Filter tube, centrifugal container and centrifugal device

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter tube, a centrifugal container and a centrifugal device, the filter tube is provided with two opposite ends and a channel penetrating through the two ends, the filter tube is provided with a fixing structure for detachably fixing a filter membrane in the channel, and any end of the filter tube can be inserted into the centrifugal tube. The filter tube can be matched with a centrifugal tube to separate a target object from a filter membrane, the adsorption of the filter membrane to the target object can be reduced, and the filter tube can be matched with filter membranes with different pore diameters to realize the functions of concentration, separation, desalination and the like of biochemical samples with different molecular weights. And particularly, when a trace sample, such as 5-10 [mu] l of a sample, is treated, the adsorption of the device to the sample can be effectively reduced, so that the sample loss is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of filtration technology, and particularly to a filter tube, a centrifuge container and a centrifuge device. Background Art

[0002] Ultrafiltration is a relatively convenient method for macromolecule desalination and concentration, and has the advantages of good repeatability and high yield. Therefore, ultrafiltration technology has become a standard operation in the standardized preparation process of biological samples such as proteins, antibodies, viruses, nucleic acids and extracellular vesicles, and has also become the mainstream method in the preparation of exosomes, which is a current research hotspot.

[0003] During the ultrafiltration process, a filter membrane is placed in a centrifuge tube, and a salt solution containing the target substance is added thereto for centrifugal separation. The target substance is retained on the filter membrane, while the salt solution passes through the filter membrane and enters the bottom of the centrifuge tube, achieving solid-liquid separation. However, how to further separate the trace target substance on the filter membrane remains an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a filter tube, a centrifuge container and a centrifuge device.

[0005] A filter tube has two opposite ends and a channel passing through the two ends. The filter tube is provided with a fixing structure for detachably fixing a filter membrane in the channel. In this way, when a salt solution containing the target substance passes through the channel, it is filtered by the filter membrane, and the filter tube is configured to be inserted into a centrifuge tube with either end.

[0006] Specifically, the filter tube has a tubular structure, and the channel is formed inside the filter tube. For example, the filter tube has a cylindrical structure, such as a cylindrical shape, a square cylindrical shape, a triangular cylindrical shape, a conical cylindrical shape and other structures. Preferably, the filter tube has a cylindrical structure to adapt to the shape of the existing centrifuge tube, and the cylindrical filter tube has a simple structure, a simple manufacturing process, is easy to produce, and the inner side wall of the filter tube is arc-shaped, relatively smooth, not easy to retain the target substance, and reduces losses.

[0007] Specifically, the filter tube is configured to be inserted into a centrifuge tube with either end, that is, the filter tube can be inserted into the centrifuge tube forward or backward. It is worth mentioning that the filter tube can either be reversibly inserted into the same type of centrifuge tube, or be inserted into one type of centrifuge tube when forward and another type of centrifuge tube when backward.

[0008] After fixing the filter membrane inside the filter tube, add a salt solution containing the target substance above the filter membrane, and place the centrifuge container in a centrifuge for centrifugation, so as to separate the salt solution at the bottom of the centrifuge tube. After centrifugation, the target substance adheres to the filter membrane. Take out the filter tube and invert it into another clean centrifuge tube, and place it in the centrifuge for centrifugation, so that the target substance can be separated at the bottom of the centrifuge tube. During centrifugation, the target substance is separated from the ultrafiltration membrane by centrifugal force and moves to the bottom of the centrifuge tube, realizing the separation of the target substance from the filter membrane. The filter tube cooperates with the filter membrane and the centrifuge tube, so that the target substance can be separated from the filter membrane, especially suitable for the situation where a trace amount of the target substance needs to be separated, which can reduce the adsorption of the filter membrane to the target substance, and can cooperate with filter membranes of different pore sizes to achieve functions such as concentration, separation and desalting of biochemical samples with different molecular weights, effectively avoiding the adsorption of the filter membrane to the sample. Especially when dealing with trace samples, such as samples of 5-10 ul, the loss of the sample can be reduced. Further, the filter tube can be used in combination with filter membranes of the prior art or more novel filter membranes, which is convenient for replacing filter membranes of different models and has strong practicability. And, in some scenarios with extremely low sample volumes, multiple transfers of the sample may cause sample loss. At this time, the filter membrane can also be directly disassembled from the fixing structure, so as to facilitate the separate transfer of the filter membrane. For example, the filter membrane with the target substance can be directly transferred to a detection vessel or a reaction vessel, thus avoiding sample loss and improving the detection accuracy of the target substance.

[0009] It is worth mentioning that the filter tube can be applied to the field of ultrafiltration or microfiltration, that is, the fixing structure can be used to fix filter membranes of different models. For example, the fixing structure is used to fix ultrafiltration membranes or microfiltration membranes. Ultrafiltration membranes are used to achieve ultrafiltration. The pore size of ultrafiltration membranes is generally 1-100 nm. The filter tube cooperating with the ultrafiltration membrane can effectively separate trace samples or extremely trace samples in the separation liquid, and is convenient for subsequent direct transfer of the sample or separation of the sample from the ultrafiltration membrane. Microfiltration membranes are used to achieve microfiltration. The pore size of microfiltration membranes is generally greater than 100 nm. In some separation liquids with relatively high sample content or relatively large sample size, the filter tube cooperating with the microfiltration membrane can quickly achieve the solid-liquid separation of the sample and the separation liquid.

[0010] In one embodiment, the filter tube has an outer wall that fits with the inner wall of the centrifuge tube, such that when the filter tube is inserted into the centrifuge tube with either end, the filter tube is generally in the same direction as the centrifuge tube. In this way, it is possible to prevent the filter tube from shaking inside the centrifuge tube and causing the target substance to spill out due to inversion. Further, the filter tube has an outer wall that fits with the inner wall of the centrifuge tube, such that when the filter tube is inserted into the centrifuge tube with either end, the outer wall slidably mates with the inner wall of the centrifuge tube. The sliding fit facilitates the insertion and removal of the filter tube into and out of the centrifuge tube, and the filter tube is restricted by the inner wall of the centrifuge tube to be more stable during centrifugation and less likely to shake. For example, the filter tube has two ends with the same structure and dimensions, such that both ends slidably mate with the inner wall of the centrifuge tube, which can further improve the stability of the filter tube inside the centrifuge tube.

[0011] In one embodiment, the filter tube includes a first tube portion and a second tube portion that are detachably connected, and the fixing structure is respectively provided on the first tube portion and the second tube portion and is used for clamping the filter membrane when the first tube portion and the second tube portion are connected. The fixing structures respectively provided on the first tube portion and the second tube portion can clamp the filter membrane when the first tube portion and the second tube portion are combined, and release the filter membrane when disassembled, making the operation of fixing the filter membrane relatively convenient and fast, and facilitating the replacement of filter membranes with different pore sizes, so that the filter tube can be recycled.

[0012] In one embodiment, the fixing structure includes a plugging portion provided on the first tube portion and a boss provided on the inner wall of the second tube portion. The boss is used for placing the filter membrane, and the plugging portion is inserted into the second tube portion and abuts against the boss through the filter membrane. The boss is used for placing the filter membrane, the plugging portion is inserted into the second tube portion and abuts against the boss through the filter membrane. The insertion of the plugging portion into the second tube portion can achieve the detachable connection between the first tube portion and the second tube portion, and the plugging portion abuts against the boss through the filter membrane, which can achieve the fixing of the filter membrane by the fixing structure. In this way, the detachable connection between the first tube portion and the second tube portion and the fixing of the filter membrane are realized by the same structure, making the overall structure of the filter tube simple, and the fixing or disassembly of the filter membrane is completed incidentally during the insertion and removal process of the first tube portion and the second tube portion, which is convenient for operation.

[0013] For example, the interior of the second tube portion is in the shape of a countersunk hole, such that a boss for placing the filter membrane is formed inside the second tube portion, and a boss of this shape is easy to manufacture. It is worth mentioning that the detachable connection between the first tube portion and the second tube portion can also be a threaded connection, a snap connection, and other techniques that are easy to disassemble and connect.

[0014] In one embodiment, the outer walls of the first tube portion and the second tube portion are flush with each other, which can better enable both the first tube portion and the second tube portion to better cooperate with the centrifuge tube.

[0015] In one embodiment, the filter tube further includes a filter membrane, and the filter membrane is detachably connected to the fixing structure. In this way, the filter tube can be replaced with filter membranes of various models without the need to re-change the structure of the filter tube, making the filter tube more practical. Specifically, the pore size of the filter membrane is 1 nm to 100 nm, and filter membranes with this pore size are widely used in ultrafiltration technology, and the ultrafiltration and separation of target substances can be well achieved through the filter tube of the present application.

[0016] A centrifuge container includes a centrifuge tube and the filter tube in any of the above embodiments. The filter tube can be inserted into the centrifuge tube at either end. The centrifuge tube and the filter tube cooperate to separate the target substance and the salt solution when placed in a centrifuge, and the target substance can be separated from the filter membrane. In one embodiment, the centrifuge tube has an inner sidewall that cooperates with the filter tube, so that the outer sidewall of the filter tube slides with the inner sidewall of the centrifuge tube.

[0017] In one embodiment, the capacity of the centrifuge tube is at least one of 0.2 ml, 0.5 ml, 1.5 ml, 2 ml, 5 ml, 7 ml, and 10 ml. These small-capacity standardized centrifuge tubes are often used in ultrafiltration technology, and the filter tube of the present application can be used to cooperate with these standardized centrifuge tubes.

[0018] A centrifuge device includes a centrifuge, a centrifuge tube, and at least one filter tube in the above embodiments. The filter tube can be inserted into the centrifuge tube at either end to form a centrifuge container, and the centrifuge container is arranged on the rotor of the centrifuge. In this way, the separation of the target substance and the salt solution can be achieved, and the separation of the target substance and the filter membrane can also be achieved. In one embodiment, the centrifuge device includes at least two centrifuge tubes, and each ultrafiltration tube is used to cooperate with two centrifuge tubes.

[0019] A method for using the above filter tube includes the filter tube in any of the above embodiments, and includes the following steps:

[0020] Place the filter tube in the centrifuge tube, and add a salt solution containing the target substance to the filter tube;

[0021] Place the centrifuge tube with the filter tube inside in the centrifuge for centrifugation to separate the salt solution;

[0022] Take out the filter tube, turn the filter tube over and place it in another clean centrifuge tube, and then place it in the centrifuge for centrifugation to separate the target substance.

[0023] Through the above centrifugation method, the separation of the target substance and the salt solution can be achieved in the previous centrifuge tube, and the separation of the target substance and the filter membrane can be achieved in the subsequent centrifuge tube. Description of the Drawings

[0024] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional split structure schematic diagram of the filter tube in one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the split structure of the filter tube for one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the filter tube for one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the filter tube after adding a salt solution containing the target substance for one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 5 Schematic three-dimensional structure diagram when the filter tube for one embodiment is inserted into a centrifuge tube;

[0029] Figure 6 Schematic three-dimensional structure diagram when the filter tube for one embodiment is placed inside a centrifuge tube;

[0030] Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the filter tube discharging the salt solution for one embodiment;

[0031] Figure 8 Schematic three-dimensional structure diagram when the filter tube for one embodiment is inserted into the centrifuge tube in an inverted manner;

[0032] Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of the filter tube when it is inverted for one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 10 Cross-sectional view of the filter tube discharging the target substance for one embodiment. Detailed implementation manners

[0034] To facilitate the understanding of the present application, the present application will be described more comprehensively below with reference to the relevant drawings. The preferred embodiments of the present application are shown in the drawings. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to make the understanding of the disclosure content of the present application more thorough and comprehensive.

[0035] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In the description of the application, "a plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined. In the description of the present application, "several" means at least one, such as one, two, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0036] 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 herein in the specification of this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0037] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, in one embodiment, a filter tube 190, also referred to as an ultrafiltration tube, is provided for cooperating with a centrifuge tube 300 to form a centrifuge container. The filter tube 190 has two opposite ends. For example, the two ends of the filter tube 190 include a first end 191 and a second end 192 which are oppositely arranged.

[0038] In this embodiment, the filter tube 190 further has a channel 109 passing through both ends, and the channel 109 is used to allow the salt solution containing the target substance to pass through. During the centrifugation step, substances move from one end adjacent to the rotation center to the other end.

[0039] In this embodiment, the filter tube 190 is provided with a fixing structure for detachably fixing the filter membrane 200 in the channel 109 so that when the salt solution containing the target substance passes through the channel, it is filtered by the filter membrane 200 and thus separated into the target substance and the salt solution. Preferably, the filter membrane 200 is an ultrafiltration membrane with a pore size of 1 - 100 nm. The ultrafiltration membrane can filter out the target substance 820 with small particle size and low content, and the target substance 820 with small particle size and low content is easily attached to the ultrafiltration membrane 200. The filter tube 190 of this application is reversibly arranged in the centrifuge tube 300 to centrifugally separate the target substance 820 again to avoid loss of the target substance 820.

[0040] In this embodiment, the filter tube 190 includes a first tube portion 110 and a second tube portion 120 which are detachably connected. The fixing structure is respectively arranged on the first tube portion 110 and the second tube portion 120 and is used to clamp the filter membrane 200 when the first tube portion 110 and the second tube portion 120 are connected. More specifically, the fixing structure includes a plugging portion 111 arranged on the first tube portion 110 and a boss 121 arranged on the inner side wall of the second tube portion 120. The boss 121 is used to place the filter membrane 200. The plugging portion 111 is inserted into the second tube portion 120 and abuts against the boss 121 through the filter membrane 200 to clamp the filter membrane 200 by the plugging portion 111 and the boss 121. Specifically, the interior of the second tube portion 120 is in the shape of a counterbore to form a boss 121 for placing the filter membrane 200 inside the second tube portion 120. In this embodiment, the first tube portion 110 has a first pipe 107, and the second tube portion 120 has a second pipe 108. When the first tube portion 110 and the second tube portion 120 are plugged together, the first pipe 107 and the second pipe 108 communicate to form the channel 109.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the insertion part 111 is inserted into the second pipe part 120, the outer side wall of the first pipe part 110 is flush with the outer side wall of the second pipe part 120, and the overall filter pipe 190 formed by the first pipe part 110 and the second pipe part 120 is cylindrical. In this embodiment, the outer contour of the filter pipe 190 matches the inner contour of the centrifuge tube 300 in the prior art, so that the filter pipe 190 can be adaptively placed inside the centrifuge tube 300.

[0042] The filter pipe 190 is configured to be inserted into the centrifuge tube 300 with either end, that is, the filter pipe 190 can be inserted into the centrifuge tube 300 of the same model in the forward or reverse direction. In this embodiment, the end of the first pipe part 110 away from the second pipe part 120 is set as the first end 191 of the filter pipe 190, and the first end 191 is used to introduce the salt solution 810 containing the target substance and discharge the solid target substance 820. The end of the second pipe part 120 away from the first pipe part 110 is set as the second end 192 of the filter pipe 190, and is used to discharge the filtered salt solution 830.

[0043] As Figure 1 shown, the first pipe part 110 and the second pipe part 120 of the filter pipe 190 are disassembled and separated. As Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown, place the filter membrane 200 on the boss 121 of the second pipe part 120, and insert the insertion part 111 of the first pipe part 110 into the inside of the second pipe part 120, so as to clamp the filter membrane 200 through the cooperation of the insertion part 111 and the boss 121, thereby fixing the filter membrane 200. As Figure 4 shown, add the salt solution 810 containing the target substance to the first end 191 inside the filter pipe 190. As Figure 5 shown, insert the ultrafiltration pipe 190 into the centrifuge tube 300 with the second end 192. It can be understood that the salt solution 810 containing the target substance can also be added after the filter pipe 190 is inserted into the centrifuge tube 300. Cover the cover 310 of the centrifuge tube 300 to obtain Figure 6 the shown centrifuge container. Place the centrifuge container in a centrifuge for centrifugation. Combining Figure 6 and Figure 7 together, the filtered salt solution 830 passes through the filter membrane 200 and moves towards the bottom 320 of the centrifuge tube 300, so that the salt solution 830 is separated at the bottom 320 of the centrifuge tube 300, and after centrifugation, the target substance 820 adheres to the filter membrane 200. As Figures 8 to 10As shown, take out the filter tube 190 and invert it, and insert the first end 191 into another clean centrifuge tube 400. Place it in a centrifuge for centrifugation. The target substance 820 detaches from the filter membrane 200, so that the target substance 820 can be separated at the bottom 410 of the centrifuge tube 400. During centrifugation, the target substance 820 is separated from the ultrafiltration membrane 200 by the centrifugal force and moves to the bottom 410 of the centrifuge tube 400, realizing the separation of the target substance 820 from the filter membrane 200. It is especially applicable to the situation where a trace amount of the target substance 820 needs to be separated, and can reduce the adsorption of the target substance 820 by the filter membrane 200.

[0044] 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 the scope described in this specification.

[0045] The above-described embodiments only represent several implementation manners of the present invention, and the description thereof is relatively specific and detailed. However, it should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present invention, several modifications and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention patent shall be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A filter tube, characterized in that, The filter tube has two opposite ends and a channel running through the two ends. The filter tube is provided with a fixing structure for detachably fixing the filter membrane in the channel. The filter tube is configured to be inserted into the centrifuge tube with either end.

2. The filter tube according to claim 1, characterized in that The filter tube has an outer wall that mates with the inner wall of the centrifuge tube, such that when the filter tube is inserted into the centrifuge tube with either end, the outer wall slides in cooperation with the inner wall of the centrifuge tube.

3. The filter tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter tube includes a first tube portion and a second tube portion that are detachably connected. The fixing structure is separately provided on the first tube portion and the second tube portion and is used to clamp the filter membrane when the first tube portion and the second tube portion are connected.

4. The filter tube according to claim 3, wherein, The fixing structure includes a plugging portion provided on the first tube portion and a boss provided on the inner wall of the second tube portion. The boss is used to place the filter membrane, and the plugging portion is inserted into the second tube portion and abuts against the boss through the filter membrane.

5. The filter tube according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer wall of the first tube portion is flush with the outer wall of the second tube portion.

6. The filter tube according to claim 1, wherein, The filter tube is cylindrical.

7. The filter tube according to claim 1, characterized in that It further includes a filter membrane that is detachably connected to the fixing structure.

8. The filter tube according to claim 7, characterized in that, The pore size of the filter membrane is 1 nm to 100 nm.

9. A centrifuge container, characterized in that, It includes a centrifuge tube and the filter tube according to any one of claims 1-8. The filter tube can be inserted into the centrifuge tube with either end.

10. A centrifugal device, characterized in that, It includes a centrifuge, a centrifuge tube, and the filter tube according to any one of claims 1-8. The filter tube can be inserted into the centrifuge tube with either end and form a centrifugation container, and the centrifugation container is arranged on the rotor of the centrifuge.

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