sample tube picker to rotate counterclockwise, so that the sample tube falls into the local transfer channel by gravity, and then falls onto the tray on the carrier stage.

[0057] In another aspect, this application also proposes an electronic device comprising:

[0058] processor;

[0059] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0060] The processor is configured to implement the method when executing the executable instructions.

[0061] Technical effects of the present invention:

[0062] This application enables the rapid and accurate retrieval of biological sample tubes required for experimental operations from the enclosure and their quick, individual transport to designated work areas, allowing laboratory personnel to conduct various experiments. Simultaneously, it avoids the thermal cycling risks associated with other biological samples. It solves the difficulties of laboratory procedures in stably storing biological samples in a gaseous liquid nitrogen environment, ensuring constant temperature, liquid nitrogen isolation, preventing human error, and avoiding accidental harm from liquid nitrogen evaporation. Furthermore, it avoids the inefficiencies and high error rates associated with manual operations; the biological exposure hazards to operators; and the harm to workers from low-temperature environments.

[0063] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0064] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this disclosure together with the specification and serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0065] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the application system of the present invention;

[0066] Figure 2 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the application of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 3 The present invention is shown Figure 2 A magnified structural diagram of part A in the middle;

[0068] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the sensor control according to the present invention;

[0069] Figure 5 The diagram shows a schematic of the location information recording program (with program explanation) recorded by the location information recording module of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 6 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the application system of the electronic device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote elements that have the same or similar functions. Although various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, they are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0072] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration.” Any embodiment illustrated herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments.

[0073] Furthermore, to better illustrate this disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure can be practiced without certain specific details. In some instances, methods, means, components, and circuits well known to those skilled in the art have not been described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this disclosure.

[0074] Example 1

[0075] like Figure 1 As shown, this application proposes, in one aspect, an automated biological sample storage system at gaseous liquid nitrogen temperature, comprising:

[0076] Control circuit board, used for logic control and calculation;

[0077] Liquid nitrogen tank 1, used to supply liquid nitrogen;

[0078] Liquid nitrogen pump 2 is used to transport liquid nitrogen from liquid nitrogen tank 1 to liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage when the system detects that the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage has a preset low temperature or low pressure condition;

[0079] Liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device for cryopreservation of biological sample tubes 11;

[0080] The sample tube selector 8 is used to select the biological sample tube 11, enabling the interaction between the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device and the outside world.

[0081] Liquid nitrogen tank 1 and liquid nitrogen pump 2 are located outside the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device.

[0082] The liquid nitrogen pump 2 is controlled by a control circuit board. When the system detects that the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage has a preset low temperature or low pressure condition, it will transport the liquid nitrogen in the liquid nitrogen tank 1 to the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage.

[0083] The system is equipped with a pressure sensor, a nitrogen pressure sensor, and a liquid nitrogen level sensor inside the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device. These sensors can monitor the internal pressure, temperature, and level of the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device. Based on changes in different monitored values, the control circuit board performs different actions, such as venting or adding liquid.

[0084] The liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device contains several stainless steel tubes 9, the lower part of which is immersed in liquid nitrogen 4. The stainless steel tubes 9 are kept at a low temperature by the liquid nitrogen cryogenic cooling environment. Biological sample tubes 11 are placed in the stainless steel tubes 9 for preservation.

[0085] The liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device is equipped with a sample tube picker 8 on top, which can select biological sample tubes 11 in stainless steel tubes 9 according to their addresses, or route biological sample tubes 11 for transmission and placement into the corresponding stainless steel tubes 9.

[0086] The sample tube picker 8 is a sample mailroom, and its structure and working principle can be referenced from the "sample mailroom". Alternatively, refer to the technical principles of the patent titled "A Low-Temperature Rotary Picking System for Biological Samples".

[0087] In this embodiment, the installation of the control circuit board and its system software can be found in the descriptions in Embodiments 2 and 3.

[0088] In this embodiment, the air source that generates blowing and inhaling air is not described.

[0089] The system can also record the position information of the biological sample tube 11 during the selection process and save it in the system database. This solution mainly describes the selection, routing, and preservation of the biological sample tube 11 between the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device and the sample tube selector 8; therefore, the system software will not be described in detail.

[0090] A third party (the external party) can transport biological sample tubes 11 via a pipeline through the sample tube remote transfer channel 6 of the carrier stage to the carrier stage. The carrier stage then transports the biological sample tubes 11 to the sample tube picker 8 via the local transfer channel 7. When the circuit board of the sample tube picker 8 controls the rotating motor to reach the corresponding stainless steel tube 9 based on the position information issued by the system, the biological sample tube 11 falls into the stainless steel tube 9 for cryogenic preservation. Conversely, when the sample tube picker 8 rotates to the corresponding stainless steel tube 9, suction draws the cryogenically preserved biological sample tube 11 from the stainless steel tube 9 into the sample tube picker 8. The sample tube picker 8 then rotates to the local transfer channel 7 of the carrier stage, blowing the biological sample tube 11 into the carrier stage 5. The carrier stage 5 can then optionally blow the biological sample tube 11 into the carrier stage 5 via the sample tube remote transfer channel 6.

[0091] This solution addresses the challenges of laboratory procedures in stabilizing biological samples in a gaseous liquid nitrogen environment, ensuring constant temperature, liquid nitrogen isolation, preventing human error, and avoiding accidental harm from liquid nitrogen evaporation. It also avoids the inefficiencies and high error rates associated with manual operation, the biological exposure hazards to operators, and the harm to staff caused by low temperatures.

[0092] The following will be combined with the appendix Figure 2 A detailed description is given of liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage devices, etc.

[0093] As an optional implementation of this application, it may also include:

[0094] The carrier stage 5 is located on one side of the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device and serves as a temporary support platform for the biological sample tube 11, enabling tubing connection with the sample tube selector 8.

[0095] The carrier plate stage 5 is equipped with a tray, a local transfer pipe 7 and a remote sample tube transfer pipe 6. The biological sample tube 11 is placed on the tray. The carrier plate stage 5 is connected to the sample tube picker 8 through the local transfer pipe 7 and to the outside through the remote sample tube transfer pipe 6.

[0096] Under pneumatic action, the biological sample tube 11 is routed and transmitted between the carrier stage 5 and the sample tube picker 8 through the local transmission pipe 7.

[0097] or,

[0098] Under pneumatic action, the biological sample tube 11 is routed and transmitted between the carrier stage 5 and the outside through the sample tube remote transmission pipe 6.

[0099] like Figure 2 As shown, a frame is located on the left side of the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device, on which a carrier stage 5 is mounted. The carrier stage 5 has two transfer pipes: a local transfer pipe 7 and a remote sample tube transfer pipe 6. The right end of the local transfer pipe 7 extends into the suspended stainless steel container 12 of the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device, with the portion inside the container pointing vertically upwards. This allows it to cooperate with the turntable of the sample tube selector 8, enabling the transfer of biological sample tubes 11 between the carrier stage 5 and the sample tube selector 8. The remote sample tube transfer pipe 6 operates similarly.

[0100] For specific usage, please refer to the following working principle:

[0101] 1. Store biological sample tube 11 in a liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device:

[0102] Place the tray containing the cryovials on the plate holder 5, and then activate the software's save function. The plate holder 5 will suck the tray and the plate holder onto it into the plate holder 5. The program embedded in the plate holder 5's circuit board will open the air vent at the bottom, blowing the cryovials in the tray onto the plate holder one by one, allowing them to fly into the sample tube local transfer channel 7 at the top of the plate holder, and then into the turntable of the sample tube picker 8 (there are 32 positions in total). After all positions on the turntable of the sample tube picker 8 have temporarily stored cryovials, the system software will instruct the circuit board of the sample tube picker 8 to rotate to a designated stainless steel tube 9. Then, the circuit board of the sample tube picker 8 will automatically control the rotation of its turntable. During the rotation of the sample tube picker turntable, the cryovials inside the turntable will fall freely into the stainless steel tube 9 due to gravity whenever the turntable reaches the inlet / outlet channel. Whenever a cryopreservation tube falls into stainless steel tube 9, the system software will automatically record the relevant information into the database system.

[0103] 2. Remove biological sample tube 11 from the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage:

[0104] The system software searches the system database one by one according to the received work forms, verifies the physical coordinates of the stainless steel tube 9 containing the cryopreserved tubes, and rotates the sample tube picker 8 to that physical coordinate position. Controlled by its own circuit board embedded program, the sample tube picker 8 activates the suction solenoid valve, drawing the cryopreserved tubes from the stainless steel tube 9 below it into the turntable of the sample tube picker 8. Each time a cryopreserved tube is drawn in, the turntable of the sample tube picker 8 automatically rotates to the next empty position, repeating this process to store all 32 sample tube compartments on the turntable. The system software then controls the sample tube picker 8 to rotate to the position corresponding to the sample tube local transfer channel 7 and controls the turntable inside the sample tube picker 8 to rotate counterclockwise, allowing the sample tubes to fall one by one into the sample tube local transfer channel 7 due to gravity, and then into the empty plate rack located on the tray of the plate carrier stage 5.

[0105] As an optional embodiment of this application, the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device may include:

[0106] Insulation layer;

[0107] A suspended stainless steel barrel 12 is suspended in an insulated cage composed of the aforementioned insulation layer;

[0108] The liquid nitrogen filling port 17 is located on the suspended stainless steel tank 12 and is connected to the output end of the liquid nitrogen pump 2.

[0109] A nitrogen exhaust port 16 is provided on the suspended stainless steel tank 12 and is connected to the outside of the insulation cage to exhaust the nitrogen gas volatilized from the liquid nitrogen outside the insulation cage.

[0110] Several stainless steel tubes 9 are placed in the suspended stainless steel bucket 12, with the lower part of the tube body in liquid nitrogen 4, for the purpose of preserving the biological sample tubes 11.

[0111] The stainless steel tube 9 works in conjunction with the sample tube selector 8 to complete the selection and transfer of the biological sample tube 11.

[0112] Inside the insulation cage, a suspended stainless steel barrel 12 is suspended by a frame. The upper port of the suspended stainless steel barrel 12 is sealed and fitted to the upper side inside the insulation cage. There are gaps between the side and bottom of the barrel and the insulation cage, so that the exhaust port on the suspended stainless steel barrel 12 can discharge part of the nitrogen into the bottom of the suspended stainless steel barrel 12, thereby providing power for the stainless steel pipe 9 in the suspended stainless steel barrel 12.

[0113] The stainless steel tube 9 serves two purposes: internally, it stores the sample tube, and externally, it comes into contact with liquid nitrogen. This allows the cooling effect of the liquid nitrogen to enter the sample tube, thus cooling the sample, while also preventing the sample tube from directly contacting the liquid nitrogen and thus avoiding liquid nitrogen contamination. The bottom of the stainless steel tube 9 is connected to the gap space. When the biological sample tube 11 is aspirated from the stainless steel tube 9, the nitrogen gas in the gap provides the force for the stainless steel tube 9 to remove the biological sample tube 11. If there is no gas at the bottom, there is a risk that the biological sample tube 11 may not be successfully aspirated by the sample tube picker 8.

[0114] The insulation cage is made of a sealed enclosure of insulation material.

[0115] As an optional embodiment of this application, the insulation layer may optionally include:

[0116] Top insulation layer 10, side insulation layer 15 and bottom insulation layer 3;

[0117] The insulation cage is formed by the top insulation layer 10, the side insulation layer 15 and the bottom insulation layer 3;

[0118] The suspended stainless steel barrel 12 is attached to the top insulation layer 10.

[0119] The insulated cage is equipped with an installation port for biological sample tubes 11 and a suspension frame. It also includes a liquid nitrogen filling port 17, a nitrogen exhaust port 16, and piping for a local transmission channel 7, as detailed in the appendix. Figure 2 And as described above.

[0120] As an optional embodiment of this application, optionally, the side insulation layer 15 and the bottom insulation layer 3 are respectively provided with a gap space 14 between them and the suspended stainless steel barrel 12; the bottom of the stainless steel pipe 9 is fixed to the bottom surface of the suspended stainless steel barrel 12 and contacts the gap space 14.

[0121] The side insulation layer 15 has an air outlet. When nitrogen is discharged through the nitrogen exhaust port 16, part of it is discharged outside the insulation cage and part enters the gap space 14. When the sample tube selector 8 selects the biological sample tube 11 from the stainless steel tube 9, the stainless steel tube 9 provides power.

[0122] like Figure 3As shown, the liquid nitrogen in the suspended stainless steel tank 12, after natural evaporation, will form nitrogen gas at a low temperature (-196 degrees Celsius), commonly known as gaseous liquid nitrogen. A portion of the nitrogen gas is discharged from the suspended stainless steel tank 12 through the nitrogen vent 16 (liquid nitrogen battery valve device) to reduce the pressure inside the suspended stainless steel tank 12; another portion of the nitrogen gas is introduced into the bottom of the suspended stainless steel tank 12 through the gap (gap space 14) between the suspended stainless steel tank 12 and the side insulation layer 15, serving as the power source for retrieving the biological sample cryopreservation tubes inside the stainless steel tube 9.

[0123] There is no need for the gas tube to be connected to the bottom of the stainless steel tank. After the liquid nitrogen evaporates, it turns into gaseous nitrogen, which will fill the entire low-temperature chamber. When the top of the stainless steel tube generates suction, some of the evaporated nitrogen will quickly flow into the stainless steel tube, thus creating gas flow and pushing the sample tube out of the stainless steel tube.

[0124] The suspended stainless steel tank 12 is also equipped with facilities for monitoring and adjusting the temperature and liquid nitrogen level inside the tank.

[0125] As an optional embodiment of this application, the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device may further include:

[0126] A nitrogen pressure sensor is installed inside the suspended stainless steel tank 12 to monitor the nitrogen pressure value inside the suspended stainless steel tank 12 and feed it back to the control circuit board. When the control circuit board determines that the nitrogen pressure value exceeds the preset pressure value, it controls the venting until the nitrogen pressure inside the suspended stainless steel tank 12 reaches the preset pressure value.

[0127] A temperature sensor is installed inside the suspended stainless steel tank 12 to monitor the temperature value inside the suspended stainless steel tank 12 and feed it back to the control circuit board.

[0128] A liquid nitrogen level sensor is installed inside the suspended stainless steel tank 12 to monitor the liquid nitrogen 4 level and feed it back to the control circuit board. When the control circuit board determines that the liquid level exceeds the preset pressure value, it controls the liquid nitrogen pump 2 to add liquid nitrogen from the liquid nitrogen tank 1 to the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage until the preset liquid level is reached.

[0129] The nitrogen pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and liquid nitrogen level sensor are electrically connected to the control circuit board.

[0130] like Figure 4As shown, the control circuit board collects data from temperature sensors, nitrogen pressure sensors, and liquid nitrogen level sensors within the cryogenic storage area. The nitrogen pressure sensor in the cryogenic area controls the exhaust motor of the chamber to open the exhaust channel and maintain the pressure within the chamber at a certain value. The liquid nitrogen level sensor controls the liquid nitrogen pump of the self-pressurized liquid nitrogen transfer tank to pump liquid nitrogen from the self-pressurized liquid nitrogen transfer tank into the cryogenic storage area. The temperature sensor in the cryogenic area monitors changes in the storage environment of biological samples in real time. When biological samples need to be stored, they are moved from the ambient temperature environment to a -20°C stage. Depending on the type of biological sample, the system autonomously decides whether to transfer the sample to the programmed cooling module (such as the suspended stainless steel tank 12 inside the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device) and initiate the programmed cooling process.

[0131] Regardless of whether the biological sample needs to pass through the programmed cooling module, it will eventually be sucked into the rotary sorting mechanism's turntable. Then, the system software, based on the allowed storage location information obtained from the database, and through the IO communication circuit board, resolves the physical address of the location information and drives the motor to move the rotary sorting mechanism to the corresponding physical coordinates. Then, the rotary sorting mechanism's turntable rotates, allowing the biological sample to fall freely into the corresponding position.

[0132] As an optional implementation of this application, it may also include:

[0133] The location information recording module is used to record the location information of the biological sample tube 11 during the preservation process and save it in the system database in real time;

[0134] The location information recording module is electrically connected to the control circuit board.

[0135] During the selection and routing of biological sample tubes 11 in the software system, the system's position information recording module can record the position information of biological sample tubes 11 during the preservation process based on the working signal of the control circuit board and save it in the system's database in real time.

[0136] like Figure 5 The image shows the information recorded by the system's location information recording module. This program can record the location changes of the biological sample tube 11 over a certain period of time. The recorded location information includes the time the biological sample tube 11 is inserted or removed, the sample tube number, and the storage location.

[0137] The database system automatically updates location information, sample information, and other data. The movement of sample tubes into and out of the cavity and their location are entirely recorded by computer. This completes the process of storing and retrieving biological samples.

[0138] Therefore, the automated storage and transport equipment for biological samples using this rotary sorting system can quickly and accurately retrieve biological sample tubes needed for experimental operations from the container and rapidly transport them individually to the designated work area, allowing laboratory personnel to carry out various experimental tasks. At the same time, it avoids the thermal cycling risks associated with other biological samples.

[0139] Obviously, those skilled in the art should understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the control methods described above. Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the control methods described above. The storage medium can be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), or solid-state drive (SSD), etc.; the storage medium can also include combinations of the above types of memory.

[0140] Example 2

[0141] Based on the implementation principle of Example 1, this application, in another aspect, proposes a method for storing biological samples at a gas phase liquid nitrogen temperature, comprising the following steps:

[0142] Place the rack containing the cryopreservation tubes of biological samples on the tray of the stage 5, and then press the save function button in the software.

[0143] The tray platform 5 will suck the tray along with the tray frame on it into the tray platform 5;

[0144] The program embedded in the circuit board of the carrier stage 5 will open the air vent at the bottom, blowing up the cryovials in the tray above the plate holder one by one. The cryovials will fly into the sample tube local transfer channel 7 at the top of the carrier stage, and then enter the turntable of the sample tube picker 8 (there are 32 positions in total). After all positions on the turntable of the sample tube picker 8 have temporarily stored cryovials, the system software will instruct the circuit board of the sample tube picker 8 to rotate above a designated stainless steel tube 9. Then, the circuit board of the sample tube picker 8 will automatically control the rotation of its turntable. During the rotation of the sample tube picker turntable, the cryovials inside the turntable will fall freely into the stainless steel tube 9 due to gravity whenever the turntable reaches the inlet / outlet channel.

[0145] Whenever a cryopreservation tube falls into the stainless steel tube 9, the system software will automatically record the relevant information into the database system. The location information recording module records the location information of the biological sample tube 11 during the preservation process and saves it in the system's database in real time.

[0146] This solution can be understood in conjunction with the principles of Embodiment 1.

[0147] The modules or steps of the present invention described above can be implemented using general-purpose computing devices. They can be centralized on a single computing device or distributed across a network of multiple computing devices. Optionally, they can be implemented using computer-executable program code, thereby storing them in a storage device for execution by a computing device, or fabricating them separately as individual integrated circuit modules, or fabricating multiple modules or steps into a single integrated circuit module. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular hardware and software combination.

[0148] Example 3

[0149] Based on the implementation principle of Example 1, this application also proposes a method for extracting biological samples at gaseous liquid nitrogen temperature, comprising the following steps:

[0150] The system software system searches the system database one by one according to the received work forms, verifies the physical coordinates of the stainless steel tube 9 where the cryopreservation tube needs to be removed, and rotates the sample tube picker 8 to that physical coordinate position.

[0151] The sample tube picker 8 is controlled by the embedded program on its own circuit board. When the suction solenoid valve is opened, the cryopreservation tubes in the stainless steel tube 9 below it will be sucked into the turntable of the sample tube picker 8. Each time a cryopreservation tube is sucked in, the turntable of the sample tube picker 8 will automatically rotate to the next empty position. This process is repeated so that all 32 sample tube compartments of the entire turntable can be filled with sample tubes.

[0152] The system software will control the sample tube picker 8 to rotate to the position corresponding to the sample tube local transfer channel 7, and control the turntable inside the sample tube picker 8 to rotate counterclockwise, so that the sample tubes fall into the sample tube local transfer channel 7 one by one due to gravity, and then fall into the empty plate rack located on the tray of the plate carrier stage 5.

[0153] The modules or steps of the present invention described above can be implemented using general-purpose computing devices. They can be centralized on a single computing device or distributed across a network of multiple computing devices. Optionally, they can be implemented using computer-executable program code, thereby storing them in a storage device for execution by a computing device, or fabricating them separately as individual integrated circuit modules, or fabricating multiple modules or steps into a single integrated circuit module. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular hardware and software combination.

[0154] Example 4

[0155] like Figure 6 As shown, further, in another aspect, this application also proposes an electronic device, comprising:

[0156] processor;

[0157] Memory used to store processor-executable instructions;

[0158] The processor is configured to implement the method described in Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3 when executing the executable instructions.

[0159] This disclosure discloses an electronic device including a processor and a memory for storing processor-executable instructions. The processor is configured to implement the methods described in Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3 above when executing the executable instructions.

[0160] It should be noted here that the number of processors can be one or more. Furthermore, the electronic device in this embodiment may also include input devices and output devices. The processor, memory, input devices, and output devices can be connected via a bus or other means, without specific limitations herein.

[0161] As a computer-readable storage medium, the memory can be used to store software programs, computer-executable programs, and various modules, such as the programs or modules corresponding to the methods described in Embodiments 2 or 3 of this disclosure. The processor executes various functional applications and data processing of the electronic device by running the software programs or modules stored in the memory.

[0162] Input devices can be used to receive input digital numbers or signals. These signals can be key signals related to user settings and function control of the device / terminal / server. Output devices can include display devices such as screens.

[0163] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, and are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical applications, or technical improvements to the technology in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An automated biological sample storage system at gas phase liquid nitrogen temperature, characterized in that, include: Control circuit board, used for logic control and calculation; Liquid nitrogen tanks are used to supply liquid nitrogen; A liquid nitrogen pump is used to deliver liquid nitrogen from the liquid nitrogen tank to the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage when the system detects that the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage has reached a preset low temperature or low pressure condition; Liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage for cryopreserving biological sample tubes includes: Insulation layer; A suspended stainless steel drum is suspended in an insulated cage composed of the aforementioned insulation layer; The liquid nitrogen filling port is located on the suspended stainless steel tank and is connected to the output end of the liquid nitrogen pump; A nitrogen exhaust port is located on the suspended stainless steel tank and is connected to the outside of the insulation cage to discharge the nitrogen gas volatilized from the liquid nitrogen outside the insulation cage. A sample tube selector is used to select the biological sample tubes, enabling the interaction between the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device and the outside world; Several stainless steel tubes are placed in the suspended stainless steel tank, with the lower part of the tubes submerged in liquid nitrogen, for the purpose of preserving the biological sample tubes. The stainless steel tube works in conjunction with the sample tube selector to complete the selection and transfer of the biological sample tubes. A nitrogen pressure sensor is installed inside the suspended stainless steel tank to monitor the nitrogen pressure value inside the tank and feed it back to the control circuit board. When the control circuit board determines that the nitrogen pressure value exceeds the preset pressure value, it controls the venting until the nitrogen pressure inside the suspended stainless steel tank reaches the preset pressure value. A temperature sensor is installed inside the suspended stainless steel tank to monitor the temperature inside the tank and feed it back to the control circuit board. A liquid nitrogen level sensor is installed inside the suspended stainless steel tank to monitor the liquid nitrogen level and feed it back to the control circuit board. When the control circuit board determines that the liquid level exceeds the preset pressure value, it controls the liquid nitrogen pump to add liquid nitrogen from the liquid nitrogen tank to the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage until the preset liquid level is reached. The nitrogen pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and liquid nitrogen level sensor are electrically connected to the control circuit board, respectively. A carrier stage, located on one side of the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device, serves as a temporary support platform for the biological sample tubes, enabling tubing connection with the sample tube selector. The carrier platform is equipped with a tray, a local transfer pipeline, and a remote sample tube transfer pipeline. The biological sample tubes are placed on the tray. The carrier platform is connected to the sample tube selector via the local transfer pipeline and to an external connection via the remote sample tube transfer pipeline. The sample tube selector on top of the liquid nitrogen cryogenic storage device selects biological sample tubes from stainless steel tubes based on their addresses, or routes and transfers biological sample tubes into corresponding stainless steel tubes. Specifically: under pneumatic action, the biological sample tubes are routed and transferred between the carrier platform and the sample tube selector via the local transfer pipeline; or, under pneumatic action, the biological sample tubes are routed and transferred between the carrier platform and the sample tube selector via the local transfer pipeline. The sample tube remote transmission pipeline enables the routing and transmission of biological sample tubes between the carrier stage and the outside. When the circuit board of the sample tube selector controls the rotating motor to reach the corresponding stainless steel tube according to the position information issued by the system, the biological sample tube falls into the stainless steel tube for cryogenic preservation. Conversely, when the sample tube selector rotates to the corresponding stainless steel tube, the cryogenically preserved biological sample tube in the stainless steel tube is sucked into the sample tube selector by suction. Then, the sample tube selector rotates to the local transmission pipeline of the carrier stage, and the biological sample tube is blown into the carrier stage through the local transmission pipeline. The carrier stage then blows the biological sample tube into the carrier stage through the sample tube remote transmission pipeline.

2. The automated biological sample storage system at gas phase liquid nitrogen temperature according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulation layer includes: Top insulation layer, side insulation layer and bottom insulation layer; The insulation cage is formed by the top insulation layer, the side insulation layer and the bottom insulation layer; The suspended stainless steel tank is attached to the top insulation layer.

3. The automated biological sample storage system at gaseous liquid nitrogen temperature according to claim 2, characterized in that, The side insulation layer and the bottom insulation layer each have gaps between themselves and the suspended stainless steel tank; the bottom of the stainless steel pipe is fixed to the bottom surface of the suspended stainless steel tank and contacts the gaps. The side insulation layer has an air outlet. When nitrogen is discharged through the nitrogen outlet, part of it is discharged outside the insulation cage and part enters the gap space. When the sample tube selector selects the biological sample tube from the stainless steel tube, it provides power for the movement of the biological sample tube inside the stainless steel tube.

4. The automated biological sample storage system at gaseous liquid nitrogen temperature according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The location information recording module is used to record the location information of the biological sample tube during the preservation process and save it in the system's database in real time; The location information recording module is electrically connected to the control circuit board.

5. A method for storing biological samples at gas phase liquid nitrogen temperature, implemented based on the automated biological sample storage system at gas phase liquid nitrogen temperature as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Place the biological sample tubes on the tray of the stage; Under pneumatic action, the biological sample tube is blown into the turntable of the sample tube picker through the local transfer pipe; The software of the biological sample storage system instructs the circuit board of the sample tube picker to rotate over a specific stainless steel tube. The circuit board of the sample tube selector controls the turntable to rotate to the position of the corresponding stainless steel tube. The biological sample tube inside the turntable falls into the stainless steel tube by gravity, thus achieving the low-temperature preservation of the biological sample tube. The location information recording module records the location information of the biological sample tubes during the preservation process and saves it in the system's database in real time.

6. A method for extracting biological samples at gas phase liquid nitrogen temperature, implemented based on the automated biological sample storage system at gas phase liquid nitrogen temperature as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The software of the biological sample storage system searches the database one by one according to the received work forms, checks the physical coordinates of the stainless steel tube where the target biological sample tube is located, and rotates the sample tube picker to the physical coordinate position of the stainless steel tube. The sample tube picker is controlled by the program embedded in its own circuit board. It opens the suction solenoid valve to generate suction. Under the action of pneumatic force, the biological sample tube located in the stainless steel tube is sucked into the turntable of the sample tube picker. The system controls the sample tube picker to rotate to the position corresponding to the local transfer channel, and controls the turntable inside the sample tube picker to rotate counterclockwise, so that the sample tube falls into the local transfer channel by gravity, and then falls onto the tray on the carrier stage.

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