A magnetic separation column rinsing device and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a magnetic sorting column washing device, comprising a washing liquid delivery assembly, a vacuuming assembly, a gas delivery assembly, a moving assembly, a sealed cavity, and a control unit. The moving assembly, disposed within the sealed cavity, includes a sorting column moving assembly and a sealing plug moving assembly. The sorting column moving assembly includes a sorting column holder and a first driving device. The sealing plug moving assembly includes a sorting column sealing plug and a second driving device. The sorting column sealing plug includes a sealing part and several channel interfaces. The washing liquid delivery assembly and the gas delivery assembly are connected to the channel interfaces via pipelines. The vacuuming assembly is connected to the sealed cavity via pipelines. The washing device described in this application can automatically wash the sorting column, achieving higher efficiency and better consistency of the washed product compared to manual washing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of experimental equipment technology, and in particular to a magnetic sorting column washing device and method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of biotechnology, magnetic separation technology has been widely used in life sciences, such as cell sorting, protein purification, and nucleic acid extraction. This technology utilizes surface-modified magnetic microspheres (magnetic beads) to specifically bind target substances, which are then separated from complex systems using a magnetic field. Magnetic separation columns are one of the core consumables for achieving this process.

[0003] Currently, the fabrication process of magnetic separation columns is very complex. Besides loading the magnetic packing material into the column, it requires multiple washing, removal of washing solution residue, and drying steps. These steps are currently mostly performed manually: manual sample loading and washing, followed by manual transfer to a centrifuge to remove washing solution residue, or manual connection to a ventilation system to remove washing solution residue, and then manual transfer to a dryer for drying. This process is not only inefficient but also fails to ensure consistency between each finished magnetic separation column. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the current manual washing and sorting column, the present invention provides a magnetic sorting column washing device and method, which can improve the automation level, processing efficiency and finished product consistency of magnetic sorting column washing operation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present invention adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] A magnetic sorting column washing device includes a washing liquid delivery assembly, a vacuuming assembly, a gas delivery assembly, a moving assembly, a sealed cavity, and a control unit. The moving assembly, disposed in the sealed cavity, includes a sorting column moving assembly and a sealing plug moving assembly. The sorting column moving assembly includes a sorting column holder and a first driving device. The sealing plug moving assembly includes a sorting column sealing plug and a second driving device. The sorting column sealing plug includes a sealing part and several channel interfaces. The washing liquid delivery assembly and the gas delivery assembly are connected to the channel interfaces via pipelines. The vacuuming assembly is connected to the sealed cavity via a pipeline. The first driving device drives the sorting column holder to move. The second driving device drives the sorting column sealing plug to move. The vacuuming assembly, the gas delivery assembly, the first driving device, and the second driving device are connected to the control unit.

[0007] According to one aspect of the invention, the sorting column retainer includes a connecting section and a retaining section; the connecting section is detachably connected to the movable end of the first driving device; the movable end of the second driving device is connected to the sorting column sealing plug via a sealing plug retainer; the moving assembly is provided in several groups.

[0008] According to one aspect of the invention, the second drive device is connected to the movable end of the first drive device via a mounting bracket; the second drive device is located above the sorting column holder.

[0009] According to one aspect of the invention, the sorting column sealing plug includes a clamping portion, the sealing portion being detachably connected to the clamping portion; the shape of the clamping portion is adapted to the sealing plug retainer.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, the gas delivery assembly includes a gas source, a flow controller, and a gas delivery pipeline; the gas source is connected to the sealing plug of each sorting column via the gas delivery pipeline; the gas source and the flow controller are connected to a control unit.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the rinsing fluid delivery assembly includes a rinsing fluid tank, a liquid pump, and a plurality of rinsing fluid pipelines; each rinsing fluid pipeline is connected to a sorting column sealing plug.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the vacuum assembly includes a vacuum pump, a vacuum gauge, and a vacuum line; the vacuum pump and the vacuum gauge are connected to a control unit.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a residual liquid collection assembly is also included; the residual liquid collection assembly includes a manifold connector, a manifold channel, and a manifold support; a plurality of residual liquid collection ports are spaced apart on the manifold support; the plurality of residual liquid collection ports correspond one-to-one with the movable component and are connected to the manifold channel through the manifold connector; a shut-off valve connected to the control unit is provided on the manifold channel.

[0014] A method for washing a magnetic sorting column includes:

[0015] Before operation, place the magnetic sorting column to be rinsed in the sorting column holder. The first drive device drives the sorting column holder to move downward so that the lower end liquid outlet of the magnetic sorting column is inserted into the residual liquid collection port.

[0016] In the rinsing step, the second drive device moves the sorting column sealing plug downwards until the sealing part covers the opening of the magnetic sorting column, and the rinsing liquid conveying component introduces rinsing liquid into the magnetic sorting column, which continues for a period of time and then stops.

[0017] In the degassing step, the second drive device moves the sealing plug of the sorting column upward to separate the sealing part from the opening of the magnetic sorting column. The vacuum pump is started to evacuate the sealing cavity to a certain pressure and then stops after a certain period of time.

[0018] After the residual step, the second drive device moves the sealing plug of the sorting column downwards until the sealing part covers the opening of the magnetic sorting column. The gas delivery assembly introduces gas into the magnetic sorting column through the gas delivery pipe at a certain flow rate, and stops after a certain period of time.

[0019] Preferably, in addition to the residual step, a drying step is also included: the second driving device drives the sealing plug of the sorting column to move upward so that the sealing part separates from the opening of the magnetic sorting column, the vacuum pump is started to evacuate the sealing cavity, and stops when the pressure in the sealing cavity no longer changes; after the debubbling step, one or more rinsing steps are performed.

[0020] Advantages of implementing this invention:

[0021] It can simultaneously perform rinsing, debubbling, residue removal and drying operations on multiple sorting columns in batches. The entire process can be automated, resulting in higher operating efficiency. Each step is controlled by a control unit, which ensures higher precision. Standards can be set as needed, resulting in better consistency and better rinsing quality compared to manual operation. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetic sorting column washing device according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sorting column moving assembly described in this invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a magnetic sorting column.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sorting column sealing plug described in this invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing plug moving assembly described in this invention. Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sealing plug moving assembly described in this invention. Figure 2 ;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic sorting column and the moving assembly.

[0030] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the magnetic sorting column and the residual liquid collection assembly;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the residual liquid collection component;

[0032] Figure 10 This is a structural block diagram of the magnetic sorting column washing device of the present invention.

[0033] Illustrations: 1. Sorting column moving assembly; 11. Sorting column retainer; 111. Connecting section; 112. Retaining section; 12. First drive device; 2. Sealing plug moving assembly; 21. Sorting column sealing plug; 211. Sealing part; 212. Channel interface; 213. Clamping part; 22. Second drive device; 23. Sealing plug retainer; 24. Mounting bracket; 3. Sealing cavity; 41. Manifold connector; 42. Manifold channel; 43. Manifold bracket; 44. Residual liquid collection port. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, a magnetic sorting column washing device includes a washing liquid delivery assembly, a vacuuming assembly, a gas delivery assembly, a moving assembly, a sealed cavity 3, and a control unit. The moving assembly is disposed in the sealed cavity 3 and includes a sorting column moving assembly 1 and a sealing plug moving assembly 2. The sorting column moving assembly 1 includes a sorting column holder 11 and a first driving device 12. The sealing plug moving assembly 2 includes a sorting column sealing plug 21 and a second driving device 22. The sorting column sealing plug 21 includes a sealing part 211 and several channel interfaces 212. The washing liquid delivery assembly and the gas delivery assembly are connected to the channel interfaces 212 through pipelines. The vacuuming assembly is connected to the sealed cavity 3 through pipelines. The first driving device 12 drives the sorting column holder 11 to move. The second driving device 22 drives the sorting column sealing plug 21 to move. The vacuuming assembly, the gas delivery assembly, the first driving device 12, and the second driving device 22 are connected to the control unit.

[0036] The movable end of the first drive device 12 is connected to the sorting column holder 11; the sorting column holder 11 includes a connecting section 111 and a holding section 112; the connecting section 111 is detachably connected to the movable end of the first drive device 12; preferably, multiple sorting column holders 11 of different specifications are configured according to column bodies of different diameters, so as to be physically compatible with various models of commercially available or customized sorting columns; the sorting column holder 11 and the second drive device 22 are installed on the same side of the first drive device 12.

[0037] Specifically, the second drive device 22 is fixed to the movable end of the first drive device 12 via a mounting bracket 24 and is located above the sorting column holder 11. Functionally, the first drive device 12 controls the sorting column holder 11 to move up and down, that is, controls the movement of the magnetic sorting column, while the second drive device 22 controls the sorting column sealing plug 21 to move up and down relative to the magnetic sorting column. The mounting bracket 24 of the sorting column holder 11 and the second drive device 22 is configured to ensure that the installed magnetic sorting column is aligned with the axis center of the sorting column sealing plug 21. The movable end of the second drive device 22 is connected to the sorting column sealing plug 21 via a sealing plug holder 23. When the first drive device 12 is activated, it can drive the sorting column holder 11 and the entire sealing plug moving assembly 2 to move synchronously. The distance between the sorting column sealing plug 21 and the upper opening of the sorting column will not change due to the movement of the sorting column, which can ensure the consistency of multiple executions of the action.

[0038] In practical applications, the moving components are set in several groups, which can perform batch washing operations on multiple sorting columns at the same time, greatly improving the efficiency of sorting column washing. Furthermore, since the washing process can be automated, the consistency of the washing effect is stronger than that of manual operation.

[0039] The sorting column sealing plug 21 includes a sealing part 211, a clamping part 213, and several channel interfaces 212. The sealing part 211 is a replaceable structure, and its diameter is adapted to the opening of magnetic sorting columns of different specifications (i.e., Figure 3 The part indicated by the superscript number a. Figure 3The part indicated by reference numeral b is the magnetic matrix in the sorting column. A sealing ring is provided at the edge to ensure a tight seal. It can be quickly replaced according to the specifications of the sorting column. Preferably, the inner ring of the sealing part 211 is configured with internal threads. The clamping part 213 is a cap-shaped structure, preferably with external threads at the lower end for threaded connection with the sealing part 211. The sorting column sealing plug 21 has an overall concave structure (i.e., the diameter of the clamping part is smaller than the diameter of the sealing part, reducing volume and making the overall structure of the device more compact). The shape of its concave clamping part 213 is adapted to the sealing plug holder 23. The sealing plug holder 23 has a cage-like structure. The frame structure at the lower end acts as a clamp, and it also has a quick-release mechanism that can cooperate with the concave clamping part 213 to quickly fix the sorting column sealing plug 21. The side frame not only provides support and connection but also provides sufficient space for the connection of various pipelines. The plurality of channel interfaces 212 include interfaces for washing liquid, gas, etc., which are respectively connected to washing liquid delivery pipelines, gas delivery pipelines, etc.

[0040] The gas delivery assembly includes a gas source, a flow controller, and a gas delivery pipeline. The gas source is connected to the sealing plug 21 of each sorting column via the gas delivery pipeline. The gas source and the flow controller are connected to the control unit. In practical applications, the gas source provides nitrogen. Introducing nitrogen into the rinsed sorting column can remove the residual rinsing liquid inside the sorting column by blowing it with the airflow. The flow controller can precisely control the gas flow rate, allowing the airflow to flow stably and evenly through the inside of the sorting column at a suitable flow rate. Specifically, a flow controller can be installed on each gas delivery pipeline to achieve individual control of the airflow in any one path. Alternatively, the flow controller can be used to control the total airflow, followed by gas delivery pipelines of equal diameter, length, and symmetrical shape, which can ensure that the airflow in multiple paths is approximately uniform (when the number of sorting columns being rinsed simultaneously is a power of two, a bifurcation method can be used to divide the airflow equally layer by layer).

[0041] The rinsing solution delivery assembly includes a rinsing solution tank, a liquid pump, and several rinsing solution pipelines; each rinsing solution pipeline is connected to a sorting column sealing plug 21; during use, the liquid pump can simultaneously pump rinsing solution into all sorting columns at the same rate, precisely controlling the rinsing time to ensure consistent rinsing effect; in practical applications, a multi-channel peristaltic pump system can be used to pump rinsing solution into the sorting columns during the rinsing process; the multi-channel peristaltic pump system can distribute the solution evenly and can also control each channel individually, providing precise metering and greater flexibility in use; the control unit only needs to send the corresponding instructions to the multi-channel peristaltic pump system.

[0042] The vacuum assembly can remove air bubbles generated during rinsing by evacuating the sealed cavity 3 after the rinsing step (during the vacuuming process, the air pressure inside the sealed cavity 3 gradually decreases, and the air bubbles rise and burst). It includes a vacuum pump, a vacuum gauge, and vacuuming pipeline. The vacuum gauge is used to detect the air pressure inside the sealed cavity 3. The vacuum pump and vacuum gauge are connected to the control unit. In addition to removing air bubbles, the vacuum assembly can also be used for vacuum drying. After rinsing, vacuuming is performed to accelerate the drying of the sorting column. A heating assembly can also be set up to heat the sealed cavity 3 during vacuum drying to further accelerate the drying process. When the pressure inside the sealed cavity 3 no longer changes during vacuum drying, the sorting column can be considered to be dry.

[0043] It also includes a residual liquid collection component; the residual liquid collection component includes a manifold connector 41, a manifold channel 42, and a manifold support 43; the manifold support 43 is provided with a plurality of residual liquid collection ports 44 at intervals; the plurality of residual liquid collection ports 44 correspond one-to-one with the moving component and are connected to the manifold channel 42 through the manifold connector 41, and the manifold channel 42 is finally connected to a residual liquid collection tank; the residual liquid collection component can reduce the volatilization of organic solvents in the washing solution;

[0044] A shut-off valve (which is also connected to the control unit) is also provided on the manifold 42 to control the flow of the washing liquid; when the shut-off valve on the manifold 42 (which can be a pinch valve) is closed, the washing liquid at the outlet of the sorting column stops flowing, and the washing liquid can stay in the sorting column to fully wash the magnetic matrix therein.

[0045] Furthermore, this washing device is also equipped with an outer casing and an electronic display screen; the outer casing is equipped with an openable door, forming a sealed chamber inside to eliminate interference from the external environment; the electronic display screen can be a touch screen for displaying information and interactive operation.

[0046] A method for washing a magnetic sorting column includes the following steps:

[0047] Before operation, the magnetic sorting column to be rinsed is placed in the sorting column holder 11. The first driving device 12 drives the sorting column holder 11 to move downward so that the lower end liquid outlet of the magnetic sorting column is inserted into the residual liquid collection port 44.

[0048] In the rinsing step, the second drive device 22 drives the sorting column sealing plug 21 to move downwards until the sealing part 211 covers the opening of the magnetic sorting column. The rinsing liquid conveying assembly introduces rinsing liquid into the magnetic sorting column and stops after a period of time. After the rinsing liquid conveying assembly stops working, the valve on the manifold 42 can be closed to stop the flow of rinsing liquid and fully rinse the matrix in the sorting column.

[0049] In the degassing step, the second drive device 22 drives the sorting column sealing plug 21 to move upward so that the sealing part 211 separates from the opening of the magnetic sorting column. The vacuum pump is started to evacuate the sealing cavity 3 to a certain pressure and then stops after a certain period of time.

[0050] The actual rinsing process may require multiple rinsing steps to ensure the rinsing effect, avoid residue, and ensure reliable rinsing quality. After the above de-bubbling step, one or more rinsing steps can be performed as needed.

[0051] After the residual step, the second drive device 22 drives the sorting column sealing plug 21 to move downwards until the sealing part 211 covers the opening of the magnetic sorting column. The gas delivery assembly introduces gas into the magnetic sorting column through the gas delivery pipe at a certain flow rate and stops after a certain period of time.

[0052] The drying method after the magnetic sorting column is usually as follows, in addition to the residual step, it also includes a drying step: the second drive device 22 drives the sorting column sealing plug 21 to move upward so that the sealing part 211 separates from the opening of the magnetic sorting column, the vacuum pump is started to evacuate the sealing cavity 3, and stops when the pressure in the sealing cavity 3 no longer changes.

[0053] All of the above steps can be executed by the corresponding functional components controlled by the control unit. The duration of each step and the interval between steps can be accurately set and executed. The control unit can also determine the execution status of each step based on the detection data of the vacuum gauge.

[0054] Advantages of implementing this invention:

[0055] It can simultaneously perform rinsing, debubbling, residue removal and drying operations on multiple sorting columns in batches. The entire process can be automated, resulting in higher operating efficiency. Each step is controlled by a control unit, which ensures higher precision. Standards can be set as needed, resulting in better consistency and better rinsing quality compared to manual operation.

[0056] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A magnetic sorting column washing device, characterized in that, The system includes a washing liquid delivery assembly, a vacuum assembly, a gas delivery assembly, a moving assembly, a sealed cavity (3), and a control unit. The moving assembly is located in the sealed cavity (3) and includes a sorting column moving assembly (1) and a sealing plug moving assembly (2). The sorting column moving assembly (1) includes a sorting column holder (11) and a first driving device (12). The sealing plug moving assembly (2) includes a sorting column sealing plug (21) and a second driving device (22). The sorting column sealing plug (21) includes a sealing part (211) and several channel interfaces (212). The washing liquid delivery assembly and the gas delivery assembly are connected to the channel interfaces (212) through pipelines. The vacuum assembly is connected to the sealed cavity (3) through pipelines. The first driving device (12) drives the sorting column holder (11) to move. The second driving device (22) drives the sorting column sealing plug (21) to move. The vacuum assembly, the gas delivery assembly, the first driving device (12), and the second driving device (22) are connected to the control unit.

2. The magnetic sorting column washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting column retainer (11) includes a connecting section (111) and a retaining section (112); the connecting section (111) is detachably connected to the movable end of the first driving device (12); the movable end of the second driving device (22) is connected to the sorting column sealing plug (21) through a sealing plug retainer (23); the moving assembly is provided in several groups.

3. The magnetic sorting column washing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second drive device (22) is connected to the movable end of the first drive device (12) via a mounting bracket (24); the second drive device (22) is located above the sorting column holder (11).

4. The magnetic sorting column washing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sorting column sealing plug (21) includes a clamping part (213), and the sealing part (211) is detachably connected to the clamping part (213); the shape of the clamping part (213) is adapted to the sealing plug retainer (23).

5. The magnetic sorting column washing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas delivery assembly includes a gas source, a flow controller, and a gas delivery pipeline; the gas source is connected to the sealing plug (21) of each sorting column through the gas delivery pipeline; the gas source and the flow controller are connected to the control unit.

6. The magnetic sorting column washing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rinsing fluid delivery assembly includes a rinsing fluid tank, a liquid pump, and several rinsing fluid pipelines; each rinsing fluid pipeline is connected to a sorting column sealing plug (21).

7. The magnetic sorting column washing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vacuum assembly includes a vacuum pump, a vacuum gauge, and vacuum tubing; the vacuum pump and vacuum gauge are connected to the control unit.

8. The magnetic sorting column washing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a residual liquid collection assembly; the residual liquid collection assembly includes a manifold connector (41), a manifold channel (42) and a manifold support (43); the manifold support (43) is provided with a plurality of residual liquid collection ports (44) at intervals; the plurality of residual liquid collection ports (44) correspond one-to-one with the moving assembly and are connected to the manifold channel (42) through the manifold connector (41); the manifold channel (42) is provided with a shut-off valve connected to the control unit.

9. A method for washing a magnetic sorting column based on the apparatus described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, include: Before operation, the magnetic sorting column to be rinsed is placed in the sorting column holder (11). The first driving device (12) drives the sorting column holder (11) to move downward so that the lower end of the magnetic sorting column is inserted into the residual liquid collection port (44). In the rinsing step, the second drive device (22) drives the sorting column sealing plug (21) to move downward to the sealing part (211) to cover the opening of the magnetic sorting column. The rinsing liquid conveying assembly introduces rinsing liquid into the magnetic sorting column and stops after a period of time. In the bubble removal step, the second drive device (22) drives the sorting column sealing plug (21) to move upward so that the sealing part (211) separates from the opening of the magnetic sorting column. The vacuum pump is started to evacuate the sealing cavity (3) to a certain pressure and stops after a certain period of time. After the residual step, the second drive device (22) drives the sorting column sealing plug (21) to move downward to the sealing part (211) to cover the opening of the magnetic sorting column. The gas delivery assembly introduces gas into the magnetic sorting column through the gas delivery pipe at a certain flow rate and stops after a certain period of time.

10. The method for washing a magnetic sorting column according to claim 9, characterized in that, After the residual step, a drying step is also included: the second drive device (22) drives the sorting column sealing plug (21) to move upward so that the sealing part (211) separates from the opening of the magnetic sorting column, the vacuum pump is started to evacuate the sealing cavity (3), and stops when the pressure in the sealing cavity (3) no longer changes; after the debubbling step, a rinsing step is performed once or more.

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