Full-automatic nucleic acid analyzer

Abstract

The invention discloses a full-automatic nucleic acid analyzer which comprises a fixing assembly, an extraction assembly and a transfer assembly, and is characterized in that the fixing assembly is used for fixing a card box; the extraction assembly is arranged above the fixing assembly and is used for extracting the nucleic acid in the card box; and the transfer assembly is arranged above the fixing assembly and is used for transferring the nucleic acid in the card box. The full-automatic nucleic acid analyzer further comprises a first moving assembly, the first moving assembly can move along a first straight line, and the extracting assembly and the transferring assembly are both fixed to the moving end of the first moving assembly. The second moving assembly can move along a second straight line, and the fixing assembly is fixed to the moving end of the second moving assembly. Full automation of nucleic acid extraction and amplification is achieved in the whole process, and the nucleic acid analysis efficiency is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of nucleic acid detection, and specifically relates to a fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the in vitro diagnostic industry, especially the molecular diagnostic industry, has become one of the relatively fast-growing fields in the domestic medical and health industry. In vitro diagnosis, abbreviated as IVD (In Vitro Diagnostics), is a diagnostic method that examines human samples such as saliva, blood, and urine outside the human body to judge diseases or body functions. Nucleic acid analysis is one of the most dynamic sub-fields in the in vitro diagnostic field and is the most direct, reliable, and sensitive method for realizing early, rapid, and specific detection of pathogens. Nucleic acid analysis can determine information such as the type and sample volume of pathogens in a test sample in a short time by analyzing the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of pathogens. Generally, it includes four steps: sample pretreatment, nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and detection.

[0003] Traditional detection methods need to be completed by professional personnel in a laboratory with professional conditions, require a large number of cumbersome operations, and also need to rely on special instrument equipment such as thermal cyclers and capillary electrophoresis instruments. There may also be problems such as false positives and false negatives due to limited supporting resources, professional personnel, or operational errors. Therefore, it is difficult for traditional laboratory nucleic acid analysis to achieve early, rapid, and sensitive detection of a large number of samples and give accurate results. In order to improve the efficiency of nucleic acid detection and overcome the disadvantages of traditional detection methods, there is an urgent need for an automated pathogen analysis instrument.

[0004] Application Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to overcome the above technical deficiencies and provide a fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer to solve the problem of low efficiency of manual nucleic acid analysis in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above technical purpose, the technical solution of this application is as follows: A fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer includes a fixing component, an extraction component, and a transfer component, where: the fixing component is used to fix the cartridge; the extraction component is arranged above the fixing component, and the extraction component is used to extract nucleic acid from the cartridge; the transfer component is arranged above the fixing component, and the transfer component is used to transfer nucleic acid from the cartridge.

[0007] Preferably, the fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer further includes a first moving component, the first moving component can move along a first straight line, and both the extraction component and the transfer component are fixed to the moving end of the first moving component.

[0008] Preferably, the fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer further includes a second moving component, which can move along a second straight line, and the fixing component is fixed to the moving end of the second moving component.

[0009] Preferably, the first straight line is perpendicular to the second straight line, and both the first straight line and the second straight line are arranged horizontally.

[0010] Preferably, the extraction component includes a vertical driving module, a rotation driving module, and an extraction shaft. The vertical driving module can move in the vertical direction. The rotation driving module is fixed to the moving end of the vertical driving module, and the rotation driving module is connected to the extraction shaft to drive the extraction shaft to rotate.

[0011] Preferably, the transfer component includes a vertical driving module and a pipette. The vertical driving module is connected to the pipette to drive the pipette to move in the vertical direction.

[0012] Preferably, the fixing component includes a base and a driving shaft. The base is used to accommodate the cartridge, and the rotating shaft is used to drive partial rotation of the cartridge.

[0013] Preferably, the fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer further includes a heating module, which is used to heat the cartridge.

[0014] Preferably, the fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer further includes an optical detection module, which is used to detect the nucleic acid amplification situation in the cartridge.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present application include: after the extraction component moves to the corresponding position of the cartridge to load the magnetic rod, it moves to the corresponding hole position of the cartridge to complete the nucleic acid extraction operation. After the extraction is completed, the magnetic rod is unloaded to the original position of the cartridge. Then, the transfer component moves to the corresponding position of the cartridge, loads the T IP head, and then moves to the corresponding position of the cartridge to aspirate the extracted nucleic acid and transfer it to the corresponding PCR tube in the cartridge. After that, the T IP head is unloaded to the corresponding position of the cartridge. The whole process realizes the full automation of nucleic acid extraction and amplification, greatly improving the nucleic acid analysis efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer provided by the present application;

[0017] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the cartridge;

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view when the cartridge is opened;

[0019] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the fixing component of the fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer provided by the present application;

[0020] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the extraction component of the fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer provided by the present application;

[0021] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the transfer component of the fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer provided by the present application;

[0022] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the flat-pushing component 1x and the pressing-down component 2x of the cartridge cover of the fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer provided by the present application;

[0023] Reference numerals: 1 - extraction part, 12 - lysis hole, 13 - elution hole, 14 - cleaning hole, 15 - placement hole, 16 - upper cover, 2 - amplification part, 21 - reaction hole, 22 - rotating shaft, 23 - limiting component, 3 - sealing part, 4 - fixing component, 5 - extraction component, 6 - transfer component, 7 - first moving component, 8 - second moving component, 9 - optical detection module, 41 - base, 42 - driving shaft, 51 - vertical driving module, 52 - rotation driving module, 53 - extraction shaft, 61 - vertical driving module, 62 - pipette. Detailed implementation manners

[0024] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0025] Please refer to Figure 1 , this embodiment provides a fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer, including a fixing component 4, an extraction component 5 and a transfer component 6. The fixing component 4 is used to fix the cartridge, the extraction component 5 is used to extract nucleic acid in the cartridge, and the transfer component 6 is used to transfer nucleic acid in the cartridge.

[0026] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3, a brief description of the structure of the cartridge is as follows: The cartridge includes an amplification part 2 and an extraction part 1. Reaction holes 21 are provided on the upper end face of the amplification part 2, and a plurality of placement holes 15 for accommodating articles are provided on the extraction part 1. Staff can place articles required for decomposing the test solution in the placement holes 15, including but not limited to various solutions. Among them, the test solution reacts in the placement holes 15. After the reaction is completed, it is extracted to the reaction holes 21 on the amplification part 2. In order to facilitate the rotation between the amplification part 2 and the extraction part 1, a rotating shaft 22 is provided between the amplification part 2 and the extraction part 1, which can enable the extraction part 1 and the amplification part 2 to rotate. Since the reaction holes 21 are provided on the upper end face, when the extraction part 1 and the amplification part 2 are aligned, the reaction holes 21 are blocked by the amplification part, closing the reaction holes 21. When the extraction part 1 and the amplification part 2 rotate around the rotating shaft 22 to form a certain angle, the extraction part 1 can open the reaction holes 21 to expose them, facilitating the staff to pour the liquid. With this setting, since microfluidics is saved, the cost of the nucleic acid detection reagent cartridge is greatly reduced. Since there is no channel between the amplification part 2 and the extraction part 1, the problem of blockage of the delivery pipe between the extraction part 1 and the amplification part 2 in the prior art is avoided. At the same time, during the process of transferring the extraction solution, the liquid volume of the extraction solution can be accurately controlled. Tip heads (tips or pipette tips of the pipette 62) and magnetic rod sleeves are placed in the placement holes 15 to transfer the liquid by the tip heads and the magnetic rod sleeves. Specifically, during the transfer process by the extraction part 1, a porcelain sleeve rod is used for rotation, and when transferring between the extraction part 1 and the amplification part 2, a tip head is used for transfer, so that the liquid volume can be accurately controlled. For a further optimized solution, in order to facilitate optical signal detection, the reaction holes 21 are arranged in two columns, and the two columns of reaction holes 21 are arranged in a staggered manner, so that the optical signal can cover each reaction hole 21. For a further optimized solution, six reaction holes 21 are provided, so that six reaction holes 21 can simultaneously undergo amplification reactions, increasing the success rate. In addition, in order to facilitate optical detection, the amplification part 2 is usually made of a transparent material.

[0027] A brief description of the usage process of the cartridge is as follows: When people use it, the test solution containing nucleic acid is placed in the lysis hole 12 for lysis reaction. The nucleic acid is lysed at the lysis position, and then the lysed liquid is washed at several washing positions by a magnetic rod. After the washing is completed, the magnetic rod is transferred to the elution hole 13 for elution. Tip heads are pre-placed in the placement holes 15, and the elution solution after elution is transferred to the corresponding pcr tube by the tip head pipetting module of the instrument. The pcr reaction tube is pre-set with reactants for amplification, and the required hole positions are specifically selected according to the test items, supporting up to six reaction holes 21 at most. Then, the upper and lower parts of the cartridge are rotated and fastened, the upper cover is buckled, and the amplification experiment is started.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 4, the fixing component 4 is used to fix the cartridge. Specifically, the fixing component 4 includes a base 41 and a driving shaft 42. The base 41 is used to accommodate the cartridge, and the rotating shaft is used to drive part of the cartridge to rotate. That is, after the cartridge is installed in the base 41, the driving shaft 42 cooperates with the rotating shaft. The driving shaft 42 is connected to the motor, and the driving shaft 42 can be driven by the motor to rotate, so as to make the extraction part 1 of the upper part of the cartridge rotate. Preferably, the fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer further includes a second moving component 8. The second moving component 8 can move along a second straight line, and the fixing component 4 is fixed to the moving end of the second moving component 8.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 5 , the extraction component 5 is arranged above the fixing component 4. The extraction component 5 is used to extract nucleic acid from the cartridge. Specifically, the extraction component 5 includes a vertical driving module 61, a rotation driving module 52 and an extraction shaft 53. The vertical driving module 61 can move along the vertical direction. The rotation driving module 52 is fixed to the moving end of the vertical driving module 61, and the rotation driving module 52 is connected to the extraction shaft 53 to drive the extraction shaft 53 to rotate. The vertical driving module 61 can drive the extraction shaft 53 to move vertically. When the driving shaft 42 moves downward, the magnetic rod in the cartridge can be clamped. Preferably, the fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer further includes a first moving component 7. The first moving component 7 can move along a first straight line. Both the extraction component 5 and the transfer component 6 are fixed to the moving end of the first moving component 7. Both the first moving component 7 and the second moving component 8 can adopt the combination of a motor and a linear module to achieve linear drive, which will not be elaborated here. In this embodiment, the first straight line and the second straight line are perpendicular to each other, and both the first straight line and the second straight line are arranged along the horizontal direction.

[0030] Please refer to Figure 6 , the transfer component 6 is arranged above the fixing component 4. The transfer component 6 is used to transfer nucleic acid from the cartridge. Specifically, the transfer component 6 includes a vertical driving module 61 and a pipette 62. The vertical driving module 61 is connected to the pipette 62 to drive the pipette 62 to move along the vertical direction. When the pipette 62 moves downward, the tip in the cartridge can be loaded. Then it moves to the extraction part to suck the liquid therein and transfer it to the amplification part. This process depends on the cooperation of the first moving component 7, the second moving component 8 and the vertical driving module 61. The cooperation of the three can achieve the xyz three-axis movement between the cartridge and the pipette 62.

[0031] Preferably, the fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer further includes a heating module. The heating module is used to heat the cartridge, which can improve the nucleic acid amplification speed in the cartridge. Preferably, the fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer further includes an optical detection module 9. The optical detection module 9 is used to detect the nucleic acid amplification situation in the cartridge. The optical detection module 9 can adopt the existing technology.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 7, Preferably, the fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer further includes a cartridge cover pressing-down assembly 2x and a cartridge cover horizontal-pushing assembly 1x. The cartridge cover horizontal-pushing assembly includes a motor, a linear module, and a pushing block. The motor drives the linear module to operate and drives the pushing block to move, which can push the cartridge cover to one side, causing the cartridge cover to rotate in the direction of closing. The structure of the cartridge cover pressing-down assembly 2x is similar to that of the cartridge cover horizontal-pushing assembly 1x. When its motor operates, it drives the pushing block to move downward, causing the flipped cartridge cover to continue to rotate downward until it is finally fully closed. The process of closing the cartridge is before the cartridge needs to be removed after the entire extraction and analysis process is completed.

[0033] In summary, for a fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer provided by the present application, after the extraction assembly 5 moves to the corresponding position of the cartridge to load the magnetic rod, it completes the nucleic acid extraction operation at the corresponding holes of the cartridge. After the extraction is completed, the magnetic rod is unloaded to the original position of the cartridge. Then the transfer assembly 6 moves to the corresponding position of the cartridge, loads the TIP head, and then moves to the corresponding position of the cartridge to aspirate the extracted nucleic acid and transfer it to the corresponding PCR tube in the cartridge. After that, the TIP head is unloaded to the corresponding position of the cartridge. The whole process realizes the full automation of nucleic acid extraction and amplification, greatly improving the nucleic acid analysis efficiency.

[0034] It should be noted that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc. described herein indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as a limitation of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0035] In the description of this article, it should also be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0036] As described above, it is only the specific implementation manner of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

[0037] It can be understood that the same or similar parts in the above embodiments can be referred to each other. For the content not detailed in some embodiments, reference can be made to the same or similar content in other embodiments. The multiple solutions provided in this application include their own basic solutions, which are independent of each other and do not restrict each other. However, they can also be combined with each other without conflict to achieve the co-realization of multiple effects.

[0038] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present application. Those of ordinary skill in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer for extracting and amplifying nucleic acids in a cartridge, characterized in that: It includes a fixing component, an extraction component and a transfer component, wherein: The fixing assembly is used to fix the card box; The extraction component is arranged above the fixing component, and the extraction component is used to extract the nucleic acid in the cartridge; The transfer component is arranged above the fixing component, and is used to transfer the nucleic acid in the card box.

2. A fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer also includes a first movable component, which can move along a first straight line, and the extraction component and the transfer component are both fixed to the movable end of the first movable component.

3. A fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer also includes a second movable component, which can move along a second straight line, and the fixed component is fixed to the movable end of the second movable component.

4. A fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first straight line and the second straight line are arranged perpendicularly, and the first straight line and the second straight line are arranged along a horizontal direction.

5. A fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The extraction assembly includes a vertical driving module, a rotation driving module and an extraction shaft. The vertical driving module can move in a vertical direction. The rotation driving module is fixed to the moving end of the vertical driving module and is connected to the extraction shaft to drive the extraction shaft to rotate.

6. A fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transfer assembly comprises a vertical driving module and a pipette, wherein the vertical driving module is connected to the pipette to drive the pipette to move in a vertical direction.

7. A fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing assembly comprises a base and a driving shaft, wherein the base is used to accommodate the card box, and the rotating shaft is used to drive the card box to rotate partially.

8. A fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer also includes a heating module, and the heating module is used to heat the card box.

9. A fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fully automatic nucleic acid analyzer also includes an optical detection module, which is used to detect the nucleic acid amplification status in the card box.

Images