Probe assembly and single cell operation device

Abstract

The invention discloses a probe assembly and a single cell operation device. The probe assembly comprises a probe; the clamping device comprises a shell and a lock cylinder, the shell comprises a head part and a body part which move axially, and the rear end of the probe penetrates through the head part and extends into the body part; the lock cylinder comprises an elastic piece and an axially-moving extrusion piece, one end of the extrusion piece is an extrusion end, the other end of the extrusion piece is a driving end, and the elastic piece, the extrusion piece and the sealing piece are provided with center holes allowing the probe to penetrate through. When the head part and the body part move oppositely, the extrusion part is driven to act on the elastic part and the sealing part, so that the central holes of the elastic part and the sealing part are shrunk to clamp the probe, and a sealing channel is formed between the probe and the body part; when the head part and the body part move back to back, the elastic piece and the sealing piece are restored due to removal of the external force, and then the probe is loosened. Through structural optimization of the probe assembly, clamping of the probe and sealing of the whole probe assembly are simultaneously realized through the elastic piece, the integrity is improved, rapid replacement of the probe is realized, and the use experience is improved.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with the application number 202510073456.9;

[0002] The information of the patent application with the application number 202510073456.9 is as follows:

[0003] Title of the Invention: Probe Assembly and Single-Cell Manipulation Device;

[0004] Application Date: January 17, 2025. Technical Field

[0005] This application relates to the field of cell manipulation technology, and particularly to a probe assembly and a single-cell manipulation device. Background Art

[0006] When conducting cell research, it is necessary to observe the specific morphology of cells and extract target cells individually for research. The currently common method for single-cell manipulation is in-situ extraction, specifically by sucking a single cell into a holding needle for spatial position transfer. During the operation, the front-end opening of the microtubule probe used for cell extraction is about 1 to 20 micrometers, and the extraction and release of a single cell are achieved through the air pressure change inside the microtubule. Therefore, stable clamping of the microtubule probe is required.

[0007] In the prior art, the clamping structure of the microtubule probe is complex in design, and the installation process requires repeated debugging to ensure clamping stability and sealing. When replacing the microtubule probe, the clamping structure needs to be disassembled and re-debugged, which is cumbersome in operation. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To solve the above technical problems, this application discloses a probe assembly, including:

[0009] A probe, the probe is an elongated hollow structure, having opposite front and rear ends, and the aperture of the front end is relatively reduced;

[0010] A holder, including a housing and a lock core assembled inside the housing, the housing includes a head and a body that can move relative to each other axially, the rear end of the probe passes through the head and extends into the body; the lock core includes an elastic member and an axially movable pressing member, and the elastic member and the pressing member are provided with a central hole for the probe to pass through;

[0011] When the head and the body move towards each other, the pressing member is driven to act on the elastic member, so that the central hole of the elastic member is reduced, thereby clamping the probe;

[0012] When the head and the body move away from each other, the elastic member returns to its original state due to the removal of the external force, and its central hole is enlarged to release the probe.

[0013] The following also provides several optional methods, which are not additional limitations to the above overall solution, but only further supplements or optimizations. On the premise of no technical or logical contradiction, each optional method can be combined with the above overall solution separately, or multiple optional methods can be combined with each other.

[0014] In one embodiment, the head has an adaptation groove, and the bottom surface of the adaptation groove is provided with an installation groove adapted to the lock core, and the body part extends into the adaptation groove and contacts the lock core.

[0015] In one embodiment, the elastic member is arranged at the bottom of the installation groove, the extrusion member is movably arranged in the installation groove, one end of the extrusion member is an extrusion end that cooperates with the elastic member, and the other end is a driving end that cooperates with the body part.

[0016] In one embodiment, the driving end abuts against the body part through a sealing member, and the sealing member is provided with a central hole for the probe to pass through. When the head and the body part move towards each other, the extrusion member and the body part squeeze the sealing member, so that the central hole of the sealing member shrinks, thereby clamping the probe; when the head and the body part move away from each other, the sealing member resumes its original state due to the removal of the external force, and its central hole enlarges to release the probe.

[0017] In one embodiment, there are multiple elastic members, and the probe sequentially penetrates through the multiple elastic members and the sealing member to enter the body part. When the head and the body part move towards each other, the central holes of the multiple elastic members and the sealing member shrink synchronously and respectively clamp and seal different parts of the probe, and a sealing channel is formed between the front end of the probe and the body part.

[0018] In one embodiment, a propulsion part is fixed on the body part. When the body part rotates relative to the head, the propulsion part drives the head and the body part to move towards each other.

[0019] In one embodiment, the head is provided with an anti - detachment part, and the anti - detachment part limits the maximum distance of the head and the body part moving away from each other.

[0020] In one embodiment, a limiting part is arranged inside the body part, the probe extends into the body part and the rear end is positioned at the limiting part, and a pressure channel communicating with the inside of the probe is arranged on the limiting part.

[0021] In one embodiment, the body part is a multi - layer structure and includes:

[0022] A first cylinder, located on the outer layer and open at both ends, one end is a clamping end extending into the head, and the other end is a pressure end connected to the peripheral device;

[0023] A second cylinder is located inside the first cylinder. The second cylinder includes an open end near the clamping end and a closed end located inside the first cylinder, and the closed end forms the limiting portion.

[0024] A third cylinder is located inside the first cylinder and has both ends open, with one end abutted against the closed end of the second cylinder and the other end near the pressure end of the first cylinder.

[0025] This application also discloses a single-cell manipulation device, including:

[0026] A stage for fixing and carrying a container for the sample;

[0027] A probe assembly, which is the probe assembly described in this application;

[0028] A control assembly, including a moving platform for moving the probe assembly in space to adjust the position of the probe;

[0029] A microscopic imaging assembly for providing a window for positioning the probe;

[0030] An air pressure source assembly, which is connected to the probe through the gripper and provides positive or negative air pressure for the probe in the form of pulses.

[0031] Through the structural optimization of the probe assembly in the technical solution disclosed in this application, the elastic member is used to simultaneously clamp the probe and seal the entire probe assembly, improving the integrity, improving the clamping stability of the probe, and providing a structural basis for realizing the rapid replacement of the probe, thus improving the user experience.

[0032] The specific beneficial technical effects will be further explained in combination with specific structures or steps in the specific implementation manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the probe assembly in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the cooperation between the gripper and the lock core;

[0035] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the internal cooperation of the probe assembly;

[0036] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cooperation between the gripper and the lock core in another embodiment;

[0037] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the internal cooperation of the probe assembly in yet another embodiment;

[0038] Figure 6It is a schematic diagram of the gas path of the air pressure source component of the single - cell operation device in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of generating a pulse for the plunger;

[0040] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the single - cell operation device.

[0041] The descriptions of the reference numerals in the figure are as follows:

[0042] 10. Stage; 21. Optical microscope objective; 22. Image detection unit; 23. Light source; 50. Moving platform; 60. Air pressure source component; 61. Plunger pump; 61a. Inlet end; 61b. Outlet end; 61c. Plunger; 62. Solenoid valve; 62a. Common end; 62b. Normally open end; 62c. Normally closed end; 63. Tee joint; 64. First check valve; 65. Second check valve; 66. Air filter; 67. Silencer; 68. Plug; 70. Control system;

[0043] 100. Probe;

[0044] 200. Holder;

[0045] 211. Head; 2111. Adaptation groove; 2112. Installation groove; 2113. Anti - detachment part;

[0046] 212. Body; 2121. Pushing part; 2122. Limiting part; 2123. Pressure channel; 2124. First cylinder; 2125. Second cylinder; 2126. Third cylinder; 2127. Clamping end; 2128. Pressure end;

[0047] 220. Lock core; 221. Elastic part; 222. Extrusion part; 2221. Extrusion end; 2222. Driving end; 223. Central hole; 224. Sealing part. Detailed implementation manners

[0048] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0049] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may also be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "disposed on" another component, it can be directly disposed on the other component or there may be an intermediate component at the same time.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which this application belongs. The terms used in the description of this application herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0051] Referring to the appended Figure 1 to the appended Figure 3 As shown, this application discloses a probe assembly, including a probe 100 and a holder 200 for cooperating with the probe 100.

[0052] The probe 100 is an elongated hollow structure, and the material is quartz, glass, etc. The probe 100 can be made by laser heating and drawing of a quartz capillary tube and has a geometrically rotationally symmetric structure. It is hollow inside without movable parts or embedded circuits. The probe 100 has opposite front and rear ends. Both the front and rear ends are open structures. The size of the rear end is adapted to the holder 200, and the aperture of the front end is relatively reduced, having a flat micro-operation end face to ensure that cells will not be damaged.

[0053] The holder 200 includes a housing and a lock core 220 assembled inside the housing. The housing includes an axially relatively movable head 211 and a body 212. The rear end of the probe 100 passes through the head 211 and extends into the body 212. The body 212 communicates with the inside of the probe 100 and can adjust the air pressure inside the probe 100 to achieve the extraction and release of cells.

[0054] The lock core 220 is used to position the probe 100 and includes an elastic member 221 and an axially movable extrusion member 222. The elastic member 221 and the extrusion member 222 are provided with a central hole 223 for the probe 100 to pass through. When the head 211 and the body 212 move towards each other, the driving extrusion member 222 acts on the elastic member 221, causing the central hole of the elastic member 221 to shrink, thereby clamping the probe 100; when the head 211 and the body 212 move away from each other, the elastic member 221 returns to its original state due to the removal of the external force, and the central hole of the elastic member 221 enlarges to release the probe 100. The size of the central hole of the elastic member 221 is adapted to the outer diameter of the probe 100. For example, the inner diameter of the central hole of the elastic member 221 is 1 to 5 millimeters.

[0055] The elastic member 221 can simultaneously clamp the probe 100 and seal the entire probe assembly under the action of the extrusion member 222, reducing the number of components and improving the integrity. The lock core 220 can clamp and release the probe 100 during the relative movement of the head 211 and the body 212, improving the user experience.

[0056] Referring to the appended Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the head 211 has a fitting groove 2111. The bottom surface of the fitting groove 2111 is provided with a mounting groove 2112 for fitting the lock core 220. The body 212 extends into the fitting groove 2111 and contacts the lock core 220, such as the pressing member 222 of the lock core 220. Further, the radial dimension of the mounting groove 2112 is smaller than that of the fitting groove 2111, and the dimension of the body 212 is adapted to the fitting groove 2111 and is larger than that of the mounting groove 2112. The bottom surface of the fitting groove 2111 can limit the extreme positions of the head 211 and the body 212 moving towards each other, thereby preventing the elastic member 221 from applying excessive clamping force to the probe 100. The elastic member 221 is disposed at the bottom of the mounting groove 2112, and the pressing member 222 is movably disposed in the mounting groove 2112. The mounting groove 2112 and the fitting groove 2111 can both be circular holes for convenient processing, or the mounting groove 2112 and the fitting groove 2111 can be provided with non-circular cross-sections to restrict the movement of the components. One end of the pressing member 222 is a pressing end 2221 that cooperates with the elastic member 221, and the other end is a driving end 2222 that cooperates with the body 212. Refer to Att Figure 2 to Att Figure 4 As shown, the driving end 2222 abuts against the body 212 through the seal 224. The seal 224 has a central hole for the probe 100 to pass through. When the head 211 and the body 212 move towards each other, the pressing member 222 and the body 212 press the seal 224, causing the central hole of the seal 224 to shrink, thereby clamping the probe 100; when the head 211 and the body 212 move away from each other, the seal 224 returns to its original state due to the removal of the external force, and its central hole enlarges to release the probe 100. In the installation of the seal 224, it can be abutted against the bottom of the fitting groove 2111. The dimension of the seal 224 can be adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the fitting groove 2111, or to the cross-sectional shape of the mounting groove 2112, or between the two. The seal 224 can also refer to Att Figure 4 As shown, in the free state, the driving end 2222 is lower than the bottom of the fitting groove 2111 to form an assembly cavity. The seal 224 is located in the assembly cavity, and the body 212 drives the pressing member 222 to act by pressing the part of the seal 224 exposed in the fitting groove 2111. Similar to the elastic member 221, the seal 224 can also assist in clamping the probe 100 and sealing this part.

[0057] In other words, in this embodiment, the lock core 220 clamps the outer peripheral surface of the probe 100 at least at the two axial ends of the pressing member 222, and the two clamping components clamp or release synchronously during the relative movement of the head 211 and the body 212. The specific structure of the seal 224 can be the same as that of the elastic member 221 or can be differently arranged. In Figure 2Among them, a plurality of elastic members 221 are provided. The probe 100 sequentially passes through the plurality of elastic members 221 to enter the body portion 212. When the head portion 211 and the body portion 212 move towards each other, the central holes of the plurality of elastic members 221 synchronously shrink and respectively clamp different parts of the probe 100. In this embodiment, both the elastic member 221 and the seal member 224 are O-rings. During the process of synchronous shrinking of the central holes of the plurality of elastic members 221 and the seal member 224, each elastic member 221 and the seal member 224 respectively clamp and seal different parts of the probe 100. The front end of the probe 100 is hermetically communicated with the channel of the body portion 212 of the holder 200 through the hollow channel inside the probe 100, forming a sealed channel to facilitate adjusting the pressure inside the probe to achieve cell operation.

[0058] Regarding the implementation manner of the relative movement between the head portion 211 and the body portion 212, various methods such as sliding and rotational propulsion can be adopted. Refer to the attached Figure 2 to the attached Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, a propulsion portion 2121 is fixed on the body portion 212. When the body portion 212 rotates relative to the head portion 211, the propulsion portion 2121 drives the head portion 211 and the body portion 212 to move towards each other. Further, the propulsion portion 2121 is fixed on the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 212 and is arranged in a screwed connection with the head portion 211. When the body portion 212 rotates relative to the head portion 211, the propulsion portion 2121 can drive the relative movement between the body portion 212 and the head portion 211. The inner peripheral surface of the mating groove 2111 of the head portion 211 is used for screwing with the propulsion portion 2121.

[0059] Further, the head portion 211 is provided with an anti-disengagement member 2113, and the anti-disengagement member 2113 limits the maximum distance of the back-to-back movement between the head portion 211 and the body portion 212. This setting can avoid the separation of the components of the lock core 220 caused by the back-to-back movement of the body portion 212 and the head portion 211, and at the same time prevent the accidental separation of the body portion 212 and the head portion 211 during the process of replacing the probe 100, reducing the use risk. The anti-disengagement member 2113 is detachably installed on the head portion 211 and is provided with an opening through which the body portion 212 passes. The inner edge of the opening is movably arranged with the body portion 212 to realize the movement of the body portion 212. In some embodiments, the inner edge of the opening is in sliding or rotational sealing fit with the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 212. When the body portion 212 is fitted in the mating groove 2111, the anti-disengagement member 2113 closes the mating groove 2111 to achieve anti-disengagement. In the scheme of screwing the body portion 212 and the head portion 211, the anti-disengagement member 2113 can also be screwed on the head portion 211.

[0060] In addition to the constraint of the elastic member 221 on the probe 100, the holder 200 itself can also achieve the constraint on the probe 100. For example, the rear end of the probe 100 mentioned above extends into the interior of the body portion 212, and the internal cavity of the body portion 212 can achieve the fit or constraint on the outer peripheral surface and the end face of the probe 100. Refer to the attached Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, a limiting portion 2122 is provided inside the body portion 212. The probe 100 extends into the body portion 212 and its rear end is positioned at the limiting portion 2122. A pressure channel 2123 communicating with the inside of the probe 100 is provided on the limiting portion 2122. The limiting portion 2122 can be arranged as an annular structure inside the body portion 212. In terms of the specific implementation of the limiting portion 2122, referring to an embodiment, the body portion 212 is a multi-layer structure and includes:

[0061] A first cylinder 2124, located in the outer layer and open at both ends. One end is a clamping end 2127 extending into the head portion 211, and the other end is a pressure end 2128 connected to the peripheral device;

[0062] A second cylinder 2125, located inside the first cylinder 2124. The second cylinder 2125 includes an open end near the clamping end 2127 and a closed end located inside the first cylinder 2124. The closed end forms the limiting portion 2122;

[0063] A third cylinder 2126, located inside the first cylinder 2124 and open at both ends. One end abuts against the closed end of the second cylinder 2125, and the other end is close to the pressure end 2128 of the first cylinder 2124.

[0064] By the fitting of the second cylinder 2125 and the third cylinder 2126 inside the first cylinder 2124, it is possible to ensure the positioning accuracy of the limiting portion 2122 relative to the probe assembly while reducing the processing difficulty, thereby being able to ensure the spatial position of the front end of the probe 100 relative to the probe assembly, further improving the control accuracy of cell operation and providing a structural basis for fine control.

[0065] Based on the above description, in combination with the attached Figure 6 to the attached Figure 8 it can be seen that an embodiment of the present application also discloses a single-cell operation device, including:

[0066] A stage 10 for fixing and carrying a container for the sample;

[0067] A probe assembly, which is the probe assembly in the above embodiments;

[0068] A control assembly, including a moving platform 50 for moving the probe assembly in space to adjust the position of the probe 100;

[0069] A microscopic imaging assembly for providing a window for positioning the probe 100;

[0070] An air pressure source assembly 60. The air pressure source assembly 60 communicates with the probe 100 via a holder 200 to provide positive or negative air pressure for the probe 100 in the form of pulses.

[0071] The probe assembly can be implemented in combination with the above specific description and will not be elaborated here.

[0072] The air pressure source assembly 60 is used as a power source for sucking and discharging substances (such as cells, reagents, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment Figure 6 shown, the air pressure source assembly includes a plunger pump 61, a solenoid valve 62, a tee joint 63, a first one-way valve 64, a second one-way valve 65, an air filter 66, a silencer 67, and a plug 68. The plunger pump 61 has an inlet end 61a, an outlet end 61b, and a plunger 61c; the solenoid valve 62 has a common end 62a, a normally open end 62b, and a normally closed end 62c; the air filter 66 has an air inlet end and an air outlet end; the first one-way valve 64 has an "IN" port and an "OUT" port; the second one-way valve 65 has an "IN" port and an "OUT" port; the tee joint 63 has three connection ports.

[0073] The plug 68 is screwed into the inlet end 61a of the plunger pump, tightened and sealed, and the air intake and exhaust of the plunger pump are both completed through the outlet end 61b. The outlet end 61b of the plunger pump is connected to the common end 62a of the solenoid valve 62 by a pipeline; the air inlet end of the air filter 66 is connected and sealed to the silencer 67 by a threaded connection, and the air outlet end of the air filter 66 is connected to the "IN" port of the first one-way valve 64 by a pipeline; the "OUT" port of the first one-way valve 64 is connected to one of the ports of the tee joint 63 by a pipeline. Among the other two ports of the tee joint 63, one port is connected to the normally open end 62b of the solenoid valve 62 by a pipeline, and the other port is connected to the "IN" port of the second one-way valve 65 by a pipeline; the normally closed end 62c of the solenoid valve 62 is connected to the pressure end 2128 of the probe assembly through a pipeline, and then communicates with the probe 100, so that the entire air pressure source assembly communicates with the probe 100.

[0074] The air inlet end of the air filter 66 is connected with a silencer 67 to reduce the noise of the entire gas path system for operating cells. The air outlet end of the air filter 66 is connected to the "IN" port of the first one-way valve 64, and the first one-way valve 64 prevents the gas in the entire gas path system from flowing back to the air filter 66; the second one-way valve 65 is used to exhaust the air in the plunger pump 61 to ensure that there is no unfiltered air in the plunger pump 61.

[0075] Before operation, the common end 62a and the normally open end 62b of the solenoid valve 62 are first connected, and the normally closed end 62c is closed. The plunger 61c first moves upward to the uppermost position. During this process, the residual gas in the plunger pump 61 is exhausted through the tee joint 63 and the second one-way valve 65; then the plunger 61c moves downward to the middle position of the plunger pump 61. During this process, the air is filtered by the air filter 66 and enters the plunger pump 61 through the first one-way valve 64 and the tee joint 63. The initial stop position of the plunger 61c is set in the middle of the plunger pump, which can provide negative air pressure when moving downward and positive air pressure when moving upward.

[0076] In some embodiments, as Figure 7 shown, the plunger pump 61 provides positive or negative air pressure to the probe 100 in the form of pulses, and the plunger 61c moves intermittently within a single working stroke. When the plunger 61c moves upward intermittently, with each movement distance of d1, multiple positive air pressure pulses can be generated, the air pressure value of the positive air pressure pulses is P1, and the pulse period is T1; when the plunger 61c moves downward intermittently, with each movement distance of d2, multiple negative air pressure pulses can be generated, the air pressure value of the negative air pressure pulses is P2, and the pulse period is T2.

[0077] Figure 7 The origin O in represents the plunger 61c in the initial position, at this time the air pressure value inside the plunger is approximately equal to the atmospheric pressure. Generally, the pulse air pressure value is selected as -10Kpa - 10Kpa, the period is less than 1s, preferably 0.5s - 1s. The air pressure value and period of the pulse are adjustable to meet different actual needs.

[0078] The working principle of the air pressure source assembly is introduced below by taking the extraction of cells as an example:

[0079] The solenoid valve 62 is energized, the normally open end 62b is closed, and the normally closed end 62c is opened, so that the plunger pump 61 is connected to the probe 100, and the plunger 61c inside the plunger pump 61 is controlled to move downward. At this time, the plunger pump 61 provides negative air pressure pulses to the probe 100, and the probe 100 can suck in the cells in the culture dish. If a single pulse cannot suck the cells into the inside of the probe 100, multiple pulses can be continuously emitted until they are sucked in. During the process of the probe 100 sucking in the cells, when the internal and external air pressures are balanced, the cells no longer move, so they can be retained inside the probe 100.

[0080] After sucking in the cells, if the plunger 61c has not moved to the limit position, it can continue to move to provide pulses to suck in more cells.

[0081] When the plunger 61c moves downward to the limit position, the normally closed end 62c of the solenoid valve 62 is closed, the normally open end 62b is connected, and the plunger 61c moves upward for reset. During the reset process, the gas inside the plunger pump 61 is discharged through the three-way joint 63 and the second one-way valve 65. After the plunger 61c is reset, then the normally open end 62b is closed and the normally closed end 62c is opened, and more cells can be continuously sucked in. The operation is repeated in cycles to suck in more cells at different sites into the probe 100 in batches.

[0082] After sucking in the cells, the plunger 61c is first reset (it can also not be reset), and the plunger 61c inside the plunger pump 61 is controlled to move upward. At this time, positive air pressure pulses are provided to the probe 100, and the probe 100 spits out the cells into the culture dish. Since the positive air pressure is also provided in the form of pulses, the cells can be spit out one by one until all are spit out. The working process is opposite to the process of sucking in the cells and will not be elaborated here.

[0083] Using positive or negative air pressure pulses, it is possible to aspirate or eject at most one cell per operation. Providing a negative air pressure pulse may result in insufficient suction force, causing the cell not to enter the probe. By continuously outputting multiple pulses, the cell can eventually enter the probe 100. The process of ejecting cells is similar.

[0084] Since there is a relatively large space inside the probe, it can temporarily store a relatively large number of cells. The probe 100 can continuously aspirate multiple cells and then eject them all at once, significantly improving the operation efficiency. In addition, using the pulsed probe 100, cells can be ejected one by one, so that multiple cells can be distributed at different positions, eliminating the need for redistribution operations.

[0085] It can be seen that the solenoid valve 62 serves as a pressure balancing device for the entire system. After the normally open end 62b is closed and the normally closed end 62c is opened, the plunger pump 61 does not work, and the gas path system connecting the probe 100 and the plunger pump 61 can maintain pressure balance. The extracted cells can be completely preserved in the probe 100, and then the plunger 61c can move again to generate new pulses. After the normally open end 62b is opened and the normally closed end 62c is closed, since the pressure has been balanced at this time, the plunger pump 61 performs a reset operation, which does not affect the cells preserved in the probe 100 either.

[0086] The microscopic imaging assembly includes a light source 23, an optical microscope objective 21, an image detection unit 22 (such as a CCD camera), etc. The light source 23 is generally arranged directly above the stage 10 and emits light in the direction indicated by the arrow below the light source 23. The optical microscope objective 21 and the image detection unit 22 are located below the stage. The light is transmitted in the direction indicated by the arrow between the optical microscope objective 21 and the image detection unit 22 and forms an image on the image detection unit 22. The image detection unit 22 communicates with the control system 70. The control system 70 can be a terminal device such as a computer. The plunger pump 61, the solenoid valve 62 in the air pressure source assembly 60, the motor in the moving platform 50, and the motor in the stage 10 are controlled by this control system. The control system also has an imaging display unit, that is, the probe 100 and the target cells can be displayed on the screen through the imaging system, and the operator can perform real-time operations. Figure 8 Figure 8

[0087]

[0088] Other details of the single-cell operation device can be implemented in combination with the prior art and will not be elaborated here.

[0088] The technical features of the above-described embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity of description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as falling within the scope described in this specification. When the technical features in different embodiments are shown in the same drawing, the drawing can be regarded as also disclosing the combined examples of the various embodiments involved.

[0089] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation manners of the present application. The description is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present application, several modifications and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. Probe assembly, characterized in that, Comprising: A probe, which is an elongated hollow structure with opposite front and rear ends, and the aperture at the front end is relatively reduced; A holder, comprising a housing and a lock core assembled inside the housing. The housing includes a head and a body that are axially relatively movable. The rear end of the probe passes through the head and extends into the body. The lock core includes an elastic member and an axially movable pressing member. One end of the pressing member is a pressing end that cooperates with the elastic member, and the other end is a driving end that cooperates with the body. The driving end abuts against the body through a seal. The elastic member, the pressing member, and the seal have a central hole for the probe to pass through; When the head and the body move towards each other, the pressing member is driven to act on the elastic member and the seal, causing the central holes of the elastic member and the seal to shrink, thereby clamping the probe, and a sealed channel is formed between the front end of the probe and the body; When the head and the body move away from each other, the elastic member and the seal recover due to the removal of the external force, and their central holes expand to release the probe.

2. The probe assembly according to claim 1, wherein The head has an adaption groove, and the bottom surface of the adaption groove is provided with an installation groove for adapting to the lock core. The body extends into the adaption groove and contacts the lock core.

3. The probe assembly according to claim 2, wherein The elastic member is arranged at the bottom of the installation groove, and the pressing member is movably arranged in the installation groove.

4. The probe assembly according to claim 3, wherein, When the head and the body move towards each other, the pressing member and the body squeeze the seal, causing the central hole of the seal to shrink, thereby clamping the probe; when the head and the body move away from each other, the seal recovers due to the removal of the external force, and its central hole expands to release the probe.

5. The probe assembly according to claim 4, wherein There are multiple elastic members. The probe sequentially passes through the multiple elastic members and the seal to enter the body. When the head and the body move towards each other, the central holes of the multiple elastic members and the seal shrink synchronously and respectively clamp and seal different parts of the probe.

6. The probe assembly according to claim 1, wherein A propulsion part is fixed on the body. When the body rotates relative to the head, the propulsion part drives the head and the body to move towards each other.

7. The probe assembly according to claim 1, wherein The head is provided with an anti-disengagement part, which limits the maximum distance of the head and the body moving away from each other.

8. The probe assembly according to claim 1, wherein A limiting part is arranged inside the body. The probe extends into the body and the rear end is positioned at the limiting part. The limiting part is provided with a pressure channel communicating with the inside of the probe.

9. The probe assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The body is a multi-layer structure and includes: A first cylinder, located on the outer layer and open at both ends. One end is a clamping end extending into the head, and the other end is a pressure end connected to the peripheral device; A second cylinder, located inside the first cylinder. The second cylinder includes an open end close to the clamping end and a closed end located inside the first cylinder. The closed end forms the limiting part; A third cylinder, located inside the first cylinder and open at both ends. One end abuts against the closed end of the second cylinder, and the other end is close to the pressure end of the first cylinder.

10. Single-cell manipulation device, characterized in that, Comprising: A stage for fixing and carrying a container for a sample; The probe assembly, being the probe assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9; The control assembly, including a moving platform that moves the probe assembly within a space to adjust the position of the probe; The microscopic imaging assembly, providing a window for positioning the probe; The air pressure source assembly, the air pressure source assembly being connected to the probe via the holder to provide positive or negative air pressure to the probe in the form of pulses.

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