A modular anaerobic culture device with integrated electrochemical deoxygenation

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of microbial culture equipment, and discloses an integrated electrochemical deoxygenation modular anaerobic culture device to solve the problems of high operating costs, inability to observe in real time, or high equipment cost of existing anaerobic culture equipment. The device includes a culture chamber, multi-layer drawer-type culture units, a gas circulation system, and an electrochemical deoxygenation module. The culture chamber is equipped with a gas duct, and an independent culture unit connected to the duct, also including the electrochemical deoxygenation module, is located within the duct to remove oxygen flowing within it. This invention enables continuous deoxygenation without consumables, independent culture of multiple samples, and real-time observation via a transparent panel, with low operating costs and a compact structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microbial culture equipment, and more specifically to an integrated electrochemical deoxygenation modular anaerobic culture device. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section provide only background information relevant to the disclosure of this application and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] In clinical microbiology testing, the culture of anaerobic bacteria (such as Bacteroides fragilis and Clostridium perfringens) requires a strictly anaerobic environment. Currently, the anaerobic culture equipment commonly used in medical testing laboratories mainly falls into three categories: The first type is the anaerobic bag or anaerobic box, which places a gas-generating bag (consuming oxygen and producing carbon dioxide) together with the petri dish in a sealed box, creating an anaerobic environment through a chemical reaction. This method has low equipment costs, but requires continuous purchase of disposable gas-generating bags, resulting in high operating costs; moreover, colonies cannot be observed during the cultivation process, and the box must be opened for each observation, disrupting the anaerobic environment.

[0004] The second type is the gas replacement culture system, which uses automated equipment to repeatedly cycle the culture tank through "vacuuming and filling with mixed gas" to quickly replace oxygen. This method requires no consumables, but the mixed gas in the equipped gas cylinders (usually 5% CO2, 10% H2, 85% N2) is consumed quickly, and samples cannot be continuously introduced and removed after a single batch is processed.

[0005] The third type is the anaerobic workstation (glove box), which is a large piece of equipment that maintains a constant anaerobic environment inside the box through an automatic control system, allowing operation to be carried out inside the box. This method provides the most stable environment and is suitable for the strict cultivation of anaerobic bacteria, but the equipment is expensive, occupies a large area, requires large gas cylinders for gas supply, and is complex to maintain.

[0006] In addition, some studies have employed electrochemical methods to remove oxygen from confined spaces, such as using electrochemical oxygen pumps in the aviation industry to reduce oxygen concentration in fuel tanks, or in environmental engineering for water treatment. However, these technologies have not yet been applied to clinical microbial culture devices, and there is a lack of comprehensive design for independent culture of multilayer samples, real-time observation, and mixed gas environments.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an anaerobic culture device that requires no disposable consumables, can automatically remove oxygen, and can be modularly and independently cultured, while taking into account culture accuracy, operational safety, ease of use, and cost control. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an integrated electrochemical deoxygenation modular anaerobic culture device to solve the problems of high operating costs and unstable anaerobic environment maintenance of existing anaerobic bags or boxes; and large replacement culture systems that are too large, inconvenient to carry and use, and complex to maintain.

[0009] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: An integrated electrochemical deoxygenation modular anaerobic culture device includes a culture chamber, in which a gas duct is provided for conveying gas, an independent culture unit connected to the gas duct, and an electrochemical deoxygenation module. The air duct is arranged around the independent culture unit, and the electrochemical deoxygenation module is arranged inside the air duct to remove oxygen flowing inside the air duct.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the independent culture unit is a pull-out drawer for holding the culture dish; the drawer includes a front side facing outwards and two sides adjacent to the front side of the drawer; the front panel of the drawer facing outwards is flush with the front panel of the culture chamber. Preferably, a flexible sealing component is provided around the perimeter of the front panel of the drawer facing outwards, where it contacts the front panel of the culture chamber.

[0011] Preferably, the drawer has a first ventilation hole and a second ventilation hole on its two opposite sides, and the drawer is connected to the air duct through the first and second ventilation holes. In use, the gas in the air duct, after being deoxygenated by the electrochemical deoxygenation module, enters through the first ventilation hole on one side, flows through the petri dish, and exits through the second ventilation hole on the other side, creating an anaerobic environment for the bacteria in the petri dish. Preferably, the ventilation hole can be a vertical rectangular slit.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, a flow equalization plate is further provided inside the drawer at the position corresponding to the ventilation holes to balance the airflow into the drawer and reduce the impact of gas flow on bacterial growth. Preferably, the flow equalization plate is arranged parallel to the left side panel of the drawer, with a distance of 8mm between them. Preferably, the flow equalization plate can be a perforated aluminum plate with dimensions of 300mm × 20mm, a hole diameter of 3mm, and an opening rate of 30%.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, a circulating fan is also provided in the air duct, and the electrochemical deoxygenation module is located in front of the air inlet of the circulating fan. The air deoxygenated by the electrochemical deoxygenation module is drawn into the air duct by the circulating fan and then sent into the drawer. The air flowing out from the other side of the drawer is deoxygenated by the electrochemical deoxygenation module and then continues to circulate.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the air duct is arranged around the independent culture unit, and enters the air duct after passing through the circulating fan on the bottom surface of the culture chamber, the side air duct of the culture chamber, the first ventilation hole on one side of the drawer, and the second ventilation hole on the other side of the drawer. Then, it passes through the electrochemical deoxygenation module and returns to the air inlet of the circulating fan on the bottom surface of the independent culture unit.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the air duct is further provided with a mixed gas interface and an exhaust port for connecting to the outside; the mixed gas interface and the exhaust port are selectively openable and closable. The mixed gas interface can be used to connect to an external mixed inert gas cylinder or gas generating device. For example, it can also be a cylinder containing a pre-mixed gas, which can be replenished periodically through this interface.

[0016] Preferably, the mixed gas interface is located between the electrochemical deoxygenation module and the circulating fan, and the gas composition is replenished by an external gas source. Preferably, the mixed gas interface is equipped with a two-stage pressure reducing valve (outlet 0.1~0.2 MPa), a flow regulating valve (0~5 L / min), and a normally closed solenoid valve (24V DC, two in series).

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the culture chamber further includes an outer shell, which can be constructed of an aluminum alloy frame and a transparent rigid plate. The transparent rigid plate allows for direct observation of the growth status of the culture medium inside the petri dish without opening the device. Preferably, the outer shell of the culture chamber has external dimensions of 600 mm wide, 400 mm deep, and 500 mm high, balancing capacity and portability. Preferably, the culture chamber has three layers of independent culture units inside.

[0018] Preferably, the front panel of the drawer in the direction of being pulled out can also be made of a transparent rigid board for easy direct observation.

[0019] Preferably, the visible transparent rigid sheet material is, for example, an acrylic sheet.

[0020] Preferably, the front panel of the drawer can be made of 10mm thick transparent acrylic.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, a temperature control unit is further provided within the culture chamber. The temperature control unit includes a heating film, temperature sensors, and a PID controller. The heating film is detachably fixed to opposite side walls of the culture chamber and is used to heat the air in the air duct, thereby controlling the temperature within the independent culture unit. The temperature sensors are respectively located inside the drawer and are used to detect the gas temperature in the environment where the culture dish is placed. The heating film, temperature sensors, and PID controller are signal-connected, and the PID controller adjusts the voltage or power of the heating film to adjust its operating state based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensors.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the drawer is supported and fixed within the receiving cavity by a bracket, and a limiting member is provided on the bracket and / or the drawer to limit the length of the drawer when pulled out. Preferably, the length of the drawer when pulled out is the diameter of a petri dish. Preferably, the length of the drawer when pulled out can be adjusted according to the size of the petri dish inside the drawer, that is, the position of the limiting member can be adjusted according to the size of the petri dish inside the drawer. This reduces the contact between the petri dish inside the drawer and the outside air.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the drawer is provided with a petri dish self-pushing component for pushing the petri dish to a position close to the front panel of the drawer, so as to facilitate the retrieval or placement of the petri dish behind the drawer after the drawer limits the length of the pull-out.

[0024] Preferably, the petri dish self-pushing assembly includes a slide groove for supporting the sliding of the petri dish, a push plate that contacts the petri dish, and a pusher disposed between the push plate and the rear side of the drawer. The pusher is, for example, a spring or a hydraulic rod. The spring, based on elastic potential energy, pushes the petri dish along the slide groove toward the front panel of the drawer with the help of the push plate; thus, after the first petri dish closest to the front panel of the drawer is removed, the second petri dish can be moved to the front panel of the drawer by the push of the petri dish self-pushing assembly, thereby facilitating the removal of subsequent petri dishes in confined spaces without having to fully open the drawer.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the drawer is provided with an air duct partition, which is arranged parallel to the front panel of the drawer. The two ends of the air duct partition are connected to the opposite sides of the drawer, dividing the petri dish placement area into multiple relatively independent airflow culture spaces. When the drawer is pulled out, the external airflow is less likely to affect the two rows of petri dishes inside.

[0026] Preferably, the air duct baffle is provided with an opening for the culture dish to pass through, so that the rear culture dish can move forward and thus be easily removed.

[0027] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are: 1. An integrated electrochemical deoxygenation modular anaerobic culture device, wherein the electrochemical deoxygenation module only requires electrical energy to continuously deoxygenate, eliminating the dependence on gas-generating bags and resulting in low operating costs; it has high deoxygenation efficiency and good stability: with a 300cm² electrode at 2.0V, a 22L culture chamber can be reduced from 21% oxygen concentration to below 0.1% in only 20~25 minutes; during the maintenance phase, the oxygen concentration fluctuation is less than ±0.05%.

[0028] 2. An integrated electrochemical deoxygenation modular anaerobic culture device features three independently sealed drawers with limited opening size. Independent air ducts are installed within each drawer via partitions, ensuring that observation of one row does not affect the anaerobic environment of other layers, thus avoiding interference between multiple samples. A combination of left and right vertical air ducts and slits in the side panels of each drawer creates a horizontal airflow, allowing gas to flow evenly through each drawer. The inclusion of a flow equalization plate further optimizes airflow distribution, ensuring uniform gas composition and concentration within each drawer. This achieves independent culture of multiple samples without interference, solving the technical problem of numerous influencing factors and mutual interference in existing multi-sample culture technologies.

[0029] 3. An integrated electrochemical deoxygenation modular anaerobic culture device, optionally equipped with a mixed gas replenishment circuit, meeting the requirements of the health industry standards, and due to H... 2、 CO2 and N2 do not participate in the electrochemical deoxygenation reaction, the gas consumption is extremely low (only to compensate for leakage), the mixed gas tank consumption is very low, and the operating cost is far lower than that of traditional gas replacement equipment. 4. An integrated electrochemical deoxygenation modular anaerobic culture device, which adopts a modular overall structural design, compactly integrates the culture chamber, drawer-type culture unit, gas circulation system and electrochemical deoxygenation module. The whole machine is about 600×400×500mm in size, can be placed on the desktop, has a small footprint and a compact structure. The prototype manufacturing cost is much lower than that of traditional anaerobic workstations, which solves the technical problems of expensive equipment and large footprint of existing anaerobic workstations. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an integrated electrochemical deoxygenation modular anaerobic culture device. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the first ventilation hole and flow equalization plate of a drawer in an integrated electrochemical deoxygenation modular anaerobic culture device; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of culture dishes inside a drawer of an integrated electrochemical deoxygenation modular anaerobic culture device. Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the layout inside a drawer of an integrated electrochemical deoxygenation modular anaerobic culture device. Figure 5 This is a top view of the drawer inside a modular anaerobic culture device for integrated electrochemical deoxygenation. Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of the temperature control unit inside a drawer of an integrated electrochemical deoxygenation modular anaerobic culture device.

[0031] Reference numerals: 100-Cultivation chamber, 110-Self-pushing component for culture dish, 111-Slide groove, 112-Push plate, 113-Pushing component, 120-Air duct baffle, 121-Flow equalization plate, 122-Opening, 130-Air duct, 140-Independent cultivation unit, 141-First ventilation hole, 142-Second ventilation hole, 143-Limiting component, 150-Electrochemical deoxygenation module, 160-Circulating fan, 170-Mixed gas interface, 180-Exhaust port, 200-Cultivation dish, 210-Magnetic reed switch. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The specific embodiments listed in this invention are merely examples, and the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described below. For those skilled in the art, any equivalent modifications and substitutions to the embodiments described below are also within the scope of this invention. Therefore, all equivalent transformations and modifications made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention should be covered within its scope. Where specific conditions are not specified in the embodiments, conventional conditions or conditions recommended by the manufacturer shall apply. All reagents or instruments whose manufacturers are not specified are commercially available conventional products. To better illustrate this invention, numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that this invention can be practiced even without certain specific details. In other embodiments, methods, means, equipment, and steps well known to those skilled in the art are not described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this invention.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Unless otherwise specified, all units used in this specification are International Standard Units (SI), and all numerical values ​​and ranges appearing in this invention should be understood to include systematic errors unavoidable in industrial production.

[0034] The features and performance of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments.

[0035] Example 1 like Figure 1 As shown, an integrated electrochemical deoxygenation modular anaerobic culture device includes a culture chamber 100. The culture chamber 100 also includes an outer shell, which can be constructed from an aluminum alloy frame and a transparent acrylic plate. The transparent acrylic plate allows for direct observation of the growth status of the cultures inside the culture dishes 200 without opening the device. Preferably, the outer shell of the culture chamber 100 has external dimensions of 600mm wide, 400mm deep, and 500mm high; this balances the capacity of the culture chamber 100, laboratory portability, and economy, achieving a high cost-performance ratio.

[0036] The culture chamber 100 is provided with a gas duct 130 for conveying gas, and an independent culture unit 140 connected to the gas duct 130 also includes an electrochemical deoxygenation module 150. The gas duct 130 is arranged around the independent culture unit 140, and the electrochemical deoxygenation module 150 is disposed in the gas duct 130 for removing oxygen components from the gas flowing in the gas duct 130.

[0037] Preferably, the electrochemical deoxygenation module 150 includes three pairs of carbon-based electrodes (three cathodes and three anodes), arranged alternately in parallel with a 3mm spacing, and fixed by a PTFE frame. Each electrode measures 100mm × 100mm, with a total effective area of ​​300cm². The electrode material is activated carbon fiber cloth (specific surface area ≥1500m² / g). Each electrode is bonded with 0.1mm thick titanium foil as a current collector using conductive silver paste, and tin-plated copper wires are soldered onto it. The three cathodes are connected in parallel to the negative output of the adjustable DC-DC module, and the three anodes are connected in parallel to the positive output. A gas collection groove and a silicone tube are provided on the anode side, with a miniature one-way valve connected to the end of the tube. The oxygen generated at the anode is transported to the outside of the integrated electrochemical deoxygenation modular anaerobic culture device of this application through the oxygen exhaust port of the electrochemical deoxygenation module 150 and the exhaust port 180 of the culture device.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the independent culture unit 140 is a pull-out drawer for supporting the culture dish 200; the drawer includes a front side facing outwards and two side sides adjacent to the front side; the drawer includes a front panel facing outwards, which, when closed, is flush with the front panel of the culture chamber 100. Preferably, a flexible sealing component is provided around the perimeter of the drawer's front panel facing outwards, where it contacts the front panel of the culture chamber 100. The flexible sealing component is, for example, a silicone sealing strip.

[0039] Preferably, a first ventilation hole 141 and a second ventilation hole 142 are respectively provided on two opposite sides of the drawer, and the drawer is connected to the air duct 130 through the first ventilation hole 141 and the second ventilation hole 142. In use, the gas in the air duct 130 after the oxygen has been removed by the electrochemical deoxygenation module 150 enters from the first ventilation hole 141 on one side, flows through the petri dish 200 and exits from the second ventilation hole 142 on the other side, thus creating an anaerobic environment for the culture in the petri dish 200.

[0040] like Figure 2As shown, the ventilation hole can be configured as a slit. According to a preferred embodiment, a flow equalization plate 121 is also provided at the ventilation hole to equalize the airflow into the drawer and reduce the impact of gas flow on culture growth. Preferably, the flow equalization plate 121 is arranged parallel to the left side panel of the drawer, with a distance of 8mm between them. This distance setting enables: a stable buffer pressure equalization chamber to be formed between the flow equalization plate 121 and the left side panel, allowing the airflow to be sufficiently stabilized and pressure equalized before entering the drawer; and ensuring that the gas flows into the culture area in a stable laminar flow state, guaranteeing a uniform oxygen concentration field and temperature field inside the drawer, and improving the stability and parallelism of anaerobic culture. Preferably, the flow equalization plate 121 can be a porous aluminum plate with dimensions of 300mm × 20mm, a pore diameter of 3mm, an open area ratio of 30%, and an alternating array of pores.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, a circulating fan 160 is further provided inside the air duct 130. The electrochemical deoxygenation module 150 is located before the air inlet of the circulating fan 160, and the air outlet of the air duct 130 is connected to the air inlet flange of the electrochemical deoxygenation module 150. Air deoxygenated by the electrochemical deoxygenation module 150 is drawn by the circulating fan 160 and then sent back into the drawer through the air duct 130; air flowing out from the other side of the drawer is deoxygenated again by the electrochemical deoxygenation module 150 and continues to circulate. Preferably, the circulating fan 160 is a centrifugal fan with an air volume of 30 CFM and a static pressure of 100 Pa, installed in the center of the bottom surface of the cavity. The air inlet of the circulating fan 160 can be connected to the air outlet of the electrochemical deoxygenation module 150 through a short air duct.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, the air duct 130 is arranged around the independent culture unit 140, and enters the side air duct 130 of the culture chamber 100 after passing through the circulating fan 160 on the bottom surface of the culture chamber 100, the side air duct 130 of the culture chamber 100, the first ventilation hole 141 on one side of the drawer, and the second ventilation hole 142 on the other side of the drawer, and then enters the side air duct 130 of the culture chamber 100. After passing through the electrochemical deoxygenation module 150, it returns to the air inlet of the circulating fan 160 on the bottom surface of the independent culture unit 140, thus realizing circulation.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the air duct 130 is further provided with a mixed gas interface 170 for connecting to the outside and an exhaust port 180; the mixed gas interface 170 and the exhaust port 180 are selectively opened and closed. For example, the exhaust port 180 is provided with a one-way valve for controlling directional gas output. The mixed gas interface 170 can be used to connect to an external mixed inert gas cylinder or gas generating device, and the mixed gas interface 170 is located between the air inlet of the circulating fan 160 and the air outlet of the electrochemical deoxygenation module 150. Preferably, the air outlet of the external premixed gas cylinder is sequentially connected to a two-stage pressure reducing valve, a flow regulating valve, and two normally closed solenoid valves connected in series, and finally connected to the mixed gas interface 170. For example, it can also be a cylinder containing a pre-mixed gas, which can be replenished with gas periodically through the mixed gas interface 170.

[0044] When the drawer is opened, air will leak from the culture chamber 100, affecting its gas composition. An externally connected mixed gas cylinder can replenish the gas composition. Simultaneously, the gas environment remains constant during culture, and with the electrochemical deoxygenation device, the gas composition does not change significantly. In this case, aeration can be stopped, greatly saving gas consumption and reducing gas usage costs. A timed gas replenishment strategy can also be configured: when the pressure inside the chamber falls below a set value (e.g., -50Pa) or at regular intervals, the microprocessor activates a solenoid valve to replenish a small amount of mixed gas to compensate for seal leaks.

[0045] Preferably, the independent culture units 140 inside the culture chamber 100 can be configured as three-layer drawer-type culture units that overlap each other but are gas-independent; the net internal dimensions of each drawer are 300mm wide, 300mm deep, and 40mm high, and can hold nine standard Ø90mm culture dishes 200 (3×3 array), such as... Figure 3 As shown.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, a temperature control unit is further provided within the culture chamber 100. The temperature control unit includes a heating film, a temperature sensor, and a PID controller. The heating film is detachably fixed to the opposite side walls of the culture chamber 100 and is used to heat the air within the air duct 130. Preferably, the heating film is a polyimide heating film (24V, 50W), and the temperature sensors are respectively disposed within the independent culture unit 140 to detect the gas temperature in the environment where the culture dish 200 is placed. Figure 6 As shown, the heating film, temperature sensor and PID controller are connected by signal. The PID controller controls the power supply of the heating film through a solid-state relay based on the temperature data returned by the temperature sensor, thereby adjusting its working state and maintaining the temperature in the culture chamber 100 at 35±0.2℃.

[0047] Preferably, the system further includes a microprocessor, an adjustable DC-DC power supply module, and an oxygen concentration sensor, with the oxygen concentration sensor located within the independent culture unit 140. The microprocessor is signal-connected to both the oxygen concentration sensor and the adjustable DC-DC power supply module. The electrochemical oxygen module is electrically connected to the DC-DC power supply module. Based on the detection data from the oxygen concentration sensor, the microprocessor controls the DC-DC module to output a 0-3V voltage via a PWM signal to power the electrochemical deoxygenation module 150. The control logic is as follows: when the oxygen concentration > 1%, output 2.0V for rapid deoxygenation; when the oxygen concentration < 0.5%, switch to 1.2V to maintain deoxygenation; when any drawer is opened, immediately cut off the power to the electrochemical deoxygenation module 150 and reduce the fan speed, automatically resuming power after the drawer is closed. The microprocessor is, for example, an STM32F407 microprocessor. The oxygen sensor is, for example, an ME2-O2 type electrochemical sensor, installed at the first ventilation hole 141 within the independent culture unit 140, and its analog signal is input to the microprocessor via an ADC. The circulating fan 160 is also connected to the microprocessor via signal and to the adjustable DC-DC power module. The microprocessor controls the rotation or speed of the circulating fan 160 through the adjustable DC-DC power module.

[0048] Preferably, the front panel of the drawer and the culture chamber 100 are equipped with matching reed switches 210. Preferably, the reed switches 210 are located within the panel; the reed switches 210 are electrically connected to an adjustable DC-DC power module, which is signal-connected to the microprocessor. The microprocessor controls the output voltage of the DC-DC module via a PWM signal to power the electrochemical reed switches 210 and control their opening and closing. For example, during continuous culture without the need for inspection, the reed switches 210 are locked to prevent others from accidentally opening the drawer and affecting the experimental results; when inspection is required, the reed switches 210 are opened to facilitate access to and observation of the culture dishes 200 within the independent culture unit 140. The adjustable DC-DC module can be, for example, an LM2596 step-down type, with an input of 24V and an adjustable output of 0~3V. Its feedback is controlled by the PWM output of the microprocessor after RC low-pass filtering.

[0049] Preferably, the microprocessor is also connected to a touchscreen, allowing operators to adjust the microprocessor's operating mode via the touchscreen. The touchscreen is signal-connected to the microprocessor and used to transmit user input information to it. The touchscreen is, for example, a 7-inch touchscreen with an RS232 interface. Preferably, the microprocessor is also connected to a MicroSD card module, capable of writing historical temperature, gas composition, drawer opening / closing counts and times to the MicroSD card module for review and verification.

[0050] Workflow: After the device is started, the microprocessor reads the oxygen concentration. If it is >1%, it controls the output of 2.0V power to the electrochemical deoxygenation module 150, and at the same time, the circulating fan 160 runs at full speed. The oxygen concentration drops to below 0.1% within 20-25 minutes.

[0051] When the oxygen concentration is <0.5%, the microprocessor reduces the output voltage to 1.2V and enters maintenance mode, keeping the oxygen concentration stable between 0.08% and 0.12% for a long period.

[0052] When any of the reed switches 210 is opened, the microprocessor immediately cuts off the power to the electrochemical deoxygenation module 150 and reduces the fan speed to 30%. After the drawer is closed, the electrochemical deoxygenation module 150 is restarted after a 10-second delay.

[0053] All data is recorded to the SD card every 30 seconds.

[0054] Example 2 This embodiment is a further improvement on embodiment 1, and repeated content will not be described again.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the drawer is supported and fixed within the culture chamber 100 by a bracket. A limiting member 143 is provided on the bracket and / or the drawer to limit the length of the drawer when it is pulled out. Preferably, the length of the drawer when pulled out is the diameter of a culture dish 200. Preferably, the length of the drawer when pulled out can be adjusted according to the size of the culture dish 200 inside the drawer, that is, the position of the limiting member 143 can be adjusted according to the size of the culture dish 200 inside the drawer. This reduces the contact between the culture dish 200 inside the drawer and the outside air when the drawer is opened.

[0056] For example, the limiting member 143 can be set as a sliding stop member of a conventional slide rail, limiting the drawer's pull-out position by restricting the length of the drawer slide rail. Preferably, the limiting member 143 can also be a spring or an electromagnetic spring, set on the bracket, drawer side panel, or bottom plate, and when moved to the corresponding position, the spring pushes the limiting member 143 to engage in the matching limiting hole on the drawer side panel or bracket to limit the drawer's movement distance.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the drawer is provided with a petri dish self-pushing component 110 for pushing the petri dish 200 to a position close to the front panel of the drawer, so as to facilitate the retrieval or placement of the petri dish 200 at the back after the drawer limits the length of the pull-out.

[0058] Preferably, the petri dish self-pushing assembly 110 includes a slide groove 111 for supporting the sliding of the petri dish 200, a push plate 112 in contact with the petri dish 200, and a pusher 113 disposed between the push plate 112 and the rear side of the drawer. Preferably, the pusher 113 is a spring or a hydraulic rod. The spring, based on elastic potential energy, pushes the petri dish 200 along the slide groove 111 toward the front panel of the drawer with the help of the push plate 112; the hydraulic rod extends based on electro-hydraulic thrust, thereby pushing the push plate 112. Thus, when the first petri dish 200 closest to the front panel of the drawer is removed, the second petri dish 200 can be moved to the side of the drawer closer to the front panel by the push of the petri dish self-pushing assembly 110, making it easy to remove the subsequent petri dish 200 in a confined space without having to fully open the drawer; reducing the space for gas leakage.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, according to a preferred embodiment, the drawer is provided with an air duct partition 120, which is arranged parallel to the front panel of the drawer. The two ends of the air duct partition 120 are connected to the opposite sides of the drawer, dividing the area where the culture dish 200 is placed into multiple relatively independent culture spaces with airflow. When the drawer is pulled out, the external airflow is less likely to affect the two rows of culture dishes 200 inside.

[0060] Preferably, the air duct partition 120 is provided with an opening 122 for the culture dish 200 to pass through, so that the culture dish 200 on the rear side can move to the front without obstruction and be easily removed.

[0061] The embodiments described above merely illustrate specific implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are detailed and specific, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the technical solution of this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A modular anaerobic culture device with integrated electrochemical deoxygenation, characterized in that, It includes a culture chamber (100), which is provided with a gas duct (130) for conveying gas, an independent culture unit (140) connected to the gas duct (130), and an electrochemical deoxygenation module (150). The air duct (130) is arranged around the independent culture unit (140), and the electrochemical deoxygenation module (150) is arranged in the air duct (130) to remove oxygen flowing in the air duct (130); The air duct (130) is also provided with a mixed gas interface (170) and an exhaust port (180) for connecting to the outside; the mixed gas interface (170) and the exhaust port (180) are selectively opened and closed, and the mixed gas interface (170) is located between the electrochemical deoxygenation module (150) and the circulating fan (160); The independent culture unit (140) is a pull-out drawer for carrying the culture dish (200); the drawer includes a front side in the direction of the drawer being pulled out, and two sides adjacent to the front side of the drawer; a first ventilation hole (141) and a second ventilation hole (142) are respectively provided on the two opposite sides of the drawer, and the drawer is connected to the air duct (130) through the first ventilation hole (141) and the second ventilation hole (142).

2. The modular anaerobic culture device for integrated electrochemical deoxygenation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drawer includes a front panel located in the drawer-out direction, the panel being flush with the front panel of the culture chamber (100); flexible sealing components are provided around the drawer's front panel in the drawer-out direction where it contacts the front panel of the culture chamber (100).

3. The modular anaerobic culture device for integrated electrochemical deoxygenation according to claim 1, characterized in that, A flow equalization plate (121) is also provided inside the drawer at the position corresponding to the first ventilation hole (141).

4. The modular anaerobic culture device for integrated electrochemical deoxygenation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct (130) is arranged around the independent culture unit (140). A circulating fan (160) is also provided in the air duct (130). The electrochemical deoxygenation module (150) is arranged in front of the air inlet of the circulating fan (160). The air deoxygenated by the electrochemical deoxygenation module (150) is drawn into the drawer by the circulating fan (160). The air flowing out from the other side of the drawer is deoxygenated by the electrochemical deoxygenation module (150) and then continues to circulate.

5. The modular anaerobic culture device for integrated electrochemical deoxygenation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The culture chamber (100) also includes a shell, which can be constructed of an aluminum alloy frame and a transparent acrylic sheet.

6. The modular anaerobic culture device for integrated electrochemical deoxygenation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drawer is equipped with an air duct partition (120), the two ends of which are connected to the opposite sides of the drawer, dividing the area where the petri dish (200) is placed into multiple relatively independent culture spaces with airflow.

7. The modular anaerobic culture device for integrated electrochemical deoxygenation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drawer is fixed inside the culture chamber (100) by a bracket, and a limiting member (143) is provided on the bracket and / or the drawer to limit the length of the drawer being pulled out. The length of the drawer being pulled out is the diameter of a culture dish (200).

8. The modular anaerobic culture device for integrated electrochemical deoxygenation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drawer is provided with a petri dish self-pushing assembly (110), which includes a slide groove (111) for supporting the sliding of the petri dish (200), a push plate (112) that contacts the petri dish (200), and a pusher (113) disposed between the push plate (112) and the rear side of the drawer.

9. The modular anaerobic culture device for integrated electrochemical deoxygenation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first ventilation hole (141) and the second ventilation hole (142) can be vertical rectangular slits.

10. The modular anaerobic culture device for integrated electrochemical deoxygenation according to claim 2, characterized in that, The front panel of the drawer, located in the direction the drawer is pulled out, can also be made of a visible, transparent rigid material.

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