Low-temperature experimental device for immunoblotting

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of biological experiment equipment, and particularly relates to a low-temperature experiment device for immunoblotting, which mainly comprises an experiment box, a refrigeration module, a control module, a temperature sensor and a sensor position adjusting component. The experiment box provides a closed space, the refrigeration module maintains low temperature, and the control module accurately regulates and controls refrigeration intensity according to data of the temperature sensor. The sensor position adjusting assembly can flexibly adjust the position of the temperature sensor through the track and the abutting assembly so as to adapt to heating position changes caused by placement of different experiment samples. The device adopts the design of a sealing gasket, an annular limiting structure and a transparent box cover, so that the sealing performance is enhanced, temperature fluctuation is reduced, and an experiment is convenient to observe. Compared with a traditional ice-bath cooling mode, the problems that operation is tedious, the temperature is unstable, monitoring is limited, the experimental environment is prone to being interfered and the like are effectively solved, the advantages of being convenient to operate, accurate in temperature control, flexible in monitoring and the like are achieved, and efficient, stable and accurate low-temperature conditions are provided for immunoblotting experiments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of biological experimental equipment, and particularly relates to a low-temperature experimental device for immunoblotting. Background Art

[0002] In the vast landscape of modern life science research, Western Blot, as a key protein analysis technique, occupies a crucial position. It is widely used in many fields such as molecular biology and medical research, providing a powerful tool for researchers to deeply explore the mysteries of proteins.

[0003] The core principle of the Western Blot technique is based on the specific binding reaction between antigen and antibody. In complex biological samples, researchers can utilize this property to accurately perform qualitative and semi-quantitative detection of target proteins. The entire technical process encompasses multiple closely linked key steps. First is electrophoresis separation. Through the action of an electric field, various proteins in the sample are separated according to the characteristics of protein molecules such as size and charge, forming a specific band distribution in the gel medium. Subsequently, electrotransfer is carried out. This step aims to transfer the proteins on the gel to a solid-phase membrane (such as nitrocellulose membrane or PVDF membrane) for subsequent detection operations. After electrotransfer, blocking treatment is required to block non-specific binding sites on the membrane and prevent non-specific adsorption of subsequent antibodies, thereby improving the accuracy of detection. Then, it enters the antibody incubation step, allowing specific antibodies to specifically bind to the target proteins on the membrane to form antigen-antibody complexes. Finally, through signal detection means such as chemiluminescence method and chromogenic method, the target protein bands are visualized, and thus qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis of the target proteins is achieved.

[0004] In this crucial step of electrotransfer membrane, the immunoblot electrophoresis chamber (referred to as the electrophoresis instrument) plays an indispensable role. However, there is a problem that cannot be ignored during the electrotransfer membrane process, that is, heat is generated during the electrotransfer process, and excessive temperature will have a negative impact on the quality of membrane transfer. Specifically, it may cause protein denaturation, affect its binding ability with antibodies, and thus reduce the sensitivity and accuracy of detection; it may also cause changes in the physical properties of the membrane, such as increased brittleness of the membrane and pore size changes, which is not conducive to the effective transfer of proteins. To solve this problem, the traditional method is to place the immunoblot electrophoresis chamber in a container filled with ice cubes and use the ice bath cooling method to maintain a low temperature environment to improve the quality of membrane transfer. However, this method has obvious drawbacks. Since the electrotransfer membrane time is usually long, the ice cubes will gradually melt during the continuous heat absorption process. At this time, researchers need to pour out the water generated by melting and then add ice cubes again. Such repeated cyclic operations not only consume the time and energy of researchers, but may also have a potential impact on the continuity and stability of the electrotransfer membrane due to short interruptions during the operation process, reducing the experimental efficiency and the reliability of data.

[0005] In summary, the existing method of using ice bath cooling for electrotransfer membrane has many inconveniences, and there is an urgent need for a more efficient and convenient solution. Based on this, through in-depth research and innovative design, we have proposed a low-temperature experimental device for immunoblotting, aiming to fundamentally solve the above problems, provide a more stable and reliable low-temperature environment for protein immunoblotting experiments, and help the smooth progress of scientific research work. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a low-temperature experimental device for immunoblotting, effectively solving the problems of cumbersome operation of the ice bath cooling method during the existing electrotransfer membrane process and having an adverse impact on experimental efficiency and data reliability, and constructing a stable and reliable low-temperature environment for protein immunoblotting experiments.

[0007] To achieve the above object, a technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0008] A low-temperature experimental device for immunoblotting, comprising an experimental box, a refrigeration module, a control module, a temperature sensor, and a sensor position adjustment component. The experimental box is used to accommodate the immunoblot electrophoresis chamber. The refrigeration module is used to refrigerate the internal space of the experimental box. The sensor position adjustment component is used to adjust the temperature measurement position of the temperature sensor on the immunoblot electrophoresis chamber. The control module can control the refrigeration intensity of the refrigeration module according to the measurement data of the temperature sensor.

[0009] Further, the sensor position adjustment assembly includes a track and an abutting assembly. The track is arranged on the inner wall of the experimental box, the opening of the track faces upward, and a plurality of card slots communicating with the opening are arranged at intervals on one side of the track close to the center of the experimental box;

[0010] The abutting assembly includes a sliding member and an elastic telescopic member. Two ends of the elastic telescopic member are respectively connected to the sliding member and the temperature sensor. The sliding member is slidably assembled in the track, and the elastic telescopic member extends out of the track through the opening or the card slot.

[0011] Further, the abutting assembly further includes an abutting disc, the abutting disc is fixedly connected to one end of the elastic telescopic member away from the sliding member, and the temperature sensor is embedded in the abutting disc.

[0012] Further, the abutting disc is made of a flexible heat-conducting material.

[0013] Further, the temperature sensor and the control module are electrically connected through a cable fixed between the elastic telescopic member and the experimental box.

[0014] Further, the shape of the track is a ring adapted to the cross-section of the experimental box.

[0015] Further, the experimental box includes a box body and a box cover. The upper end of the box body is open, the box cover is used to close the upper end of the box body, and the refrigeration module, the control module, the temperature sensor and the sensor position adjustment assembly are all arranged on the box body.

[0016] Further, the box cover is made of a transparent material.

[0017] Further, a sealing gasket adapted to the box body is provided at the lower end of the box cover.

[0018] Further, a ring-shaped limiting protrusion is provided at the lower end of the box cover, and a ring-shaped limiting groove adapted to the ring-shaped limiting protrusion is provided at the upper end of the box body.

[0019] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0020] The present invention uses the refrigeration module for refrigeration, and the control module automatically adjusts the refrigeration intensity according to the data of the temperature sensor. Researchers do not need to operate frequently, which greatly simplifies the operation process, saves labor and time costs, enables researchers to devote more energy to the core experimental links, and improves the overall scientific research efficiency.

[0021] The present invention monitors the temperature of the immunoblot electrophoresis chamber in real time through a temperature sensor. Based on this, the control module precisely regulates the cooling module to keep the temperature in the experimental chamber stable within a set range, providing a stable low-temperature environment for electrotransfer membrane, ensuring that proteins maintain good activity during electrotransfer, improving the accuracy of experimental results, and reducing experimental errors and failure rates caused by unstable temperature.

[0022] The sensor position adjustment component of the present invention is ingeniously designed. The track cooperates with the abutting component, and the measuring position of the temperature sensor can be flexibly adjusted according to the placement position of the experimental sample, so that the temperature sensor can timely sense the temperature, providing a data basis for the rapid response of the control module.

[0023] The experimental chamber of the present invention adopts a gasket and an annular limiting structure to enhance the sealing performance, effectively prevent external heat from invading, and reduce temperature fluctuations. The transparent box cover design enables researchers to observe the experimental situation without opening the box cover, avoiding the influence of frequent opening of the box cover on the temperature, creating a stable internal environment for the experiment, reducing the interference of external factors on the experiment, ensuring the smooth progress of the experiment under stable conditions, and improving the stability and credibility of experimental data. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and form a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present application. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the low-temperature experimental device for immunoblotting of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of the low-temperature experimental device for immunoblotting of the present invention with the box cover hidden;

[0027] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a schematic enlarged view of the structure at A in

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the box cover of an embodiment of the low-temperature experimental device for immunoblotting of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a schematic enlarged view of the structure at B in

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of the pressure application and lifting structure of an embodiment of the low-temperature experimental device for immunoblotting of the present invention.

[0031] The meanings of the reference numerals in the drawings are as follows:

[0032] Experimental box 1, box body 11, annular limiting groove 111, box cover 12, annular limiting protrusion 121, sealing gasket 13, sensor position adjusting assembly 2, track 21, opening 211, card slot 212, abutting assembly 22, sliding member 221, elastic telescopic member 222, abutting disc 223, cable 224, pressing and lifting assembly 3, pressing and lifting structure 31, connecting rod 311, hinge seat 312, rotating shaft 313, flap 314, torsion spring 315. Detailed implementation mode

[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Refer to Figures 1-6 As shown, the low-temperature experimental device for immunoblotting of the present invention mainly consists of an experimental box 1, a refrigeration module, a control module, a temperature sensor, and a sensor position adjusting assembly 2. The experimental box 1 is used to place the immunoblot electrophoresis box and provide a relatively enclosed experimental space for it. The function of the refrigeration module is to refrigerate the internal space of the experimental box 1 to maintain the low-temperature environment required for the experiment. The temperature sensor is responsible for monitoring the temperature condition of the immunoblot electrophoresis box in real time, and the sensor position adjusting assembly 2 can flexibly adjust the temperature measurement position of the temperature sensor on the immunoblot electrophoresis box to meet different usage needs. During actual experiments, the specific heat generation position of the immunoblot electrophoresis box changes with the change of the placement position of the experimental sample. Thus, the temperature sensor can be adjusted to a position on the outer side of the immunoblot electrophoresis box closer to the experimental sample through this assembly, enabling the temperature sensor to more quickly sense the temperature change. The control module will accurately control the refrigeration intensity of the refrigeration module based on the measurement data fed back by the temperature sensor to achieve precise control of the temperature inside the experimental box.

[0035] The sensor position adjustment assembly 2 includes a track 21 and an abutting assembly 22. The track 21 is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the experimental box 1, and its opening 211 faces upward, facilitating the entry and exit of the abutting assembly 22. On one side of the track 21 close to the center of the experimental box 1, a plurality of card slots 212 communicating with the opening 211 are arranged at intervals. The abutting assembly 22 is composed of a sliding member 221 and an elastic telescopic member 222. The sliding member 221 cooperates with the track 21 and can slide smoothly in the track to achieve preliminary position adjustment. The two ends of the elastic telescopic member 222 are respectively connected to the sliding member 221 and the temperature sensor, and the elastic telescopic member 222 has the characteristic of elastic expansion and contraction. When the position of the temperature sensor needs to be adjusted, first make the elastic telescopic member 222 in a vertical state, at this time it extends out of the track 21 through the opening 211. Slide the vertical elastic telescopic member 222 along the track 21 to the target abutting position, and then rotate the elastic telescopic member 222 towards the side close to the center of the experimental box 1. During this process, the end of the elastic telescopic member 222 far from the sliding member 221 will abut against the side wall of the immunoblot electrophoresis box and maintain an inclined upward state. At this time, press down the elastic telescopic member 222 to make it compressed and slide down. After the elastic telescopic member 222 is in a horizontal state, release the elastic telescopic member 222, and the elastic force generated by its rebound will push the temperature sensor to closely abut against the target measurement point on the immunoblot electrophoresis box. The card slots 212 can limit the movement of the elastic telescopic member 222 along the track 21 direction, ensure the stability of the temperature sensor during the measurement process, and improve the accuracy of temperature monitoring. In addition, the card slots 212 can limit the flipping angle of the elastic telescopic member 222. When the elastic telescopic member 222 turns into the card slot 212 and abuts against the bottom wall of the card slot 212, the elastic telescopic member 222 will be in a horizontal state, that is, the elastic telescopic member 222 in the horizontal state cannot continue to flip down after being pressed.

[0036] In this embodiment, the abutting assembly 22 is further equipped with an abutting disc 223, which is fixed at the end of the elastic telescopic member 222 far from the sliding member 221, and the temperature sensor is embedded in the abutting disc 223. In this way, abutting can be carried out through the abutting disc 223 to expand the contact area and improve the abutting stability. The abutting disc 223 is made of a flexible heat-conducting material. The flexible material enables it to better fit the surface contour of the immunoblot electrophoresis box, ensuring close contact without gaps and avoiding temperature measurement errors caused by poor contact. The heat-conducting material can quickly transfer the heat on the surface of the electrophoresis box to the temperature sensor, enabling the temperature sensor to timely and accurately sense the temperature change of the electrophoresis box.

[0037] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor and the control module are electrically connected through a cable 224, and the cable 224 is fixedly connected between the elastic telescopic member 222 and the experimental box 1. Such a connection method not only ensures the flexibility of the temperature sensor when adjusting the position, but also ensures the stability of signal transmission, enabling the temperature data to be accurately and timely transmitted to the control module.

[0038] In this embodiment, the track 21 is designed as a ring adapted to the cross-section of the experimental chamber 1. This ring structure enables the temperature sensor to adjust its position within the range of one week around the immunoblot electrophoresis chamber, so as to meet the temperature monitoring requirements at different positions according to experimental needs.

[0039] In this embodiment, the experimental chamber 1 is composed of a chamber body 11 and a chamber cover 12. The upper end of the chamber body 11 is open, facilitating the placement of the immunoblot electrophoresis chamber and other components. The chamber cover 12 is used to close the upper end of the chamber body 11. The refrigeration module, the control module, the temperature sensor, and the sensor position adjustment assembly 2 are all installed on the chamber body 11. The chamber cover 12 is made of a transparent material, so that researchers can directly observe the working state of the immunoblot electrophoresis chamber in the experimental chamber without opening the chamber cover, avoiding temperature fluctuations in the experimental chamber caused by frequent opening of the chamber cover. A sealing gasket 13 adapted to the chamber body 11 is provided at the lower end of the chamber cover 12, which can effectively prevent external heat from entering the interior of the experimental chamber and maintain the stability of the low-temperature environment. In addition, the annular limit protrusion 121 at the lower end of the chamber cover 12 and the annular limit groove 111 at the upper end of the chamber body 11 cooperate with each other, not only enhancing the sealing performance between the chamber cover and the chamber body, but also enabling the chamber cover to be accurately aligned when closed, improving the overall stability of the experimental chamber.

[0040] Usage method: Place the immunoblot electrophoresis chamber in the experimental chamber 1, and then adjust the position of the temperature sensor through the sensor position adjustment assembly 2 so that the temperature sensor abuts against the outside of the immunoblot electrophoresis chamber near the experimental sample, so that the temperature sensor can timely sense the temperature and provide a data basis for the rapid response of the control module. Then cover the chamber cover 12 so that the annular limit protrusion 121 is inserted into the annular limit groove 111 on the chamber body 11. Turn on the control module and the refrigeration module. The temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the immunoblot electrophoresis chamber in real time and transmits the data to the control module. The control module adjusts the refrigeration intensity of the refrigeration module according to the set temperature and the measured data to maintain the low-temperature environment in the experimental chamber. During the electrotransfer membrane process, researchers can observe the experimental situation through the transparent chamber cover.

[0041] In this embodiment, a pressure-applying and lifting assembly 3 is provided at the lower end of the box cover 12 corresponding to each slot 212. The pressure-applying and lifting assembly 3 includes two pressure-applying and lifting structures 31 symmetrically arranged relative to the slot 212. The pressure-applying and lifting structures 31 include a connecting rod 311 connected to the lower end of the box cover 12, a hinge seat 312 connected to the lower end of the connecting rod 311, a flap 314 hinged to the hinge seat 312 through a rotating shaft 313, and a torsion spring 315 assembled on the rotating shaft 313. The two flaps 314 of the two pressure-applying and lifting structures 31 are respectively hinged to opposite sides of the two hinge seats 312. When the flap 314 is flipped to a horizontal state relative to the hinge seat 312, the hinge seat 312 will limit the flap 314 from flipping downward relative to the hinge seat 312. The torsion spring 315 cooperates with the hinge seat 312 to drive the flap 314 to flip to a horizontal state.

[0042] Based on the above structure, during the electrotransfer film operation, when the box cover 12 is aligned and closed on the box body 11 from top to bottom, since the elastic telescopic member 222 has entered one of the slots 212 and is in a horizontal state (almost horizontal state), the two flaps 314 corresponding to the slot 212 will move down to abut against the elastic telescopic member 222, and the flaps 314 will press the elastic telescopic member 222 under the elastic force of the torsion spring 315. If the elastic telescopic member 222 is not rotated to a horizontal state due to improper operation of the user in the early stage, the elastic telescopic member 222 will rotate downward under the pressure of the two flaps 314 until the elastic telescopic member 222 moves down to abut against the bottom wall of the slot 212. Abutment, that is, flipping to a horizontal state, after it is in the horizontal state, the elastic elastic member 222 will not be able to continue to flip downward, at this time, the box cover 12 continues to cover down, so that the two flaps 314 overcome the elastic force of the corresponding torsion spring 315 and flip upward, so that the two box covers 12 form a clearance space for the elastic elastic member 222 to pass through, the box cover 12 continues to cover down, and the elastic elastic member 222 will pass upward relative to the flap 314. After passing, the flap 314 will no longer be pushed by the elastic elastic member 222. At this time, the flap 314 is reset to a horizontal state under the elastic force of the torsion spring 315. After the box cover 12 is completely covered, the two flaps 314 will be below the elastic elastic member 222. The flap 314 at the bottom can prepare for the elastic elastic member 222 to be lifted when the box cover 12 is opened. After the electro-mold transfer operation is completed, when the box cover 12 is lifted upward, the box cover 12 will move the two flaps 314 upward together. Since the flaps 314 cannot be flipped downward under the restriction of the hinge seat 312, the upwardly moved flaps 314 will lift the elastic telescopic member 222 upward, that is, the end of the elastic telescopic member 222 where the temperature sensor is set will be released from the contact with the immunoblotting electrophoresis box. In this way, there is no need for the staff to open the box cover 12 and then lift the elastic telescopic member 222 separately, which can reduce the operating steps and improve work efficiency.

[0043] In summary, the present invention discloses a low-temperature experimental device for immunoblotting. This low-temperature experimental device effectively solves many drawbacks of the traditional ice bath cooling method:

[0044] Problem of cumbersome operation: Traditional ice bath cooling requires manual frequent replacement of ice cubes, and the accumulated water needs to be poured out after the ice cubes melt. The operation process is cumbersome and time-consuming. The present invention uses a refrigeration module to cool the internal space of the experimental box, and the control module automatically adjusts the refrigeration intensity according to the data of the temperature sensor, without the need for frequent manual intervention, greatly simplifying the operation process and saving labor and time costs.

[0045] Problem of unstable temperature: During the ice bath cooling process, the melting speed of the ice cubes is uneven, resulting in large fluctuations in the temperature of the experimental environment and making it difficult to accurately maintain a low temperature. The temperature sensor of the present invention monitors the temperature of the immunoblotting electrophoresis box in real time, and the control module precisely regulates the refrigeration module according to the feedback data to ensure that the temperature in the experimental box is stably within the set range, providing a stable low-temperature environment for electrotransfer membrane and guaranteeing the reliability of the experimental results.

[0046] Problem of easy interference in the experimental environment: The traditional ice bath device has strong openness, and external heat is easy to enter, and frequent operation is likely to affect the experimental environment. The experimental box of the present invention enhances the sealing performance through a gasket and a ring-shaped limiting structure, reducing the intrusion of external heat. The transparent box cover design avoids the influence of frequent opening of the box cover on the temperature, creating a stable internal environment for the experiment and reducing the interference of external factors on the experiment.

[0047] Through innovative design and the collaborative work of each component, this device fundamentally overcomes the deficiencies of the traditional ice bath cooling method, provides efficient, stable, and precise low-temperature conditions for immunoblotting experiments, and strongly promotes the development of related scientific research work.

[0048] The above embodiments only exemplarily illustrate the principle and efficacy of the present invention, rather than limiting the present invention. Any person familiar with this technology can modify or change the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or changes completed by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field without departing from the spirit and technical idea disclosed by the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low temperature experimental device for immunoblotting, characterized in that: It includes an experimental box, a refrigeration module, a control module, a temperature sensor and a sensor position adjustment component. The experimental box is used to accommodate an immunoblot electrophoresis box. The refrigeration module is used to cool the internal space of the experimental box. The sensor position adjustment component is used to adjust the temperature measurement position of the temperature sensor on the immunoblot electrophoresis box. The control module can control the refrigeration intensity of the refrigeration module according to the measurement data of the temperature sensor.

2. The low temperature experimental device for immunoblotting according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sensor position adjustment assembly includes a track and an abutment assembly, wherein the track is arranged on the inner wall of the experimental box, the opening of the track faces upward, and a plurality of slots communicating with the opening are provided at intervals on one side of the track close to the center of the experimental box; The abutment assembly includes a sliding member and an elastic telescopic member. Two ends of the elastic telescopic member are respectively connected to the sliding member and the temperature sensor. The sliding member is slidably assembled in the track. The elastic telescopic member extends out of the track through the opening or the slot.

3. The low temperature experimental device for immunoblotting according to claim 2, characterized in that: The abutment assembly further comprises an abutment disk, the abutment disk is fixedly connected to one end of the elastic telescopic member away from the sliding member, and the temperature sensor is embedded in the abutment disk.

4. The low temperature experimental device for immunoblotting according to claim 3, characterized in that: The abutment plate is made of a flexible heat-conducting material.

5. The low temperature experimental device for immunoblotting according to claim 2, characterized in that: The temperature sensor and the control module are electrically connected via a cable fixed between the elastic expansion member and the experimental box.

6. The low temperature experimental device for immunoblotting according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shape of the track is a ring that matches the cross section of the experimental box.

7. The low temperature experimental device for immunoblotting according to claim 2, characterized in that: The experimental box includes a box body and a box cover. The upper end of the box body is open, and the box cover is used to close the upper end of the box body. The refrigeration module, control module, temperature sensor and sensor position adjustment component are all arranged on the box body.

8. The low temperature experimental device for immunoblotting according to claim 7, characterized in that: When the elastic telescopic member rotates into the slot and abuts against the bottom wall of the slot, the elastic telescopic member will be in a horizontal state; A pressure-applying and lifting assembly is provided at the lower end of the box cover corresponding to each of the card slots, and the pressure-applying and lifting assembly includes two pressure-applying and lifting structures symmetrically arranged relative to the card slots, and the pressure-applying and lifting structures include a connecting rod connected to the lower end of the box cover, a hinge seat connected to the lower end of the connecting rod, a flap hinged to the hinge seat through a rotating shaft, and a torsion spring mounted on the rotating shaft, and two flaps of the two pressure-applying and lifting structures are respectively hinged to opposite sides of the two hinge seats; When the flap is flipped to a horizontal state relative to the hinge seat, the hinge seat will limit the flap from flipping downward relative to the hinge seat, and the torsion spring cooperates with the hinge seat to drive the flap to flip to a horizontal state.

9. The low temperature experimental device for immunoblotting according to claim 7, characterized in that: The lower end of the box cover is provided with a sealing gasket matched with the box body.

10. The low temperature experimental device for immunoblotting according to claim 7, characterized in that: The lower end of the box cover is provided with an annular limiting protrusion, and the upper end of the box body is provided with an annular limiting groove matched with the annular limiting protrusion.

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