A high-throughput tumor drug sensitivity test artificial intelligence platform

Abstract

This invention provides a high-throughput artificial intelligence platform for tumor drug sensitivity testing, relating to the fields of biomedical engineering and in vitro diagnostics. It includes a housing, a control system housed within the housing, a consumable storage and supply module, an automated operation and processing module, an incubation module, and a detection and analysis module. The consumable storage and supply module stores consumables for holding samples; the automated operation and processing module receives instructions from the control system to collect, process, and inject consumables; the incubation module receives processed consumables and provides a constant culture environment; and the detection and analysis module detects signals from the incubated samples. All modules are communicatively connected to the control system and integrated within the same housing, uniformly scheduled by the control system. This achieves a closed-loop automated operation throughout the entire process from sample storage, processing, and culture to detection, avoiding environmental fluctuations caused by sample transfer between separate devices and improving testing efficiency and data reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of biomedical engineering and in vitro diagnostics, and more specifically, to a high-throughput artificial intelligence platform for tumor drug sensitivity testing. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of precision oncology, testing the sensitivity of patient-derived tumor cells to multiple drugs using in vitro models is a key technology for screening personalized treatment plans. Current mainstream in vitro drug sensitivity testing methods heavily rely on manual operation, resulting in cumbersome procedures and lengthy cycles, making it difficult to meet the timeliness requirements of urgent clinical decision-making. Furthermore, traditional testing procedures typically require multiple transfers of samples between separate devices such as incubators, liquid handling workstations, and testing instruments. This process inevitably introduces fluctuations in environmental conditions such as temperature and gas concentration, which can affect not only sample viability but also lead to discontinuous and non-in-situ data acquisition, thus impacting the reliability of the final test results. Although some automated devices have been proposed to attempt to improve these conditions, achieving a higher degree of integration and ensuring a stable and seamless environment throughout the entire process from sample processing to data acquisition remains a pressing technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a high-throughput artificial intelligence platform for tumor drug sensitivity testing, which addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies and solves the problems mentioned in the background.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A high-throughput artificial intelligence platform for tumor drug sensitivity testing, comprising: shell; The control system is located inside the casing; The consumables storage and supply module, located inside the casing, is used to store consumables for holding samples and is connected in communication with the control system. The automated operation and processing module, located inside the casing, is used to receive instructions from the control system, collect information from the consumables storage and supply module, process the consumables, inject liquid into the consumables, and communicate with the control system. The incubation module, located inside the housing, receives consumables from the automated operation and processing module and provides a constant culture environment. The incubation module is communicatively connected to the control system. The detection and analysis module, also located inside the housing, detects signals from the samples processed by the incubation module and is communicatively connected to the control system.

[0005] Furthermore, it also includes a human-machine interface, which is set on the surface of the casing and connected to the control system.

[0006] Furthermore, the consumable storage and supply module includes a rotatable storage rack and a rotation drive mechanism. The storage rack is used to store multiple consumables in a matrix. The rotation drive mechanism is connected to the rotatable storage rack and is used to drive the storage rack to rotate under the command of the control system so that the target consumable moves to a preset position.

[0007] Furthermore, the automated operation and processing module includes a scheduling module, which is used to grab target consumables and transfer them under the command of the control system.

[0008] Furthermore, the scheduling module includes a horizontal moving device, a lifting device, and a robotic arm. The robotic arm is mounted on the lifting device and can move along the height direction of the lifting device to grasp consumables at different heights. The lifting device is mounted on the horizontal moving device to realize the horizontal movement of the lifting device and the robotic arm.

[0009] Furthermore, the automated operation and processing module includes a barcode reader, which is used to read the identification information on the consumables.

[0010] Furthermore, the automated operation and processing module includes a cover adsorption opening and closing mechanism, which is used to automatically open or close the cover of the consumable and place the consumable.

[0011] Furthermore, the plate cover adsorption opening and closing mechanism includes a mounting platform, a negative pressure adsorption device, and a fixing plate, with the negative pressure adsorption device mounted on the mounting platform via the fixing plate.

[0012] Furthermore, the automated operation and processing module includes a liquid dispensing unit, which performs liquid aspiration and dispensing operations.

[0013] Furthermore, the incubation module includes a shell, inside which are rotatable multi-layer racks and a transfer device for conveying consumables; the side walls of the shell are provided with openable and closable doors.

[0014] The present invention has at least the following advantages or beneficial effects: This invention provides a high-throughput artificial intelligence platform for tumor drug sensitivity testing. By integrating a consumable storage and supply module, an automated operation and processing module, an incubation module, and a detection and analysis module into a single housing, and unifying and coordinating these modules under a control system, a complete closed-loop automated system is constructed. This architecture allows the entire process of sample storage, processing, culture, and detection to be completed automatically within the device, eliminating the need for manual transfer between different separate devices. This fundamentally avoids environmental fluctuations caused by transfer and ensures environmental consistency throughout the testing process. Simultaneously, the fully automated process eliminates cumbersome manual operations, significantly shortening the testing cycle. The barcode reader, plate cover adsorption opening and closing mechanism, and liquid dispensing unit in the automated operation and processing module work collaboratively to ensure high precision and standardization of operations, improving test throughput and result repeatability. The detection and analysis module, integrated within the housing, supports in-situ, automated detection of incubated samples, further ensuring the continuity and reliability of data acquisition. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a high-throughput tumor drug sensitivity testing artificial intelligence platform provided by the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a high-throughput tumor drug sensitivity testing artificial intelligence platform provided by the present invention; Figure 3 A front view of the internal structure of a high-throughput tumor drug sensitivity testing artificial intelligence platform provided by the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the liquid distribution unit 34 provided by the present invention.

[0017] Icons: 1. Outer shell; 2. Consumable storage and supply module; 21. Storage rack; 3. Automated operation and processing module; 31. Scheduling module; 311. Horizontal movement device; 312. Lifting device; 313. Robotic arm; 32. Barcode reader; 33. Plate cover adsorption opening and closing mechanism; 331. Mounting platform; 332. Negative pressure adsorption device; 333. Fixing plate; 34. Liquid distribution unit; 341. Multi-channel pipette head; 343. Workbench; 344. Special gripping device; 4. Incubation module; 41. Outer shell; 411. Door; 5. Detection and analysis module; 6. Human-machine interface. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0019] Please refer to Figure 1 As shown, a high-throughput tumor drug sensitivity testing artificial intelligence platform includes an integrated shell 1, which integrates a control system, a consumable storage and supply module 2, an automated operation and processing module 3, an incubation module 4, and a detection and analysis module 5. The shell 1 constitutes a closed, clean physical environment, integrating all functional modules and effectively isolating them from external environmental interference. The control system is located inside the shell 1 and is responsible for coordinating and directing the work of all other modules. The control system communicates with the consumable storage and supply module 2, the automated operation and processing module 3, the incubation module 4, and the detection and analysis module 5 via wired or wireless means. The consumable storage and supply module 2 is used to centrally store various consumables required for experiments, such as microplates, liquid reservoirs, pipette tip boxes, and deep-well plates. The automated operation and processing module 3, according to instructions from the control system, retrieves the target consumables from the consumable storage and supply module 2 and performs a series of physical operations, including consumable information collection, opening and closing consumable caps, and liquid dispensing. The processed consumables are then sent to the incubation module 4, which provides and maintains a constant and suitable culture environment. After the sample has completed the predetermined incubation period, the automated operation and processing module 3 transfers the sample to the detection and analysis module 5 for in-situ, automated signal detection, and transmits the raw data back to the control system. This structure ensures that the entire process, from sample entry into the platform to final result output, is completed automatically within the equipment without manual intervention. This avoids environmental fluctuations such as temperature and gas concentration caused by sample transfer between separate devices, ensuring consistency of testing conditions, continuity of the process, and reliability of data, while significantly shortening the testing cycle.

[0020] In this embodiment, the platform also includes a human-machine interface 6. The human-machine interface 6, a touchscreen, is located on the surface of the housing 1 and is electrically connected to the control system. The human-machine interface 6 provides users with an intuitive and convenient operating interface. Users can use the human-machine interface 6 to start or stop the test process, set experimental parameters, monitor the real-time operating status of each module, and view the final generated test report and analysis results. The direct connection between the human-machine interface 6 and the control system ensures that user commands can be received and executed quickly and accurately, while the platform status can also be fed back to the user in real time, forming a good human-machine interaction closed loop.

[0021] Please refer to Figure 2 As shown, the consumable storage and supply module 2 includes a rotatable storage rack 21 and a rotary drive mechanism. The storage rack 21 is designed in a matrix form; in this embodiment, it is a rotating disk with a 5-column × 6-row matrix, used to store multiple consumables at high density. The rotary drive mechanism is connected to the rotatable storage rack 21. The rotary drive mechanism is a servo rotary motor, and its output shaft is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft at the center of the storage rack 21 via a coupling. When the control system determines that a specific consumable needs to be stored or retrieved according to the task flow, it sends a command to the rotary drive mechanism, which drives the storage rack 21 to rotate as a whole, precisely aligning the entire column containing the target consumable with the fixed gripping station of the scheduling module 31 in the automated operation and processing module 3. Compared to the method of having the robotic arm perform X / Y two-dimensional addressing within a large storage space, this significantly simplifies the movement path and control logic of the robotic arm, and improves the storage and retrieval speed and positioning accuracy.

[0022] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the automated operation and processing module 3 includes a scheduling module 31. The scheduling module 31, under the command of the control system, accurately grasps target consumables and transfers them between various functional modules within the platform. The scheduling module 31 includes a horizontal moving device 311, a lifting device 312, and a robotic arm 313. The robotic arm 313 is preferably a multi-joint robotic arm, with a gripper at its end for grasping consumables. The robotic arm 313 is fixedly mounted on the lifting device 312. The lifting device 312 is a vertically mounted linear module or an electric slide, capable of driving the robotic arm 313 to move vertically, thereby achieving precise grasping of consumables on different layers of the storage rack 21. The lifting device 312 is mounted on the horizontal moving device 311. The horizontal moving device 311 is a linear module laid horizontally at the bottom of the outer casing, capable of driving the lifting device 312 and the robotic arm 313 on it to move horizontally, covering the path from the consumable storage and supply module 2 to the automated operation and processing module 3, and then to the incubation module 4 and the detection and analysis module 5. Through the coordinated movement of the horizontal moving device 311 and the lifting device 312, the robotic arm 313 can move freely in three-dimensional space and cooperate with the end gripper to grasp, transport and place consumables at any position within the platform.

[0023] In addition, the automated operation and processing module 3 also includes a barcode reader 32. The barcode reader 32 is located on one side of the horizontal moving device 311 and is used to automatically read the identification information, such as QR codes or barcodes, affixed to consumables. After the scheduling module 31 picks up the consumable, the horizontal moving device 311 and the lifting device 312 work together to move the consumable to the barcode reader 32, where it can be aligned and scanned. The read information is immediately uploaded to the control system via a communication link. The control system associates the barcode information with the experimental task and sample database, enabling full lifecycle data traceability and information management for every consumable and every sample throughout the entire experimental process. This ensures the standardization and auditability of the experimental process and provides an accurate sample identification basis for subsequent data analysis and report generation, effectively preventing the risk of sample confusion or information mismatch.

[0024] The automated operation and processing module 3 also includes a cover suction opening and closing mechanism 33. This mechanism automatically opens or closes the cover of consumables and also serves as a key transit station during consumable transfer. The cover suction opening and closing mechanism 33 includes a mounting platform 331, a negative pressure suction device 332, and a fixing plate 333. The mounting platform 331 has a flat top platform for temporarily placing consumables transferred by the robotic arm 313, allowing for adjustment of the robotic arm 313's gripping position. The fixing plate 333 is fixed to one side of the mounting platform 331 with screws. The negative pressure suction device 332 is existing technology, consisting of a negative pressure unit, piping, and suction cups. The suction cups of the negative pressure suction device 332 are mounted on the fixing plate 333. The robotic arm 313 places the consumable requiring opening on the mounting platform 331 and adjusts its position so that the contact points between the robotic arm 313 and the consumable are located below the sides of the cover. Subsequently, the robotic arm 313 moves the consumable under the suction cup, activating the negative pressure adsorption device. The suction cup generates negative pressure, firmly adsorbing the cover onto the lower surface of the fixed plate 333. Next, the grippers of the robotic arm 313 move downwards, allowing the cover to open since it is now fixed. Conversely, for capping, the robotic arm 313 places the consumable to be capped under the cover and then moves upwards to close it. The negative pressure adsorption device then stops, and the cover can be moved. The cover adsorption opening and closing mechanism 33 replaces the manual capping step in the traditional process, ensuring fully automated and aseptic operation.

[0025] One specific implementation of the cover adsorption opening and closing mechanism 33 is described in the previous paragraph. In addition to this structure, the opening and closing of the cover can also be achieved by other mechanisms well known to those skilled in the art, such as mechanical snap-fit, electromagnetic adsorption, or lateral sliding opening mechanisms.

[0026] Please refer to Figure 4As shown, the automated operation and processing module 3 also includes a liquid dispensing unit 34. The liquid dispensing unit 34 is the NGS24 series fully automated filtrate preparation machine, model NGS24-20-T, manufactured by Shanghai Hanzandi Life Science Technology Co., Ltd. The liquid dispensing unit 34 is used to perform high-precision liquid aspiration and dispensing operations. The liquid dispensing unit 34 includes a multi-channel pipette head 341, a high-precision syringe pump, a worktable 343, and a dedicated gripping device 344. The worktable 343 is located inside the liquid dispensing unit 34 and has multiple workstations, such as a cooling plate for placing the liquid storage tank and pipette tip box, and a dispensing area for performing aspiration and dispensing operations. The cooling plate can use Peltier semiconductor temperature control technology to provide a low-temperature storage environment for temperature-sensitive reagents. The gripping device 344 is another small robotic arm or gantry structure used to grip and fine-tune the position of consumables inside the worktable 343. Its operation is controlled by the control system. The robotic arm 313 of the scheduling module 31 places the required consumables sequentially at designated positions outside the worktable 343. Next, the gripping device 344 inside the liquid dispensing unit 34 grips these consumables and precisely places them into the injection area on the worktable 343. Then, driven by the injection pump, the multi-channel pipette head 341 automatically picks up the pipette tip, moves it above the pre-cooled reservoir, draws a set volume of liquid, moves it above the culture plate, and precisely dispenses the liquid into the designated microwells.

[0027] Please refer to this again. Figure 2As shown, the specific structure of the incubation module 4 includes a housing 41, within which a rotatable multi-layer plate rack and a transfer device for conveying consumables are provided. The housing 41 of the incubation module 4 is a sealed cavity with good thermal insulation performance, and its side wall is equipped with an automatically opening and closing door 411 for the robotic arm 313 to access consumables. The housing 41 integrates a sophisticated environmental control system capable of continuously providing and monitoring stable temperature (e.g., 37℃±0.2℃), relative humidity (>90%), and CO2 concentration (e.g., 5%), providing an optimal in vitro growth and drug action environment for three-dimensional tumor models such as organoids. The rotatable multi-layer plate rack is installed inside the housing 41 and can rotate around a central axis. Each layer has multiple plate positions for storing culture plates. The structure of the rotatable multi-layer plate rack is the same as that of the consumable storage and supply module 2. The transfer device is used to connect the door 411 and the multi-layer plate rack. The transfer device includes a horizontally extendable insert plate, a rotating mechanism, a lifting mechanism, and multiple support blocks fixed inside the hatch 411. The insert plate is mounted on the lifting mechanism via the rotating mechanism. The insert plate only needs to be able to extend horizontally; its structure is not limited. When the robotic arm 313 delivers the culture plate into the incubation module 4 through the hatch 411, it places the plate on the support blocks, ensuring the consumable material contacts the upper surface of the support blocks, with the consumable material suspended relative to the hatch 411. Subsequently, the insert plate of the transfer device moves horizontally to the bottom of the consumable material and is lifted by the lifting mechanism. Then, the rotatable multi-layer plate rack rotates to the corresponding empty position. The insert plate adjusts its angle via the rotating structure to align the consumable material with the empty position. The insert plate then extends, delivering the consumable material into the empty position. The lifting mechanism then moves downwards, placing the consumable material in the empty position. The lifting mechanism uses a vertically mounted linear module or an electric slide to change the height of the insert plate. Both the linear module and the electric slide are existing technologies, and their structures will not be described in detail here. The rotating mechanism is a stepper motor, which is mounted on the lifting mechanism via a motor mounting bracket. The insert plate is fixedly connected to the output shaft of the stepper motor. This structure enables automated, zoned storage and management of the culture plates within the incubation module 4, supporting independent incubation of samples from different batches and at different time points. The plates can also be automatically retrieved at a specified time according to the program settings for the next step of the operation.

[0028] The detection and analysis module 5 is a multifunctional microplate reader integrated within the outer casing 1, specifically the Infinite 200 PRO multifunctional microplate reader manufactured by Tecumseh AG, Switzerland. When the culture plate after final incubation is ready for testing, the robotic arm 313 removes it from the incubation module 4 and directly inserts it into the multifunctional microplate reader. The control system sends the preset detection parameter program (e.g., for chemiluminescence detection: set the temperature to 25°C, shake for 5 minutes to mix the reagents, then incubate for 25 minutes to stabilize the luminescence signal, and finally read the chemiluminescence value of each well) to the multifunctional microplate reader. The microplate reader automatically executes all steps, completes signal acquisition, and packages the raw data (such as the luminescence value RLU) into an Excel report file, which is then transmitted back to the control system via the communication interface.

[0029] Furthermore, the control system in the above embodiments may specifically include a processor, a memory, and a communication interface. The processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), a programmable logic controller (PLC), or an embedded microprocessor, etc. The memory may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), or flash memory, etc., for storing control programs, experimental protocols, sample data, and test results. The communication interface includes an Ethernet interface, a serial communication interface (such as RS-232, RS-485), a fieldbus interface (such as CAN bus), or a wireless communication module, etc., for exchanging data and transmitting instructions with the drivers, sensors, and human-machine interface 6 of each module within the platform. The control system runs dedicated control software, which solidifies the complex drug sensitivity testing process (such as "dispensing-curing-adding culture medium-adding drugs-incubation-detection") into a standardized, configurable program. After the user selects parameters through the human-machine interface 6, the control system can automatically schedule the movement of the robotic arm, control the rotation of the storage rack, instruct the liquid distribution unit to perform liquid addition, manage the incubation module environment, trigger the operation of the detection and analysis module, and monitor the status of each module throughout the process, forming a complete intelligent control closed loop.

[0030] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-throughput artificial intelligence platform for tumor drug sensitivity testing, characterized in that, include: shell; The control system is located inside the casing; The consumables storage and supply module, located inside the casing, is used to store consumables for holding samples and is connected in communication with the control system. The automated operation and processing module, located inside the casing, is used to receive instructions from the control system, collect information from the consumables storage and supply module, process the consumables, inject liquid into the consumables, and communicate with the control system. The incubation module, located inside the casing, is used to receive consumables from the automated operation and processing module and provide a constant culture environment. The incubation module is communicatively connected to the control system. The detection and analysis module, located inside the casing, is used to detect signals from samples that have been processed by the incubation module and is connected in communication with the control system.

2. The high-throughput tumor drug sensitivity testing artificial intelligence platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a human-computer interaction interface, which is set on the surface of the shell and connected to the control system.

3. The high-throughput tumor drug sensitivity testing artificial intelligence platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The consumables storage and supply module includes a rotatable storage rack and a rotation drive mechanism. The storage rack is used to store multiple consumables in a matrix. The rotary drive mechanism is connected to the rotatable storage rack and is used to drive the storage rack to rotate under the command of the control system so that the target consumable is moved to a preset position.

4. The high-throughput tumor drug sensitivity testing artificial intelligence platform according to claim 3, characterized in that, The automated operation and processing module includes a scheduling module, which is used to grab target consumables and transfer them under the command of the control system.

5. The high-throughput tumor drug sensitivity testing artificial intelligence platform according to claim 4, characterized in that, The scheduling module includes a horizontal moving device, a lifting device, and a robotic arm. The robotic arm is mounted on the lifting device and can move along the height direction of the lifting device to grasp consumables at different heights. The lifting device is mounted on the horizontal moving device to realize the horizontal movement of the lifting device and the robotic arm.

6. The high-throughput tumor drug sensitivity testing artificial intelligence platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automated operation and processing module includes a barcode reader, which is used to read the identification information on consumables.

7. The high-throughput tumor drug sensitivity testing artificial intelligence platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automated operation and processing module includes a cover adsorption opening and closing mechanism, which is used to automatically open or close the cover of the consumables and place the consumables.

8. The high-throughput tumor drug sensitivity testing artificial intelligence platform according to claim 7, characterized in that, The plate cover adsorption opening and closing mechanism includes a mounting platform, a negative pressure adsorption device, and a fixing plate. The negative pressure adsorption device is mounted on the mounting platform via the fixing plate.

9. The high-throughput tumor drug sensitivity testing artificial intelligence platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The automated operation and processing module includes a liquid dispensing unit, which is used to perform liquid aspiration and dispensing operations.

10. The high-throughput tumor drug sensitivity testing artificial intelligence platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The incubation module includes a housing, inside which is a rotatable multi-layer rack for placing consumables and a transfer device for conveying consumables. The hull has openable and closable hatches on its side walls.

Images