Aseptic single-handed tool for embryo low ph effect

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of embryology, and particularly relates to a sterile single-hand operation tool for embryo low PH influence. The tool comprises a tool body, a holding part, a thumb wheel, a biological-grade latex hollow hose, a rotatable Y-shaped support and a detachable hollow metal connector. The holding part is provided with a thumb wheel mounting groove, and the circumferential surface of the thumb wheel is provided with friction teeth for rolling and pressing the hose to generate negative pressure. Three pits are arranged on the side wall of the thumb wheel. A spring positioning member is arranged on the lower part of the groove side wall, and the spring positioning member comprises a blind hole, a compression spring and a ball. The ball is sequentially elastically inserted into the pits to form three mechanical feedbacks, and the last gear indicates the limit suction stroke. The front end of the tool is connected with the detachable hollow metal connector and a sterile pipette tip through the Y-shaped support. The present application realizes microliter-level precise control through single-hand mechanical operation, aims to completely replace the mouth blowing mode, strengthens the convenience of sterile operation, avoids the PH value decrease caused by the invasion of high-concentration carbon dioxide into the culture medium, and significantly reduces the embryo damage and the safety risk of the operator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of embryology, and in particular to a sterile, one-handed manipulation tool for embryos affected by low pH. Background Technology

[0002] In the fields of livestock breeding and embryonic development research, in vitro embryo manipulation is a core step, often requiring frequent transfer of embryos between culture media and processing dishes. Currently, the basic tools for embryo manipulation in China still mainly rely on the traditional mouth-blowing method, where the operator directly connects the tube to be filtered through their mouth and uses the positive and negative pressure generated by their own exhalation and inhalation to drive the flow of droplets, thereby completing the aspiration and release of the embryo. Some improved solutions use discarded syringe piston tubes or simple air pump devices to replace direct mouth operation, but these still require the cooperation of both hands or a combination of mouth and hands, and the overall structure has not deviated from the basic mode of respiratory drive and tube transmission. However, the aforementioned existing technologies have many insurmountable drawbacks in practical applications: because operators need to maintain a mouth-to-tube position for extended periods, the culture medium and its contained novel viruses, adenoviruses, and targeted gene-modifying factors are highly susceptible to accidental ingestion due to operator fatigue or loss of respiratory rhythm, posing a serious threat to the operator's life; simultaneously, mouth-blowing requires operators to coordinate multiple actions simultaneously, including eye, left hand, right hand, mouth, feet, and brain thinking, resulting in extremely high learning costs and demanding technical skills. A single experiment typically lasts for several hours, making it highly susceptible to fatigue leading to inaccurate respiratory control, causing excessive aspiration or expulsion of embryos, resulting in irreversible physical damage to the embryos or even sample loss; furthermore... Crucially, human exhaled breath contains a high concentration of carbon dioxide. During mouth blowing, carbon dioxide inevitably enters the culture medium through the tubing and dissolves to form carbonic acid, causing a rapid drop in the pH value of the culture medium. Embryo culture is extremely sensitive to pH changes; even a 0.5 pH fluctuation can significantly reduce embryo survival rates, especially at critical developmental stages such as in vitro fertilization and in vitro maturation, where pH deterioration directly determines the final developmental outcome of the embryo. Furthermore, the non-sterile contact between the mouth and the tubing severely compromises the sterile environment for embryo manipulation. Oral bacteria can easily enter the culture system through the tubing, increasing the risk of embryo contamination and death. Additional devices such as tubing, pedals, and air pumps further exacerbate the disruption of sterile operation. Although existing technologies have attempted to utilize the roller principle of infusion sets or modified syringe structures, these solutions are mostly designed for macroscopic flow rate control and fail to meet the micro-precision requirements of embryo manipulation. They also do not fundamentally solve the technical challenges of oral gas intrusion and single-handed operation. Therefore, existing embryo manipulation tools have significant shortcomings in terms of safety, precision, sterility, and protection of the embryonic development environment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least solve the technical problems existing in the prior art, and in particular, innovatively proposes a sterile one-handed operation tool for embryonic low pH.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives of this invention, this invention provides a sterile one-handed manipulation tool for embryonic low pH operation, comprising a tool body with an ergonomically designed grip. The grip has a thumb wheel mounting groove, within which a rotatable thumb wheel is mounted. A flexible tube accommodating gap is formed between the bottom of the grip and the thumb wheel, within which a bio-grade latex hollow flexible tube is placed. Friction teeth are provided on the circumferential surface of the thumb wheel for contacting the bio-grade latex hollow flexible tube. Rotating the thumb wheel compresses and drives the bio-grade latex hollow flexible tube forward or backward along its axial direction, causing a change in the volume of the negative pressure chamber within the bio-grade latex hollow flexible tube, generating suction and emptying power. Three recesses are formed on the circumferential sidewall of the thumb wheel. The recesses are circumferentially distributed at 90° intervals. A spring-loaded positioning element is provided on the lower side wall of the thumb wheel mounting groove. The spring-loaded positioning element includes a blind hole in the lower side wall, a compression spring in the blind hole, and a ball fixed to the outer end of the compression spring. The size of the ball matches the recess. Under the elastic force of the compression spring, the ball is sequentially ejected into each recess. The rotation position of the thumb wheel defined by the last recess corresponds to the limit aspiration stroke of the bio-grade latex hollow tube, which is used to indicate to the operator that the aspiration limit has been reached in a mechanical feedback manner. A rotatable Y-shaped bracket is connected to the front end of the tool body. A detachable hollow metal connector is installed on the rotatable Y-shaped bracket. One end of the detachable hollow metal connector is connected to the bio-grade latex hollow tube, and the other end is connected to a sterile pipette tip.

[0005] Optionally, the spring-loaded positioning element is located on the lower side wall of the thumb wheel mounting groove near the bio-grade latex hollow hose.

[0006] Optionally, the balls protrude partially from the sidewall surface when the spring is in its natural extended state.

[0007] Optionally, the grip portion has an ergonomic grip shape.

[0008] Optionally, the front end of the tool body is provided with a Y-shaped bracket mounting position, and the rotatable Y-shaped bracket is connected to the Y-shaped bracket mounting position through a rotating shaft.

[0009] Optionally, the detachable hollow metal connector is made of 316L stainless steel. The detachable hollow metal connector has a buckle in the middle and a slot at the end of the rotatable Y-shaped bracket that matches the buckle. The detachable hollow metal connector is engaged with the rotatable Y-shaped bracket by the cooperation of the buckle and the slot.

[0010] Optionally, the detachable hollow metal connector has a Y-shaped bracket adapter in the center; one end of the detachable hollow metal connector is provided with a tubing connection part, and the front end of the biological-grade latex hollow tubing is sealed and connected to the tubing connection part; the other end of the detachable hollow metal connector is provided with a pipette tip connection part, and a sterile pipette tip is fitted onto the pipette tip connection part.

[0011] Optionally, the grip, rotatable Y-shaped bracket, and thumb wheel are made of medical-grade PEEK material.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Through the integrated mechanical structure design of the tool body, grip, thumb wheel, bio-grade latex hollow tubing, rotatable Y-shaped support, and detachable hollow metal connector, true single-handed control is achieved during embryo manipulation. Operators only need to hold the grip and rotate the thumb wheel with one hand to precisely aspirate and release droplets, completely freeing up the other hand to stably hold the culture dish, significantly reducing physical and mental fatigue and learning costs associated with prolonged operation. By using the physical compression of the thumb wheel on the rolling section to create atmospheric negative pressure in the bio-grade latex hollow tubing to drive droplet flow, the traditional mouth-blowing breathing control mode is completely eliminated. This physically isolates the oral cavity from the culture medium, fundamentally preventing the risk of accidental ingestion of experimental materials and effectively preventing exhaled carbon dioxide from entering the culture medium, avoiding pH drops caused by carbonation. This provides a stable acid-base environment for in vitro embryo culture, significantly improving embryo survival rates. Simultaneously, the rolling action between the thumb wheel and the tubing enables micro-level precise droplet control, effectively preventing embryos from being damaged by unstable breathing. This significantly reduces the risk of physical damage to precious samples by preventing over-suction or spitting. Three discontinuously distributed recesses are created on the circumferential sidewall of the thumb wheel, with central angles of (0°, 90°, and 180°) along the circumference. A spring-shaped positioning element consisting of blind holes, compression springs, and ball bearings is installed on the lower part of the sidewall of the thumb wheel mounting recess. This allows the ball bearings to sequentially spring into each recess under the action of the springs during thumb wheel rotation, producing a clear mechanical clicking sound feedback. This forms a three-level positioning indication, allowing operators to intuitively judge the suction volume based on the sound of the level. The final level recess corresponds to the highest level... The limited aspiration stroke and timely prompts to the operator to stop the operation prevent over-absorption, further enhancing the safety and controllability of the operation. In addition, the invention uses a detachable sterile pipette tip and a high-temperature sterilizable 316L stainless steel detachable hollow metal connector, combined with a medical-grade PEEK material main structure, ensuring that the entire operation is under sterile conditions. The device has a compact overall structure and high portability. Except for the pipette tip, all other components can be pocket-sized for storage, providing a safe, accurate, convenient, and stable sterile one-handed operation solution for embryo experiments that can maintain the pH value of the culture medium.

[0013] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is the front view of the tool body of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a top view of the tool body of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a side view of the tool body of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the thumb wheel structure of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the inner wall of the gripping part of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the elastic positioning element of the present invention; Reference numerals: 1. Tool body; 2. Grip; 3. Thumb wheel; 4. Friction teeth; 5. Recess; 6. Biological-grade latex hollow tubing; 7. Elastic positioning element; 8. Blind hole; 9. Compression spring; 10. Ball bearing; 11. Rotating shaft; 12. Rotatable Y-shaped bracket; 13. Pipe connection; 14. Tube connection; 15. Sterile pipette tip. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0016] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this invention provides a sterile one-handed manipulation tool for embryos under low pH conditions, comprising a tool body 1, a gripping part 2, and a mounting groove on the gripping part 2. A rotatable thumb wheel 3 is disposed within the mounting groove, and friction teeth 4 are provided on the circumferential surface of the thumb wheel 3 to enhance the feel. A flexible tube accommodating gap is formed between the bottom of the gripping part 2 and the thumb wheel 3, and a bio-grade latex hollow flexible tube 6 is arranged within the flexible tube accommodating gap. The height of the flexible tube accommodating gap ensures that the bio-grade latex hollow flexible tube 6 is squeezed by the thumb wheel 3 upon entry. Rotating the thumb wheel 3 can create a negative pressure cavity between the bio-grade latex hollow flexible tube 6 and the detachable hollow metal connector and the thumb wheel 3. The change in the volume of the negative pressure cavity generates suction and discharge power; and drives the bio-grade latex hollow flexible tube 6 to move forward or backward along its axial direction.

[0017] Three recesses 5 are formed on the circumferential sidewall of the thumb wheel 3. The three recesses 5 are non-uniformly distributed along the circumference of the thumb wheel 3, and their central angles along the circumference are (0°; 90°; 180°). A spring-shaped positioning element 7 is provided at the lower part of the sidewall where the recesses are installed. The spring-shaped positioning element 7 includes a blind hole 8 formed at the lower part of the sidewall. A compression spring 9 is installed in the blind hole 8. A ball bearing 10 is fixed to the outer end of the compression spring 9. The size of the ball bearing 10 matches the recess 5, and the ball bearing 10 protrudes from the surface of the sidewall when the compression spring 9 is in its natural extended state. During the rotation of the thumb wheel 3, the ball bearing 10 is ejected into each recess 5 in sequence under the elastic force of the compression spring 9, producing three levels of mechanical clicking sound feedback. The rotation position of the thumb wheel 3 defined by the last recess 5 corresponds to the limit suction stroke of the bio-grade latex hollow tube 6, which is used to mechanically prompt the operator that the suction limit has been reached.

[0018] The front end of the tool body 1 is connected to a rotatable Y-shaped bracket 12 via a pivot 11. The rotatable Y-shaped bracket 12 can rotate around the pivot 11 to adjust the support angle. A detachable hollow metal connector is installed on the rotatable Y-shaped bracket 12. One end of the detachable hollow metal connector is provided with a tubular connection portion 14, and the front end of the biological-grade latex hollow tubing 6 is sealed and connected to the tubular connection portion 14. The other end of the detachable hollow metal connector is provided with a pipette tip connection portion 13, and a sterile pipette tip 15 is fitted onto the pipette tip connection portion 13.

[0019] In this embodiment, the grip 2, the rotatable Y-shaped bracket 12 and the thumb wheel 3 are all made of medical-grade PEEK material, and the detachable hollow metal connector is made of 316L stainless steel.

[0020] The working principle of this invention is as follows: The operator holds the grip part 2 with one hand, inserts the sterile pipette tip 15 into the culture medium, and rotates the thumb wheel 3 with the thumb. The friction teeth 4 roll and press the biological-grade latex hollow tube 6, causing the tube to deform and form a sealed cavity inside. This creates atmospheric negative pressure, drawing the droplet containing the embryo into the tube. During rotation, the ball bearing 10 sequentially bounces into the three recesses 5 of the thumb wheel 3, creating three levels of mechanical audible feedback. When the ball bearing 10 bounces into the final recess 5, it indicates that the limit of the suction stroke has been reached, and the operator stops rotating the wheel. The entire operation is completed with one hand, without the need for mouth involvement. This physically isolates oral bacteria and carbon dioxide from entering the culture medium, effectively maintaining the stability of the culture medium's pH value, achieving precise micro-lift control, and reducing embryo damage and operator safety risks.

[0021] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A sterile, single-handed manipulation tool for embryonic low pH operation, characterized in that, The tool includes a main body with an ergonomic grip. The grip has a thumb wheel mounting groove with a rotatable thumb wheel inside. A flexible tube accommodating gap is formed between the bottom of the grip and the thumb wheel, and a bio-grade latex hollow tube is placed inside the flexible tube accommodating gap. Friction teeth are provided on the circumference of the thumb wheel for abutting against the bio-grade latex hollow tube. Rotating the thumb wheel can squeeze and drive the bio-grade latex hollow tube to move forward or backward along its axial direction, causing the volume of the negative pressure chamber inside the bio-grade latex hollow tube to change, generating suction and discharge power. The thumb wheel has three recesses on its circumferential sidewall, which are circumferentially distributed at 90° intervals. A spring-loaded positioning element is provided on the lower part of the sidewall of the thumb wheel mounting groove. The spring-loaded positioning element includes a blind hole in the lower part of the sidewall, a compression spring in the blind hole, and a ball fixed to the outer end of the compression spring. The size of the ball matches the recess. Under the elastic force of the compression spring, the ball is ejected into each recess in sequence. The rotation position of the thumb wheel defined by the last recess corresponds to the limit suction stroke of the bio-grade latex hollow tube, which is used to indicate to the operator that the suction limit has been reached in a mechanical feedback manner. The front end of the tool body is connected to a rotatable Y-shaped bracket, on which a detachable hollow metal connector is installed. One end of the detachable hollow metal connector is connected to a biological-grade latex hollow tubing, and the other end is connected to a sterile pipette tip.

2. The sterile one-handed manipulation tool for embryonic low pH as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The spring-shaped positioning element is located on the lower side wall of the thumb wheel mounting groove near the bio-grade latex hollow hose.

3. The sterile one-handed manipulation tool for embryonic low pH as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ball bearings protrude partially from the sidewall surface when the spring is in its natural extended state.

4. The sterile one-handed manipulation tool for embryonic low pH as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The front end of the tool body is provided with a Y-shaped bracket mounting position, and the rotatable Y-shaped bracket is connected to the Y-shaped bracket mounting position through a rotating shaft.

5. The sterile one-handed manipulation tool for embryonic low pH as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detachable hollow metal connector is made of 316L stainless steel. The detachable hollow metal connector has a buckle in the middle and a slot at the end of the rotatable Y-shaped bracket that matches the buckle. The detachable hollow metal connector is engaged with the rotatable Y-shaped bracket by the cooperation of the buckle and the slot.

6. The sterile one-handed manipulation tool for embryonic low pH as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detachable hollow metal connector has a Y-shaped bracket adapter in the center; one end of the detachable hollow metal connector is equipped with a tubing connection part, and the front end of the biological-grade latex hollow tubing is sealed and connected to the tubing connection part; the other end of the detachable hollow metal connector is equipped with a pipette tip connection part, and a sterile pipette tip is fitted onto the pipette tip connection part.

7. The sterile one-handed manipulation tool for embryonic low pH as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The grip, rotatable Y-shaped bracket, and thumb wheel are made of medical-grade PEEK material.

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