Gel fiber manufacturing device and manufacturing method

Abstract

A gel fiber manufacturing device is provided with: a first discharge unit for discharging a main liquid containing a core liquid; a second discharge part that is provided so as to surround the outside in the radial direction of the first discharge part and discharges a sheath liquid that solidifies the core liquid; and a sheath liquid supply unit that supplies the sheath liquid to the second discharge unit by alternately applying a constant pressure and a high pressure, which is a pressure higher than the constant pressure, to the sheath liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a gel fiber manufacturing device and a manufacturing method. Background Art

[0002] Gel fibers containing cells and the like have been used in various applications. As for methods and apparatuses for producing such gel fibers, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is also known.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 066306 pamphlet. Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the prior art, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of producing gel fibers by intermittently injecting a gas into a gel precursor in a flow path to form an alternating flow of the gel precursor and the gas, and merging a gelling agent with the alternating flow.

[0008] The above-mentioned conventional cutting method cannot be applied to elastic and soft gel fibers. In addition, a method of cutting the gel fibers with a cutting knife or a method of cutting by stretching the gel fibers is also considered, but it is difficult to neatly cut the elastic and soft gel fibers.

[0009] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a production device and a production method capable of neatly cutting gel fibers.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] As one embodiment, the present invention provides a gel fiber manufacturing device, which comprises: a first discharge section, which discharges a main liquid containing a core liquid; a second discharge section, which is arranged to surround the radially outer side of the above-mentioned first discharge section and discharge a sheath liquid that solidifies the above-mentioned core liquid; and a sheath liquid supply section, which alternately applies a certain pressure and a pressure higher than the above-mentioned certain pressure, i.e., a high pressure, to the above-mentioned sheath liquid to supply the above-mentioned sheath liquid to the above-mentioned second discharge section.

[0012] In addition, as an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing gel fibers, which includes the following steps: a step of discharging a main liquid containing a core liquid; a step of discharging a sheath liquid for solidifying the core liquid in a manner radially outwardly surrounding the discharged main liquid; and a step of alternately applying a certain pressure and a pressure higher than the certain pressure, i.e., a high pressure, to the sheath liquid.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the above configuration, it is possible to provide a production device and a production method capable of neatly cutting gel fibers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] [ Figure 1 ] is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the gel fiber manufacturing device involved in the embodiment.

[0016] [ Figure 2 ] Figure (a) shows a cross-sectional view of the nozzle involved in the implementation mode, and Figure (b) shows a cross-sectional view based on the IIb line of Figure (a).

[0017] [ Figure 3 ](a) is a diagram schematically showing the time history of the pressure applied by the pump to the pressurized liquid, (b) is a diagram schematically showing the time history of the pressure applied by the pump to the solidifying liquid, and (c) is a diagram schematically showing the time history of the pressure generated by the sheath liquid.

[0018] [ Figure 4 ] is a diagram illustrating the state of the generated gel fiber being cut.

[0019] [ Figure 5 ] is a diagram showing the storage state of the gel fiber discharged from the nozzle.

[0020] [ Figure 6 ] is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a gel fiber manufacturing device of a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that "A and / or B" hereinbelow refers to both A and B, A alone, or B alone.

[0022] <Implementation Method>

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the gel fiber manufacturing device 1 of the embodiment includes: a main liquid storage unit 10 for storing a main liquid as a liquid for forming gel fibers, a discharge unit 20, a sheath liquid storage unit 30, a main liquid supply unit 40, a sheath liquid supply unit 50, a power unit 60, a measuring unit 70 and a control unit 80.

[0024] The main liquid storage part 10 is a tank for storing the main liquid of the material that becomes the gel fiber. The main liquid is a general term for the core liquid and the center liquid that are formed separately. In this specification, the core liquid and the center liquid are collectively referred to as the main liquid in any state of the core liquid and the center liquid being mixed, and in any state of the core liquid and the center liquid being separated. The main liquid storage part 10 in the embodiment uses one tank to store the main liquid in the state where the core liquid and the center liquid are mixed.

[0025] The core liquid is a liquid containing a material of the gel fiber, and a specific example thereof includes a liquid containing an alginic acid derivative.

[0026] The center liquid is a liquid containing substances contained in the gel fiber, and contains cells or compounds. As a specific example of the case where cells are contained, it can be cited that a cell suspension is used as the center liquid. When a cell suspension is used as the center liquid, the generated gel fiber is also called a cell-containing gel fiber.

[0027] In this specification, there is no particular limitation on the cells that can be contained in the central solution, and examples thereof include: cells that produce antibodies (various monoclonal antibodies such as human antibodies, humanized antibodies, chimeric antibodies, and mouse antibodies, or various modified antibodies such as bispecific antibodies, small molecule antibodies, and sugar chain modified antibodies), cells that produce physiologically active substances (enzymes, cytokines, hormones, coagulation factors, vaccines, etc.), and cells that can produce various useful substances that can be used as pharmaceutical raw materials, chemical raw materials, food raw materials, etc. Cells that produce antibodies or cells that produce physiologically active substances are preferred.

[0028] In the present specification, there is no particular limitation on the compounds that may be contained in the core solution, and examples thereof include small molecule drugs, antibody drugs, nucleic acid drugs, peptide drugs, middle molecule drugs, protein drugs, and exosomes.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the discharge part 20 has two nozzles 21 and 22 arranged on the same axis. The nozzle 22 is a tubular member with a substantially circular cross section, and has the function of receiving the supply of the main liquid from the main liquid supply part 40 and discharging the main liquid. In detail, the nozzle 22 has an open discharge end 22A, and the main liquid can be discharged from the discharge end 22A. The nozzle 22 is formed in a tapered shape in a manner that becomes thinner toward the front end of the discharge end 22A, but if the two nozzles 21 and 22 are arranged on the same axis, it is not necessarily necessary to become thinner toward the front end of 22A.

[0030] The nozzle 21 is a tubular or cylindrical member having a substantially circular cross section and formed in a manner surrounding the radially outer side of the nozzle 22, and is arranged coaxially with the nozzle 22 ( Figure 2 (b)). The nozzle 21 has the function of receiving the sheath liquid supplied from the sheath liquid supply unit 50 and discharging the sheath liquid. Specifically, the nozzle 21 has a discharge end 21A opened in the same direction as the discharge end 22A, and can discharge the sheath liquid from the discharge end 21A. The details of the sheath liquid will be described later.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the sheath fluid storage unit 30 includes two liquid tanks 31 and 32. The liquid tank 31 is a tank for storing pressurized fluid, and the liquid tank 32 is a tank for storing solidifying fluid. The pressurized fluid is a fluid that transmits pressure to the solidifying fluid.

[0032] The solidifying liquid and the pressurized liquid are liquids that constitute a part of the sheath liquid. As will be described in detail later, the solidifying liquid and the pressurized liquid are mixed in the sheath liquid supply unit 50 to form the sheath liquid. In this specification, in any state of the solidifying liquid and the pressurized liquid being mixed or the solidifying liquid and the pressurized liquid being separated, the solidifying liquid and the pressurized liquid are collectively referred to as the sheath liquid.

[0033] The sheath liquid and the solidifying liquid are liquids that solidify the core liquid (and the main liquid containing the core liquid), and their components are determined by the composition of the core liquid. It should be noted that in this specification, solidification does not necessarily mean solidification, and includes gelation.

[0034] As specific combinations of the composition and components contained in the core liquid (or main liquid) and the solidifying liquid (or sheath liquid), the following examples can be cited. The solvent used when preparing the core liquid or the main liquid is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include: culture medium, cell culture medium, culture fluid, isotonic buffer, phosphate buffered saline (PBS), tap water, pure water (e.g., distilled water, ion exchange water, RO water, RO-EDI water, etc.), ultrapure water (MilliQ water) and saline, etc. In addition, among the components contained in the core liquid or the main liquid, there are no specifically marked components that can form salts.

[0035] [Table 1]

[0036]

[0037] Among the above, various combinations can be mixed to prepare the core liquid (or main liquid) and the solidifying liquid (or sheath liquid). For example, a liquid containing sodium alginate and collagen can be used as the core liquid, and hot water containing polyvalent metal ions can be used as the solidifying liquid.

[0038] In addition, the core liquid may contain multiple compositions. For example, a core liquid (or main liquid) containing both sodium alginate and carrageenan may be prepared. In this case, the composition of the solidifying liquid (or sheath liquid) may contain any one of the corresponding combinations, i.e., any one of the multivalent metal ions, calcium ions, and potassium ions.

[0039] The pressurized liquid may be the same liquid as the solidifying liquid, or physiological saline may be used.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the main liquid supply unit 40 includes a pump 41 and a supply pipe 42. The supply pipe 42 connects the main liquid storage unit 10 and the nozzle 22, and supplies the main liquid to the nozzle 22. The pump 41 has a function of applying pressure to the main liquid stored in the main liquid storage unit 10 and conveying the main liquid through the supply pipe 42, that is, outputting the main liquid to the nozzle 22.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, the sheath liquid supply unit 50 includes a supply pipe 53, a supply pipe 54, and pumps 51 and 52. The supply pipe 53 connects the liquid tank 31 and the supply pipe 54, and functions as a pipe for supplying pressurized liquid to the supply pipe 54. The supply pipe 54 connects the liquid tank 32 and the nozzle 21, and functions as a pipe for supplying curing liquid and sheath liquid to the nozzle 21.

[0042] The pump 52 has a function of applying pressure to the solidifying liquid stored in the liquid tank 32 and outputting the solidifying liquid through the supply pipe 54 .

[0043] The pump 51 has a function of applying pressure to the pressurized liquid stored in the liquid tank 31 and outputting the pressurized liquid through the supply pipe 53. Since the supply pipe 53 is connected to the supply pipe 54, the output pressurized liquid is mixed with the solidifying liquid in the supply pipe 54 to form a sheath liquid. The supply pipe 54 supplies the generated sheath liquid to the nozzle 21.

[0044] Pumps 41 and 52 apply a certain pressure to the main liquid storage part 10 and the liquid tank 32 respectively, thereby pressurizing the main liquid and the solidifying liquid ( Figure 3 (b)). On the other hand, the pump 51 applies pressure to the liquid tank 31, such as Figure 3 As shown in (a), the pressure is controlled in such a way that the pressurized liquid is applied with high pressure at a certain period. Since the pressurized liquid is supplied to the inside of the supply tube 54 to transmit the pressure, the pressure generated by the sheath liquid inside the supply tube 54 is as follows: Figure 3 (c) shows the time history of repeated constant pressure and high pressure generated in a certain period.

[0045] It should be noted that the magnitude and cycle of the pressure applied by pumps 41, 51, 52 to the main liquid, pressurized liquid and curing liquid are appropriately adjusted according to the type of gel fiber to be manufactured or the length of the gel fiber, etc. For example, the pressure applied by pump 51 can be of an indefinite cycle according to the length of the gel fiber.

[0046] The pressure applied to the pressurized liquid is preferably a pulse wave. It should be noted that the waveform of the time history of the pressure can be appropriately changed according to the conditions for producing the gel fiber, such as a sine wave, a rectangular wave, or a triangular wave.

[0047] The power unit 60 is a device that supplies power to the pumps 41, 51, 52. In this embodiment, the power unit 60 is a compressor that supplies compressed air, and supplies compressed air as power to the pumps 41, 51, 52. The power unit 60 may be a device that supplies electricity or other energy.

[0048] The measuring unit 70 is a device for measuring the flow rate of a fluid, and includes at least three sensors 71, 72, and 73. The sensor 71 is mounted on the supply pipe 42 to measure the flow rate of the main liquid flowing through the supply pipe 42. The sensor 72 is mounted on the supply pipe 53 to measure the flow rate of the pressurized liquid flowing through the supply pipe 53. The sensor 73 is mounted on the supply pipe 54 to measure the flow rate of the curing liquid flowing through the supply pipe 54.

[0049] The control unit 80 is communicatively connected to the measuring unit 70, the power unit 60, the main liquid supply unit 40, and the sheath liquid supply unit 50 to control the operation of the gel fiber production apparatus 1. Specifically, the power unit 60 and the pumps 41, 51, 52 are controlled based on the flow rate obtained by the measuring unit 70.

[0050] (action)

[0051] The operation of the gel fiber production apparatus 1 configured as above will be described.

[0052] The control unit 80 controls the pumps 51 and 52 to apply the pressure liquid and the solidifying liquid as follows: Figure 3 The pressure is controlled in the manner shown.

[0053] The control unit 80 controls the pump 41 to apply a certain pressure to the main liquid, and the main liquid passes through the nozzle 22 while maintaining a certain speed and flow rate, and is discharged from the discharge end 22A.

[0054] The pressurized liquid and the solidifying liquid are mixed inside the supply tube 54 to form the sheath fluid as described above.

[0055] Sheath fluid Figure 3 (c) is supplied to the nozzle 21 under pressure. Figure 2 As shown in the "enlarged view in the frame" of (a), the sheath liquid inside the nozzle 21 flows in the same direction as the main liquid so as to surround the outer periphery of the main liquid discharged from the discharge end 22A.

[0056] The outer periphery of the main liquid flow discharged from the discharge end 22A contacts the sheath liquid, and thus reacts with the sheath liquid to form a gel. In this way, the main liquid becomes gel fibers formed into elongated fibers. The formed gel fibers are discharged from the discharge end 21A together with the sheath liquid.

[0057] Before being discharged from the discharge end 21A, the gel fiber is cut by the sheath liquid at a certain length. Figure 3 (c)) A high pressure is also applied to the gel fiber inside the nozzle 21 from the radially outer side through the sheath liquid. Figure 4 As shown, the gel fiber is cut by the applied pressure. The high pressure applied to the sheath fluid is generated at a certain period, so the gel fiber is cut at a certain length.

[0058] There are various methods for storing or using the gel fiber discharged from the discharge unit 20. For example, when the gel fiber is produced in the form of gel fiber containing cells, such as Figure 5 As shown, the gel fiber can be discharged from the discharge portion 20 into the culture solution of the bioreactor R and stored. In addition, the gel fiber can be discharged into the bag B through the tube C and the like and stored.

[0059] Example 1

[0060] (When the curing liquid and the pressurizing liquid have the same composition)

[0061] Hereinafter, an example of gel fiber production using the above-mentioned apparatus and method will be described.

[0062] A 3 wt% sodium alginate aqueous solution was prepared. Next, an aqueous solution containing blue dextran was prepared and mixed with the above sodium alginate aqueous solution in equal volumes to generate an alginate mixed solution as the main solution. Next, a 100 mM calcium chloride aqueous solution was prepared to prepare a solidifying solution and a pressurizing solution. The main solution, pressurizing solution, and solidifying solution were filled into respective bottles (main solution storage portion 10, liquid tanks 31, 32), and the corresponding caps were connected.

[0063] After one end of the supply tubes 42, 53, 54 (in this embodiment, silicon tubes or PTFE tubes are used) is connected to the cap and the other end is connected to the discharge portion 20, the supply tubes are primed with the corresponding solutions.

[0064] Next, the solidifying liquid (3 kPa) and the alginic acid mixed solution (30 kPa) were discharged in sequence, and the pressurized liquid was discharged under the conditions described in Table 2 below and recovered in a beaker containing an aqueous solution with the same components as the solidifying liquid.

[0065] [Table 2]

[0066] No. Set pressure(kPa) Set pressurization time (ms) Set the pressurization interval (ms) 1 100 10 900 2 100 1 900

[0067] Example 2

[0068] (When the curing liquid and the pressurizing liquid have different compositions)

[0069] A 3 wt% sodium alginate aqueous solution was prepared. Then, an aqueous solution containing blue dextran was prepared and mixed with the sodium alginate aqueous solution in equal volumes to generate an alginate mixed solution as the main solution. Then, a 100 mM calcium chloride aqueous solution was prepared as the solidifying solution. In addition, physiological saline was used as the pressurizing solution.

[0070] The main liquid, pressurized liquid, and curing liquid are filled into the respective main liquid storage parts 10, liquid tanks 31, 32, and the corresponding caps are connected. After one end of the supply tubes 42, 53, 54 (using silicon tubes or PTFE tubes) is connected to the cap and the other end is connected to the discharge part 20, the supply tubes are filled with the corresponding solutions.

[0071] Next, the solidifying liquid (25 mL / min) and the main liquid (4 mL / min) were sequentially discharged, and the pressurized liquid was discharged under the conditions described in Table 3 below and recovered in a beaker containing an aqueous solution having the same components as the solidifying liquid.

[0072] [Table 3]

[0073]

[0074] Example 3

[0075] (When cells are sealed in the main solution)

[0076] A 3 wt% sodium alginate aqueous solution was prepared. Next, a cell suspension (1×10 8 cells / mL), and mixed with the above sodium alginate aqueous solution in equal volumes to generate an alginate mixed solution as the main solution. Next, a 20 mM barium chloride aqueous solution containing 0.9% sodium chloride was prepared as a solidifying solution and a pressurizing solution. The main solution, pressurizing solution, and solidifying solution were filled into respective bottles (main solution storage portion 10, liquid tanks 31, 32), and the corresponding caps were connected.

[0077] After one end of the supply tubes 42, 53, 54 (in this embodiment, silicon tubes or PTFE tubes are used) is connected to the cap and the other end is connected to the discharge portion 20, the supply tubes are filled with the corresponding solutions.

[0078] Next, the solidifying liquid (12 mL / min) and the alginic acid mixed solution (2 mL / min) were sequentially discharged, and the pressurized liquid was discharged under the conditions described in Table 4 below and recovered in a beaker containing an aqueous solution having the same components as the solidifying liquid.

[0079] [Table 4]

[0080] No. Set pressure(kPa) Set pressurization time (ms) Set the pressurization interval (ms) 1 10 50 150

[0081] In the above three embodiments, although different solutions are used as pressurized liquids, gel fibers are generated in all embodiments and can be cut into a predetermined length. It should be noted that, as described above, the conditions such as pressure, time, and pressurization interval can be set in various ways according to the type of gel fiber, etc., and are not limited to the above embodiments.

[0082] <Modification>

[0083] In the above configuration, the pumps 41, 51, and 52 may be various types and forms of pressurizing devices. For example, a pump that supplies air into the liquid tank and pressurizes the liquid stored therein may be used, or a device that directly pressurizes the liquid may be used. Specific examples of the device include an air pressure pump, a pulsation-free pump, a diaphragm pump, a centrifugal pump, and the like.

[0084] In addition, the location where the pump or other device pressurizes the liquid is not limited to the liquid tank. Figure 6 As shown in a modified example of the gel fiber production apparatus 100 , a pressurizing device may be arranged in the supply pipes 42 , 53 , 54 .

[0085] Specifically, the gel fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 includes a main liquid storage unit 10, a discharge unit 20, a sheath liquid storage unit 30, a power unit 60, a measurement unit 70, and a control unit 80, and further includes a main liquid supply unit 140 and a sheath liquid supply unit 150. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] The pump 141 of the main liquid supply unit 140 is mounted on the supply pipe 42 connecting the main liquid storage unit 10 and the nozzle 22. The pump 141 pressurizes the main liquid in the supply pipe 42 and outputs the main liquid to the nozzle 22.

[0087] The sheath liquid supply unit 150 includes pumps 151 and 152. The pump 151 is attached to the supply tube 53 connecting the liquid tank 31 and the supply tube 54. The pump 152 is attached to the supply tube 54 connecting the liquid tank 32 and the nozzle 21.

[0088] The pump 151 pressurizes the pressurized liquid in the supply pipe 53 and delivers the pressurized liquid to the supply pipe 54. The pump 152 pressurizes the solidifying liquid in the supply pipe 54 and delivers the solidifying liquid to the nozzle 21.

[0089] In the above configuration, similarly to the embodiment, the pumps 141 , 151 , and 152 pressurize the main liquid, the pressurizing liquid, and the curing liquid, and the gel fiber manufacturing apparatus 100 generates and cuts the gel fiber.

[0090] It should be noted that the constant pressure P applied to the solidifying liquid by the pumps 52 and 152 in the embodiment and the modified example does not strictly mean a constant pressure, and any pressure at which the sheath liquid can be discharged from the nozzle 21 and gel fibers can be formed, and pressure fluctuations are allowed. Similarly, the pressure applied to the main liquid by the pumps 41 and 141 does not necessarily have to be strictly set to a constant pressure, and any pressure at which the main liquid can be discharged from the nozzle 22 and gel fibers can be formed, and pressure fluctuations are allowed.

[0091] (Effect)

[0092] In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the following aspects are disclosed.

[0093] (Scheme 1) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the gel fiber manufacturing device 1, 100 comprises: a nozzle 22 (equivalent to the first discharge part), which discharges a main liquid containing a core liquid; a nozzle 21 (equivalent to the second discharge part), which is arranged to surround the radial outside of the first discharge part and discharge a sheath liquid that solidifies the core liquid; and a sheath liquid supply part 50, 150, which alternately applies a certain pressure and a pressure higher than the certain pressure, i.e., a high pressure, to the sheath liquid to supply the sheath liquid to the nozzle 21.

[0094] In the above structure, gel fibers can be produced and cut to a target length without disturbing the cut surface. When the gel fibers are cut with a cutting knife as in the past, a neat cut surface cannot be formed because the gel fibers are soft. In addition, when cell fibers are produced, there is a possibility of damaging the cells contained therein. However, in the present structure, the gel fibers can be neatly cut without disturbing the cut surface and without damaging the substances contained in the gel fibers.

[0095] (Scheme 2) In scheme 1, the sheath liquid supply unit 50, 150 applies high pressure to the sheath liquid in a pulsed waveform.

[0096] In the above-mentioned configuration, the gel fiber can be neatly cut by applying high pressure in a pulsed waveform.

[0097] (Scheme 3) In scheme 1 or 2, the gel fiber producing apparatus 1, 100 includes a main liquid supply unit 40, 140 for supplying the main liquid to the first discharge unit at a constant pressure.

[0098] By applying a certain pressure to the main liquid through the main liquid supply part 40, 140, the gel fiber can be produced at a certain speed. Therefore, the gel fiber can be cut into a target length.

[0099] (Scheme 4) In any one of schemes 1 to 3, the combination of the core liquid and the sheath liquid is any one of the following combinations: alginic acid and / or chemically modified alginic acid and multivalent metal ions; fibrin monomers and / or chemically modified fibrin monomers and calcium ions; collagen and / or chemically modified collagen and hot water; carrageenan and / or chemically modified carrageenan and calcium or potassium metal ions; acrylic acid synthetic gel and sodium ions; chitosan salt and / or chemically modified chitosan salt and alkaline solution. In addition, among the components contained in the core liquid or the main liquid, the components not specifically marked can form salts.

[0100] (Scheme 5) The core fluid in the combination of core fluid and sheath fluid shown in Scheme 4 also contains at least one of the following as a component: alginate and / or chemically modified alginate; fibrin monomer and / or chemically modified fibrin monomer; collagen and / or chemically modified collagen; carrageenan and / or chemically modified carrageenan; acrylic acid synthetic gel; chitosan salt and / or chemically modified chitosan salt.

[0101] By using the core liquid and the sheath liquid described above, the gel fiber production apparatus 1, 100 can produce gel fibers and cut them neatly.

[0102] (Scheme 6) In any one of schemes 1 to 5, the first discharge portion has a nozzle 22 for discharging the main liquid (equivalent to the main liquid nozzle), and the second discharge portion surrounds the radial outside of the main liquid nozzle and has a nozzle 21 for discharging the sheath liquid (equivalent to the sheath liquid nozzle).

[0103] According to the above configuration, the gel fiber production apparatus 1, 100 can discharge the main liquid from one nozzle 22, produce polycationic gel fibers, and cut them neatly.

[0104] (Scheme 7) In any one of schemes 1 to 6, the main solution contains one or both of cells and compounds.

[0105] In the above-mentioned configuration, the gel fiber production apparatus 1, 100 can produce gel fibers containing cells as gel fibers, and can also produce gel fibers containing chemicals as gel fibers.

[0106] In any one of them, the gel fiber production apparatus 1 , 100 can produce gel fibers and cut them neatly.

[0107] In the above-mentioned configurations, a configuration is formed in which a high pressure is applied to the sheath liquid via a pressurized liquid, but a configuration may be formed in which a pressurized liquid is not used. For example, the sheath liquid storage portion 30 may be a liquid tank for storing the sheath liquid. In this case, by directly applying a high pressure to the sheath liquid, Figure 3 The pressure time history shown in (c) indicates that the sheath liquid can be supplied to the discharge unit 20 via the supply tube 54 .

[0108] Explanation of symbols

[0109] 1. 100: Gel fiber manufacturing device;

[0110] 10: Main liquid storage part;

[0111] 20: discharge part;

[0112] 30: sheath fluid storage;

[0113] 40, 140: main liquid supply unit;

[0114] 50, 150: sheath fluid supply unit;

[0115] 60: Power department;

[0116] 70: Measurement Department

[0117] 80: Control department.

Claims

1. A gel fiber manufacturing device, comprising: A first discharge part that discharges the main liquid including the core liquid; a second discharge portion which is provided to surround the radially outer side of the first discharge portion and discharges a sheath fluid for solidifying the core fluid; and The sheath liquid supply unit supplies the sheath liquid to the second discharge unit by alternately applying a certain pressure and a high pressure which is a pressure higher than the certain pressure to the sheath liquid.

2. The gel fiber production device according to claim 1, wherein: The sheath fluid supply unit applies the high pressure to the sheath fluid in a pulsed waveform.

3. The gel fiber producing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a main liquid supply section for supplying the main liquid to the first discharge section at a constant pressure.

4. The gel fiber production device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The combination of the composition contained in the core liquid and the composition contained in the sheath liquid is any one of the following combinations: Alginic acid and / or chemically modified alginic acid and polyvalent metal ions; Fibrin monomers and / or chemically modified fibrin monomers and calcium ions; Collagen and / or chemically modified collagen and hot water; Carrageenan and / or chemically modified carrageenan with calcium or potassium ions; Acrylic synthetic gel with sodium ions; Chitosan salt and / or chemically modified chitosan salt and alkaline solution.

5. The gel fiber production device according to claim 4, wherein: The core liquid in the above combination further comprises at least one of the following as a component: Alginic acid and / or chemically modified alginic acid; Fibrin monomers and / or chemically modified fibrin monomers; Collagen and / or chemically modified collagen; Carrageenan and / or chemically modified carrageenan; Acrylic synthetic gel; Chitosan salts and / or chemically modified chitosan salts.

6. The gel fiber production device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first discharge unit has a main liquid nozzle for discharging the main liquid. The second discharge portion includes a sheath liquid nozzle that surrounds the radially outer side of the main liquid nozzle and discharges the sheath liquid.

7. The gel fiber production device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The main solution contains cells and / or compounds.

8. A method for producing a gel fiber, wherein The process includes: The process of expelling the main fluid containing the core fluid; A process of discharging a sheath liquid for solidifying the core liquid so as to surround the discharged main liquid radially outwardly; as well as The process of alternately applying a certain pressure and a pressure higher than the certain pressure, i.e., a high pressure, to the sheath fluid.

Images