Preparative thin-layer chromatography platform and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a preparative thin-layer chromatography platform and a control method, and relates to the technical field of thin-layer chromatography, the preparative thin-layer chromatography platform comprises a base, a sample loading module, an operation module, a sample application module, an unfolding module, a collection module, a mechanical arm module and a control module, the sample loading module is used for automatically sucking a sample solution; the operation module has a first position, a second position and a third position; the sample application module is communicated with the sample loading module and is used for automatically applying a sample to the silica gel plate; the unfolding module is used for automatically carrying out unfolding operation on the silica gel plate; the collecting module is used for automatically collecting sample powder and eluting the sample powder; the mechanical arm module is located among the sample loading module, the operation module, the unfolding module and the collecting module and used for carrying and scraping silica gel plates, and the control module is in electric connection or communication connection with the modules so as to control the modules to be started or stopped according to a preset program. The preparative thin-layer chromatography platform provided by the invention aims to realize full-process automation and improve the experiment efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of thin layer chromatography, in particular to a preparative thin layer chromatography platform and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) is a common separation and purification technique, widely used in the separation of mixtures after organic synthesis reactions and the extraction of natural products. Compared to other techniques such as column chromatography, PTLC offers simplicity and enhanced visualization, making it particularly suitable for processing trace samples.

[0003] However, in the current industry, both traditional manual operation methods and partially automated equipment still have significant defects in actual applications, making it difficult to meet modern scientific research and industrial needs such as high throughput and operational safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a preparative thin-layer chromatography platform and a control method thereof, aiming to realize full-process automation of preparative thin-layer chromatography and improve experimental efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the preparative thin-layer chromatography platform proposed in the present invention includes a base, a sample loading module, an operation module, a sample spotting module, a development module, a collection module, a robotic arm module and a control module, wherein the sample loading module is arranged on the base, and the sample loading module is used to automatically absorb the sample solution; the operation module is arranged on the base, and the operation module has a first position, a second position and a third position, the first position is used to place and scrape the silica gel plate, the second position is used to spot the sample on the silica gel plate, and the third position is used to color and photograph the silica gel plate; the sample spotting module is arranged on the base and is located at the second position, the sample spotting module is connected to the sample loading module, and the sample spotting module is used to automatically spot the sample on the silica gel plate; the development module is arranged on the base, and the sample loading module is connected to the sample loading module. The base comprises a base, wherein the unfolding module is used to automatically unfold the silica gel plate; the collecting module is provided on the base, and the collecting module is used to automatically collect sample powder and elute the sample powder; the robotic arm module is provided on the base, and is located between the sample loading module, the operation module, the unfolding module and the collecting module, and the robotic arm module is used to transport the silica gel plate after spotting to the unfolding module, transport the unfolded silica gel plate to the first position, and scrape the sample powder on the unfolded silica gel plate; the control module is electrically connected or communicatively connected to the sample loading module, the operation module, the sample spotting module, the unfolding module, the collecting module and the robotic arm module to control them to start or stop according to a preset program.

[0006] In one embodiment, the loading module includes a turntable mechanism and a liquid suction mechanism, the turntable mechanism is rotatably arranged on the base, the turntable mechanism is used to place reagent bottles, the liquid suction mechanism is movably arranged on the base and is located above the turntable mechanism, one end of the liquid suction mechanism is used to insert the reagent bottle, and the other end of the liquid suction mechanism is connected to the sample spotting module.

[0007] In one embodiment, the turntable mechanism is provided with a plurality of pipetting stations, the plurality of pipetting stations are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the turntable mechanism, and each of the pipetting stations is provided with one reagent bottle.

[0008] In one embodiment, the operating module includes a base, a guide rail and a viewing panel mechanism, the guide rail is provided on the base, the base is slidably provided on the guide rail, the base is used to place the silicone plate, the guide rail has the first position, the second position and the third position along its length direction, and the viewing panel mechanism is provided on the base and is located at one end of the third position of the guide rail.

[0009] In one embodiment, the sample dispensing module includes a driving assembly and a dispensing valve, wherein the dispensing valve is connected to the driving portion of the driving assembly, and the dispensing valve is communicated with the other end of the liquid aspiration mechanism;

[0010] And / or, the viewing mechanism includes a shell, an ultraviolet lamp and a shooting assembly, the shell cover is arranged at one end of the guide rail, the shell has an opening for the base to enter, the ultraviolet lamp and the shooting assembly are arranged on the inner wall of the shell, and the light emission direction of the ultraviolet lamp and the shooting direction of the shooting assembly are both toward the part of the guide rail located inside the shell.

[0011] In one embodiment, the expansion module includes an expansion cylinder and two pump bodies, the expansion cylinder has a accommodating cavity with an opening, the accommodating cavity is used to place the silicone plate, the cavity wall of the expansion cylinder is provided with an injection port and a discharge port, the injection port and the discharge port are respectively connected to one of the pump bodies, the injection port is used to inject the developing agent into the accommodating cavity, and the discharge port is used to discharge the developing agent from the accommodating cavity.

[0012] In one embodiment, the robotic arm module includes a robotic arm body, a clamping assembly and a scraping assembly, the clamping assembly and the scraping assembly are placed on the base, the clamping assembly and the scraping assembly can be detachably connected to one end of the robotic arm body, and the scraping assembly is connected to the collection module.

[0013] In one embodiment, the preparative thin layer chromatography platform further includes a plate bin module, the plate bin module including a cylinder assembly and a grabbing assembly, the cylinder assembly and the grabbing assembly are both provided on the base, the silica gel plate is stacked on the driving portion of the cylinder assembly, and the grabbing assembly is used to grab one of the silica gel plates for the robotic arm module to take;

[0014] And / or, the preparative thin layer chromatography platform further comprises a cache module, the cache module is disposed on the base, the cache module has a plurality of parallel grooves, and one of the silica gel plates is placed in one of the grooves.

[0015] The present invention also provides a control method for the preparative thin layer chromatography platform described above, comprising the following steps:

[0016] Controlling the robotic arm module to move the silicone plate to the second position;

[0017] Controlling the sample loading module and the operation module to spot samples on the silica gel plate;

[0018] Controlling the robotic arm module to carry the silicone plate to the unfolding module;

[0019] Controlling the developing module to inject developing liquid;

[0020] Controlling the robotic arm module to carry the unfolded silicone plate to the third position;

[0021] Controlling the operating module to color and photograph the silica gel plate at the third position;

[0022] Controlling the robotic arm module to move the silicone plate to the first position;

[0023] Controlling the robotic arm module to scrape the sample powder on the silica gel plate;

[0024] The collection module is controlled to elute the sample powder.

[0025] In one embodiment, the preparative thin layer chromatography platform further comprises a buffer module, the buffer module being disposed on the base, the buffer module having a plurality of parallel grooves, one of the silica gel plates being placed in one of the grooves, and the development module comprising a plurality of spaced development cylinders;

[0026] After the step of controlling the sample loading module and the operation module to spot samples on the silica gel plate, and before the step of controlling the robotic arm module to transport the silica gel plate to the unfolding module, the method further includes:

[0027] Controlling the robotic arm module to carry the spotted silica gel plate to the cache module;

[0028] After the step of controlling the operating module to color and photograph the silicone plate at the third position, and before the step of controlling the robotic arm module to move the silicone plate to the first position, the step further includes:

[0029] The robotic arm module is controlled to carry the colored silica gel plate to the cache module.

[0030] The preparative thin layer chromatography platform proposed in the technical solution of the present invention includes a base, a loading module, an operation module, a spotting module, a development module, a collection module, a robotic arm module and a control module. The loading module, the operation module, the development module, the collection module and the robotic arm module are arranged at intervals on the plane of the base, and the robotic arm module is arranged between the above modules. The control module is used to be electrically connected or communicated with the above modules. The loading module is used to automatically absorb the sample solution, the spotting module is used to automatically spot the sample on the silica gel plate, the operation module is used to place the silica gel plate and automatically develop the color and take pictures of the silica gel plate, the development module is used to automatically develop the spotted silica gel plate, the robotic arm module is used to carry the silica gel plate between the above modules and scrape the silica gel plate after development. The collection module automatically stores and elutes the scraped sample powder. Through modular design, deep collaborative control of software and hardware and complete process closed-loop management, the automated operation of the whole process from loading on the silica gel plate, sample spotting, chromatographic development, color development and photography, silica gel powder scraping, elution purification and product collection is realized, with high integration, accuracy and safety, while ensuring the health and safety of the operator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a preparative thin layer chromatography platform provided by the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a sample loading module in a preparative thin layer chromatography platform provided by the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of an operating module in a preparative thin layer chromatography platform provided by the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4This is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a development module in a preparative thin layer chromatography platform provided by the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a clamping assembly in a preparative thin layer chromatography platform provided by the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a scraping component in a preparative thin layer chromatography platform provided by the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a plate material bin module in a preparative thin layer chromatography platform provided by the present invention;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a cache module in a preparative thin layer chromatography platform provided by the present invention;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a flow chart of an embodiment of the control method provided by the present invention.

[0041] Description of Figure Numbers:

[0042] 100. Preparative thin-layer chromatography platform; 1. Base; 2. Loading module; 21. Turntable mechanism; 22. Liquid aspiration mechanism; 3. Operation module; 31. Base; 32. Guide rail; 34. Plate viewing mechanism; 341. Housing; 342. UV lamp; 343. Shooting assembly; 4. Development module; 41. Development cylinder; 42. Pump body; 5. Collection module; 6. Robotic arm module; 61. Robotic arm body; 62. Clamping assembly; 63. Scraping assembly; 7. Plate bin module; 71. Cylinder assembly; 72. Grabbing assembly; 8. Cache module; 9. Spotting module.

[0043] The purpose, features and advantages of the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with the embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0045] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the components under a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0046] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present invention, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or suggesting their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features limited to "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears in the full text, its meaning includes three parallel solutions. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes solution A, solution B, or solutions that satisfy both A and B. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the ability of ordinary technicians in this field to implement. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0047] Preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) is a common separation and purification technique, widely used in the separation of mixtures after organic synthesis reactions and the extraction of natural products. Compared to other techniques such as column chromatography, PTLC offers simplicity and enhanced visualization, making it particularly suitable for processing trace samples.

[0048] However, in the current industry, both traditional manual operation methods and partially automated equipment still have significant defects in actual applications, making it difficult to meet modern scientific research and industrial needs such as high throughput and operational safety.

[0049] The present invention provides a preparative thin-layer chromatography platform and a control method thereof, aiming to realize full-process automation of preparative thin-layer chromatography and improve experimental efficiency.

[0050] See also Figure 1In one embodiment of the present invention, the preparative thin layer chromatography platform 100 includes a base 1, a sample loading module 2, an operation module 3, a sample spotting module 9, a development module 4, a collection module 5, a robotic arm module 6 and a control module. The sample loading module 2 is provided on the base 1 and is used to automatically absorb the sample solution; the operation module 3 is provided on the base 1 and has a first position, a second position and a third position. The first position is used to place and scrape the silica gel plate, the second position is used to spot the sample on the silica gel plate, and the third position is used to color the silica gel plate and take pictures; the sample spotting module 9 is provided on the base 1 and is located at the second position. The sample spotting module 9 is connected to the sample loading module 2 and is used to automatically spot the sample on the silica gel plate; the development module 4 is used to collect the sample, ... Module 4 is arranged on the base 1, and the expansion module 4 is used to automatically expand the silica gel plate; the collection module 5 is arranged on the base 1, and the collection module 5 is used to automatically collect sample powder and elute the sample powder; the robotic arm module 6 is arranged on the base 1, and is located between the sample loading module 2, the operation module 3, the expansion module 4 and the collection module 5, and the robotic arm module 6 is used to transport the silica gel plate after spotting to the expansion module 4, transport the expanded silica gel plate to the first position, and scrape the sample powder on the expanded silica gel plate; the control module is electrically connected or communicatively connected to the sample loading module 2, the operation module 3, the sample spotting module 9, the expansion module 4, the collection module 5 and the robotic arm module 6 to control them to start or stop according to a preset program.

[0051] In this embodiment, the base 1 is a rigid platform that carries various functional components. It can adopt a structure composed of a metal frame and a table to ensure the stability of the equipment. The loading module 2 includes an automatic liquid suction mechanism 22, which realizes precise sampling through the cooperation of a negative pressure device and a quantitative pump. The first station of the operation module 3 is provided with a positioning fixture or a vacuum adsorption platform for fixing the silicone plate; the second station is provided with a spotting module 9; the third station integrates an ultraviolet light source and a camera to complete color development and image acquisition. The spotting module 9 controls the spotting amount through a microfluidic valve to ensure uniform distribution of the sample. The development module 4 has a built-in liquid level sensor, which controls the injection amount of the developing agent through the pump body 42. The collection module 5 adopts a cyclone separation device to realize efficient collection of powder. The robotic arm module 6 is equipped with a replaceable fixture, which is driven by a servo motor to achieve three-dimensional precise positioning. The control module is based on PLC programming, and preset operation timing and parameter thresholds.

[0052] The preparative thin-layer chromatography platform 100 proposed in the technical solution of the present invention includes a base 1, a loading module 2, an operation module 3, a spotting module 9, a development module 4, a collection module 5, a robotic arm module 6 and a control module. The loading module 2, the operation module 3, the development module 4, the collection module 5 and the robotic arm module 6 are arranged at intervals on the plane of the base 1, and the robotic arm module 6 is arranged between the above modules. The control module is used to be electrically connected or communicatively connected with the above modules. The loading module 2 is used to automatically absorb the sample solution, the spotting module 9 is used to automatically spot the sample on the silica gel plate, the operation module 3 is used to place the silica gel plate and automatically develop the color and photograph the silica gel plate, the development module 4 is used to automatically develop the spotted silica gel plate, the robotic arm module 6 is used to transport the silica gel plate between the above modules and scrape the developed silica gel plate, and the collection module 5 automatically stores and elutes the scraped sample powder. Through modular design, deep coordinated control of software and hardware, and complete process closed-loop management, the entire process from silica gel plate sampling, sample spotting, chromatographic development, color development and photography, silica gel powder scraping, elution purification and product collection has been automated. It is highly integrated, accurate and safe, while ensuring the health and safety of operators.

[0053] See also Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, the loading module 2 includes a turntable mechanism 21 and a liquid suction mechanism 22. The turntable mechanism 21 is rotatably arranged on the base 1. The turntable mechanism 21 is used to place reagent bottles. The liquid suction mechanism 22 is movably arranged on the base 1 and is located above the turntable mechanism 21. One end of the liquid suction mechanism 22 is used to insert the reagent bottle, and the other end of the liquid suction mechanism 22 is connected to the sample spotting module 9.

[0054] In this embodiment, the sample loading module 2 is composed of a turntable mechanism 21 and a liquid suction mechanism 22. The turntable mechanism 21 is rotatable and includes multiple independent workstations. Each workstation is used to place a sample reagent bottle for storing and managing samples to be sampled. One workstation is a code scanning workstation. There is a code scanner at the bottom of the workstation, which can scan and identify the reagent bottle. One workstation is a sample loading workstation, and the liquid suction mechanism 22 completes the sample absorption and loading. The liquid suction mechanism 22 contains two long and short needles, which can complete longitudinal and lateral movement through a cylinder. The long needle is connected to the dispensing valve through a hose and is responsible for transporting the sample; the short needle is connected to the positive pressure pump to provide pressure to drive the sample flow, thereby automatically aspirating the sample solution and transporting it to the dispensing valve.

[0055] Please refer again Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of pipetting stations are provided on the turntable mechanism 21, and the plurality of pipetting stations are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the turntable mechanism 21, and each pipetting station is provided with a reagent bottle.

[0056] In this embodiment, the turntable mechanism 21 rotates under the control module, allowing the target reagent bottle to be precisely docked at the working position below the liquid aspiration mechanism 22. When the reagent bottle at a certain station completes the liquid aspiration operation, the turntable automatically rotates to the next station, at which point the liquid aspiration mechanism 22 can immediately perform the operation on the adjacent reagent bottle. The spatial distribution of multiple stations allows switching between different reagent bottles without manual intervention, and the structure of each station independently carrying reagent bottles avoids the risk of cross-contamination.

[0057] See also Figure 3 In an embodiment of the present invention, the operating module 3 includes a base 31, a guide rail 32 and a viewing panel mechanism 34. The guide rail 32 is provided on the base 1, and the base 31 is slidably provided on the guide rail 32. The base 31 is used to place the silicone plate. The guide rail 32 has a first position, a second position and a third position along its length direction. The viewing panel mechanism 34 is provided on the base 1 and is located at one end of the third position of the guide rail 32.

[0058] In this embodiment, the operating module 3 comprises a vacuum adsorption platform, guide rails 32, a waste liquid bucket, and a plate viewing mechanism 34. The vacuum adsorption platform is a flat surface with an array of small holes. A vacuum pump generates negative pressure at its bottom, enabling it to support and secure the silicone plate and transport it to various operating positions. The vacuum adsorption platform, guided by guide rails 32, allows for linear horizontal movement and is positioned in three different working positions: the first position is used for gripping and scraping by the robotic arm; the second position is used for spotting the silicone plate by the sample spotting module 9; and the third position is used by the plate viewing mechanism 34 for color development and photography.

[0059] Please refer again Figure 3 In an embodiment of the present invention, the sample dispensing module 9 includes a driving component and a dispensing valve, the dispensing valve is connected to the driving part of the driving component, and the dispensing valve is connected to the other end of the liquid aspiration mechanism 22;

[0060] And / or, the viewing mechanism 34 includes a shell 341, an ultraviolet lamp 342 and a shooting assembly 343, the shell 341 is covered at one end of the guide rail 32, the shell 341 has an opening for the base 31 to enter, the ultraviolet lamp 342 and the shooting assembly 343 are arranged on the inner wall of the shell 341, and the light emitting direction of the ultraviolet lamp 342 and the shooting direction of the shooting assembly 343 are both toward the part of the guide rail 32 located inside the shell 341.

[0061] In this embodiment, the spotting module 9 is composed of a dispensing valve and a driving assembly perpendicular to the guide rail 32. The driving assembly can adopt the guide rail 32 or a linear motor. The dispensing valve controls the uniform ejection of the sample, and the driving assembly is driven by a motor to control the dispensing valve to move along the horizontal line of the silicone plate, so as to automatically and evenly spot the sample horizontally along the silicone plate. The viewing plate mechanism 34 is a semi-enclosed cover with a built-in ultraviolet lamp 342 to irradiate the silicone plate to reduce the outward scattering of ultraviolet rays. A high-definition camera is installed on the top to perform ultraviolet color development and photograph and record the unfolded silicone plate. In a preferred embodiment, a cleaning mechanism and a waste liquid barrel are provided next to the spotting module 9. The cleaning mechanism is used to clean the sample solution in the pipeline of the spotting module 9 and discharge it into the waste liquid barrel to prevent contamination between different sample solutions.

[0062] See also Figure 4 In an embodiment of the present invention, the expansion module 4 includes a expansion cylinder 41 and two pump bodies 42. The expansion cylinder 41 has a accommodating cavity with an opening, which is used to place the silicone plate. The cavity wall of the expansion cylinder 41 is provided with an injection port and a discharge port, which are respectively connected to a pump body 42. The injection port is used to inject the developing agent into the accommodating cavity, and the discharge port is used to discharge the developing agent from the accommodating cavity.

[0063] In this embodiment, the expansion module 4 includes an expansion cylinder 41 and two pump bodies 42. Each cylinder is provided with a sealing cover on the top and an injection port and a discharge port on the bottom. The injection port is connected to a peristaltic pump and a development solvent bottle to control the addition of the developing agent, and the discharge port is connected to a vacuum pump and a waste liquid bottle to empty the expansion cylinder 41 after the expansion is completed. The cylinder cover placement rack is used to place the expansion cylinder cover during operation. The expansion module 4 also includes a cylinder cover placement rack and a pressure sensor. The cylinder cover placement rack is used to place the sealing cover, and the pressure sensor is used to monitor the liquid level of the expansion cylinder 41 in real time to avoid excessive immersion of the sample, and automatically replenish the solvent to maintain the specified height, perform the expansion operation on the sampled silica gel plate, and dynamically adjust the developing agent ratio in real time.

[0064] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 In an embodiment of the present invention, the robotic arm module 6 includes a robotic arm body 61, a clamping component 62 and a scraping component 63. The clamping component 62 and the scraping component 63 are placed on the base 1. The clamping component 62 and the scraping component 63 can be detachably connected to one end of the robotic arm body 61, and the scraping component 63 is connected to the collection module 5.

[0065] In this embodiment, the robotic arm module 6 includes a robotic arm body 61, a gripping assembly 62, and a scraping assembly 63. When idle, the gripping assembly 62 and scraping assembly 63 are placed on two side-by-side brackets. The gripping assembly 62 is used to store the end of the gripping tool, and the scraping assembly 63 is used to store the end of the integrated scraping and suction tool. The gripping assembly 62 and scraping assembly 63 are detachably connected to the end of the robotic arm body 61, specifically by magnetic connection or plug-in connection, allowing for quick replacement of the end of the robotic arm body 61.

[0066] See also Figure 7 and Figure 8 In an embodiment of the present invention, the preparative thin layer chromatography platform 100 further includes a plate material bin module 7, which includes a cylinder assembly 71 and a grabbing assembly 72. The cylinder assembly 71 and the grabbing assembly 72 are both provided on the base 1. The silica gel plates are stacked on the driving portion of the cylinder assembly 71. The grabbing assembly 72 is used to grab a silica gel plate for the robotic arm module 6 to take.

[0067] And / or, the preparative thin layer chromatography platform 100 further includes a buffer module 8 , which is disposed on the base 1 . The buffer module 8 has a plurality of parallel grooves, and a silica gel plate is placed in one of the grooves.

[0068] In this embodiment, the sheet bin module 7 includes a cylinder assembly 71 and a gripping assembly 72. Multiple silicone sheets are stacked on the drive unit of the cylinder assembly 71. The gripping assembly 72 can use four integrated small suction cups. The cylinder assembly 71 lifts the stacked silicone sheets from the bottom to a predetermined height. The suction cups then pick up the top silicone sheet. The cylinder then drops back down, leaving the sucked silicone sheet suspended in the air, making it easier for the robotic arm module 6 to pick it up, thus enabling the storage and automatic supply of silicone sheets. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet bin module 7 also includes a barcode scanner that can scan and identify the picked silicone sheets.

[0069] The cache module 8 is a vertical plug-in plate storage rack with multiple parallel grooves. It can store multiple silicone plates to be processed later during the experiment, such as silicone plates after spotting or silicone plates waiting to be air-dried after color development and photography, making it convenient for the robotic arm to take and place them.

[0070] See also Figure 9 The present invention also provides a control method for the preparative thin layer chromatography platform 100 as described above, the control method comprising the following steps:

[0071] Step S1: Control the robotic arm module 6 to move the silicone plate to the second position;

[0072] Step S2: Control the sample loading module 2 and the operation module 3 to spot the sample on the silica gel plate;

[0073] Step S3: Control the robotic arm module 6 to carry the silicone plate to the unfolding module 4;

[0074] Step S4: controlling the developing module 4 to inject developing liquid;

[0075] Step S5: Control the robotic arm module 6 to move the unfolded silicone plate to the third position;

[0076] Step S6: Control the operating module 3 to color and take photos of the silicone plate at the third position;

[0077] Step S7: Control the robotic arm module 6 to move the silicone plate to the first position;

[0078] Step S8: Control the robotic arm module 6 to scrape the sample powder on the silica gel plate;

[0079] Step S9: Control the collection module 5 to elute the sample powder.

[0080] In this embodiment, first, the initial silica gel plate is spotted at the second position, and the spotted silica gel plate is transported to the expansion module 4. The expansion module 4 is turned on and the spotted silica gel plate is automatically expanded. Then, the expanded silica gel plate is transported to the third position of the operation module 3, and the expanded silica gel plate is colorized and photographed; the silica gel plate after color development and photographing is transported to the first position, and the robotic arm body 61 of the robotic arm module 6 replaces the scraping component 63 to scrape and absorb the product on the silica gel plate at the first position, and the scraped powder is collected by the collecting module 5; finally, an organic solvent is injected into the collecting part to realize the elution and recovery of the product powder.

[0081] Please refer again Figure 9 In an embodiment of the present invention, the preparative thin layer chromatography platform 100 further includes a buffer module 8, which is disposed on the base 1. The buffer module 8 has a plurality of parallel grooves, a silica gel plate is placed in a groove, and the development module 4 includes a plurality of spaced development cylinders 41.

[0082] After step S2 of controlling the sample loading module 2 and the operation module 3 to spot the sample on the silica gel plate, and before step S3 of controlling the robotic arm module 6 to transport the silica gel plate to the unfolding module 4, the method further includes:

[0083] Step S21: Control the robotic arm module 6 to carry the spotted silica gel plate to the buffer module 8;

[0084] After step S6 of controlling the operation module 3 to color and photograph the silicone plate at the third position, and before step S7 of controlling the robotic arm module 6 to move the silicone plate to the first position, the following steps are further included:

[0085] Step S61 : controlling the robotic arm module 6 to carry the colored silicone plate to the buffer module 8 .

[0086] In this embodiment, the spotted silica gel plates can be temporarily stored in the buffer module 8 until all the plates have been spotted. The plates are then moved to the spreading cylinder 41 of the spreading module 4, allowing for simultaneous spreading of the spotted silica gel plates. This saves time and facilitates the control and calculation of spreading time. The silica gel plates after color development and photography can also be temporarily stored in the buffer module 8. Once the product on the plates has air-dried, the scraping process can proceed to the next step.

[0087] By using the cache module 8 as an intermediate buffer, the working rhythm of the sample spotting, development, color development and other modules is effectively coordinated. For example, when a development cylinder 41 needs to wait for the injection of the development agent, the robotic arm can give priority to processing the ready silica gel plates in the cache module 8, thereby significantly improving the processing speed in high-throughput scenarios, and further realizing the parallel processing capability of multiple batches of silica gel plates.

[0088] The complete collaborative workflow of the preparative thin layer chromatography platform 100 of the present invention is as follows:

[0089] Cylinder assembly 71 of sheet bin module 7 lifts the stacked silicone sheets. Grab assembly 72 then grips the top sheet, and the cylinder retracts. Robotic arm module 6 moves to the sheet bin, grabs the sheet, scans it with a barcode scanner, and then places it on base 31 in the first position of operating module 3. The vacuum pump is activated, creating negative pressure on base 31 to secure the sheet.

[0090] The guide rail 32 of the operating module 3 moves the silicone plate to the second position. The barcode scanner in the loading module 2 scans the sample bottle to be loaded, and the turntable mechanism 21 rotates to make the sample bottle reach the loading station. The needle of the aspiration mechanism 22 is inserted into the sample bottle, and the positive pressure pump is activated to press the sample solution into the dispensing valve of the dispensing module. The drive component of the dispensing module drives the dispensing valve to move in a direction perpendicular to the guide rail 32 for uniform dispensing. After the dispensing is completed, the long needle of the aspiration mechanism 22 withdraws from the sample bottle and moves horizontally to the position of the cleaning solvent bottle. The cleaning solvent is pressed into the dispensing pipeline. The dispensing valve moves to the top of the waste liquid barrel to discharge the cleaning waste liquid. Finally, the needle of the aspiration mechanism 22 returns to the loading station.

[0091] The guide rail 32 of the operation module 3 returns the silicone plate from the second position to the first position, the vacuum pump in the base 31 is turned off to release the silicone plate, and the robotic arm module 6 clamps the spotted silicone plate to the cache module 8.

[0092] Repeat the above steps of spotting, washing, and silica gel plate buffering to complete spotting and washing of at least eight samples.

[0093] The peristaltic pump in the deployment module 4 is activated to inject the developing agent into the injection port. The deployment cylinder 41 is allowed to stand for pre-saturation before being replenished with developing agent. The robotic arm module 6 sequentially removes the cylinder lid to the cylinder lid storage rack, removes the silicone plate from the buffer module 8, inserts it into the deployment cylinder 41, then removes the lid and seals the deployment cylinder 41. The system then stands for completion of deployment.

[0094] After deployment is complete, the robotic arm module 6 grips the cover of the deployment cylinder 41 to the cylinder cover placement rack and then grips the unfolded silicone sheet to the first position of the operating module 3. The vacuum pump in the base 31 activates to absorb the silicone sheet, and the robotic arm module 6 grips the cover and covers the deployment cylinder 41. The guide rails 32 of the operating module 3 move the silicone sheet to the third position. The UV lamp of the viewing mechanism 34 activates, and the camera captures the color image. The guide rails 32 then return the silicone sheet to the first position. The vacuum pump in the base 31 deactivates, and the robotic arm module 6 grips the silicone sheet to the buffer module 8.

[0095] The robotic arm module 6 picks up the silicone plate in the buffer module 8 and takes it to the sheet bin barcode scanner for scanning. It is then placed in the first position of the operating module 3. The vacuum pump in the base 31 is turned on to adsorb and fix the silicone plate. The robotic arm module 6 is replaced with the scraping component 63. The barcode scanner of the collection module 5 scans the reagent bottle in the lower layer of the collection module 5. The turntable mechanism 21 of the collection module 5 rotates to the powder suction station. After the relevant components are docked, the robotic arm module 6 scrapes the silicone plate according to the path, and the powder is sucked into the syringe. After completion, the various components are reset, the turntable of the collection module 5 rotates to the next position, and the end of the robotic arm body 61 is replaced with the clamping component 62, which clamps the scraped silicone plate to the buffer module 8.

[0096] The cylinder of the turntable mechanism 21 of the collection module 5 lifts the syringe to the elution mechanism position, and the elution mechanism sprays the elution solvent and pressurizes it. The solvent is filtered out through the powder in the syringe and flows into the lower reagent bottle. The cylinder of the turntable mechanism 21 descends and the turntable rotates to the next position. The operation is repeated to complete the powder elution and collection of eight syringes.

[0097] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformation made by utilizing the contents of the present invention's description and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or directly / indirectly applied in other related technical fields, is included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A preparative thin layer chromatography platform (100), characterized in that: The preparative thin layer chromatography platform (100) comprises: Base (1); A sample loading module (2), the sample loading module (2) being arranged on the base (1), and the sample loading module (2) being used for automatically aspirating a sample solution; An operating module (3), the operating module (3) being arranged on the base (1), the operating module (3) having a first position, a second position and a third position, the first position being used for placing and scraping a silica gel plate, the second position being used for applying a sample to the silica gel plate, and the third position being used for coloring and photographing the silica gel plate; a sample spotting module (9), the sample spotting module (9) being arranged on the base (1) and located at the second position, the sample spotting module (9) being in communication with the sample loading module (2), and the sample spotting module being used for automatically spotting samples on the silica gel plate; An expansion module (4), the expansion module (4) being arranged on the base (1), and the expansion module (4) being used to automatically expand the silicone plate; A collecting module (5), the collecting module (5) being arranged on the base (1), and the collecting module (5) being used for automatically collecting sample powder and eluting the sample powder; a robotic arm module (6), the robotic arm module (6) being provided on the base (1) and being located between the sample loading module (2), the operation module (3), the expansion module (4) and the collection module (5), the robotic arm module (6) being used for transporting the sampled silica gel plate to the expansion module (4), transporting the expanded silica gel plate to the first position, and scraping the sample powder on the expanded silica gel plate; and A control module is electrically connected or communicatively connected to the sample loading module (2), the operation module (3), the sample spotting module (9), the expansion module (4), the collection module (5) and the robotic arm module (6) to control them to start or stop according to a preset program.

2. The preparative thin layer chromatography platform (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample loading module (2) includes a turntable mechanism (21) and a liquid suction mechanism (22). The turntable mechanism (21) is rotatably arranged on the base (1). The turntable mechanism (21) is used to place a reagent bottle. The liquid suction mechanism (22) is movably arranged on the base (1) and is located above the turntable mechanism (21). One end of the liquid suction mechanism (22) is used to insert the reagent bottle, and the other end of the liquid suction mechanism (22) is connected to the sample spotting module (9).

3. The preparative thin layer chromatography platform (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The turntable mechanism (21) is provided with a plurality of liquid aspiration stations, which are distributed at intervals along the circumferential direction of the turntable mechanism (21), and each of the liquid aspiration stations is provided with a reagent bottle.

4. The preparative thin layer chromatography platform (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The operating module (3) comprises a base (31), a guide rail (32) and a viewing plate mechanism (34); the guide rail (32) is provided on the base (1); the base (31) is slidably provided on the guide rail (32); the base (31) is used to place the silicone plate; the guide rail (32) has the first position, the second position and the third position along its length direction; the viewing plate mechanism (34) is provided on the base (1) and is located at one end of the third position of the guide rail (32).

5. The preparative thin layer chromatography platform (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sample dispensing module (9) comprises a driving component and a dispensing valve, wherein the dispensing valve is connected to the driving portion of the driving component, and the dispensing valve is communicated with the other end of the liquid aspiration mechanism (22); And / or, the viewing plate mechanism (34) includes a shell (341), an ultraviolet lamp (342) and a shooting assembly (343), the shell (341) is covered at one end of the guide rail (32), the shell (341) has an opening for the base (31) to enter, the ultraviolet lamp (342) and the shooting assembly (343) are arranged on the inner wall of the shell (341), and the light emission direction of the ultraviolet lamp (342) and the shooting direction of the shooting assembly (343) are both toward the part of the guide rail (32) located inside the shell (341).

6. The preparative thin layer chromatography platform (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The expansion module (4) comprises an expansion cylinder (41) and two pump bodies (42). The expansion cylinder (41) has a receiving cavity with an opening, and the receiving cavity is used to place the silica gel plate. The cavity wall of the expansion cylinder (41) is provided with an injection port and a discharge port. The injection port and the discharge port are respectively connected to one of the pump bodies (42). The injection port is used to inject a developing agent into the receiving cavity, and the discharge port is used to discharge the developing agent from the receiving cavity.

7. The preparative thin layer chromatography platform (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The robotic arm module (6) comprises a robotic arm body (61), a gripping assembly (62) and a scraping assembly (63); the gripping assembly (62) and the scraping assembly (63) are placed on the base (1); the gripping assembly (62) and the scraping assembly (63) can be detachably connected to one end of the robotic arm body (61); and the scraping assembly (63) is connected to the collecting module (5).

8. The preparative thin layer chromatography platform (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The preparative thin layer chromatography platform (100) further includes a plate material bin module (7), the plate material bin module (7) including a cylinder assembly (71) and a grabbing assembly (72), the cylinder assembly (71) and the grabbing assembly (72) both being arranged on the base (1), the silica gel plates being stacked on the driving portion of the cylinder assembly (71), and the grabbing assembly (72) being used to grab one of the silica gel plates for the robotic arm module (6) to take. And / or, the preparative thin-layer chromatography platform (100) further comprises a cache module (8), the cache module (8) being arranged on the base (1), the cache module (8) having a plurality of parallel grooves, and one of the silica gel plates being placed in one of the grooves.

9. A control method for the preparative thin layer chromatography platform (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The control method comprises the following steps: Controlling the robotic arm module (6) to move the silicone plate to the second position; Controlling the sample loading module (2) and the operation module (3) to spot samples on the silica gel plate; Controlling the robotic arm module (6) to carry the silicone plate to the unfolding module (4); Controlling the developing module (4) to inject developing liquid; Controlling the robotic arm module (6) to carry the unfolded silicone plate to the third position; controlling the operating module (3) to color and photograph the silica gel plate at the third position; Controlling the robotic arm module (6) to move the silicone plate to the first position; Controlling the robotic arm module (6) to scrape the sample powder on the silica gel plate; The collecting module (5) is controlled to elute the sample powder.

10. The control method according to claim 9, wherein: The preparative thin layer chromatography platform (100) further comprises a buffer module (8), the buffer module (8) being arranged on the base (1), the buffer module (8) having a plurality of parallel grooves, one of the silica gel plates being placed in one of the grooves, the development module (4) comprising a plurality of spaced development cylinders (41), after the step of controlling the loading module (2) and the operating module (3) to apply a sample to the silica gel plate, and before the step of controlling the robotic arm module (6) to transport the silica gel plate to the development module (4), further comprising: Controlling the robotic arm module (6) to carry the spotted silica gel plate to the cache module (8); After the step of controlling the operating module (3) to color and photograph the silicone plate at the third position, and before the step of controlling the robotic arm module (6) to transport the silicone plate to the first position, the method further includes: The robotic arm module (6) is controlled to carry the colored silica gel plate to the cache module (8).

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