Automatic workstation and processing method

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of experimental operation, and discloses an automatic workstation and a processing method. Comprising a base; the refrigeration module is arranged on the base and comprises a refrigeration groove position for storing the centrifugal bottle; the liquid separation balancing equipment is arranged on the base and comprises a weighing groove position corresponding to the refrigeration groove position in specification and provided with a weighing sensor at the bottom and a mechanical arm arranged beside the weighing groove position and provided with a liquid suction mechanism, and the liquid suction mechanism is used for balancing and resuspending the target centrifugal bottle; the centrifugal equipment, the uncovering equipment, the cell disruption equipment and the liquid pouring equipment are respectively arranged on the base; and the manipulator is used for transferring the centrifugal bottle among the refrigeration module, the liquid separation balancing equipment, the centrifugal equipment, the uncovering equipment, the cell disruption equipment and the liquid pouring equipment. The problems that in the experiment operation, the fusion degree between different working procedures is low, the working procedures are relatively independent, the number of times of transferring samples between different devices is large, and the automation level and the experiment efficiency are reduced are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of experimental operation, and in particular to an automated workstation and a processing method. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, the automated operation equipment includes a base, a manipulator is provided on the upper surface of the base, and a cell disruptor, a horizontal rotor centrifuge, a high-speed angular rotor centrifuge, a lid opener, a liquid pouring instrument, an electronic scale and a mixer are provided on the upper surface of the base and around the manipulator. In specific operation, the liquid separation instrument divides the culture solution into 12 centrifuge bottles with a volume of 50 mL, and then covers them one by one, and sends these 12 centrifuge bottles to the horizontal rotor centrifuge for centrifugation. After centrifugation, the lids are opened one by one, and then the supernatant is poured out one by one, and then the suspension is added to the first centrifuge bottle, and after resuspension, it is poured into the second centrifuge bottle, and the concentration of one tube is greater than that of the previous tube, and so on, until all the bacteria are resuspended in the 12th centrifuge bottle, and then the centrifuge bottle is sent to crush the cells, and then the centrifuge bottle containing the crushed cells is sent to high-speed centrifugation, and then the supernatant containing the target protein is obtained by pouring. It can be seen that the steps before crushing are extremely inefficient, and the degree of integration between different processes is low. Each process is relatively independent, resulting in a large number of sample transfers between different devices, which reduces the level of automation and experimental efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides an automated workstation to solve the problem that in experimental operations, the steps before crushing are extremely inefficient and the degree of integration between different processes is low, and each process is relatively independent, resulting in a large number of sample transfers between different devices, thereby reducing the level of automation and experimental efficiency.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an automated workstation, comprising:

[0005] Pedestal;

[0006] A refrigeration module is arranged on the base and includes a refrigeration slot for storing centrifuge bottles;

[0007] The liquid dispensing and balancing device is arranged on the base, including a weighing slot corresponding to the specifications of the refrigeration slot and provided with a weighing sensor at the bottom, and a mechanical arm provided beside the weighing slot and provided with a liquid suction mechanism, wherein the liquid suction mechanism is used to balance and resuspend the target centrifuge bottle;

[0008] A centrifugal device, a lid opening device, a cell disrupting device and a liquid pouring device are respectively arranged on the base;

[0009] A manipulator is used to transfer the centrifuge bottle between the refrigeration module, the liquid separation and balancing device, the centrifugal device, the cover opening device, the cell disruption device and the liquid pouring device.

[0010] Beneficial effect: By setting a weighing sensor in the weighing slot, the centrifuge bottle is placed in the weighing slot to provide storage space for the centrifuge bottle on the one hand, and can be weighed automatically on the other hand. According to the weighing data, the centrifuge bottle is balanced by the suction liquid mechanism of the liquid separation and leveling equipment to ensure that the weight of the centrifuge bottle placed in the centrifuge is consistent, thereby ensuring the balance during the centrifugation process, which is crucial to improving the centrifugal efficiency and separation effect.

[0011] Moreover, the liquid aspiration mechanism can also add a resuspension liquid to the concentrate obtained after the previous centrifugation of the centrifuge bottle and repeatedly aspirate to mix it, so that the concentrate is resuspended in the resuspension liquid. It can be seen that weighing, balancing and resuspension are all performed on the liquid dispensing and balancing equipment, which realizes that operations that previously required three devices can now be achieved with only one device, realizing the integration of multiple processes, which helps to improve the efficiency of the steps before crushing and the automation level and experimental efficiency of the entire workstation. Automated operation reduces the number of times samples are transferred between different devices, reducing the risk of sample loss and cross-contamination. By integrating weighing, balancing and resuspension into one liquid dispensing and balancing equipment, the experimental process is simplified and the need for multiple independent devices is reduced, thereby reducing laboratory space occupancy and equipment maintenance costs.

[0012] Furthermore, since the reliance on multiple devices is reduced, the cost of purchasing, maintaining and operating multiple devices can be saved. The integrated operation reduces the time and manual operation of transferring samples between different devices, significantly improving the work efficiency of the experiment. The automated weighing, balancing and resuspension process reduces the error of manual operation and improves the consistency and repeatability of the experiment.

[0013] In addition, the refrigeration module provides a stable low-temperature environment for the centrifuge bottle, which is particularly important for biochemical experiments that need to be performed at a specific temperature, and helps to improve the stability and reliability of the experimental results. The use of the manipulator allows the centrifuge bottle to be flexibly transferred between different devices, improving the flexibility of sample processing. Through integrated design and automated operation, the automated workstation not only improves the efficiency and safety of the experiment, but also ensures the accuracy and reliability of the experimental results, while saving space and cost and improving the automation level of the experiment.

[0014] In an optional implementation, the weighing sensor is protruding from the bottom surface of the weighing slot.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the weighing sensor corresponds one-to-one to the centrifuge bottle arranged in the weighing slot.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the weighing slots include a first slot for placing a large-capacity centrifuge bottle and a second slot for placing a small-capacity centrifuge bottle.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, a plurality of the first slots are arranged at intervals, and a weighing sensor is correspondingly arranged on the bottom surface of each of the first slots.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the liquid separation and balancing device further comprises a tube rack slot and a tube rack arranged on the tube rack slot, and the tube rack is provided with a plurality of insertion holes for placing centrifuge bottles at intervals.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the second slot is used to place the pipe rack, and the bottom surface of the second slot is provided with a plurality of weighing sensors corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of jacks.

[0020] In an optional implementation, the second slot is arranged side by side with the pipe rack slot.

[0021] In an optional embodiment, the liquid separation and balancing device further comprises a cleaning tank, which is arranged side by side with the pipe rack slot and is arranged on a side of the pipe rack slot away from the second slot.

[0022] In an optional embodiment, the liquid separation and balancing equipment further includes a workbench, and the weighing slot, the robotic arm, the cleaning slot and the pipe rack slot are all arranged on the workbench.

[0023] In an optional embodiment, a refrigeration component is provided in the workbench.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, the liquid suction mechanism is movably disposed on the robotic arm.

[0025] In an optional embodiment, the liquid aspirating mechanism includes a dispensing needle or a pipette and a pump group connected to the dispensing needle or the pipette via a pipeline.

[0026] In an optional embodiment, the dispensing needle or pipette includes one or more, and a plurality of the dispensing needles or pipettes are arranged side by side on the robotic arm.

[0027] In an optional embodiment, the refrigeration module is arranged adjacent to the liquid separation and balancing device.

[0028] In an optional embodiment, the refrigeration slots include a third slot for placing a large-capacity centrifuge bottle and a fourth slot for placing a small-capacity centrifuge bottle.

[0029] In an optional embodiment, the third slot is provided in plurality and the plurality of the third slots are arranged in a row, the fourth slot is provided in plurality and the plurality of the fourth slots are arranged in a row, and the third slot and the fourth slot are arranged side by side.

[0030] In an optional embodiment, the refrigeration module further includes a bottle cap storage position for storing bottle caps, and the bottle cap storage position is arranged side by side with the refrigeration slot.

[0031] In an optional embodiment, the liquid dumping device includes a dumping arm and at least one collecting trough provided on one side of the dumping arm and a drainage trough for collecting waste liquid.

[0032] In an optional embodiment, an air drying module is provided on the inlet and outlet sides of the cell disruption device.

[0033] In an optional embodiment, the centrifugal device includes a first rotor centrifuge for low-speed centrifugation and a second rotor centrifuge for high-speed centrifugation.

[0034] In an optional embodiment, the manipulator is a central manipulator, which is disposed on the base, and the refrigeration module, the liquid separation and balancing device, the centrifugal device, the lid opening device, the liquid pouring device and the cell disruption device are arranged around the central manipulator.

[0035] In an optional embodiment, the manipulator is a Cartesian coordinate system manipulator, and the Cartesian coordinate system manipulator is arranged outside the base.

[0036] In an optional embodiment, the automated workstation further includes an operating room covered outside the base, and the operating room is provided with a communication interface.

[0037] In an optional embodiment, it also includes a main control module, which is electrically connected to the refrigeration module, the liquid separation and balancing device, the centrifugal device, the cover opening device, the liquid pouring device and the cell disruption device respectively.

[0038] In a second aspect, the present invention further provides a processing method for an automated workstation, comprising:

[0039] The prepared test solution is divided into a plurality of centrifuge bottles and stored in the refrigeration slots of the refrigeration module;

[0040] Use a manipulator to clamp the centrifuge bottle to the weighing slot of the liquid separation and balancing equipment for weighing and balancing;

[0041] The balanced centrifuge bottle is capped and transferred to a centrifuge device for centrifugation to obtain a concentrate and a supernatant that settle to the bottom of the centrifuge bottle;

[0042] Open the cap of the centrifugal bottle after centrifugation and transfer it to a liquid pouring device, and use the liquid pouring device to pour out the supernatant of the centrifugal bottle;

[0043] The centrifuge bottle is transferred to the weighing slot of the liquid dispensing and leveling device again, and the resuspension liquid is added to the centrifuge bottle by using the liquid suction mechanism and repeatedly sucked to mix the concentrate and the resuspension liquid;

[0044] The mixed resuspension is leveled and transferred to a cell disruption device for disruption;

[0045] The crushed centrifuge bottle is capped and transferred to a centrifugal device for centrifugation to obtain a supernatant containing the target substance.

[0046] Beneficial effects: The automated workflow reduces manual operations, saves time, and improves the efficiency of handling test solutions. Use manipulators and weighing sensors for precise weighing and balancing to ensure balance during the centrifugation process, improve centrifugal efficiency and separation effects. Automated operations reduce the number of times samples are transferred between different devices and reduce the risk of sample loss. Weighing, balancing, and resuspension are all performed on the liquid dispensing and balancing device, which enables operations that previously required three devices to be performed with only one device, helping to improve the automation level of the entire workstation. Automated operations reduce the number of times samples are transferred between different devices and reduce the risk of sample loss and cross-contamination. By integrating weighing, balancing, and resuspension on a liquid dispensing and balancing device, the experimental process is simplified and the need for multiple independent devices is reduced, thereby reducing laboratory space occupancy and equipment maintenance costs.

[0047] In an optional embodiment, the above steps further include:

[0048] The prepared test solution is divided into a plurality of large-capacity centrifuge bottles and stored in the refrigeration slots of the refrigeration module;

[0049] Use a manipulator to pick up a large-capacity centrifuge bottle and place it in the weighing slot of the liquid separation and balancing equipment for weighing and balancing;

[0050] The balanced large-capacity centrifuge bottle is capped and transferred to a centrifuge device for low-speed centrifugation to obtain a concentrate and a supernatant that settle to the bottom of the centrifuge bottle;

[0051] Opening the cap of the large-capacity centrifuge bottle after centrifugation and transferring it to a liquid pouring device, and using the liquid pouring device to pour out the supernatant of the large-capacity centrifuge bottle;

[0052] The large-capacity centrifuge bottle is transferred to the weighing slot of the liquid dispensing and leveling device again, and the resuspension liquid is added to the large-capacity centrifuge bottle by using the liquid suction mechanism, and the liquid suction mechanism is used to repeatedly suck so that the concentrate and the resuspension liquid are mixed evenly;

[0053] The mixed resuspension is divided into a plurality of small-volume centrifuge bottles and balanced, and the small-volume centrifuge bottles are transferred to a cell disruption device for disruption;

[0054] The small-volume centrifuge bottle after the crushing process is capped and transferred to another centrifugal device for high-speed centrifugation to obtain a supernatant containing the target substance.

[0055] Beneficial effect: The existing solution is to divide the test solution into several small-capacity centrifuge bottles for balancing and subsequent centrifugation, and then resuspend it in a small-capacity centrifuge bottle, resulting in low efficiency. This solution directly puts the test solution into a large-capacity centrifuge bottle for balancing and subsequent centrifugation, and then resuspends the concentrate obtained by centrifugation and divides it into multiple small-capacity centrifuge bottles, which highlights that large-volume liquids use large-capacity containers and small-volume liquids use small-volume containers, rather than dividing large-volume liquids into multiple small-volume containers for separate processing, which greatly improves efficiency.

[0056] In an optional embodiment, in the step of dispensing the mixed resuspension into a plurality of small-capacity centrifuge bottles and balancing them, the liquid aspirating mechanism is cleaned inside and outside after each dispensing into a small-capacity centrifuge bottle.

[0057] In an optional embodiment, in the step of dividing the mixed resuspension into multiple small-capacity centrifuge bottles and balancing them, and transferring the small-capacity centrifuge bottles to a cell disruption device for disruption, the multiple small-capacity centrifuge bottles are placed on a tube rack for balancing, and the tube rack containing the multiple small-capacity centrifuge bottles is clamped and placed in the cell disruption device for synchronous disruption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the specific implementation methods or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementation methods of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0059] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automated workstation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The top view shown;

[0061] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Exploded view shown;

[0062] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid dispensing and balancing device;

[0063] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle pipe rack;

[0064] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the liquid pouring device;

[0065] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the cover opening device in FIG.

[0066] Figure 8 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle wind dry module;

[0067] Fig. 9 The present invention is a flowchart of an automated workstation processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Description of reference numerals:

[0069] 1. Base; 2. Refrigeration module; 21. Third slot; 22. Fourth slot; 23. Bottle cap storage; 3. Liquid dispensing and balancing equipment; 31. First slot; 32. Second slot; 33. Weighing sensor; 34. Robotic arm; 35. Liquid suction mechanism; 36. Pipe rack slot; 37. Pipe rack; 371. Socket; 38. Cleaning tank; 39. Workbench; 4. Centrifugal equipment; 41. First rotor centrifuge; 42. Second rotor Centrifuge; 5. Cap opening device; 51. Tray; 511. Temporary storage position for bottle caps; 52. Rotating clamp; 53. Clamping mechanism; 531. Clamping plate; 5311. Concave arc surface; 6. Cell disruption device; 7. Liquid pouring device; 71. Pour arm; 72. Pour arm groove; 73. Collection slot; 74. Drainage slot; 8. Air drying module; 81. Hollow cylindrical cover; 82. Fan; 9. Manipulator; 10. Small capacity centrifuge bottle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0071] Combine the following Figures 1 to 9 , describing an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present invention, on the one hand, Figures 1 to 3As shown, the present invention provides an automated workstation, which mainly includes a base 1 and a refrigeration module 2 arranged on the base 1, a liquid separation and balancing device 3, a centrifugal device 4, a cover opening device 5, a cell disruption device 6 and a liquid pouring device 7.

[0073] Specifically, the refrigeration module 2 includes refrigeration slots for storing centrifuge bottles.

[0074] Specifically, the liquid distribution and balancing device 3 includes a weighing slot corresponding to the specifications of the refrigeration slot and having a weighing sensor 33 at the bottom, and a mechanical arm 34 arranged next to the weighing slot and having a liquid suction mechanism 35, and the liquid suction mechanism 35 is used to balance and resuspend the target centrifuge bottle. It is understandable that the liquid suction mechanism 35 can suck and discharge liquid for balancing, or repeatedly suck liquid to achieve resuspending. The refrigeration module 2 mainly provides a low temperature environment for the centrifuge bottle placed thereon.

[0075] It can be understood that the weighing slots correspond to the specifications of the refrigeration slots, which means that, for example, if the refrigeration slot has slots of 500mL and 50mL, the weighing slot also has slots of 500mL and 50mL. With this arrangement, centrifuge bottles of any specifications in the refrigeration slot can be moved to the weighing slot for balancing and have corresponding placement positions.

[0076] Specifically, the weighing slot and the refrigeration slot are both groove structures, which facilitates the centrifuge bottle to be placed in the groove structure for stable placement.

[0077] The automated workstation also includes a manipulator 9, which is used to transfer the centrifuge bottle between the refrigeration module 2, the liquid separation and balancing device 3, the centrifugation device 4, the lid opening device 5, the cell disruption device 6 and the liquid pouring device 7 to perform operations such as balancing, centrifugation, lid opening and closing, cell disruption and liquid pouring.

[0078] In this embodiment, a weighing sensor 33 is arranged at the weighing slot. After the centrifuge bottle is placed in the weighing slot, on the one hand, a storage space is provided for the centrifuge bottle, and on the other hand, it can be automatically weighed. According to the weighing data, the centrifuge bottle is balanced by the suction liquid mechanism 35 of the liquid separation and leveling device 3 to ensure that the weight of the centrifuge bottle placed in the centrifuge is consistent, thereby ensuring the balance during the centrifugation process, which is very important for improving the centrifugal efficiency and separation effect.

[0079] Moreover, the liquid suction mechanism 35 can also add a heavy suspension to the concentrate obtained after the centrifugation in the previous step of the centrifuge bottle and repeatedly suction to mix it, so that the concentrate is resuspended in the heavy suspension. It can be seen that weighing, balancing and resuspension are all performed on the liquid separation and balancing device 3, which realizes that operations that previously required three devices can now be achieved with only one device, realizing the integration of multiple processes, which helps to improve the efficiency of the steps before crushing and the automation level and experimental efficiency of the entire workstation. Automated operation reduces the number of times samples are transferred between different devices, reducing the risk of sample loss and cross-contamination. By integrating weighing, balancing and resuspension into a liquid separation and balancing device 3, the experimental process is simplified, the need for multiple independent devices is reduced, and the space occupancy and equipment maintenance costs of the laboratory are reduced.

[0080] Furthermore, since the reliance on multiple devices is reduced, the cost of purchasing, maintaining and operating multiple devices can be saved. The integrated operation reduces the time and manual operation of transferring samples between different devices, significantly improving the work efficiency of the experiment. The automated weighing, balancing and resuspension process reduces the error of manual operation and improves the consistency and repeatability of the experiment.

[0081] In addition, the refrigeration module 2 provides a stable low-temperature environment for the centrifuge bottle, which is particularly important for biochemical experiments that need to be performed at a specific temperature, and helps to improve the stability and reliability of the experimental results. The use of the manipulator 9 allows the centrifuge bottle to be flexibly transferred between different devices, thereby improving the flexibility of sample processing. Through integrated design and automated operation, the automated workstation not only improves the efficiency and safety of the experiment, but also ensures the accuracy and reliability of the experimental results, while saving space and cost and improving the automation level of the experiment.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the experimenter stands in front of the automated workstation, the side of the base 1 close to the experimenter is the front side, and the side away from the experimenter is the back side. Since the refrigeration module 2 is used to place the pre-prepared test solution, in order to facilitate the placement of the experimenter, the refrigeration module 2 is preferably set on the base 1 near the front and to the right. In order to facilitate the subsequent weighing and balancing steps, the liquid separation and balancing device 3 is preferably set on the base 1 next to the refrigeration module 2, and the two are arranged adjacent to each other. The centrifugal device 4 and the cell disruption device 6 are preferably set on the base 1 near the back side, the air-drying module 8 is set at the inlet and outlet of the cell disruption device 6, the lid opening device 5 and the liquid pouring device 7 are preferably set on the left side of the base 1, and together with the refrigeration module 2 and the liquid separation and balancing device 3, they surround the base 1. The manipulator 9 is preferably set in the middle of the base 1 to facilitate the movement of the manipulator 9 between the modules. The layout diagram can be referred to. Figure 2 shown.

[0083] In a specific embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, the weighing sensor 33 is convexly arranged on the bottom surface of the weighing slot, so that after the centrifuge bottle is inserted into the weighing slot, the bottom of the bottle can directly contact the weighing sensor 33, thereby conveniently weighing the weight of the centrifuge bottle.

[0084] In a specific embodiment, the weighing sensor 33 corresponds one-to-one to the centrifuge bottle set in the weighing slot, that is, if a weighing slot can only hold one centrifuge bottle, then the weighing slot is only provided with one weighing sensor 33; if the weighing slot can hold multiple centrifuge bottles, then the weighing slot is provided with multiple weighing sensors 33 to ensure that each centrifuge bottle can be weighed.

[0085] In order to accommodate centrifuge bottles of different specifications, in a specific embodiment, the weighing slots include a first slot 31 for placing a large-capacity centrifuge bottle and a second slot 32 for placing a small-capacity centrifuge bottle 10 .

[0086] In a specific embodiment, a plurality of first slots 31 are arranged at intervals. Since large-capacity centrifuge bottles occupy a large volume, each first slot 31 is suitable for placing a large-capacity centrifuge bottle (not shown in the figure). Therefore, a weighing sensor 33 is correspondingly provided on the bottom surface of each first slot 31 for weighing the corresponding large-capacity centrifuge bottle.

[0087] In a specific embodiment, the liquid dispensing and balancing device 3 further includes a pipe rack slot 36 and a pipe rack 37 disposed on the pipe rack slot 36. Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of insertion holes 371 for placing centrifuge bottles are provided at intervals on the tube rack 37. By providing the tube rack 37, a plurality of centrifuge bottles can be placed at one time, and the plurality of centrifuge bottles can be conveniently transferred together with the tube rack 37.

[0088] In a specific embodiment, the tube rack 37 is generally square in shape as a whole, and the second slot 32 is also set to a matching square. The depth of the second slot 32 is less than the height of the tube rack 37. The tube rack 37 is placed in the second slot 32 and partially located outside the second slot 32, which is convenient for clamping the tube rack 37. The bottom surface of the second slot 32 is provided with multiple weighing sensors 33 corresponding to the multiple jacks 371, so that the centrifuge bottle can fall directly on the weighing sensor 33 after being inserted into the jack 371.

[0089] The tube rack 37 includes at least two layers of bottom plates and vertical plates arranged at both ends of the bottom plates. A plug hole 371 is arranged on the bottom plate. The size of the plug hole 371 is set according to the centrifuge bottle to be placed. The number of layers of the bottom plate is determined according to the height of the centrifuge bottle. The structure of the tube rack 37 belongs to the prior art and will not be described in detail here.

[0090] In a specific embodiment, Figure 4As shown, the second slot 32 and the tube rack slot 36 are arranged side by side, so that the tube rack 37 can be easily switched between the second slot 32 and the tube rack slot 36 according to experimental needs, and the moving distance is short and the time spent is less.

[0091] In a specific embodiment, the liquid dispensing and balancing device 3 also includes a cleaning tank 38 for cleaning the liquid suction mechanism 35. The cleaning tank 38 is arranged side by side with the tube rack slot 36 and is arranged on the side of the tube rack slot 36 away from the second slot 32. That is to say, the cleaning tank 38, the tube rack slot 36, and the second slot 32 are arranged in sequence and complement each other, which facilitates the tube rack 37 to move to the second slot 32, and also facilitates the liquid suction mechanism 35 located in the second slot 32 to move to the cleaning tank 38 for cleaning. The setting of the cleaning tank 38 not only improves the cleaning efficiency and quality, but also helps to save test solution, reduce operation time, and improve the repeatability and reliability of the experiment.

[0092] In a specific embodiment, the liquid dispensing and balancing device 3 also includes a workbench 39, and the weighing slot, the mechanical arm 34, the cleaning tank 38 and the pipe rack slot 36 are all arranged on the workbench 39, which is convenient for the integrated setting of the liquid dispensing and balancing device 3. All components are integrated on a workbench 39, making the operation more centralized and convenient, reducing the need to move samples and tools between different devices, and improving work efficiency. By integrating multiple functions on the workbench 39, the utilization of laboratory space is optimized, making the equipment layout more compact, and saving valuable laboratory space. The modular design of the equipment allows the table structure to be flexibly arranged as needed, and modules can be added or replaced according to experimental requirements.

[0093] In a specific embodiment, a refrigeration component is provided in the workbench 39, and the workbench can be assembled from multiple plates into a rectangular parallelepiped structure with a cavity. For example, a refrigeration component such as a semiconductor refrigeration sheet can be set in the cavity to cool the workbench. The refrigeration component can provide precise temperature control for the test solution or sample in the liquid separation and balancing process, which is crucial for biological experiments or chemical reactions that need to be performed at a specific temperature. For example, a semiconductor refrigeration module (thermoelectric module) can achieve high-precision temperature control (±0.05°C), which is very helpful for ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of the experiment.

[0094] In a specific embodiment, the liquid suction mechanism 35 is movably arranged on the mechanical arm 34. Such an arrangement can improve the flexibility, efficiency and accuracy of the test solution balancing, reduce human errors, and save manpower. The combination of the liquid suction mechanism 35 and the mechanical arm 34 makes the test solution absorption, transfer and release process more accurate, replaces the traditional pipetting tool, and automatically completes the tasks of high-precision balancing, resuspension, etc.

[0095] In a specific embodiment, the liquid aspiration mechanism 35 includes a dispensing needle or a pipette and a pump group connected to the dispensing needle or the pipette through a pipeline. The pump group provides power for the dispensing needle or the pipette to add liquid or aspirate liquid, and transports the liquid through the pipeline.

[0096] In a specific embodiment, the liquid dispensing needle or liquid transfer gun includes one or more. When one is provided, only one operation can be performed at a time. If multiple liquid dispensing needles or liquid transfer guns are used, multiple liquid dispensing needles or liquid transfer guns are arranged side by side on the mechanical arm 34. The liquid dispensing needles or liquid transfer guns arranged side by side can simultaneously process liquids of multiple centrifuge bottles, significantly improving the experimental efficiency. The liquid dispensing needles or liquid transfer guns arranged side by side can be configured differently according to the experimental requirements, providing higher flexibility and versatility.

[0097] In a specific embodiment, the refrigeration module 2 is disposed adjacent to the liquid separation and balancing device 3, so that the centrifuge bottles on the refrigeration module 2 can be quickly transferred to the weighing slot of the liquid separation and balancing device 3, thereby improving the transfer efficiency.

[0098] In a specific embodiment, the refrigeration slots include a third slot 21 for placing a large-capacity centrifuge bottle and a fourth slot 22 for placing a small-capacity centrifuge bottle 10, so as to accommodate the placement of centrifuge bottles of various specifications.

[0099] In a specific embodiment, a plurality of third slots 21 are provided, and the plurality of third slots 21 are arranged in a row, which can accommodate a plurality of large-capacity centrifuge bottles. A plurality of fourth slots 22 are provided, and the plurality of fourth slots 22 are arranged in a row, which can accommodate a plurality of small-capacity centrifuge bottles 10. The third slots 21 and the fourth slots 22 are arranged side by side to keep the various centrifuge bottles in order.

[0100] Before placing the centrifugal bottle in the refrigeration slot, the bottle cap is first removed. In a specific embodiment, the refrigeration module 2 further includes a bottle cap storage position 23 for storing the bottle cap. This arrangement can provide a storage position for the removed bottle cap, so that when the cap needs to be closed later, the bottle cap can be clamped from the bottle cap storage position 23 for closing the cap. Further, the bottle cap storage position 23 is arranged side by side with the refrigeration slot, that is, the bottle cap storage position 23 is arranged on one side of the refrigeration slot, which is convenient for taking and placing the bottle cap.

[0101] In a specific embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, the liquid pouring device 7 includes a pouring arm 71 and at least one collecting slot 73 and a drain trough 74 for collecting waste liquid, which are arranged on one side of the pouring arm 71. The pouring arm 71 is provided with a pouring arm groove 72 for supporting centrifuge bottles of different capacities, such as a 500mL centrifuge bottle and a 50mL centrifuge bottle, and the collecting slot 73 can be provided with two types, one for placing a 500mL centrifuge bottle and the other for placing a tube rack of a 50mL centrifuge bottle.

[0102] In a specific embodiment, an air-drying module 8 is provided on one side of the inlet and outlet of the cell disruption device 6. The cell disruption device 6 generally includes a shell for sound insulation, a refrigeration component, and a disruption component provided inside the shell for disrupting cells. Cell disruption can be performed using one of the following disruption schemes: inserting an ultrasonic probe into the sample for disruption; immersing the ultrasonic probe and the centrifuge bottle in the coolant at the same time to transmit ultrasonic energy through the coolant to disrupt the cells; injecting the sample into a high-pressure piston and then extruding it through a small hole at high speed for disruption. The above three disruption methods are commonly used cell disruption methods and will not be described in detail here. It should be noted that if the disruption components such as the ultrasonic probe and the high-pressure piston are in direct contact with the sample, corresponding cleaning components should also be provided to prevent cross-contamination of the sample.

[0103] Since the outer surface of the centrifuge bottle taken out from the housing has water droplets, it is easy to drip onto the base 1 or various devices during the movement, causing pollution. By arranging an air drying module 8 on the inlet and outlet side of the cell disruption device 6, the outer surface of the centrifuge bottle taken out from the liquid can be quickly air dried. Figure 8 As shown, the air drying module 8 includes a fan 82 for exhausting air below and a hollow cylindrical cover 81 on the table for surrounding the centrifuge bottle. The airflow generated by the fan 82 exhausting air takes away the cooling water used to cool the centrifuge bottle when the cells are broken.

[0104] In a specific embodiment, the centrifugal device 4 includes a first rotor centrifuge 41 for low-speed centrifugation and a second rotor centrifuge 42 for high-speed centrifugation. The first rotor centrifuge 41 can be a horizontal rotor centrifuge, which performs centrifugation at an acceleration of less than 4000g (usually 3000g is selected in practice), and the second rotor centrifuge 42 can be a high-speed angular rotor centrifuge, which performs centrifugation at an acceleration equivalent to more than 10000g (usually 12000g is selected).

[0105] Furthermore, the horizontal rotor centrifuge includes a hatch that can be opened automatically, a rotor that can be automatically positioned, and a component that can be refrigerated. During the centrifugation process, a suitable low temperature (e.g., 4°C) helps protect the protein from degradation. When the centrifuge bottle needs to be taken in and out, the hatch is opened, and the rotor rotates the corresponding rotor hanging basket to the bottom of the hatch with the assistance of the positioning mechanism, and the manipulator 9 completes the taking and placing of the centrifuge bottle through the hatch.

[0106] Accordingly, the high-speed angle rotor centrifuge includes a door that can be opened automatically, a rotor that can be positioned automatically, and a component that can be refrigerated. During the centrifugation process, a suitable low temperature (e.g., 4° C.) helps protect the protein from degradation. When it is necessary to take or place the centrifuge bottle, the door is opened, and the rotor is rotated to a specified angle with the assistance of the positioning mechanism, and the manipulator 9 then completes the taking or placing of the centrifuge bottle.

[0107] In a specific embodiment, the manipulator 9 is a central manipulator, which is arranged on the base 1, and the refrigeration module 2, the liquid separation and balancing device 3, the centrifugal device 4, the lid opening device 5, the liquid pouring device 7 and the cell disruption device 6 are arranged around the central manipulator. Therefore, each device is not far from the central manipulator, and the central manipulator is convenient and time-saving when moving the centrifugal bottle between various devices.

[0108] In another embodiment, the manipulator 9 can also be a Cartesian coordinate system manipulator, which can move along the six degrees of freedom of the X, Y, and Z axes. By setting the target point in the Cartesian coordinate system, the manipulator 9 can be accurately moved to a predetermined position to achieve precise control. In order to reduce the space occupied by the base 1, the Cartesian coordinate system manipulator is preferably arranged outside the base 1.

[0109] In a specific embodiment, the automated workstation further includes an operating room covered outside the base 1, thereby providing a relatively clean and closed environment for each device and the manipulator 9, etc., which can effectively prevent pollutants in the external environment from entering the interior of the device, and protect the precision instruments and mechanical components inside the automated workstation from environmental factors such as dust and humidity, thereby improving the reliability and durability of the equipment. In order to automatically control each device, the operating room is provided with a communication interface, so that the automated workstation can exchange data and communicate with an external system.

[0110] In a specific embodiment, a main control module (not shown) is also included, which can be a main control computer. The main control module is electrically connected to the refrigeration module 2, the liquid separation and balancing device 3, the centrifugal device 4, the lid opening device 5, the liquid pouring device 7 and the cell crushing device 6 respectively, and communicates with each other. The main control module can accurately control the working state of the refrigeration module 2, realize temperature regulation and maintain the required low temperature environment, which is crucial for biological experiments or chemical reactions that need to be performed at a specific temperature. The main control module can control the operation of the liquid separation and balancing device 3, including the distribution and balance of liquid, to ensure the accuracy and repeatability of liquid processing during the experiment. The main control module is allowed to control the speed and running time of the centrifugal device 4, which is necessary for separating samples or cell components of different densities. The main control module controls the lid opening device 5 by electrical connection, can automatically open and close the container cover, reduce manual operation, and improve the safety and efficiency of operation. The liquid pouring device 7 can be controlled to realize the automation of liquid pouring, reduce manual operation, reduce labor intensity, and avoid liquid cross flow and splashing. By electrically connecting and controlling the cell disruption device 6, cells can be accurately disrupted to release substances in the cells, which is very important for subsequent experimental analysis or bioengineering applications. The electrical connection between the main control module and these devices makes the operation of the entire automated workstation more integrated and automated, improves the accuracy, repeatability and efficiency of the experiment, and also enhances the safety of the operation.

[0111] According to an embodiment of the present invention, on the other hand, Fig. 9 As shown, a processing method of an automated workstation is also provided, comprising:

[0112] S10, packing the prepared test solution into a plurality of centrifuge bottles, and storing them in the refrigeration slot of the refrigeration module 2;

[0113] S20, using the manipulator 9 to clamp the centrifuge bottle to the weighing slot of the liquid separation and balancing device 3 for weighing and balancing;

[0114] S30, closing the cap of the balanced centrifuge bottle and transferring it to the centrifuge device 4 for centrifugation to obtain the concentrate and supernatant settled to the bottom of the centrifuge bottle;

[0115] S40, opening the centrifugal bottle after centrifugation and transferring it to the liquid pouring device 7, using the liquid pouring device 7 to pour out the supernatant of the centrifugal bottle;

[0116] S50, transferring the centrifuge bottle to the weighing slot of the liquid separation and balancing device 3 again, adding the resuspension liquid into the centrifuge bottle by using the liquid suction mechanism 35 and repeatedly suctioning to mix the concentrate with the resuspension liquid;

[0117] S60, leveling the mixed resuspension and transferring it to the cell disruption device 6 for disruption;

[0118] S70, capping the crushed centrifugal bottle and transferring it to the centrifugal device 4 for centrifugation to obtain a supernatant containing the target substance.

[0119] The steps of the above method can be further refined into the following aspects:

[0120] Test solution packaging

[0121] Prepare centrifuge bottles: Make sure the centrifuge bottles are clean, free of contamination, and fit into the cooling slots of cooling module 2.

[0122] Dispensing test solution: Use a dispenser or pipette to dispense the prepared test solution into multiple centrifuge bottles.

[0123] Storage refrigeration slot: Place the packed centrifuge bottles into the refrigeration slot of refrigeration module 2 and set a suitable temperature to maintain the stability of the test solution.

[0124] Weighing and Balancing

[0125] Robot 9 gripping: Start robot 9 and use the clamp to grip the centrifuge bottle.

[0126] Transfer to the weighing slot: Transfer the centrifuge bottle to the weighing slot of the dispensing and balancing device 3.

[0127] Weighing and balancing: Use the weighing function of the liquid dispensing and balancing device 3 to weigh the centrifuge bottle, and add or reduce the test liquid as needed to achieve balancing.

[0128] Centrifugal separation

[0129] Closing the cap: Close the cap of the balanced centrifuge bottle.

[0130] Transfer to the centrifugal device 4: Use the robot 9 to transfer the centrifugal bottle to the centrifugal device 4.

[0131] Centrifugal operation: Set the centrifugal speed and time, start the centrifugal device 4, and allow the sediment in the test solution to settle to the bottom of the centrifuge bottle, while separating the supernatant.

[0132] Pour off the supernatant

[0133] Opening the cap: Open the cap of the centrifuge bottle after centrifugation.

[0134] Transfer to decanting device: Transfer the centrifuge bottle to the liquid decanting device 7.

[0135] Pour out the supernatant: Use the liquid pouring device 7 to pour out the supernatant in the centrifuge bottle and retain the sediment.

[0136] Add resuspension solution

[0137] Transfer to the weighing slot again: Transfer the processed centrifuge bottle to the weighing slot of the liquid dispensing and balancing device 3 again.

[0138] Adding resuspension liquid: Use the aspirating mechanism 35 to add an appropriate amount of resuspension liquid to the centrifuge bottle.

[0139] Mixing: Mix the sediment and the resuspension thoroughly and evenly by repeated suction.

[0140] Balance of resuspension

[0141] Balance the resuspension: Weigh and balance the mixed resuspension to ensure that the amount of resuspension in each centrifuge bottle is consistent.

[0142] Cell disruption

[0143] Transfer to cell disruption device 6: Transfer the balanced resuspension centrifuge bottle to cell disruption device 6.

[0144] Cell disruption: Start the cell disruption device 6 to disrupt the cells in the resuspension to release the target substance.

[0145] Collect target substances

[0146] Closing the cap: Re-cap the centrifuge bottle after crushing.

[0147] Centrifuge again: Place the centrifuge bottle back into the centrifuge device 4 and perform a second centrifugation to separate the supernatant containing the target substance.

[0148] Collect supernatant: After centrifugation, collect the supernatant containing the target substance for subsequent analysis or application.

[0149] As can be seen, the automated workflow reduces manual operation, saves time, and improves the efficiency of processing test solution. The mechanical arm 9 and the weighing sensor 33 are utilized to carry out accurate weighing and balancing, ensure the balance during the centrifugation process, and improve the centrifugal efficiency and separation effect. The automated operation reduces the number of times the sample is transferred between different devices, reducing the risk of sample loss. Weighing, balancing and resuspension are all carried out on the liquid separation and balancing device 3, realizing the operation that previously required three devices to carry out, and now only one device can be used to achieve, which helps to improve the automation level of the entire workstation, and the automated operation reduces the number of times the sample is transferred between different devices, reducing the risk of sample loss and cross contamination. By integrating weighing, balancing and resuspension on a liquid separation and balancing device 3, the experimental process is simplified, and the demand for multiple independent devices is reduced, thereby reducing the space occupancy and equipment maintenance costs of the laboratory.

[0150] Specifically, Figure 7 As shown, the cap opening device 5 includes a rotating jaw 52 for opening the cap, a mechanism for moving the rotating jaw 52 between a centrifuge bottle position and a bottle cap temporary storage position, a tray 51 for temporarily storing the opened bottle caps, and a clamping mechanism 53 for clamping the centrifuge bottle to prevent the centrifuge bottle from rotating with the bottle cap during the opening and closing of the cap.

[0151] Specifically, the clamping mechanism 53 may include a pair of clamping plates 531 and an elastic clamping block 532 installed on the opposite surfaces of the pair of clamping plates 531. The opposite surfaces of the pair of elastic clamping blocks 532 are respectively provided with corresponding concave arc surfaces 5321, and each concave arc surface 5321 is smaller than a semicircle. Such a configuration can be conveniently adapted to the outer surface of the centrifuge bottle and convenient for clamping the centrifuge bottle to prevent the centrifuge bottle from rotating when the cover is opened. In addition, the elastic clamping block 532 has a certain elasticity, which can protect the centrifuge bottle from being damaged by clamping. Moreover, it can fit the surfaces of different centrifuge bottles through a certain deformation, making it easier to clamp the centrifuge bottle.

[0152] Further, the upper surface of the tray 51 is provided with a plurality of bottle cap temporary storage positions 511, a pair of clamps 531 are located on the upper surface of the tray 51 and are spaced apart from the bottle cap temporary storage positions 511, the tray 51 is provided with a through slot at a position between the pair of clamps 531, a clamp driving source is installed below the tray 51, the top of the clamp driving source passes through the through slot, and two driving slide blocks are installed on the top of the clamp driving source, and the two driving slide blocks can move toward or away from each other under the drive of the clamp driving source. The middle area of ​​the pair of clamps 531 is respectively provided with a socket that passes through from top to bottom, and a convex rod adapted to the socket is provided on the driving slide block, the convex rod is inserted into the socket and the clamp 531 is fixed to the driving slide block by a screw, so that the pair of clamps 531 can be driven to move toward or away from each other by the clamp driving source, thereby changing the distance between the pair of clamps 531, which is convenient for clamping or loosening the centrifuge bottle, and can also adapt to centrifuge bottles of different specifications.

[0153] During specific operation, a pair of clamps 531 are driven to open, and the centrifuge bottle is placed between the pair of clamps 531. Then, the pair of clamps 531 are driven to clamp the centrifuge bottle, and the concave arc surface 5321 of the elastic clamping block 532 is pressed against the surface of the centrifuge bottle to fix the centrifuge bottle. The rotating jaws 52 are driven to move to the top of the centrifuge bottle, and the rotating jaws 52 are driven to clamp the bottle cap and rotate to complete the opening action of the bottle cap on the centrifuge bottle; closing the cap is the reverse process of opening the cap, which will not be described here. During the working process, the rotating jaws 52 are adapted to the opening and closing actions of the bottle caps of multiple or multiple centrifuge bottles, and the corresponding bottle caps are placed on the bottle cap temporary storage position 511 of the tray 51, thereby realizing automatic opening and closing of the caps.

[0154] In a specific embodiment, the above steps further include:

[0155] S11, packing the prepared test solution into a plurality of large-capacity centrifuge bottles, and storing them in the refrigeration slot of the refrigeration module 2;

[0156] S21, using the manipulator 9 to clamp the large-capacity centrifuge bottle to the weighing slot of the liquid separation and balancing device 3 for weighing and balancing;

[0157] S31, closing the cap of the balanced large-capacity centrifuge bottle and transferring it to the centrifuge device 4 for low-speed centrifugation to obtain the concentrate and supernatant that settle to the bottom of the centrifuge bottle;

[0158] S41, opening the cover of the large-capacity centrifuge bottle after centrifugation and transferring it to the liquid pouring device 7, using the liquid pouring device 7 to pour out the supernatant of the large-capacity centrifuge bottle;

[0159] S51, transfer the large-capacity centrifuge bottle to the weighing slot of the liquid separation and balancing device 3 again, add the heavy suspension into the large-capacity centrifuge bottle by using the liquid suction mechanism 35, and repeatedly suction by using the liquid suction mechanism 35 to mix the concentrate and the heavy suspension;

[0160] S61, dispensing the mixed resuspension into a plurality of small-volume centrifuge bottles 10 and balancing them, and transferring the small-volume centrifuge bottles 10 to a cell disruption device 6 for disruption;

[0161] S71, close the cap of the small-volume centrifuge bottle 10 after the crushing process and transfer it to another centrifugal device 4 for high-speed centrifugation to obtain a supernatant containing the target substance.

[0162] The existing solution is to pack the test solution into several small-capacity centrifuge bottles 10 for balancing and subsequent centrifugation, and the subsequent resuspension is also performed in the small-capacity centrifuge bottles 10. This process includes multiple packing, balancing, centrifugation and cleaning operations, which is time-consuming and leads to low efficiency. In this embodiment, the test solution is directly packed into a large-capacity centrifuge bottle for balancing and subsequent centrifugation, and then the concentrate obtained by centrifugation is resuspended and packed into multiple small-capacity centrifuge bottles 10, which reduces the packing steps, thereby saving a lot of time, and highlights that large-volume liquids use large-capacity containers and small-volume liquids use small-volume containers, rather than packing large-volume liquids into multiple small-volume containers for separate processing, which greatly improves efficiency.

[0163] It should be noted that the capacity of the large-capacity centrifuge bottle in this embodiment can be 1L, 500mL, etc., and the capacity of the small-capacity centrifuge bottle 10 can be 50mL, 15mL, etc.

[0164] It should be noted that the actions of opening and closing the cover can be performed on the cover opening device 5, or by utilizing the rotation clamping function of the robot 9.

[0165] In a specific embodiment, in the step of dispensing the mixed resuspension into a plurality of small-capacity centrifuge bottles 10 and balancing them, after each dispensing into a small-capacity centrifuge bottle 10, the aspirating mechanism 35 is cleaned inside and outside to avoid cross infection.

[0166] In a specific embodiment, the mixed resuspension is divided into a plurality of small-capacity centrifuge bottles 10 and balanced. In the step of transferring the small-capacity centrifuge bottles 10 to a cell disruption device 6 for disruption, the plurality of small-capacity centrifuge bottles 10 are placed on a tube rack 37 for balance. The tube rack 37 containing the plurality of small-capacity centrifuge bottles 10 is clamped and placed in the cell disruption device 6 for synchronous disruption, which is beneficial to improving efficiency.

[0167] In order to describe the operation process of this embodiment in detail, the biological reaction system processing flow of protein expression in Escherichia coli is taken as an example for explanation. In this embodiment, the capacity of the large-capacity centrifuge bottle is 500 mL, and the capacity of the small-capacity centrifuge bottle 10 is 50 mL.

[0168] The equipment is started, and each device completes operations such as position initialization, pre-cooling, and pipeline pre-cleaning;

[0169] The experimenter dispensed the E. coli culture solution prepared in the external bioreactor into four 500 mL conical bottom centrifuge bottles, and transferred them to the refrigeration slot of refrigeration module 2 for temporary storage, and the bottle caps were placed in bottle cap storage position 23;

[0170] The manipulator 9 clamps the centrifuge bottle to the weighing slot of the liquid separation and balancing device 3. The weighing sensor 33 at the bottom of the slot can collect the weight of the centrifuge bottle. When the weight is found to be uneven, the liquid separation needle on the manipulator 34 will pump the buffer solution to balance the centrifuge bottle;

[0171] The manipulator 9 has the function of continuous rotation and clamping. After the balancing is completed, the centrifuge bottle is individually capped and then clamped to the horizontal rotor centrifuge. The horizontal rotor centrifuge has four centrifuge baskets. Each time a centrifuge bottle is placed, the basket rotates a certain angle to rotate the next basket to the bottom of the hatch, so that the manipulator 9 can put the next centrifuge bottle in.

[0172] The horizontal rotor centrifuge was started, and four 500 mL centrifuge bottles were centrifuged. At this time, the E. coli settled to the bottom of the centrifuge bottle under the action of centrifugal force;

[0173] After centrifugation, the manipulator 9 takes out the 500mL centrifuge bottle and places it in the rotatable pouring arm groove 72 of the liquid pouring device 7 and clamps the lid. Then the pouring arm 71 of the liquid pouring device 7 drives the centrifuge bottle to rotate counterclockwise for about half a circle, and the discarded culture liquid is poured into the drainage trough 74 below and collected into the external waste liquid bucket along the pipeline. After the pouring is completed, the pouring arm 71 returns to the initial position and releases the clamping of the centrifuge bottle;

[0174] The robot 9 clamps the tube rack 37 containing the 50mL centrifuge bottle in the tube rack slot 36 into the clamping mechanism 53 of the uncapping device 5. The clamping mechanism 53 clamps the centrifuge bottle through the open area on the side of the tube rack 37. Then the moving mechanism moves to the top of the centrifuge bottle, and the rotating clamp 52 rotates to uncap the centrifuge bottle. Then the moving mechanism moves to the top of the tray 51 to temporarily store the bottle cap. Finally, the robot 9 clamps the tube rack 37 with the uncapped centrifuge bottle back to the weighing slot.

[0175] The manipulator 9 takes the four 500mL centrifuge bottles after dumping back to the weighing slot of the liquid separation and balancing device 3, and the manipulator 34 drives the liquid separation needle to add resuspension liquid to the four centrifuge bottles respectively, and repeatedly sucks until the bacteria at the bottom are resuspended and distributed in the resuspension liquid. Then the liquid separation needle collects the resuspension liquid and transfers it to the 50mL centrifuge bottle in the tube rack 37 located in the weighing slot. After each resuspension and transfer, the liquid separation needle needs to go to the cleaning tank 38 to flow clean the internal and external pipelines.

[0176] Then, the cells are ready to be transferred to the cell disruption device 6 for disruption operation. The cell disruption device 6 is described separately according to its different disruption modes.

[0177] When non-contact ultrasonic disruption is used:

[0178] After the heavy suspension is transferred from the 500mL centrifuge bottle to the 50mL centrifuge bottle, the dispensing needle balances the four 50mL centrifuge bottles according to the weighing result (for example, taking a certain tube as the standard, aspirating and discarding what is heavier than it, and replenishing and balancing what is lighter than it).

[0179] The manipulator 9 clamps the balanced centrifuge bottle together with the tube rack 37 into the capping device 5, and closes the bottle cap opened in the previous step. Then the cell disruption device 6 is opened, and the manipulator 9 clamps the closed centrifuge bottles into the cell disruption device 6 for cell disruption.

[0180] After the cell disruption is completed, the manipulator 9 evenly distributes the centrifuge bottles and inserts them into the rotor of the high-speed angular rotor centrifuge after the lid is opened. The high-speed angular rotor centrifuge is closed and centrifuged at high speed to separate the bacterial residue and the supernatant containing the target protein.

[0181] When using contact ultrasonic crushing or high pressure crushing:

[0182] After the resuspension is transferred from the 500 mL centrifuge bottle to the 50 mL centrifuge bottle, the robot 9 directly clamps the centrifuge bottle into the cell disruption device 6 after the cover is opened for cell disruption.

[0183] After the cell disruption is completed, the manipulator 9 clamps the centrifuge bottle back to the weighing slot of the liquid separation and balancing device 3, and uses the liquid separation needle to balance the four 50 mL centrifuge bottles with buffer according to the weighing result.

[0184] The robot 9 clamps the balanced centrifuge bottle together with the tube rack 37 into the capping device 5, and closes the bottle cap opened in the previous step. The robot 9 evenly distributes the centrifuge bottles and inserts them into the rotor of the high-speed angular rotor centrifuge after the cap is opened. The high-speed angular rotor centrifuge is centrifuged at high speed after the cap is closed to separate the bacterial residue and the supernatant containing the target protein.

[0185] During the centrifugation process, the robot 9 transfers the new centrifuge bottle together with its tube rack 37 to the uncapping device 5 for uncapping, and then places it in the collection tank 73.

[0186] After centrifugation is completed, the robot 9 transfers the centrifuge bottle from the high-speed angle rotor centrifuge to the tube rack 37 of the decapping device 5, and the decapping device 5 decaps the centrifuge bottle. Then the robot 9 transfers the tube rack 37 with the decapped centrifuge bottle to the pouring arm groove 72 of the liquid pouring device 7.

[0187] After pouring, a solution containing the target protein is obtained. According to experimental requirements, users can choose to close the lid and store the centrifuge bottle in a metal bath for refrigeration, or transfer it to other equipment for protein purification.

[0188] The equipment automatically cleans the pipelines as needed and discards waste consumables according to the process.

[0189] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations are all within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automated workstation, characterized in that: include: Base (1); A refrigeration module (2) is arranged on the base (1) and comprises a refrigeration slot for storing centrifuge bottles; The liquid dispensing and balancing device (3) is arranged on the base (1), comprising a weighing slot corresponding to the specifications of the refrigeration slot and provided with a weighing sensor (33) at the bottom, and a mechanical arm (34) provided beside the weighing slot and provided with a liquid suction mechanism (35), wherein the liquid suction mechanism (35) is used to balance and resuspend the target centrifuge bottle; A centrifugal device (4), a lid opening device (5), a cell disrupting device (6) and a liquid pouring device (7) are respectively arranged on the base (1); A manipulator (9) is used to transfer the centrifuge bottle between the refrigeration module (2), the liquid separation and balancing device (3), the centrifugal device (4), the cover opening device (5), the cell disruption device (6) and the liquid pouring device (7).

2. The automated workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The weighing sensor (33) is protrudingly arranged on the bottom surface of the weighing slot.

3. The automated workstation according to claim 2, characterized in that: The weighing sensors (33) correspond one to one with the centrifuge bottles arranged at the weighing slots.

4. The automated workstation according to claim 3, characterized in that: The weighing slots include a first slot (31) for placing a large-capacity centrifuge bottle and a second slot (32) for placing a small-capacity centrifuge bottle (10).

5. The automated workstation according to claim 4, characterized in that: A plurality of the first slots (31) are arranged at intervals, and a weighing sensor (33) is correspondingly arranged on the bottom surface of each of the first slots (31).

6. The automated workstation according to claim 4, characterized in that: The liquid separation and balancing device (3) further comprises a tube rack slot (36) and a tube rack (37) arranged on the tube rack slot (36), wherein the tube rack (37) is provided with a plurality of insertion holes (371) for placing centrifuge bottles at intervals.

7. The automated workstation according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second slot (32) is used to place the pipe rack (37), and the bottom surface of the second slot (32) is provided with a plurality of weighing sensors (33) corresponding one-to-one to the plurality of insertion holes (371).

8. The automated workstation according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second slot (32) and the pipe rack slot (36) are arranged side by side.

9. The automated workstation according to claim 6, characterized in that: The liquid separation and balancing device (3) further comprises a cleaning tank (38), wherein the cleaning tank (38) is arranged side by side with the pipe rack slot (36) and is arranged on a side of the pipe rack slot (36) away from the second slot (32).

10. The automated workstation according to claim 9, characterized in that: The liquid separation and balancing device (3) further comprises a workbench (39), and the weighing slot, the mechanical arm (34), the cleaning slot (38) and the pipe rack slot (36) are all arranged on the workbench (39).

11. The automated workstation according to claim 10, characterized in that: The workbench (39) is provided with a refrigeration component.

12. The automated workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid suction mechanism (35) is movably arranged on the mechanical arm (34).

13. The automated workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid aspirating mechanism (35) comprises a liquid dispensing needle or a liquid transfer gun and a pump group connected to the liquid dispensing needle or the liquid transfer gun via a pipeline.

14. The automated workstation according to claim 13, characterized in that: The liquid dispensing needle or the liquid transfer gun comprises one or more liquid dispensing needles or liquid transfer guns, and a plurality of the liquid dispensing needles or liquid transfer guns are arranged side by side on the mechanical arm (34).

15. The automated workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigeration module (2) is arranged adjacent to the liquid separation and balancing device (3).

16. The automated workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigeration slots include a third slot (21) for placing a large-capacity centrifuge bottle and a fourth slot (22) for placing a small-capacity centrifuge bottle (10).

17. The automated workstation according to claim 16, characterized in that: There are a plurality of the third slots (21), and the plurality of the third slots (21) are arranged in a row; there are a plurality of the fourth slots (22), and the plurality of the fourth slots (22) are arranged in a row; the third slots (21) and the fourth slots (22) are arranged side by side.

18. The automated workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigeration module (2) further comprises a bottle cap storage position (23) for storing bottle caps, and the bottle cap storage position (23) is arranged side by side with the refrigeration slot.

19. The automated workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid pouring device (7) comprises a pouring arm (71), at least one collecting slot (73) arranged on one side of the pouring arm (71), and a liquid draining slot (74) for collecting waste liquid.

20. The automated workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: An air drying module (8) is provided on the inlet and outlet sides of the cell disruption device (6).

21. The automated workstation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The centrifugal device (4) comprises a first rotor centrifuge (41) for low-speed centrifugation and a second rotor centrifuge (42) for high-speed centrifugation.

22. The automated workstation according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that: The manipulator (9) is a central manipulator (9), which is arranged on the base (1), and the refrigeration module (2), the liquid separation and balancing device (3), the centrifugal device (4), the lid opening device (5), the liquid pouring device (7) and the cell disruption device (6) are arranged around the central manipulator (9).

23. The automated workstation according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that: The manipulator (9) is a Cartesian coordinate system manipulator (9), and the Cartesian coordinate system manipulator (9) is arranged outside the base (1).

24. The automated workstation according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that: The automated workstation further comprises an operating room which is covered outside the base (1), and the operating room is provided with a communication interface.

25. The automated workstation according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that: It also includes a main control module, which is electrically connected to the refrigeration module (2), the liquid separation and balancing device (3), the centrifugal device (4), the cover opening device (5), the liquid pouring device (7) and the cell disruption device (6) respectively.

26. A processing method for an automated workstation according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that: include: The prepared test solution is divided into a plurality of centrifuge bottles and stored in the refrigeration tank of the refrigeration module (2); Using a manipulator (9) to clamp the centrifuge bottle to the weighing slot of the liquid separation and balancing device (3) for weighing and balancing; The balanced centrifuge bottle is capped and transferred to a centrifuge device (4) for centrifugation to obtain a concentrate and a supernatant that settle to the bottom of the centrifuge bottle; Opening the centrifugal bottle after centrifugation and transferring it to a liquid pouring device (7), and using the liquid pouring device (7) to pour out the supernatant of the centrifugal bottle; The centrifuge bottle is transferred again to the weighing slot of the liquid separation and leveling device (3), and the resuspension liquid is added to the centrifuge bottle by using the liquid suction mechanism (35) and repeatedly sucked to mix the concentrate and the resuspension liquid; The mixed resuspension is leveled and transferred to a cell disruption device (6) for disruption; The crushed centrifugal bottle is capped and transferred to a centrifugal device (4) for centrifugation to obtain a supernatant containing the target substance.

27. The processing method of the automated workstation according to claim 26, characterized in that: Further including: The prepared test solution is divided into a plurality of large-capacity centrifuge bottles and stored in the refrigeration slots of the refrigeration module (2); Using a mechanical arm (9) to clamp a large-capacity centrifuge bottle to a weighing slot of a liquid separation and balancing device (3) for weighing and balancing; The balanced large-capacity centrifuge bottle is capped and transferred to a centrifuge device (4) for low-speed centrifugation to obtain a concentrate and a supernatant that settle to the bottom of the centrifuge bottle; Opening the cover of the large-capacity centrifuge bottle after centrifugation and transferring it to a liquid pouring device (7), and using the liquid pouring device (7) to pour out the supernatant of the large-capacity centrifuge bottle; The large-capacity centrifuge bottle is transferred again to the weighing slot of the liquid separation and leveling device (3), and the resuspending liquid is added to the large-capacity centrifuge bottle by using the liquid suction mechanism (35), and the liquid suction mechanism (35) is used to repeatedly suction so that the concentrate and the resuspending liquid are mixed evenly; The mixed resuspension is divided into a plurality of small-volume centrifuge bottles (10) and balanced, and the small-volume centrifuge bottles (10) are transferred to a cell disruption device (6) for disruption; The small-volume centrifuge bottle (10) after the crushing process is capped and transferred to another centrifugal device (4) for high-speed centrifugation to obtain a supernatant containing the target substance.

28. The processing method of the automated workstation according to claim 27, characterized in that: In the step of dispensing the mixed resuspension into a plurality of small-capacity centrifuge bottles (10) and balancing them, after each dispensing into a small-capacity centrifuge bottle (10), the inside and outside of the liquid suction mechanism (35) are cleaned.

29. The processing method of the automated workstation according to claim 27, characterized in that: In the step of dispensing the mixed resuspension into a plurality of small-capacity centrifuge bottles (10) and balancing them, and transferring the small-capacity centrifuge bottles (10) to a cell disruption device (6) for disruption, the plurality of small-capacity centrifuge bottles (10) are placed on a tube rack (37) for balancing, and the tube rack (37) on which the plurality of small-capacity centrifuge bottles (10) are placed is clamped and placed in the cell disruption device (6) for synchronous disruption.

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