Extraction device for sample

Abstract

An extraction apparatus (10) for a sample, comprising: a sample processing device (100), the sample processing device (100) comprising a magnetic suction blending mechanism (120) for performing blending processing and magnetic suction processing on the sample; the mechanical arm device (400) comprises a guide rail set (410) and an operation arm (420) capable of moving along the guide rail set (410), the guide rail set (410) comprises a first guide rail (411) and a second guide rail (412) which are perpendicular to each other on the horizontal plane, and the operation arm (420) can move in the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane; the operating arm (420) can move between the sample processing device (100) and the consumable component (200) along the guide rail group (410).

Description

Equipment for sample extraction

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202310637950.4 filed on May 31, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This specification relates to the field of biological instrument technology, and in particular to a device for extracting samples. Background Art

[0004] The extraction or purification of target biological substances (for example, plasmids) is one of the important links in molecular biology and medical research. The effect of extraction or purification directly affects the progress and results of research and diagnosis. In modern bioengineering, plasmids are used as carriers for genetic modification. DNA fragments are added by experimenters, then replicated in large quantities by bacteria, and finally the plasmids are extracted from the bacteria. The current extraction or purification process of target biological substances (for example, plasmids) is usually carried out by a combination of manual and mechanical methods. The manual operation part of the whole process accounts for a high proportion, the workload is large, and it takes a long time. Moreover, since there are often individual differences in manual operations, the accuracy of the results will be affected, and the consistency of process execution is not ideal, which limits the throughput of the detection and makes it difficult to meet the demand for high-throughput sample extraction or purification in the current rapid development of bioengineering.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an extraction device for biological substances, so as to effectively improve the effect and efficiency of extraction or purification of target biological substances.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] One of the embodiments of the present specification provides a sample extraction device, comprising: a sample processing device, the sample processing device including a magnetic mixing mechanism for performing mixing and magnetic treatment on the sample; a robotic arm device, the robotic arm device including a guide rail group and an operating arm movable along the guide rail group, the guide rail group including a first guide rail and a second guide rail perpendicular to each other on a horizontal plane, the operating arm movable in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane; a consumables assembly, the operating arm capable of moving along the guide rail group between the sample processing device and the consumables assembly.

[0008] One of the embodiments of the present specification provides a method for using an extraction device, which includes: controlling a robotic arm device to add a sample to a first processing tank of a processing box, and adding a first reagent to the first processing tank; controlling a mixing component to perform a first mixing treatment on the processing box; controlling the robotic arm device to add first magnetic beads to the first processing tank; controlling a magnetic attraction component to perform a first magnetic attraction treatment on the first magnetic beads in the first processing tank; controlling the robotic arm device to transfer the first supernatant in the first processing tank to the second processing tank of the processing box, and adding second magnetic beads to the second processing tank; controlling the mixing component to perform a second mixing treatment on the processing box; controlling the magnetic attraction component to perform a second magnetic attraction treatment on the second magnetic beads in the second processing tank; controlling the robotic arm device to remove the second supernatant in the second processing tank and retain the adsorbed second magnetic beads; performing an elution treatment on the second magnetic beads, and controlling the robotic arm device to collect a third supernatant in the second processing tank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] This specification will be further described in the form of exemplary embodiments, which will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not limiting, and in these embodiments, like numbers represent like structures, wherein:

[0010] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an extraction device according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0011] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a process cartridge according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a sample processing device according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0013] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a process cartridge connected to a mixing assembly according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0014] 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a process cartridge connected to a mixing assembly according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0015] FIG6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a process cartridge connected to a mixing assembly according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a process cartridge connected to a magnetic assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG8 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a process cartridge connected to a magnetic assembly according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a consumable assembly and a mixing magnetic attraction mechanism according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0019] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a mixing mechanism according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0020] FIG11 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a mixing mechanism according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0021] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of a robotic arm device according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0022] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a guide rail assembly according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0023] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of the connection between the first guide rail and the second guide rail according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0024] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a second guide rail according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0025] FIG16 is a partial schematic diagram of a second guide rail according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0026] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the connection between the lifting guide rail and the operating arm according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0027] FIG18 is a schematic structural diagram of a lifting guide rail according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0028] FIG19 is an exemplary flow chart of a method of use according to some embodiments of the present specification.

[0029] Figures 10; extraction device 100; sample processing device 100; processing box 110; processing tank 111; first processing tank 112; second processing tank 113; mounting hole 114; isolation member 115; magnetic attraction mixing mechanism 120; magnetic attraction assembly 130; magnet 131; first magnet 1311; second magnet 1312; magnet driving member 132; first driving motor 133; screw 134; connecting rod structure 135; screw nut 136; nut track 137; magnet support member 1391; linear guide rail 1392; base 1393; mixing assembly 140; second driving motor 141; mixing table 142; eccentric shaft 1421; first mixing bearing 14 31; second mixing bearing 1432; third mixing bearing 1433; first direction adapter plate 1441; second direction adapter plate 1442; first mixing guide rail 1451; second mixing guide rail 1452; motor fixing plate 146; support plate 147; connecting shaft 148; coupling 149; consumable assembly 200; reagent box 210; cavity 211; gun tip box 220; gun tip 221; consumable support seat 230; target biological material storage box 240; cavity 241; sample pretreatment box 250; magnetic bead storage box 260; placement slot 261; waste liquid box 270; mixing mechanism 300; third drive motor 310; second mixing table 320; second eccentric Shaft 321; fourth mixing bearing 331; fifth mixing bearing 332; sixth mixing bearing 333; third direction adapter plate 341; fourth direction adapter plate 342; third mixing guide rail 351; fourth mixing guide rail 352; second motor fixing plate 360; second support plate 370; second base 380; robotic arm device 400; guide rail assembly 410; first guide rail 411; second guide rail 412; operating arm 420; pump connecting plate 421; liquid pump 422; support frame 430; first synchronous belt 441; first guide rail motor 442; transmission shaft 443; first pulley 444; second synchronous belt 451; second guide rail motor 452; crossbeam 453; second Guide rail support plate 454; second guide rail slider 455; second motor support plate 456; idler wheel 457; second pulley 458; lifting motor 461; lifting screw rod 462; lifting guide rail 463; lifting guide rail support plate 464; top support plate 4641; bottom support plate 4642; lifting guide rail slider 465; third synchronous belt 466; lifting nut 467; second optical coupler 511; second optical coupler block 512; third optical coupler 521; third optical coupler block 522; fourth optical coupler 531; fourth optical coupler block 532; fifth optical coupler 541; fifth optical coupler block 542; sixth optical coupler 551; sixth optical coupler block 552; scanning sensor 560. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this specification, the following briefly describes the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely examples or embodiments of this specification. Those skilled in the art can apply this specification to other similar scenarios based on these drawings without inventive effort. Unless otherwise apparent from the context or otherwise noted, the same reference numerals in the figures represent the same structure or operation.

[0031] As used in this specification and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" do not refer to the singular but also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprises" and "include" only indicate the inclusion of the steps and elements specifically identified, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list. A method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0032] This specification provides an extraction device for biological substances, which can be used to extract and / or purify target biological substances in samples, can greatly reduce the workload of experimenters, shorten working time, and the extraction device is mechanically automated throughout the working process, has high consistency when performing repeated operations, and has better overall extraction and / or purification results. In some embodiments, the extraction device can be used for high-throughput sample processing, that is, multiple samples are extracted and / or purified at the same time, so that the efficiency of extraction and / or purification is significantly improved. The target biological substance in this specification refers to the substance to be extracted (or separated) and / or purified in the sample. In some embodiments, the target biological substance includes plasmids (e.g., DNA plasmids, RNA plasmids, etc.), proteins, nucleic acids, and any other feasible biological substances. For example, the extraction device can be used to process the sample to extract and / or purify plasmids. For another example, the extraction device can be used to process the sample to extract and / or purify proteins. For another example, the extraction device is used to process the sample to extract and / or purify nucleic acids. In some embodiments, the sample can be a microbial (including bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., such as Escherichia coli) culture fluid, blood, saliva, animal tissue, plant, food or any other feasible sample. Extraction refers to separating the target biological substance in the sample (for example, culture fluid) from other impurities. Purification refers to further purifying the separated target biological substance. It should be understood that the application scenarios of the extraction equipment in the specification of this application are only some examples or embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, without paying creative work, the present application can also be applied to other similar scenarios based on these drawings.

[0033] FIG1 shows an exemplary schematic diagram of the structure of an extraction device 10 for a sample. For ease of description, a coordinate system as shown in FIG1 is used to further describe the components and / or devices of the extraction device 10. The coordinate system (e.g., a Cartesian coordinate system) includes an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. Among them, the Z-axis is parallel to the vertical direction (e.g., perpendicular to the ground), the X-axis and the Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal direction (e.g., parallel to the ground), and the X-axis is perpendicular to the Y-axis. The Y-axis direction is also referred to as the first direction. The X-axis direction is also referred to as the second direction. The Z-axis direction is also referred to as the third direction.

[0034] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the extraction device 10 may include a sample processing device 100, a robotic arm device 400 and a consumables assembly 200. The sample processing device 100 may include a magnetic mixing mechanism 120, which can be used to mix and magnetically process the sample. The robotic arm device 400 may include a guide rail group 410 and an operating arm 420 movable along the guide rail group 410. The guide rail group 410 may include a first guide rail 411 and a second guide rail 412 located on a horizontal plane and perpendicular to each other. The operating arm 420 can be extended and retracted in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane, so that the operating arm 420 can move between the sample processing device 100 and the consumables assembly 200 along the guide rail group 410.

[0035] In this specification, mixing treatment refers to mixing the sample by shaking or vibrating. Magnetic attraction treatment refers to separating impurities or target biological substances from the sample by magnetic adsorption. As an example only, in the process of extracting and / or purifying the sample, it is necessary to add specific reagents to the sample to achieve different functions (for example, to undergo a lysis reaction with the sample, to separate magnetic beads from magnetic bead conjugates), and to add magnetic beads to the sample, and to use the magnetic beads to bind to impurities or target biological substances in the sample to facilitate separation of target biological substances or impurities from the solution. The magnetic beads in this specification are a kind of magnetic particles having surface active groups. Under certain conditions, the surface active groups of the magnetic beads can bind (for example, couple) to the target biological substance (for example, the substance to be extracted) or impurities (for example, other substances other than the substance to be extracted) in the sample, and the magnetic beads can undergo magnetic attraction (i.e., magnetic attraction treatment) under the action of an external magnetic field (for example, the magnetic field formed by the magnet 131 in Figure 3), thereby achieving separation of active substances and impurities and / or purification of active substances.

[0036] In some embodiments, the corresponding type of magnetic beads can be selected based on the different particle sizes, dispersivities, magnetic response times and coating matrices of the magnetic beads, and the types of magnetic beads are not limited here. In some embodiments, the types of reagents may include solvents for reacting with samples, for washing magnetic bead conjugates, reagents for eluting magnetic bead conjugates to separate magnetic beads, etc., and the types of reagents are not limited here. Taking the extraction of plasmids through bacterial mud as an example, the reagents may include bacterial mud lysis solution, washing solution, eluent, etc. The magnetic beads may include magnetic beads that can bind to impurities after bacterial mud lysis, magnetic beads that can bind to plasmids, etc. In some embodiments, the magnetic suction mixing mechanism 120 mixes the magnetic beads with the sample to improve the efficiency of the magnetic beads binding to impurities and / or target biological substances in the sample.

[0037] In some embodiments, the types of reagents may include solvents for reacting with samples, for washing magnetic bead conjugates, and reagents for eluting magnetic bead conjugates to separate magnetic beads, etc. The types of reagents are not limited here. Taking the extraction of plasmids through bacterial sludge as an example, the reagents may include bacterial sludge lysis solution, washing solution, eluent, etc. The magnetic beads may include magnetic beads that can bind to impurities after bacterial sludge lysis, magnetic beads that can bind to plasmids, etc. In some embodiments, when adding reagents for reacting with samples, the magnetic suction mixing mechanism 120 can be used to mix the reagents with the sample to improve the sample reaction efficiency. When adding reagents for washing magnetic bead conjugates, the magnetic suction mixing mechanism 120 can be used to mix the reagents with the sample to improve the washing efficiency. When adding reagents for eluting magnetic bead conjugates to separate magnetic beads, the magnetic suction mixing mechanism 120 can be used to mix the reagents with the sample to improve the separation efficiency of magnetic beads and magnetic bead conjugates.

[0038] The consumable assembly 200 may include consumables and their carriers used in the sample processing process. The operating arm 420, in conjunction with the guide rail assembly 410, can move between the consumable assembly 200 and the sample processing device 100 to perform operations such as liquid transfer, waste liquid collection, tip connection, and magnetic bead addition. For more details about the consumable assembly 200, see Figure 9 and the description of its embodiment.

[0039] In some embodiments, the extraction device 10 may further include a mixing mechanism 300. The mixing mechanism 300 may be used to pre-treat the sample before extraction and / or purification to ensure that the sample meets experimental requirements. For more details about the mixing mechanism 300, see Figures 10-11 and the description of the embodiments thereof.

[0040] Manipulator arm 420 can be used to add, transfer, or collect specific substances (e.g., supernatant, target biological substance, etc.) during sample extraction and / or purification. Guide rail assembly 410 can be used to allow movement of manipulator arm 420 and to limit the movement path of manipulator arm 420. For more information about robotic arm assembly 400, see Figures 12-18 and the description of the embodiments thereof.

[0041] In some cases, the sample processing device 100 of the extraction device 10 provided in this specification can adsorb magnetic beads combined with impurities or target biological substances in the sample, thereby facilitating the separation of impurities or target biological substances from the solution through the robotic arm device 400. In addition, the extraction device 10 can also mix the reagents and / or magnetic beads added to the sample, thereby improving the efficiency and effect of extracting and / or purifying the target biological substance. In other cases, since the operating arm 420 of this specification can not only move on the horizontal plane along the first guide rail 411 and the second guide rail 412, but also can be telescoped in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane, the operating arm 420 can move between the sample processing device 100 and the consumable component 200 along the guide rail group 410, which not only makes the layout of the consumable component 200 more compact and saves the overall space size of the extraction device 10, but also enables the operating arm 420 to more efficiently and conveniently perform operations including liquid transfer, waste liquid collection, gun head connection, and magnetic bead addition.

[0042] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1-3 , the sample processing device 100 may further include a processing cartridge 110. The processing cartridge 110 may include two sets of processing tanks 111. The processing tanks 111 may be used to process samples. In some embodiments, one of the two sets of processing tanks 111 may be used to process a sample at the same time.

[0043] In some cases, during the extraction and / or purification of a target biological substance using the extraction device 10 provided herein, the magnetic attraction mixing mechanism 120 is required to magnetically attract impurities or target biological substances in the processing tanks 111. If two processing tanks 111 are used to process samples simultaneously, the magnetic attraction of the sample in one processing tank 111 may affect the sample in the other processing tank 111. For example, as shown in FIG3 , the magnetic beads in one processing tank 111 (referred to as the first processing tank, e.g., the first processing tank 112) are bound to impurities, while the magnetic beads in the other processing tank 111 (referred to as the second processing tank, e.g., the second processing tank 113) are bound to the target biological substance. When the magnetic attraction is applied to the magnetic beads in the first processing tank 112, the magnetic beads in the second processing tank 113 may be attracted, thereby affecting the sample in the second processing tank 113. Therefore, to avoid affecting the sample in the other processing tank 111, only one of the two processing tanks 111 is used to process samples at any one time.

[0044] In some embodiments, each group of processing tanks 111 may include a plurality of mounting holes 114, and the plurality of mounting holes 114 may be arranged along the extension direction of the processing tanks 111. The mounting holes 114 may be used to accommodate samples, and the number of mounting holes 114 in the two groups of processing tanks 111 is the same and corresponds one to one. The one-to-one correspondence here may mean that in the distribution direction of the two groups of processing tanks 111, any mounting hole 114 in one group of processing tanks 111 is aligned with a mounting hole 114 in the other group of processing tanks 111, so as to facilitate the transfer of samples in one group of processing tanks 111 to the other group of processing tanks 111 through a pipetting device (not shown in the figure). For example, as shown in Figure 3, the first processing tank 112 and the second processing tank 113 each include 16 mounting holes 114, and the 16 mounting holes 114 are arranged to extend along the Y-axis direction. In the X-axis direction, one mounting hole 114 of the first processing tank 112 is aligned with one mounting hole 114 of the second processing tank 113.

[0045] In some embodiments, the two groups of processing tanks 111 can be spaced apart. In some embodiments, the distance between the two groups of processing tanks 111 can be increased to reduce or avoid the impact on the samples in the other group of processing tanks 11 during magnetic attraction treatment, so that the two groups of processing tanks 11 can be used to process samples at the same time, thereby improving sample processing efficiency. For example, a gap of a preset distance can be set between the two groups of processing tanks 111. In some embodiments, an isolation member 115 can be set between the two groups of processing tanks 111 to reduce or isolate the magnetic force between the two groups of processing tanks 111, so that the two groups of processing tanks 111 can be used to process samples at the same time. In some embodiments, the isolation member 115 may include a magnetic shielding plate made of pure iron or iron-nickel alloy. In some embodiments, the isolation member 115 may not be a magnetic shielding member, but may physically separate the two groups of processing tanks 111. In other embodiments, the two groups of processing tanks 111 may be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0046] It should be noted that the description of the number of process cartridges 110, the number of processing tanks 111 included in the process cartridges 110, and the number of mounting holes 114 in this specification is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the number of process cartridges 110, the number of processing tanks 111 included in the process cartridges 110, and the number of mounting holes 114. For example, the process cartridge 110 may include only one processing tank 111, or the process cartridge 110 may include three processing tanks 111, which are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. For another example, the number of process cartridges 110 may be one or more, and can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0047] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 3-8 , the magnetic mixing mechanism 120 may include a mixing assembly 140 and a magnetic assembly 130. The mixing assembly 140 can be used to mix the sample, and the magnetic assembly 130 can be used to magnetically attract the sample. The magnetic assembly 130 may include a magnet 131, which may be disposed on at least one side of the mixing assembly 140. The processing cartridge 110 may be disposed on the mixing assembly 140. In this embodiment, the magnet 131 can be used to generate an external magnetic field. When the magnetic beads bind to impurities or target biological substances in the sample, the external magnetic field can attract the magnetic beads in the processing cartridge 110, causing them to adhere to the sidewalls of the processing tank 111, facilitating transfer of the remaining solution by the robotic arm assembly 400, thereby separating the impurities or target biological substances from the solution. In some embodiments, the magnet 131 has a predetermined magnetic attraction area. In some embodiments, the magnetic attraction area of ​​the magnet 131 may be the area of ​​the magnetic attraction surface facing the processing cartridge 110 for magnetic attraction.

[0048] In some embodiments, as shown in conjunction with Figures 3-5, the magnet 131 may include a first magnet 1311 and a second magnet 1312. The processing cartridge 110 may be disposed between the first magnet 1311 and the second magnet 1312, and the arrangement direction of the two sets of processing tanks 111 is the same as the arrangement direction of the first magnet 1311 and the second magnet 1312. By way of example only, the first processing tank 112 and the second processing tank 113 may both extend parallel to the Y-axis, with the first processing tank 112 and the second processing tank 113 spaced apart along the X-axis. The first magnet 1311 and the second magnet 1312 are spaced apart along the X-axis, with the first magnet 1311 being disposed on a side of the first processing tank 112 away from the second processing tank 113, and the second magnet 1312 being disposed on a side of the second processing tank 113 away from the first processing tank 112. In this embodiment, the first magnet 1311 can be used to generate a first external magnetic field for magnetically attracting impurities or target biological substances in the first processing tank 112. For example, after the magnetic beads in the first processing tank 112 bind to impurities or target biological substances in the sample, the first magnet 1311 can be used to adsorb the magnetic beads to separate the impurities or target biological substances from the solution. The second magnet 1312 can be used to form a second external magnetic field to magnetically attract the impurities or target biological substances in the second processing tank 113. For example, after the magnetic beads in the second processing tank 113 bind to impurities or target biological substances in the sample, the second magnet 1312 can be used to adsorb the magnetic beads to separate the impurities or target biological substances from the solution.

[0049] It should be noted that the division of the magnet 131 into the first magnet 1311 and the second magnet 1312 is for illustrative purposes only, intended to illustrate the positional relationship between the first magnet 1311 and the second magnet 1312 and a particular process cartridge 110, and does not limit the specific structure, material, etc. of the first magnet 1311 and the second magnet 1312. In some embodiments, the first magnet 1311 and the second magnet 1312 can be identical or similar, for example, having the same material, size, etc. In some embodiments, the first magnet 1311 and the second magnet 1312 can be different. In some embodiments, the magnet 131 can function as both the first magnet 1311 and the second magnet 1312. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, in the Y-axis direction, the magnet 131 located on the right side of the rightmost processing box 110 (which can be called the first processing box) can be called the first magnet 1311, and the magnet 131 located on the left side of the first processing box can be called the second magnet 1312. For the middle processing box 110 (which can be called the second processing box), the magnet 131 located on the left side of the first processing box can be called the first magnet 1311.

[0050] In some embodiments, as shown in conjunction with Figures 3-5, the magnetic attraction assembly 130 may further include a magnet driver 132. The magnet driver 132 may include a first drive motor 133, a screw 134, and a connecting rod structure 135. The screw 134 is in transmission connection with the first drive motor 133. One end (also called the first end) of the connecting rod structure 135 is hinged to the screw 134, and the other end (also called the second end) of the connecting rod structure 135 is hinged to the magnet 131. The magnet 131 can be extended or retracted to the upper side of the magnetic attraction mixing mechanism 120 under the drive of the first drive motor 133. The upper side of the magnetic attraction mixing mechanism 120 may refer to the surface of the magnetic attraction mixing mechanism 120 for supporting the process cartridge 110. For example, the mixing assembly 140 may include a mixing table 142, and the process cartridge 110 may be disposed on the upper side of the mixing table 142. When the magnet 131 extends from the upper side of the mixing table 142, it can attract the magnetic beads in the process cartridge 110. After the magnet 131 retracts to the upper side of the mixing platform 142 , the magnetic beads in the processing box 110 are not affected by the magnet 131 .

[0051] As an example only, the magnet driver 132 may include a screw nut 136 and a nut track 137, wherein the screw nut 136 is connected between the screw 134 and the connecting rod structure 135, and the extension direction of the nut track 137 is the first direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction). The screw nut 136 is connected to the end of the screw 134 away from the first drive motor 133, and the screw nut 136 is hinged to the first end of the connecting rod structure 135. The screw nut 136 can slide on the nut track 137. That is, the screw nut 136 can move in the first direction. When the first drive motor 133 is working, it drives the screw 134 to roll, and the rolling motion of the screw 134 drives the screw nut 136 to move in the first direction. The movement of the screw nut 136 further drives the connecting rod structure 135 to rotate in the YZ plane, thereby driving the magnet 131 to perform lifting motion in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction). For example, when the lead screw nut 136 moves to the right in FIG4 , it drives the connecting rod structure 135 to rotate counterclockwise around the rotation axis of the lead screw nut 136, thereby driving the magnet 131 to descend along the Z-axis, thereby driving the magnet 131 to gradually retract from the upper side of the magnetic attraction and mixing mechanism 120. When the lead screw nut 136 moves to the left in FIG4 , it drives the connecting rod structure 135 to rotate clockwise around the rotation axis of the lead screw nut 136, thereby driving the magnet 131 to ascend along the Z-axis, thereby driving the magnet 131 to gradually extend from the upper side of the magnetic attraction and mixing mechanism 120.

[0052] In some embodiments, the second end of the connecting rod structure 135 and the magnet 131 can be directly hinged. For example, the second end of the connecting rod structure 135 and the magnet 131 can both be provided with hinges, and the second end of the connecting rod structure 135 and the magnet 131 can be hingedly connected via the hinges. In some embodiments, the second end of the connecting rod structure 135 and the magnet 131 can be indirectly hingedly connected. For example, the magnet 131 can be disposed on the magnet support 1391 of FIG. 4 , and the second end of the connecting rod structure 135 can be hingedly connected to the magnet support 1391.

[0053] In some embodiments, the magnetic assembly 130 may further include a magnet support 1391, which is used to secure the magnet 131. In some embodiments, the magnet support 1391 may be hinged to the connecting rod structure 135. The magnet 131 is secured to the magnet support 1391, thereby enabling an indirect hinged connection between the second end of the connecting rod structure 135 and the magnet 131.

[0054] In some embodiments, the upper end of the magnet support member 1391 has a larger dimension in the Y-axis direction, while the lower end of the magnet support member 1391 has a smaller dimension in the Y-axis direction. The upper end of the magnet support member 1391 may be the end supporting the magnet 131, while the lower end of the magnet support member 1391 may be the end hingedly connected to the connecting rod structure 135. Since the upper end of the magnet support member 1391 has a larger dimension in the Y-axis direction, it is more convenient to support the magnet 131, while the lower end of the magnet support member 1391 has a smaller dimension in the Y-axis direction, it is more convenient to hingely connect to the connecting rod structure 135.

[0055] In some embodiments, a linear guide rail 1392 can be provided on both sides of the magnet support 1391. The extension direction of the linear guide rail 1392 is the vertical direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction). The magnet support 1391 can move in the vertical direction on the linear guide rail 1392. By providing the linear guide rails 1392 on both sides of the magnet support 1391, it can be ensured that the magnet support 1391 remains balanced when moving in the vertical direction. In some embodiments, the magnet support 1391 can be connected to the base 1393 through the linear guide rail 1392, thereby enabling the magnet support 1391 to move relative to the base 1393 along the linear guide rail 1392. The first drive motor 133 is located at the bottom of the magnet support 1391, and the lead screw nut 136 is connected to the magnet support 1391 through the connecting rod structure 135. When the first drive motor 133 is working, it drives the screw rod 134 to roll. The rolling motion of the screw rod 134 drives the screw nut 136 to move along the first direction. The movement of the screw nut 136 further drives the connecting rod structure 135 to rotate in the YZ plane, thereby driving the magnet support 1391 to move on the linear guide rail 1392, thereby realizing the lifting and lowering movement of the magnet 131.

[0056] In some embodiments, the extraction device 10 may further include a magnet position sensor, which can be used to determine the position of the magnet 131 in the Z-axis direction. For example, determine whether the magnet 131 is in the first position in the Z-axis direction (i.e., the magnet 131 is fully extended from the upper side of the magnetic suction mixing mechanism 120) or whether it is in the second position in the Z-axis direction (i.e., the magnet 131 is fully retracted from the upper side of the magnetic suction mixing mechanism 120). As an example only, the magnet position sensor may include a first optical coupler and a first optical coupler baffle. A first optical coupler (not shown) is provided at the bottom and top of the base 1393, respectively, and a first optical coupler baffle (not shown) is fixed on the magnet support 1391. When the magnet support 1391 moves along the linear guide 1392 so that the first optical coupler at the top of the base 1393 contacts the first optical coupler baffle, the first optical coupler baffle can generate a signal, thereby determining that the magnet 131 is in the first position. When the magnet support 1391 moves along the linear guide rail 1392 so that the first optical coupler at the bottom of the base 1393 contacts the first optical coupler barrier, the first optical coupler barrier can generate a signal, thereby determining that the magnet 131 is located at the second position.

[0057] It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the magnet driver 132 can also be used to drive the magnet 131 to perform movement in other directions. For example, along the X-axis direction and / or the Y-axis direction. In some embodiments, the number of magnet drivers 132 can be set to multiple, and the multiple magnet drivers 132 are used to drive the magnet 131 to move along different directions (for example, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction).

[0058] In some embodiments, the mixing component 140 can be driven by a motor (such as an electric transmission drive or a shaking table electromagnetic drive, etc.) or any other feasible driving method (such as a hydraulic drive, a pneumatic drive, etc.). In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 6 to 8, the mixing component 140 may include a second drive motor 141 and a mixing table 142. The mixing table 142 may include an eccentric shaft 1421, and the second drive motor 141 may be connected to the eccentric shaft 1421. The mixing table 142 can be used to install the processing box 110. When the processing box 110 is installed on the mixing table 142, the eccentric shaft 1421 can be driven to move by the second drive motor 141, thereby driving the mixing table 142 to shake or vibrate, and mixing the sample in the processing tank 111.

[0059] By way of example only, the mixing assembly 140 may include a first mixing bearing 1431, a second mixing bearing 1432, a third mixing bearing 1433, a first direction adapter plate 1441, a second direction adapter plate 1442, a first mixing guide rail 1451, a second mixing guide rail 1452, a motor fixing plate 146, and a support plate 147. The first direction adapter plate 1441, the second direction adapter plate 1442, and the support plate 147 are parallel to each other. In the third direction (i.e., the Z-axis), the mixing stage 142 is located above the first direction adapter plate 1441, the second direction adapter plate 1442 is located below the first direction adapter plate 1441, and the support plate 147 is located below the second direction adapter plate 1442. The first direction adapter plate 1441 is connected to the second direction adapter plate 1442 through the first mixing guide rail 1451, and the second direction adapter plate 1442 is connected to the support plate 147 through the second mixing guide rail 1452. The first mixing guide rail 1451 can be perpendicular to the second mixing guide rail 1452, the first mixing guide rail 1451 can extend along the second direction (i.e., the X-axis direction), and the second mixing guide rail 1452 can extend along the first direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction). The motor fixing plate 146 can be connected to the bottom of the support plate 147, and the second drive motor 141 can be connected to the motor fixing plate 146. One end of the eccentric shaft 1421 is connected to the second drive motor 141, and the other end passes through the support plate 147 and the second direction adapter plate 1442 and is connected to the first direction adapter plate 1441 through the first mixing bearing 1431. The eccentric shaft 1421 is connected to the second direction adapter plate 1442 via the second mixing bearing 1432 and to the support plate 147 via the third mixing bearing 1433. When the second drive motor 141 drives the eccentric shaft 1421 to move, the eccentric shaft 1421 can drive the second direction adapter plate 1442 to move along the second mixing guide 1452 relative to the support plate 147, and drive the first direction adapter plate 1441 to move along the first mixing guide 1451 relative to the second direction adapter plate 1442, thereby driving the mixing stage 142 to vibrate in the first and second directions, thereby achieving mixing of the sample.

[0060] In some embodiments, the second drive motor 141 can be directly fixed to the motor fixing plate 146. In some embodiments, the second drive motor 141 can be fixed to the motor fixing plate 146 via a connecting shaft 148. In some embodiments, the eccentric shaft 1421 can be directly connected to the rotation output shaft of the second drive motor 141. In some embodiments, the mixing assembly 140 can include a coupling 149, and the eccentric shaft 1421 can be connected to the rotation output shaft of the second drive motor 141 via the coupling 149.

[0061] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 6-8 , a second optical coupler baffle 512 is provided on the eccentric shaft 1421, and a second optical coupler 511 is provided on the motor fixing plate 146. When the eccentric shaft 1421 rotates, it drives the second optical coupler baffle 512 to rotate. When the second optical coupler baffle 512 moves to the position of the second optical coupler 511, it can be determined that the eccentric shaft 1421 is in the initial position, and thus the processing box 110 is in the initial position. In some embodiments, the processing box 110 is closer to the magnet 131 when it is in the initial position. In some cases, by providing the second optical coupler baffle 512 and the second optical coupler 511 to determine whether the processing box 110 is in the initial position, on the one hand, it can help the robot arm device 400 to locate when removing liquid from the processing box 110; on the other hand, when magnetic suction processing is required, the processing box 110 can be placed in the initial position so that the processing box is closer to the magnet 131.

[0062] In some embodiments, the number of sample processing devices 100 may include one or more. In some embodiments, the number of processing boxes 110 may be one or more, and the number of mixing components 140 and magnetic components 130 may be adapted to the number of processing boxes 110. As an example only, a processing box 110 can be mixed by an independent mixing component 140 and magnetically attracted by two independent magnetic components 130, wherein one magnetic component 130 is used to drive the first magnet 1311 to extend or retract the upper side of the magnetic mixing mechanism 120, and the other magnetic component 130 is used to drive the second magnet 1312 to extend or retract the upper side of the magnetic mixing mechanism 120. That is, the number of processing boxes 110 is n, the number of mixing components 140 is n, and the number of magnetic components 130 is 2n. In another example, as shown in FIG3 , there are three process cartridges 110 , three mixing assemblies 140 , and four magnetic assemblies 130 . The three process cartridges 110 are spaced apart along the X-axis, with one mixing assembly 140 corresponding to one process cartridge 110 . The process cartridges 110 are each located on a mixing platform (e.g., mixing platform 142 in FIG6 ) of the corresponding mixing assembly 140 . The four magnetic assemblies 130 are spaced apart from the process cartridges 110 along the X-axis, and two adjacent process cartridges 110 share the same magnetic assembly 130 , thereby reducing the number of magnetic assemblies 130 and lowering equipment costs. In some embodiments, multiple process cartridges 110 can be mixed by the same mixing assembly 140 .

[0063] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG9 , the consumables assembly 200 may include a reagent kit 210 and a tip box 220. The reagent kit 210 may include one or more chambers 211 for containing reagents, and the tip box 220 may include one or more tips 221. The tips 221 may be coupled with a robotic arm device (e.g., the liquid pump 422 in FIG17 ) to meet the needs of aspirating different reagents, magnetic beads, and / or waste liquids during sample processing.

[0064] In some embodiments, the consumable assembly 200 may include a consumable support 230, which may be used to support the consumable assembly 200. Before processing a sample, the reagent cartridge 210 and the tip box 220 may be loaded onto the consumable support 230 as required by the sample processing process. This facilitates the addition of reagents required for processing to the sample during processing and facilitates the mating of the operating arm 420 with the tip 221. In some embodiments, the reagent cartridge 210 and the tip box 220 may be loaded onto the consumable support 230 manually or automatically.

[0065] In some cases, individual consumables can be positioned by providing a consumable support. For example, the consumables can be arranged on the consumable support in a predetermined pattern, effectively reducing the overall space required for the extraction device. Furthermore, by arranging the consumables in a predetermined pattern, they can be aligned with the guide rail assembly, optimizing the movement path of the manipulator, reducing the time required for manipulator movement, and improving sample processing efficiency.

[0066] In some embodiments, when the test kit 210 includes a plurality of cavities 211, the plurality of cavities 211 can be arranged in one or more rows (e.g., 1 row, 2 rows, 3 rows, etc.) along the X-axis direction (i.e., the second direction). Each row of cavities 211 extends along the Y-axis direction (or the first direction). In some cases, arranging the plurality of cavities 211 in multiple rows can avoid the test kit 210 being too long along the Y-axis due to too many required cavities 211, thereby avoiding the overall length of the extraction device 10 along the Y-axis being too long. As shown in Figure 9, the test kit 210 includes a plurality of cavities 211 arranged in four rows. In some embodiments, the capacity of the plurality of cavities 211 can be the same or different. For example, the cavity 211 can be determined according to the size of the amount of reagent that needs to be accommodated. The same or different reagents can be accommodated in each cavity 211. For example, the corresponding type of reagent can be selected according to the target biological substance and / or the different treatment process flows that need to be extracted.

[0067] In some embodiments, the head of the gun tip 221 used for aspirating liquid can face the inside of the gun tip box 220, and the tail of the gun tip 221 that cooperates with the robotic arm device 400 can face the outside of the gun tip box 220. In some embodiments, it can be configured so that the gun tip 221 is placed vertically or nearly vertically to facilitate the connection between the tail of the gun tip 221 and the robotic arm device 400. In some embodiments, multiple gun tips 221 can be identical or not identical. For example, the size of the gun tip 221 can be set according to the amount of liquid and / or magnetic beads that the gun tip 221 needs to transfer. For another example, gun tips 221 with different structures can be used to adapt to different reagents, which is conducive to smooth liquid extraction for each reagent. In some embodiments, during the sample processing process, a single gun tip 221 can be used once or repeatedly. For example, for two stages in the sample processing process where the same reagent needs to be transferred from the reagent box 210, the same gun tip 221 can be reused to transfer the same reagent. For another example, in order to make the amount of reagents pipetted more accurate or to avoid mutual contamination, each pipette tip 221 is only used to pipette liquid and / or magnetic beads once.

[0068] In some embodiments, the consumables assembly 200 may further include a target biological substance storage cartridge 240 for storing target biological substances extracted, separated, and / or purified during sample processing. Prior to sample processing, one or more target biological substance storage cartridges 240 may be loaded onto the consumables support 230 as needed for storage of the target biological substances.

[0069] In some embodiments, the target biological material storage box 240 is divided into a plurality of cavities 241 by partitions. The plurality of cavities 241 can be arranged in one or more rows (e.g., one row, two rows, three rows, etc.) along the X-axis direction (i.e., the second direction). Each row of cavities 241 extends along the Y-axis direction (i.e., the first direction). In some embodiments, the target biological material storage box 240 can include one or more target biological material collection tubes (not shown). For example, the number and / or size of the target biological material collection tubes can be determined based on the amount of target biological material that can be collected. In some embodiments, the target biological material collection tube 3026 is loaded into the cavity 241 of the target biological material storage box 240.

[0070] In some embodiments, the gun tips 221 may correspond one-to-one with the cavities 241 of the target biological substance storage cartridge 240. That is, one gun tip 221 corresponds to one cavity 241 of the target biological substance storage cartridge 240, facilitating batch transfer of target biological substances into the cavities 241 of the target biological substance storage cartridge 240 using the gun tips 221. By way of example only, as shown in FIG9 , the number of rows of gun tips 221 and the number of rows of cavities 241 of the target biological substance storage cartridge 240 may be the same. The number of gun tips 221 in each row may be the same as the number of cavities 241 in each row of the target biological substance storage cartridge 240.

[0071] In some embodiments, the consumables assembly 200 may further include a sample pretreatment box 250 and a magnetic bead storage box 260. The sample pretreatment box 250 is a container for accommodating samples, performing sample pretreatment, and / or performing sample reactions. The magnetic bead storage box 260 can be used to hold magnetic beads used in the sample processing process. In some embodiments, sample pretreatment may include biological culture, resuspension, magnetic adsorption, separation, or any other feasible biological pretreatment operation. In some embodiments, sample reactions may include resuspension, magnetic adsorption, separation, lysis, precipitation, or other feasible sample reaction operations.

[0072] In some embodiments, the magnetic bead storage box 260 may include one or more placement slots 261 for accommodating magnetic beads. The number of placement slots 261 may be determined based on the type of magnetic beads, and different placement slots 261 may accommodate different magnetic beads. For example, as shown in FIG9 , the magnetic bead storage box 260 may include two placement slots 261, one of which is used to accommodate a first magnetic bead, and the other of which is used to accommodate a second magnetic bead.

[0073] In some embodiments, the consumables assembly 200 may further include a waste liquid box 270, which is provided with a waste liquid discharge channel (not shown in the figure). The waste liquid box 270 can be used to hold waste liquid generated during sample processing. In some embodiments, the waste liquid box 270 is detachably arranged on the consumables support seat 230 to facilitate waste liquid collection. In some embodiments, the waste liquid box 270 is relatively fixed to the consumables support seat 230. In some embodiments, the waste liquid box 270 is provided with a waste liquid discharge channel (not shown in the figure), which can connect the waste liquid box 270 with an external waste liquid storage tank (not shown in the figure) to avoid excessive waste liquid in the waste liquid box 270 and overflow.

[0074] It should be noted that the description of the consumable components in this specification is for illustrative purposes only, and the layout of the individual consumables can be adjusted and moved as needed. For example, the target biological material storage box 240 in Figure 9 can be interchanged with one of the gun tip boxes 220. Because the layout of the individual consumables in this specification can be customized, the layout of the consumable components is more flexible and can adapt to a wider range of application scenarios.

[0075] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 10-11, the sample pretreatment box 250 and the magnetic bead storage box 260 are arranged on the mixing mechanism 300. The mixing mechanism 300 can pretreatment the sample in the sample pretreatment box 250 (for example, mixing the supernatant and the precipitate into a heavy suspension), and shake the magnetic beads in the magnetic bead storage box 260 to prevent the magnetic beads from settling.

[0076] In some embodiments, the sample pretreatment box 250 and the magnetic bead storage box 260 can be configured to perform mixing processing respectively through different mixing mechanisms 300. In some embodiments, the sample pretreatment box 250 and the magnetic bead storage box 260 can be configured to perform mixing processing using the same mixing mechanism 300.

[0077] In some embodiments, the mixing mechanism 130 can be driven by a motor (such as an electric transmission drive or a shaker electromagnetic drive, etc.) or any other feasible driving method (such as a hydraulic drive, a pneumatic drive, etc.). In some embodiments, the mixing mechanism 300 may include a third drive motor 310 and a second mixing table 320, and the second mixing table 320 may include a second eccentric shaft 321, and the third drive motor 310 may be connected to the second eccentric shaft 321 in a transmission manner. Among them, the second mixing table 320 can be used to install the sample pretreatment box 250 and / or the magnetic bead storage box 260. When the sample pretreatment box 250 and / or the magnetic bead storage box 260 are installed on the second mixing table 320, the second eccentric shaft 321 can be driven to move by the third drive motor 310, thereby driving the second mixing table 320 to shake or vibrate. By way of example only, the mixing mechanism 300 may include a fourth mixing bearing 331, a fifth mixing bearing 332, a sixth mixing bearing 333, a third directional adapter plate 341, a fourth directional adapter plate 342, a third mixing guide rail 351, a fourth mixing guide rail 352, a second motor fixing plate 360, a second support plate 370, and a second base 380. The third directional adapter plate 341, the fourth directional adapter plate 342, and the second motor fixing plate 360 ​​are parallel to each other. In the third direction (i.e., the Z-axis), the second mixing stage 320 is located above the third directional adapter plate 341, the fourth directional adapter plate 342 is located below the third directional adapter plate 341, and the second motor fixing plate 360 ​​is located below the fourth directional adapter plate 342. The third directional adapter plate 341 is connected to the fourth directional adapter plate 342 via the third mixing guide rail 351, and the fourth directional adapter plate 342 is connected to the second support plate 370 via the fourth mixing guide rail 352. The third mixing guide rail 351 can be perpendicular to the fourth mixing guide rail 352, and the third mixing guide rail 351 can extend along the second direction (i.e., the X-axis direction). The third mixing guide rail 351 can extend along the first direction (i.e., the Y-axis direction). The third drive motor 310 can be connected to the second support 370 through the second motor fixing plate 360, and then connected to the second base 380 through the second support 370. One end of the second eccentric shaft 321 is connected to the third drive motor 310, and the other end passes through the second motor fixing plate 360 ​​and the fourth direction adapter plate 342 and is connected to the third direction adapter plate 341 through the fourth mixing bearing 331. The second eccentric shaft 321 is connected to the fourth direction adapter plate 342 through the fifth mixing bearing 332, and is connected to the second motor fixing plate 360 ​​through the sixth mixing bearing 333.When the third drive motor 310 drives the second eccentric shaft 321 to move, the second eccentric shaft 321 can drive the fourth direction adapter plate 342 to move along the fourth mixing guide rail 352 relative to the second support plate 370, and drive the third direction adapter plate 341 to move along the third mixing guide rail 351 relative to the fourth direction adapter plate 342, thereby driving the second mixing table 320 to vibrate in the first direction and the second direction, thereby achieving mixing processing of the sample in the sample preprocessing box 250 and the magnetic beads in the magnetic bead storage box 260.

[0078] In some embodiments, the third drive motor 310 can be directly fixed to the second motor fixing plate 360. In some embodiments, the third drive motor 310 can be fixed to the second motor fixing plate 360 ​​via a second connecting shaft (not shown in the figure). In some embodiments, the second eccentric shaft 321 can be directly connected to the rotation output shaft of the third drive motor 310. In some embodiments, the mixing mechanism 300 can further include a second coupling (not shown in the figure), and the second eccentric shaft 321 can be connected to the rotation output shaft of the third drive motor 310 via the second coupling.

[0079] In some embodiments, the rotation angle of the second eccentric shaft 321 can be determined by setting the third optical coupler 521 and the third optical coupler baffle 522. The cooperation method of the third optical coupler 521 and the third optical coupler baffle 522 can be the same as or similar to the cooperation method of the second optical coupler 511 and the second optical coupler baffle 512, and will not be repeated here.

[0080] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 12 to 18, the number of first guide rails 411 includes two, the two first guide rails 411 are arranged opposite each other, and the second guide rail 412 is arranged between the two first guide rails 411. In some embodiments, the robot arm device 400 may further include a support frame 430, which may be used to support the guide rail group 410 and the operating arm 420. In some embodiments, the two first guide rails 411 may be arranged on both sides of the support frame 430 relative to each other along the Y-axis direction, and the extension direction of the two first guide rails 411 is parallel to the X-axis direction. The extension direction of the second guide rail 412 is parallel to the Y-axis direction, and the second guide rail 412 can move along the first guide rail 411, and the operating arm 420 can be movably arranged on the second guide rail 412. In this embodiment, since the second guide rail 412 can be moved along the first guide rail 411 and the operating arm 420 can be movably provided on the second guide rail 412, the movement of the operating arm 420 in the X-axis direction can be achieved by controlling the second guide rail 412 to move along the first guide rail 411, and the movement of the operating arm 420 in the Y-axis direction can be achieved by controlling the movement of the operating arm 420 along the second guide rail 412, so that the operating arm 420 can move between the sample processing device 100 and the consumable component 200 during the sample processing process.

[0081] In some embodiments, in combination with Figures 12-14, the robotic arm device 400 can also include a first synchronous belt 441, a first pulley 444 and a first guide rail motor 442. The first synchronous belt 441 can be arranged along the first guide rail 411, the first pulley can be fixed to one end of the first synchronous belt, the first guide rail motor 442 can drive the first pulley 444 to rotate, the first pulley 444 can drive the first synchronous belt 441 to move, and the second guide rail 412 can move in a direction perpendicular to the first guide rail 411 under the drive of the first synchronous belt 441.

[0082] As an example only, the robotic arm device 400 may further include a transmission shaft 443. One end of each of the two first guide rails 411 is connected to the support frame 430, and the other end is provided with a first pulley 444. The transmission shaft 443 is disposed on the support frame 430, and the extension direction of the transmission shaft 443 is parallel to the extension direction of the second guide rail 412. A first synchronous belt 441 is provided at both ends of the second guide rail 412. A first guide rail motor 442 is disposed at one end (which may be referred to as the first end) of the transmission shaft 443. The rotational output shaft of the first guide rail motor 442, the first end of the transmission shaft 443, and the first pulley 444 on one of the first guide rails 411 are connected in transmission via the first synchronous belt 441, and the first synchronous belt 441 is fixedly connected to one end (which may be referred to as the first end) of the second guide rail 412. The second end of the transmission shaft 443 is connected to the first pulley 444 on the other first guide rail 411 via another first synchronous belt 441, and the first synchronous belt 441 is fixedly connected to the other end (hereinafter referred to as the second end) of the second guide rail 412. When the rotary output shaft of the first guide rail motor 442 rotates, it can drive the first synchronous belt 441 connected thereto to move, thereby driving the first end of the second guide rail 412 to move and driving the transmission shaft 443 to rotate. The transmission shaft 443 can also drive the second end of the second guide rail 412 to move, thereby causing both ends of the second guide rail 412 to move synchronously, ultimately achieving movement in a direction perpendicular to the first guide rail 411 (i.e., the X-axis direction).

[0083] In some embodiments, as shown in conjunction with FIG1 and FIG15-16 , the robot arm device 400 may further include a second synchronous belt 451, a second pulley 458, and a second guide rail motor 452. The second guide rail motor 452 is disposed on the operating arm 420. The second synchronous belt 451 may be disposed along the second guide rail 412. The second pulley 458 may be fixed to the operating arm 420 and movable along the second synchronous belt 451. The second guide rail motor 452 may drive the second pulley 458 to rotate so that the second pulley 458 moves along the second synchronous belt 451. The operating arm 420 may move along the second guide rail 412 along with the second pulley 458.

[0084] As an example only, the robotic arm device 400 may include a crossbeam 453, a second guide rail support plate 454, and a second guide rail slider 455. The crossbeam 453 extends along the Y-axis, the second guide rail support plate 454 is fixed to the crossbeam 453, and the second guide rail 412 is disposed on the second guide rail support plate 454. The second guide rail slider 455 is movably disposed on the second guide rail 412, and a second motor support plate 456 and the operating arm 420 are disposed on the second guide rail slider 455. The second motor support plate 456 is provided with a second guide rail motor 452 and two idler wheels 457, which are located on both sides of the second guide rail motor 452 in the Y-axis direction. The second pulley 458 is provided on the second guide rail slider 455 and is coaxially arranged with the rotation output shaft of the second guide rail motor 452. The second pulley 458 and the two idler pulleys 457 are axially parallel. The second synchronous belt 451 is provided on the second guide rail support plate 454. The second pulley 458 and the two idler pulleys 457 are connected by the second synchronous belt 451. When the rotation output shaft of the second guide rail motor 452 rotates, it can drive the second pulley 458 to rotate, and then drive the second guide rail slider 455 to move via the second synchronous belt 451, ultimately achieving movement of the operating arm 420 along the Y-axis.

[0085] In some embodiments, in combination with Figures 1 and 17-18, the robotic arm device 400 may also include a lifting motor 461 and a lifting screw 462. The operating arm 420 is connected to the lifting screw 462. The lifting motor 461 drives the lifting screw 462 to move and drives the operating arm 420 to perform lifting movement (i.e., movement in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane).

[0086] By way of example only, the robotic arm device 400 may include a lifting rail 463, a lifting rail support plate 464, a lifting rail slider 465, and a third synchronous belt 466. The lifting rail support plate 464 is arranged along the Z-axis, with the lifting rail 463 mounted on the lifting rail support plate 464. The lifting rail support plate 464 is connected to the second guide rail slider 455. A top support plate 4641 and a bottom support plate 4642 are provided at the top and bottom of the lifting rail support plate 464, respectively. The lifting motor 461 is mounted on the bottom support plate 4642. The lifting screw 462 and a lifting nut 467 engaged with the lifting screw 462 are connected to the top support plate 4641 and the bottom support plate 4642, respectively, via bearings. The lifting nut 467 is transmission-connected to the rotary output shaft of the lifting motor 461 via the third synchronous belt 466. The lifting rail slider 465 is movably mounted on the lifting rail 463 and connected to the lifting screw 462. The operating arm 420 may include a pump connecting plate 421 and a liquid pump 422. The liquid pump 422 is connected to the lifting guide rail slider 465 via the pump connecting plate 421. The liquid pump 422 can be used to mate with a gun head (e.g., the gun head 221 in Figure 9). When the rotary output shaft of the lifting motor 461 rotates, it can drive the lifting nut 467 to move via the third synchronous belt 466, thereby driving the lifting screw 462 and the lifting guide rail slider 465 to move along the lifting guide rail 463, ultimately achieving the lifting movement of the operating arm 420 along the Z-axis direction.

[0087] In some embodiments, position sensors are provided on the first guide rail 411 and the second guide rail 412, respectively, for detecting the position of the operating arm 420 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, respectively. In some embodiments, the position sensor can be at least one of the following types of sensors: a photoelectric sensor, a Hall sensor, and a laser sensor.

[0088] In some embodiments, a fourth optocoupler baffle 532 is provided at the first end of the second guide rail 412, and a fourth optocoupler 531 is provided at one end of the first guide rail 411 connected to the first end of the second guide rail 412. When the fourth optocoupler baffle 532 moves to the fourth optocoupler 531, the fourth optocoupler 531 can generate a signal, at which time it can be determined that the second guide rail 412 and the operating arm 420 are in the initial position in the X-axis direction.

[0089] In some embodiments, a fifth optical coupler 541 is provided at one end of the beam 453, and a fifth optical coupler baffle 542 is provided on the second motor support plate 456. When the fifth optical coupler baffle 542 moves to the fifth optical coupler 541, the fifth optical coupler 541 can generate a signal, at which time it can be determined that the second guide rail slide 455 and the operating arm 420 are in the initial position in the Y-axis direction.

[0090] In some embodiments, a sixth optical coupler 551 is provided on the top support plate 4641, and a sixth optical coupler baffle 552 is provided on the lifting guide rail slide 465. When the sixth optical coupler baffle 552 moves to the sixth optical coupler 551, the sixth optical coupler 551 can generate a signal, at which time it can be determined that the operating arm 420 is in the initial position in the Z-axis direction.

[0091] In some embodiments, a scanning sensor 560 is provided below the bottom support plate 4642. The scanning sensor 560 can be used to scan the reagent cassette (e.g., reagent cassette 210 in FIG. 9 ), the tip box (e.g., tip box 220 in FIG. 9 ), or the target biological substance storage box (e.g., target biological substance storage box 240 in FIG. 9 ) to determine whether contents are present during the movement of the manipulator arm 420. Exemplarily, the scanning sensor 560 can include an infrared sensor, a structure sensor, or the like.

[0092] In some embodiments, the extraction device described in this specification can be used to extract and / or purify target biological substances. The following provides the method for using the extraction device described in this specification to extract, separate and / or purify target biological substances. Before starting the extraction device, the test kit, gun tip box, target biological substance storage box, and waste liquid box can be loaded onto the consumables support seat, the magnetic bead box and sample pretreatment box can be loaded onto the second mixing table, and the treatment box can be loaded onto the mixing table. In some embodiments, the loading process can be manual loading by the experimenter or loaded by a robot (for example, a robotic arm). In some embodiments, the sample in the sample pretreatment box can be pretreated. After loading is completed, the extraction device can be started to extract and / or purify the target biological substance. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 19, the method 1900 for using the extraction device can include the following steps:

[0093] Step 1901: Control the robotic arm device to add the sample into the first processing tank of the processing box, and add the first reagent into the first processing tank.

[0094] Step 1902: Control the mixing component to perform a first mixing process on the processing box.

[0095] In some embodiments, after adding the first reagent, in order to allow the sample to fully react with the first reagent, the first processing tank needs to be mixed. In some embodiments, the second drive motor can be controlled to rotate at a first preset speed for a first preset time to mix the first reagent with the sample. In some embodiments, when the first reagent includes two or more types, different first reagents can be added in sequence. For example, the first reagent can include a first sub-reagent and a second sub-reagent, the first preset speed can include a first sub-preset speed and a second sub-preset speed, and the first preset time can include a first sub-preset time and a second sub-preset time. After adding the first sub-reagent, the second drive motor can be controlled to rotate at a first sub-preset speed for a first sub-preset time to mix the first sub-reagent with the sample. When the first preset time ends, the second sub-reagent is added, and the second drive motor is controlled to rotate at a second sub-preset speed for a second sub-preset time to mix the second sub-reagent with the sample mixed with the first sub-reagent. In some embodiments, the first sub-reagent and the second sub-reagent can both refer to reagents that can undergo a lysis reaction with the sample or solution. In some embodiments, the type of first reagent added and the volume of the first reagent can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0096] Step 1903: Control the robotic arm device to add the first magnetic beads into the first processing tank.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first magnetic beads can be used to bind to impurities in a sample or solution mixed with the first reagent. In some embodiments, to improve the adsorption efficiency and speed of the first magnetic beads on impurities, during the adsorption process, a mixing component can be controlled to perform a first mixing process on the processing cartridge. In some embodiments, the first mixing process can include controlling a second drive motor to rotate at a second preset speed for a second preset time to ensure that the first magnetic beads fully bind to the impurities.

[0098] Step 1904: Control the magnetic attraction component to perform a first magnetic attraction treatment on the first magnetic beads in the first treatment tank.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first magnetic attraction treatment can be achieved by controlling the first drive motor to control the first magnet to extend out of the upper side of the mixing table, and using the magnetic force of the first magnet to adsorb the first magnetic beads on the side wall of the first treatment tank and let it stand for a third preset time. In some embodiments, the third preset time can be the time when the extraction device stops operating. In some embodiments, the third preset time can be manually set according to the extraction and purification process flow or a default setting in the extraction device. In some embodiments, within the third preset time, the magnetic attraction component can maintain the magnetic adsorption effect on the first magnetic beads in the first treatment tank. The supernatant can refer to the transparent liquid above the sedimentation layer (for example, the first magnetic bead conjugate) in the processing box. Taking the first magnetic beads used to combine with impurities as an example, the first supernatant mainly includes the target biological substance to be extracted and a small amount of impurities.

[0100] Step 1905: Control the robotic arm device to transfer the first supernatant in the first processing tank to the second processing tank of the processing box, and add the second magnetic beads into the second processing tank.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first magnetic bead and the second magnetic bead are the same. For example, the second magnetic bead and the first magnetic bead have the same binding object. For example, the first magnetic bead and the second magnetic bead are both used to bind to impurities. In some embodiments, the second magnetic bead and the first magnetic bead are different. For example, the first magnetic bead is used to bind to impurities, and the second magnetic bead is used to bind to a target biological substance. In this embodiment, the second magnetic bead can be used to bind to a target biological substance. In some embodiments, before step 1905, steps 1903-1904 can be repeated one or more times (for example, twice) to fully remove impurities.

[0102] Step 1906: Control the mixing component to perform a second mixing process on the processing box.

[0103] In some embodiments, the second mixing process may refer to controlling the second driving motor to rotate at a third preset speed for a fourth preset time, so that the second magnetic beads are fully combined with the target biological substance.

[0104] Step 1907: Control the magnetic attraction component to perform a second magnetic attraction treatment on the second magnetic beads in the second treatment tank.

[0105] In some embodiments, the second magnetic attraction treatment can be achieved by controlling the first drive motor to control the second magnet to extend out of the upper side of the mixing table, and using the magnetic force of the second magnet to adsorb the second magnetic beads bound to the target biological substance on the side wall of the second treatment tank and let it stand for a fifth preset time. In some embodiments, the fifth preset time can be the time when the extraction device stops operating. In some embodiments, the fifth preset time can be manually set according to the extraction and purification process flow or a default setting in the extraction device. In some embodiments, during the fifth preset time, the magnetic attraction component can maintain its magnetic attraction effect on the second magnetic beads in the second treatment tank.

[0106] Step 1908: Control the robotic arm device to remove the second supernatant in the second processing tank and retain the adsorbed second magnetic beads.

[0107] In some embodiments, when the second magnetic beads are used to bind to the target biological substance, the second supernatant in the second processing tank can be regarded as waste liquid.

[0108] Step 1909: perform elution treatment on the second magnetic beads, and control the robotic arm device to collect the third supernatant in the second processing tank.

[0109] In some embodiments, eluting the second magnetic beads and controlling the robotic arm to collect the third supernatant in the second processing tank can include the following steps: Step a: Controlling the magnetic assembly to retract the second magnet to the upper side of the mixing table, and controlling the robotic arm to add a second reagent to the second processing tank. The second reagent can be used to elute the target biological substance from the second magnetic beads. Step b: Controlling the mixing assembly to drive the processing box to perform a third mixing process. The third mixing process can be similar in principle to the first or second mixing process and will not be described in detail here. Step c: Controlling the magnetic assembly to magnetically attract the second magnetic beads in the second processing tank and allowing them to stand for a sixth preset time. The third magnetic attraction process can be similar in principle to the first or second magnetic attraction process and will not be described in detail here. Step d: Controlling the robotic arm to collect the third supernatant in the second processing tank. In some embodiments, after the addition of the second reagent, the second magnetic beads separate from the second magnetic bead-conjugate (e.g., the target biological substance), and thus the third supernatant can be considered the target biological substance to be removed and / or purified. In some embodiments, the sixth preset time can be the time when the extraction device stops operating. In some embodiments, the sixth preset time can be manually set according to the extraction and purification process or a default setting in the extraction device. In some embodiments, during the sixth preset time, the second magnet can maintain the magnetic attraction effect on the second magnetic beads in the second processing tank.

[0110] In some embodiments, before step a, steps 1905-1908 may be repeated one or more times (eg, twice) to sufficiently remove impurities.

[0111] In some embodiments, before performing the absorption, transfer, addition, and removal of liquids, magnetic beads, and / or reagents, the robotic arm device can be controlled to mate with the gun head. As an example only, when performing a liquid aspiration operation, the following steps can be included: after assembling the gun head, control the first guide motor to move the operating arm along the X-axis direction (i.e., the second direction) and / or control the second guide motor to move the operating arm along the Y-axis direction (i.e., the first direction) to the position where the liquid aspiration operation needs to be performed. Make the head of the gun head be located above this position. Control the lifting motor to move the operating arm downward along the Z-axis direction (i.e., the third direction) until the gun head contacts the solution, and control the liquid pump to perform the liquid aspiration operation.

[0112] In some embodiments, assembling the gun tip may include: controlling the first guide motor to move the operating arm along the X-axis (i.e., the second direction) and / or controlling the second guide motor to move the operating arm along the Y-axis (i.e., the first direction) to the gun tip box, so that the operating arm is positioned above the gun tip to be assembled; controlling the lifting motor to move the operating arm downward along the Z-axis (i.e., the third direction) until the suction head of the operating arm contacts and seals the tail of the gun tip; and moving the operating arm upward along the Z-axis (i.e., the third direction) to remove the head of the gun tip from the gun tip box.

[0113] In some embodiments, when performing a liquid discharge operation, the liquid discharge step includes: controlling the first guide motor to move the operating arm along the X-axis direction (i.e., the second direction) and / or controlling the second guide motor to move the operating arm along the Y-axis direction (i.e., the first direction) to a position where the liquid discharge operation is required, so that the operating arm is above the position; controlling the lifting motor to move the operating arm downward along the Z-axis direction (i.e., the third direction) until the tip of the gun tip contacts the solution; and controlling the liquid pump to achieve the liquid discharge operation.

[0114] In some embodiments, when the first magnetic beads are used to bind to the target biological substance, the first supernatant is a waste liquid. The method of using the extraction device may also include: controlling the robotic arm device to remove the first supernatant in the first treatment tank and retain the adsorbed first magnetic beads, and then controlling the magnetic attraction component to stop magnetic attraction. Controlling the robotic arm device to add a fourth reagent to the first treatment tank for eluting the target biological substance from the first magnetic beads. Controlling the mixing component to drive the first treatment tank to perform mixing treatment. Controlling the magnetic attraction component to perform magnetic attraction treatment on the mixed liquid in the first treatment tank. Controlling the robotic arm device to collect the fourth supernatant in the first treatment tank, which is the target biological substance to be extracted and / or purified.

[0115] The beneficial effects of the extraction device and the control method of the extraction device provided in this specification may include but are not limited to: (1) the sample processing device of the extraction device provided in this specification can adsorb the magnetic beads combined with impurities or target biological substances in the sample, thereby facilitating the separation of the impurities or target biological substances from the solution through the robotic arm device. In addition, the extraction device can also mix the reagents and / or magnetic beads added to the sample, thereby improving the efficiency and effect of extracting and / or purifying the target biological substances; (2) since the operating arm of the present specification can not only move on the horizontal plane along the first guide rail and the second guide rail, but also extend and retract in the direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane, the operating arm can (3) By setting a magnetic drive component, when the biological material does not need to be magnetically treated, the magnet can be controlled to retract to the upper side of the magnetic mixing mechanism, and when the biological material needs to be magnetically treated, the magnet can be controlled to extend to the upper side of the magnetic mixing mechanism, so that the processing device can meet the various needs of different steps of biological material extraction and / or purification, thereby improving applicability; (4) In order to avoid affecting the biological material in the other group of processing tanks, at the same time, only one group of processing tanks in the two groups of processing tanks is used to process samples.

[0116] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this specification and is not intended to limit this specification. Any modifications, equivalent replacements and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this specification should be included in the scope of protection of this specification.

Claims

1. A sample extraction device, characterized in that: include: A sample processing device, the sample processing device comprising a magnetic mixing mechanism for performing mixing and magnetic processing on the sample; A mechanical arm device, the mechanical arm device comprising a guide rail group and an operating arm movable along the guide rail group, the guide rail group comprising a first guide rail and a second guide rail perpendicular to each other on a horizontal plane, and the operating arm movable in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane; The consumables assembly, the operating arm can move along the guide rail group between the sample processing device and the consumables assembly.

2. The extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that The extraction device further comprises a mixing mechanism, and the consumable component comprises a sample preprocessing box and a magnetic bead storage box, and the sample preprocessing box and the magnetic bead storage box are arranged on the mixing mechanism.

3. The extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that The sample processing device further comprises a processing box, wherein the processing box comprises two groups of processing tank samples.

4. The extraction device according to claim 3, characterized in that The magnetic attraction mixing mechanism comprises a mixing component and a magnetic attraction component. The magnetic attraction component comprises a magnet. The magnet is arranged on at least one side of the mixing component. The processing box is arranged on the mixing component.

5. The extraction device according to claim 4, characterized in that The magnet comprises a first magnet and a second magnet, wherein the first magnet and the second magnet are respectively arranged on two sides of the mixing component and are respectively located on the sides of the two groups of processing tanks that are away from each other.

6. The extraction device according to claim 4, characterized in that The magnetic attraction component also includes a magnet driving component, which includes a first driving motor, a screw rod and a connecting rod structure. The screw rod is drivingly connected to the first driving motor, one end of the connecting rod structure is connected to the screw rod, and the other end of the connecting rod structure is connected to the magnet. The magnet extends out or retracts to the upper side of the magnetic attraction mixing mechanism under the drive of the first driving motor.

7. The extraction device according to claim 4, characterized in that The mixing component includes a second drive motor and a mixing table. The mixing table includes an eccentric shaft. The second drive motor is drivingly connected to the eccentric shaft.

8. The extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that The number of the sample processing devices includes one or more.

9. The extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that The consumables assembly further includes a reagent kit and a gun tip box. The reagent kit includes one or more cavities for accommodating reagents, and the gun tip box includes one or more gun tips.

10. The extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that The number of the first guide rails includes two, the two first guide rails are arranged opposite to each other, and the second guide rail is arranged between the two first guide rails.

11. The extraction device according to claim 10, characterized in that The robotic arm device also includes a first synchronous belt, a first pulley and a first guide rail motor. The first synchronous belt is arranged along the first guide rail. The first pulley is fixed to one end of the first synchronous belt. The first guide rail motor drives the first pulley to rotate. The first pulley drives the first synchronous belt to move. The second guide rail can move in a direction perpendicular to the first guide rail under the drive of the first synchronous belt.

12. The extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that The robotic arm device also includes a second synchronous belt, a second pulley and a second guide rail motor, the second guide rail motor is arranged on the operating arm, the second synchronous belt is arranged along the second guide rail, the second pulley is fixed on the operating arm and is movable along the second synchronous belt, the second guide rail motor drives the second pulley to rotate so that the second pulley moves along the second synchronous belt, and the operating arm moves along the second guide rail with the second pulley.

13. The extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that The mechanical arm device also includes a lifting motor and a lifting screw, the operating arm is connected to the lifting screw, the lifting motor drives the lifting screw to move, and drives the operating arm to perform lifting movement.

14. The extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first guide rail and the second guide rail are respectively provided with position sensors.

15. The extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that The extraction device further comprises a waste liquid box, wherein the waste liquid box is provided with a waste liquid discharge channel.

16. The extraction device according to claim 1, characterized in that The consumables assembly further includes a target biological substance storage box.

17. A method for using an extraction device, characterized in that: The method of use includes: Controlling the robotic arm device to add the sample into the first processing tank of the processing box, and adding the first reagent into the first processing tank; Controlling the mixing component to perform a first mixing process on the processing box; Controlling the robotic arm device to add the first magnetic beads into the first processing tank; Controlling the magnetic attraction component to perform a first magnetic attraction treatment on the first magnetic beads in the first treatment tank; Controlling the robot arm device to transfer the first supernatant in the first processing tank to the second processing tank of the processing box, and adding the second magnetic beads into the second processing tank; Controlling the mixing component to perform a second mixing process on the processing box; Controlling the magnetic attraction component to perform a second magnetic attraction treatment on the second magnetic beads in the second treatment tank; Controlling the robotic arm device to remove the second supernatant in the second processing tank and retain the adsorbed second magnetic beads; The second magnetic beads are eluted, and the robotic arm device is controlled to collect the third supernatant in the second processing tank.

18. The method of use according to claim 17, characterized in that: The controlling the mixing component to perform a first mixing process on the processing box includes: controlling the second driving motor to rotate at a first preset speed for a first preset time, so that the first reagent and the sample are mixed.

19. The method of use according to claim 18, characterized in that: The first reagent may include a first sub-reagent and a second sub-reagent, the first preset rotation speed may include a first sub-preset rotation speed and a second sub-preset rotation speed, and the first preset time may include a first sub-preset time and a second sub-preset time; The controlling the second driving motor to rotate at a first preset speed for a first preset time so as to mix the first reagent with the sample comprises: Adding the first sub-reagent, and controlling the second driving motor to rotate the first sub-reagent at the first sub-preset speed for the first sub-preset time to mix the first sub-reagent with the sample; When the first preset time is over, the second sub-reagent is added, and the second driving motor is controlled to rotate at the second sub-preset speed for the second sub-preset time to mix the second sub-reagent with the sample mixed with the first sub-reagent.

20. The method of use according to claim 17, characterized in that: The controlling the robot arm device to add the first magnetic beads into the first processing tank comprises: The second driving motor is controlled to rotate at a second preset speed for a second preset time so that the first magnetic beads are combined with impurities.

21. The method of use according to claim 17, characterized in that: The controlling the magnetic attraction component to perform the first magnetic attraction treatment on the first magnetic beads in the first treatment tank comprises: The first driving motor is controlled to make the first magnet extend out of the upper side of the mixing table, and the first magnetic beads are adsorbed on the side wall of the first processing tank by the magnetic force of the first magnet and left to stand for a third preset time.

22. The method of use according to claim 17, characterized in that: The controlling the mixing component to perform a second mixing process on the processing box comprises: The second driving motor is controlled to rotate at a third preset speed for a fourth preset time, so that the second magnetic beads are combined with the target biological substance.

23. The method of use according to claim 17, characterized in that: The controlling the magnetic attraction component to perform a second magnetic attraction treatment on the second magnetic beads in the second treatment tank comprises: The first driving motor is controlled to extend the second magnet out of the upper side of the mixing table, and the second magnetic beads combined with the target biological substance are adsorbed on the side wall of the second processing tank by the magnetic force of the second magnet and left to stand for a fifth preset time.

24. The method of use according to claim 17, characterized in that: The step of eluting the second magnetic beads and controlling the robotic arm device to collect the third supernatant in the second treatment tank comprises: Controlling the magnetic attraction assembly to retract the second magnet to the upper side of the mixing platform, and controlling the robotic arm device to add a second reagent into the second processing tank, wherein the second reagent can be used to elute the target biological substance from the second magnetic beads; Controlling the mixing component to perform a third mixing process on the processing box; Controlling the magnetic attraction component to perform a third magnetic attraction treatment on the second magnetic beads in the second treatment tank and leaving the second magnetic beads to stand for a sixth preset time; The robot arm device is controlled to collect the third supernatant in the second processing tank.

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