Multifunctional perforated centrifugal tube

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of experimental equipment, and provides a multifunctional perforated centrifuge tube which comprises a tube body and a tube cap connected with the tube body through a connecting piece. A sleeve is arranged at the lower end of the pipe cap and used for sealing the pipe body, a through hole is formed in the center of the sleeve, and the through hole is covered with an adsorption membrane with one side fixed and the other side being a free end. According to the structure, the adsorption membrane can be automatically burst open to release pressure when a sample is exploded to boil, and then is reset and closed, so that the sample is effectively prevented from being lost and polluted. Meanwhile, the through holes can be used for directly inserting and supporting treatment devices such as desalting columns, so that uncovering operation is avoided, the process is simplified, and the pollution risk is reduced. The device has the dynamic anti-explosion boiling function and the modularized operation interface function, and is high in practicability.

Description

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of experimental equipment technology, specifically relating to a multifunctional perforated centrifuge tube. Background Technology

[0002] Centrifuge tubes, as a fundamental sample storage and processing container, are ubiquitous in numerous experiments, including those in biochemistry, drug development, and analytical testing. However, researchers often encounter some common and perplexing problems.

[0003] A typical challenge is lyophilizing samples containing organic solvents. Organic solvents, such as acetonitrile, methanol, and acetone, experience a sharp drop in boiling point under the low-temperature, low-pressure environment created by a lyophilizer, making them highly susceptible to sudden, violent boiling—a phenomenon known as bumping. This bumping not only leads to irreversible sample loss, affecting the accuracy and repeatability of subsequent experiments, but can also contaminate the expensive lyophilizer chamber and even cause cross-contamination, affecting other batches of samples. Traditional sealed centrifuge tubes are completely incapable of handling this sudden surge in internal pressure, while simply using open lyophilization introduces contamination and sample evaporation problems.

[0004] Another common procedure is desalting or buffer replacement, which typically requires a desalting column or dialysis unit. The standard procedure is: open the cap, insert the desalting column into the centrifuge tube, centrifuge, and then remove the column. This process requires repeatedly opening and closing the cap, which is not only cumbersome and increases the risk of hand contamination of the sample, but also inefficient when processing multiple samples. For samples requiring inert gas protection or strict moisture control, repeated opening and closing is especially detrimental.

[0005] Furthermore, with the miniaturization and high-throughput development of experimental techniques, researchers often want to complete more pretreatment steps within a single container, such as filtration, concentration, and desalination in the same tube, to reduce losses and errors caused by transfer steps. However, existing centrifuge tubes have limited functionality and rigid structures, making it difficult to meet this demand for integration and convenience.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for an intelligent, multifunctional centrifuge tube device that can actively adapt to changes in internal pressure, prevent sample loss, and integrate multiple operating interfaces to simplify the workflow. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multifunctional open-hole centrifuge tube with a compact structure, integrated functions, active anti-boiling ability, and easy expansion operation, in order to solve the problems of easy sample loss, cumbersome operation, and single function in the prior art.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A multifunctional open-ended centrifuge tube includes a tube body and a cap. The tube body is cylindrical with an open upper end. One side of the cap is connected to the upper side wall of the tube body via a flexible connecting piece. The lower end of the cap is provided with a sleeve for clamping the upper end of the tube body and for sealing the upper end of the tube body. The cap has a through hole in its center. The upper end of the cap is provided with an adsorption membrane covering the through hole. One side of the adsorption membrane is bonded to the upper end of the cap via an adhesive piece, and the remaining area is a free end.

[0009] Furthermore, the adsorption membrane adheres tightly to the cap under normal conditions, but can be forced open to release pressure when the internal pressure increases, and then reattaches to the cap after pressure release.

[0010] Furthermore, the through hole allows for the insertion of a desalination column, and the diameter of the through hole is smaller than the diameter of the opening at the upper end of the tube.

[0011] Furthermore, the desalination column is a conical structure that is thicker at the top and thinner at the bottom, and its sidewalls can be locked at the through hole to support the desalination column.

[0012] Furthermore, the adsorption membrane is made of a breathable and liquid-repellent material.

[0013] Furthermore, the connecting piece and the adhesive piece are made of a flexible polymer.

[0014] Furthermore, the sleeve and the upper end of the tube body are either interference fit or threaded fit.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes an annular protrusion disposed on the inner wall of the tube near the bottom for limiting and supporting the inserted sample processing column or filter element.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: the dynamic pressure relief structure formed by the adsorption membrane and the through-hole fundamentally solves the problem of sample splashing loss caused by sudden pressure increases during freeze-drying and similar processes. Its protection is automatic, immediate, and requires no intervention, and it automatically restores its seal after pressure relief, making it far more reliable and safer than any post-treatment remedial measures or simple open-loop operations. The through-hole serves as a standardized interface, allowing insertion of desalination columns, filter columns, etc., without opening the cap. This not only reduces the need for opening the cap but also significantly reduces the risk of contamination introduced during operation; maintains a stable atmosphere inside the tube (crucial for anaerobic or light-sensitive samples); and significantly improves efficiency during high-throughput operations. A simple structure integrates multiple functions, including sample storage, anti-boiling safety protection, column operation interface, and potential gas exchange interface. By using different adapters and standardized accessories, its application scenarios can be greatly expanded, covering multiple stages from sample preparation to preliminary purification. Its basic usage (opening and closing the cap) is completely consistent with traditional centrifuge tubes, requiring no new basic operation training for users. The anti-boiling function is entirely passive, benefiting users without any additional operation. This makes the invention very easy to be accepted and promoted in the market. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the centrifuge tube of the present invention with both the cap and the adsorption membrane closed; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure when the adsorption membrane is forced open by internal pressure to release pressure; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a structure in which a desalination column is inserted into the through hole of the middle tube cap and the desalination column is supported and fixed by the edge of the through hole.

[0018] In the diagram: 1-tube body, 2-tube cap, 3-connecting piece, 4-sleeve, 5-through hole, 6-adsorption membrane, 7-adhesive piece, 8-desalination column. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Implementation Method 1

[0020] like Figures 1-3 The illustration shows a multifunctional perforated centrifuge tube, consisting of a tube body 1 and a cap 2. The tube body 1 is made of general-purpose polypropylene (PP), is transparent, and has clear volume markings. The cap 2 is integrally injection molded to the upper sidewall of the tube body 1 via a thin and tough TPE connecting piece 3.

[0021] The lower end of the cap 2 has a sleeve 4, which is slightly press-fitted to the port of the tube body 1 to ensure a tight seal. A through hole 5 with a diameter of approximately 5 mm is opened in the center of the cap 2. A circular hydrophobic PTFE microporous membrane 6 serves as the adsorption membrane, with approximately one-tenth of its circumference fixed to the upper surface of the cap 2 by a TPE adhesive sheet 7 through heat pressing. The PTFE membrane is approximately 0.1 mm thick with a pore size of 0.22 μm, capable of blocking bacteria and liquids while allowing rapid gas passage.

[0022] After the sample is added, cap 2 is closed for freeze-drying. Initially, the adsorption membrane 6 adheres tightly. When the organic solvent boils violently, the vapor pressure pushes open the free portion of the adsorption membrane 6, and the vapor escapes from the through-hole 5 (as shown in the image). Figure 2 After pressure equalization, the adsorption membrane 6 is reattached. When desalination is required, take a desalination column 8 with an upper diameter of 6mm and a lower diameter of 2mm. After opening the adsorption membrane 6, insert it directly into the through hole 5. The column of the desalination column 8 is held in place by the edge of the through hole 5 at a diameter position of about 4mm, about 1cm from the upper end, and is stably suspended (as shown in the image). Figure 3 After centrifugation, collect the liquid at the bottom of the tube and remove the desalting column 8.

[0023] The innovative essence of this invention lies in the through-hole 5 located in the central area of ​​the cap. Above this through-hole 5, a special adsorption membrane 6 is applied. Under normal conditions, whether in stillness, centrifugation, or normal transport, this adsorption membrane 6, due to its own elasticity or slight negative pressure / capillary action, will adhere tightly to the surface of the cap 2, effectively isolating it from the external environment and preventing contamination and evaporation. However, when the sample inside the tube 1 undergoes explosive boiling, and the internal vapor pressure surges instantaneously, this pressure easily forces open the free end of the adsorption membrane 6, causing it to spring open like a small door (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As shown). High-pressure steam is rapidly released through the through-hole 5, thus preventing pressure buildup inside the tube from forcibly ejecting the sample from the joint between the tube opening and the cap. Once the pressure is released, the adsorption membrane 6 automatically rebounds under the elasticity of its material or gravity, re-adhering to the surface of the cap 2 and restoring the sealed state. This process is completely automatic and passive, requiring no manual intervention.

[0024] Secondly, this through-hole 5 also serves as a physical operating port. Its diameter is intentionally designed to be smaller than the diameter of the opening at the upper end of the tube body 1. This makes it ideal as an insertion channel for various external treatment columns. For example, the most common application is inserting a desalination column 8 (such as...). Figure 3(As shown). The desalination column 8 is typically designed as a conical or stepped cylinder, thicker at the top (storage end) and thinner at the bottom (outlet end). When inserted through the through-hole 5, the column sidewall is held in place by the edge of the through-hole 5 at a specific position, thus achieving stable suspension support. This allows the operator to perform centrifugal desalination without opening the cap 2; simply insert the desalination column 8 directly into the through-hole 5. After the operation, it can be easily removed. The entire process is quick and clean, greatly reducing the risk of sample exposure and contamination. Implementation Method 2

[0025] Based on Embodiment 1, a ring-shaped protrusion about 1 mm high is molded on the inner wall of tube 1, about 1 cm from the bottom. This protrusion can prevent the excessively long column from touching the bottom and also play a certain role in buffering and preventing splashing when the sample boils violently.

[0026] Meanwhile, the adhesive sheet 7 is made of TPE material doped with a pH-sensitive dye (such as bromothymol blue). Under normal conditions, it is pale yellow. If the sample inside the tube produces alkaline gas (such as ammonia) due to certain reactions, the leaked gas will turn the contact area of ​​the adhesive sheet 7 blue, providing users with a visual warning of the process or abnormality. Implementation Method 3

[0027] This implementation emphasizes standardization and machine compatibility. The bottom shape of the tube 1 conforms to the SBS microplate standard and can be precisely grasped by a robotic arm. The upper surface of the tube cap 2 is a flat square area with a through hole 5 in the center, and its position coordinates (relative to the bottom of the tube) are precisely controlled. The adsorption membrane 6 is fixed by a high-strength double-sided adhesive sheet 7 to ensure that it will not fall off under high-speed centrifugation.

[0028] The accompanying desalination column 8 features a precise flange at its upper end. The robotic arm of the automated workstation can grasp the column and, using a vision system, precisely insert it into the through-hole 5 until the flange engages. This method is particularly suitable for high-throughput screening or omics research laboratories that need to process hundreds of samples. Implementation Method 4

[0029] For samples that are extremely sensitive to oxygen or moisture, this embodiment has been specifically enhanced. First, the tube body 1 and the cap 2 are made of a high-barrier copolyester material. Second, a miniature silicone duckbill-shaped one-way valve (not shown separately in the figure, but can be considered as part of the structure of the through hole 5) is embedded in the through hole 5. This one-way valve replaces the normally closed function of the adsorption membrane 6, but the principle is the same.

[0030] During operation, first place the centrifuge tube containing the sample in a glove box, insert a special gas filling needle, and fill the tube with argon gas through the one-way valve to replace the air. Then proceed with subsequent operations or sealing. During freeze-drying, the internal pressure can still open the one-way valve to release pressure, but it is difficult for external air to seep in the reverse direction, thus maintaining the inert atmosphere inside the tube to the greatest extent while dynamically releasing pressure. Implementation Method 5

[0031] This implementation is designed for large-scale, single-use applications, such as clinical testing and diagnostic kits. The entire centrifuge tube (including tube body 1, cap 2, connecting piece 3, and sleeve 4) is integrally molded from polystyrene (PS) material. The adsorption membrane 6 is a simple piece of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, which is fixed to the cap 2 by dots of hot melt adhesive (as an adhesive piece 7).

[0032] Although its durability and peak performance may not be as good as the aforementioned implementations, it has the most essential splash-proof and pressure-relief functions and column insertion interface functions, and is extremely low in cost. It is suitable as a pre-filled container in many kits and can be directly discarded after sample processing, avoiding the risks of cleaning and cross-contamination.

[0033] Through the above demonstration of various implementation methods, it can be seen that the multifunctional perforated centrifuge tube of this invention provides a highly creative and scalable basic platform. Starting from a specific pain point (lyophilization boiling failure), it derives a general solution to a series of experimental process optimization problems. Its ingenious structure lies in its simplicity and reliability; its wide applicability lies in its open compatibility. This design is expected to become a new standard for sample pretreatment tubing in the future, bringing substantial convenience and assurance to researchers in life sciences, chemical analysis, and other fields.

[0034] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multifunctional perforated centrifuge tube, characterized in that, The device includes a tube body and a cap. The tube body is cylindrical with an open top. One side of the cap is connected to the upper side wall of the tube body via a flexible connecting piece. The lower end of the cap has a sleeve for fitting around the upper end of the tube body and for sealing the upper end of the tube body. The cap has a through hole in its center. The upper end of the cap has an adsorption membrane covering the through hole. One side of the adsorption membrane is bonded to the upper end of the cap via an adhesive piece, and the remaining area is a free end.

2. The multifunctional perforated centrifuge tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adsorption membrane adheres tightly to the cap under normal conditions, but can be forced open to release pressure when the internal pressure increases, and then reattaches to the cap after pressure release.

3. A multifunctional perforated centrifuge tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The through hole allows the desalination column to be inserted, and the diameter of the through hole is smaller than the diameter of the opening at the upper end of the tube.

4. A multifunctional perforated centrifuge tube according to claim 3, characterized in that, The desalination column is a conical structure that is thicker at the top and thinner at the bottom. Its sidewalls can be locked at the through hole to support the desalination column.

5. A multifunctional perforated centrifuge tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adsorption membrane is made of a breathable and liquid-repellent material.

6. A multifunctional perforated centrifuge tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting piece and the adhesive piece are made of flexible polymer.

7. A multifunctional perforated centrifuge tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sleeve and the upper end of the tube are either interference fit or threaded fit.

8. A multifunctional perforated centrifuge tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an annular protrusion located near the bottom of the inner wall of the tube for limiting and supporting the inserted sample processing column or filter.

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