A sample loading visualized PCR plate based on a load cell

Abstract

The application particularly relates to a sample adding visualized PCR plate based on a weighing sensor and belongs to the technical field of PCR plates. The sample adding visualized PCR plate based on the weighing sensor comprises a plate body, the plate body is provided with a plurality of accommodating cavities, the accommodating cavities are provided with diaphragms, the diaphragms divide the accommodating cavities into first cavities and second cavities, the first cavities are used for accommodating media, the second cavities are provided with weighing sensors, and the load bearing surfaces of the weighing sensors support the diaphragms. The weighing sensors can weigh the experimental media to determine the amount of sample adding in the accommodating cavities, and then can determine whether wrong adding or missing adding occurs during sample adding, so that the sample adding accuracy is improved, and then the experimental accuracy is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of PCR plate technology, specifically relating to a sample loading visualization PCR plate based on a weighing sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular biology technique used to amplify specific DNA fragments. It can be viewed as a special form of DNA replication outside of living organisms. The most significant characteristic of PCR is its ability to dramatically increase minute amounts of DNA. A PCR plate is the experimental equipment required for setting up a PCR reaction system. The PCR plate primarily serves as a carrier for the primers, Taq DNA polymerase, dNTPs, template nucleic acid, Mg, buffer, and other media involved in the amplification reaction.

[0003] PCR plates typically consist of a plate body with multiple recessed cavities for holding the PCR medium. The inventors discovered that due to the small openings and dense arrangement of these cavities, operators frequently add or omit samples when adding them. Furthermore, because the sample volume is relatively small, inaccurate pipetting or operator errors can lead to inconsistent sample volumes in each cavity, reducing experimental accuracy. Therefore, improving the accuracy of sample addition to PCR plates is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sample loading visualization PCR plate based on a weighing sensor. This PCR plate can detect the amount of sample loaded in the containment chamber, improving the accuracy of sample loading during PCR loading. To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows: This application provides a sample loading visualization PCR plate based on a weighing sensor, including a plate body with multiple containment chambers. Each containment chamber is provided with a diaphragm, which divides the containment chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is used to contain a medium, and the second chamber is provided with a weighing sensor. The bearing surface of the weighing sensor supports the diaphragm.

[0005] In some embodiments, the diaphragm is made of polyvinylidene chloride or polyethylene.

[0006] In some embodiments, the diaphragm is planar, and the edge of the diaphragm is connected to the inner wall of the receiving cavity.

[0007] In some embodiments, the diaphragm is bag-shaped and is at least partially contained within a receiving cavity.

[0008] In some embodiments, a processor is also included, and each load cell is electrically connected to the processor.

[0009] In some embodiments, the circuitry connecting the load cell is covered with an epoxy resin layer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the board is provided with a data transmission terminal, which is electrically connected to the processor.

[0011] In some embodiments, a torque amplification section is provided between the diaphragm and the bearing surface, which is used to amplify the torque of the diaphragm on the bearing surface.

[0012] In some embodiments, the torque amplification section includes a reed, which is rotatably connected to the fixing part of the load cell. One side of the reed abuts against the bearing surface, and the other side abuts against the diaphragm. Divided by the rotation axis of the reed, the lever arm of the side of the reed abutting against the bearing surface is smaller than the lever arm of the side abutting against the diaphragm.

[0013] In some embodiments, the weighing sensor includes a support portion, the support surface being the wall surface of the support portion facing away from the diaphragm, and a spring sheet that is bent and partially disposed on the side of the support portion facing the diaphragm and partially disposed on the side of the support portion facing away from the diaphragm.

[0014] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] 1. When the experimental medium is added to the container, the weighing sensor can weigh the experimental medium to determine the amount of sample added to the container, thereby determining whether the sample was added incorrectly or omitted, thus improving the accuracy of sample addition and consequently improving the accuracy of the experiment.

[0016] 2. Weighing is performed using a load cell. The data measured by the load cell can be transmitted to intelligent processing devices such as PCs or microcontrollers. This makes it easier for experimenters to observe the data. In addition, it can automatically alert experimenters when incorrect or missing addition occurs, which improves both the accuracy and efficiency of sample addition. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the front structure of the sample loading visualization PCR plate based on a weighing sensor according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure of the sample loading visualization PCR plate based on a weighing sensor according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the receiving cavity (the diaphragm is planar) of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the receiving cavity (the diaphragm is bag-shaped) of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure (with springs) of the receiving cavity of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application scenario of the sample loading visualization PCR plate based on a weighing sensor according to the present invention.

[0023] Reference numerals: 1-plate, 2-accommodating cavity, 3-diaphragm, 4-first cavity, 5-second cavity, 6-weighing sensor, 7-circuit, 8-epoxy resin layer, 9-bearing part, 10-bearing surface, 11-spring, 12-data transmission end. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, the technical means used in the embodiments are conventional means well known to those skilled in the art.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0026] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 This application provides a sample loading visualization PCR plate based on a weighing sensor, including a plate body 1. The plate body 1 is provided with multiple receiving cavities 2. Each receiving cavity 2 is provided with a diaphragm 3. The diaphragm 3 divides the receiving cavity 2 into a first cavity 4 and a second cavity 5. The first cavity 4 is used to contain a medium. The second cavity 5 is provided with a weighing sensor 6. The bearing surface 10 of the weighing sensor 6 supports the diaphragm 3.

[0027] The sample loading visualization PCR plate based on the weighing sensor in this application embodiment can be used to contain experimental media in PCR experiments.

[0028] The receiving cavity 2 is used to contain the experimental medium. The receiving cavity 2 is provided with an opening, and the experimental medium is added into the receiving cavity 2 through the opening.

[0029] The cavity 2 and the plate 1 can be integrally formed, or the plate 1 can be provided with mounting holes, and the cavity 2 is inserted into the mounting holes so that the cavity 2 can be connected to the plate 1.

[0030] The diaphragm 3 can be bonded to the inner wall of the receiving cavity 2, or the diaphragm 3 can be fused to the inner wall of the receiving cavity 2, that is, the diaphragm 3 and the receiving cavity 2 are melted and connected under high temperature.

[0031] The first cavity 4 and the second cavity 5 can be arranged vertically at intervals, with the first cavity 4 located above and the second cavity 5 located below. In an embodiment where the receiving cavity 2 has an opening, the opening is connected to the first cavity 4.

[0032] The diaphragm 3 divides the internal space of the receiving cavity 2 on the one hand, and on the other hand, the diaphragm 3 forms the bottom wall of the first cavity 4.

[0033] The load cell 6 is used to weigh the medium in the first cavity 4. The bearing surface 10 is the measuring end of the load cell 6 to achieve the weighing. That is, the bearing surface 10 of the load cell 6 supports the diaphragm 3, so that when the first cavity 4 contains the experimental medium, the mass of the experimental medium in the first cavity 4 can be measured by the load cell 6.

[0034] The specific working principle and structure of the load cell 6 are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here. In general, when the load cell 6 is working, it is connected to the processor. The data measured by the load cell 6 is transmitted to the processor. After processing by the processor, the data is output, and the user can know the weight obtained by the load cell 6.

[0035] In this embodiment, after the experimental medium is added to the receiving cavity 2, the weighing sensor 6 can weigh the experimental medium to determine the amount of sample added to the receiving cavity 2. This allows for the determination of whether incorrect or missing samples have occurred during addition, improving the accuracy of sample addition and thus the accuracy of the experiment. For example, if a missed sample is added, the weight measured by the weighing sensor 6 will be less than the correct value. If an incorrect sample is added, due to the different densities of different experimental media, the weight of the incorrectly added experimental medium will differ from the weight of an equal amount of the correct experimental medium. Therefore, if the weight measured by the weighing sensor 6 differs from the correct value, an incorrect sample addition may have occurred.

[0036] Weighing is performed by weighing sensor 6. The data measured by weighing sensor 6 can be transmitted to intelligent processing devices such as PC or microcontroller. On the one hand, it is convenient for experimental personnel to observe the data. On the other hand, it can automatically prompt experimental personnel when incorrect or missing addition occurs, which improves both the accuracy and efficiency of adding samples.

[0037] In some embodiments, the diaphragm 3 is made of polyvinylidene chloride or polyethylene.

[0038] Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) and polyethylene both have good high-temperature resistance. During PCR experiments, the temperature of the PCR plate can reach 100 degrees Celsius, PVDC can withstand temperatures above 120 degrees Celsius, and high-density polyethylene can withstand temperatures above 130 degrees Celsius, which can meet the experimental requirements.

[0039] On the other hand, the diaphragm 3 made of polyvinylidene chloride and polyethylene has good chemical stability, which reduces the risk of the diaphragm 3 reacting with the experimental medium in the containment cavity 2.

[0040] See Figure 3 In some embodiments, the diaphragm 3 is planar, and the edge of the diaphragm 3 is connected to the inner wall of the receiving cavity 2.

[0041] In this embodiment, the diaphragm 3 can be adhered to the inner wall of the receiving cavity 2.

[0042] The diaphragm 3 is planar, which allows the diaphragm 3 to form only the bottom wall portion of the first cavity 4, reducing the risk that the diaphragm 3 will occupy too much space in the cavity 2, thus reducing the volume of the cavity 2.

[0043] See Figure 4 In some embodiments, the diaphragm 3 is bag-shaped and is at least partially contained in the receiving cavity 2.

[0044] The diaphragm 3 is bag-shaped, meaning that the space inside the diaphragm 3 forms the first cavity 4. This reduces the risk of leakage of the experimental medium and allows the diaphragm 3 to be removed from the receiving cavity 2, making it easy to replace the diaphragm 3. For example, if the diaphragm 3 is damaged, a new diaphragm 3 can be replaced. If it is necessary to adjust the volume of the first cavity 4, a diaphragm 3 of a different specification can be replaced to adjust the volume of the first cavity 4.

[0045] In some embodiments, a processor is also included, and each weighing sensor 6 is electrically connected to the processor.

[0046] The processor can be a PC or a microcontroller or other intelligent processing device.

[0047] The processor may also include a display unit for displaying weighted data.

[0048] The weighing sensor 6 is electrically connected to the processor, which enables the weighing sensor 6 to perform weighing operations under the control of the processor. On the other hand, the processor can process the data measured by the weighing sensor 6, making it easier for the experimenters to observe it intuitively.

[0049] The specific circuit 7 connecting the weighing sensor 6 and the processor, the working process, and the programming information of the processor are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0050] See Figure 3 In some embodiments, the circuit 7 connecting the load cell 6 is covered with an epoxy resin layer 8.

[0051] Circuit 7 is used to provide the electrical energy required for the operation of the weighing sensor 6, and to connect the processor and the weighing sensor 6 so that data can be transmitted between them.

[0052] Epoxy resin has excellent adhesive properties, enabling it to bond circuit 7 to board 1. Furthermore, epoxy resin also possesses good chemical stability and insulating properties, reducing the risk of reaction between circuit 7 and the experimental medium.

[0053] For example, circuit 7 can be first laid on board 1, and then epoxy resin can be placed on board 1 so that the epoxy resin can cover circuit 7. After the epoxy resin is cured, circuit 7 is isolated from the outside.

[0054] See Figure 1 In some embodiments, the board 1 is provided with a data transmission terminal 12, which is electrically connected to the processor.

[0055] Data transmission terminal 12 is used to transmit data, enabling external data to be transmitted to the processor and the processor to output data to the outside.

[0056] The data transmission terminal 12 can be a Universal Serial Bus (USB). The specific method of electrical connection between the data transmission terminal 12 and the processor is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0057] For example, when adding samples to a PCR plate, a host computer with a display component can be connected via data transmission terminal 12. The host computer processes and displays the measurement data, allowing the experimenter to clearly and intuitively observe the measurement data. Furthermore, the host computer can be programmed to issue an alarm in case of incorrect or missed addition.

[0058] Taking the host computer as an example, the computer's display screen can show the measurement status of the weighing sensor 6 in each receiving cavity 2, allowing the experimenter to intuitively observe the sample addition status in each receiving cavity 2. When a sample is missed or incorrectly added, the display screen can show an alarm message, facilitating timely adjustments by the experimenter.

[0059] See Figure 5 In some embodiments, a torque amplification section is provided between the diaphragm 3 and the bearing surface 10, which is used to amplify the torque of the diaphragm 3 on the bearing surface 10.

[0060] Because the volume of the experimental medium that can be contained in the accommodating cavity 2 is relatively small, the data variation of the weighing sensor 6 is small during measurement, which increases the risk of false measurement by the weighing sensor 6. The torque amplification section can amplify the data measured by the weighing sensor 6 and improve the measurement accuracy.

[0061] See Figure 5 In some embodiments, the torque amplification part includes a spring 11, which is rotatably connected to the fixing part of the weighing sensor 6. One side of the spring 11 abuts against the bearing surface 10, and the other side abuts against the diaphragm 3. Divided by the rotation axis of the spring 11, the lever arm of the side of the spring 11 abutting against the bearing surface 10 is smaller than the lever arm of the side abutting against the diaphragm 3.

[0062] The reed 11 acts as a lever. Since the lever arm of the reed 11 against the bearing surface 10 is smaller than the lever arm against the diaphragm 3, the reed 11 can amplify the torque of the diaphragm 3 on the bearing surface 10, reducing the risk of false readings by the weighing sensor 6.

[0063] Torque is transmitted through the reed 11. On the one hand, the reed 11 is small in size, making it easy to set in the narrow receiving cavity 2. On the other hand, under the support of the reed 11, the diaphragm 3 can be set at a distance from the bearing surface 10, that is, the diaphragm 3 is suspended. Even if a small amount of experimental medium is added to the receiving cavity 2, the weighing sensor 6 can still make a measurement, which improves the measurement accuracy of the weighing sensor 6.

[0064] See Figure 5 In some embodiments, the weighing sensor 6 includes a support portion 9, a support surface 10 being the wall surface of the support portion 9 facing away from the diaphragm 3, and a spring 11 being bent and partially disposed on the side of the support portion 9 facing the diaphragm 3 and partially disposed on the side of the support portion 9 facing away from the diaphragm 3.

[0065] The bearing portion 9 is the working end of the load cell 6 used to measure weight. The bearing surface 10 is provided on the wall surface of the bearing portion 9 facing away from the diaphragm 3, so that when the diaphragm 3 presses the spring 11 against the bearing portion 9, the spring 11 can transmit torque and apply pressure to the bearing surface 10. Furthermore, the spring 11 can be bent, which facilitates the arrangement of the spring 11 in narrow spaces.

[0066] The above embodiments are merely descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any modifications, alterations, alterations, or substitutions made by those skilled in the art to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit of the present invention should fall within the protection scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sample loading visualization PCR plate based on a weighing sensor, characterized in that, The device includes a plate (1) with multiple cavities (2). Each cavity (2) is equipped with a diaphragm (3), which divides the cavity (2) into a first cavity (4) and a second cavity (5). The first cavity (4) is used to contain a medium, and the second cavity (5) is equipped with a weighing sensor (6). The bearing surface (10) of the weighing sensor (6) supports the diaphragm (3). The diaphragm (3) is made of polyvinylidene chloride or polyethylene. The polyvinylidene chloride can withstand temperatures above 120 degrees Celsius, and the polyethylene is high-density polyethylene and can withstand temperatures above 130 degrees Celsius. The polyvinylidene chloride and polyethylene have good chemical stability, which can reduce the risk of reaction between the diaphragm (3) and the experimental medium in the cavity (2). A torque amplification section is provided between the diaphragm (3) and the bearing surface (10). The torque amplification section is used to amplify the torque of the diaphragm (3) on the bearing surface (10). The torque amplification section includes a spring (11). The spring (11) is rotatably connected to the fixing part of the weighing sensor (6). One side of the spring (11) abuts against the bearing surface (10), and the other side abuts against the diaphragm (3). Divided by the rotation axis of the spring (11), the lever arm of the side of the spring (11) abutting against the bearing surface (10) is smaller than the lever arm of the side abutting against the diaphragm (3). The spring (11) acts as a lever, so that the spring (11) can amplify the torque of the diaphragm (3) on the bearing surface (10) and reduce the risk of false measurement by the weighing sensor (6). The weighing sensor (6) includes a support part (9), and the support surface (10) is the wall surface of the support part (9) facing away from the diaphragm (3). The spring (11) is bent and partially disposed on the side of the support part (9) facing the diaphragm (3) and partially disposed on the side of the support part (9) facing away from the diaphragm (3). The spring (11) is small in size and easy to be disposed in a narrow cavity (2). It can also support the diaphragm (3) and the support surface (10) to be spaced apart, that is, the diaphragm (3) is suspended so that the weighing sensor (6) can also measure when a small amount of experimental medium is added to the cavity (2), thereby improving the measurement accuracy of the weighing sensor (6). It also includes a processor, each of the weighing sensors (6) is electrically connected to the processor, and the plate (1) is provided with a data transmission terminal (12), which is electrically connected to the processor; The circuit (7) connecting the weighing sensor (6) is covered with an epoxy resin layer (8). The epoxy resin has good adhesion, chemical stability and insulation properties, which can bond the circuit (7) to the board (1) and reduce the risk of the circuit (7) reacting with the experimental medium.

2. The sample loading visualization PCR plate based on a weighing sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diaphragm (3) is planar, and the edge of the diaphragm (3) is connected to the inner wall of the receiving cavity (2).

3. The sample loading visualization PCR plate based on a weighing sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diaphragm (3) is bag-shaped and is at least partially contained within the receiving cavity (2).

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