A device for extracting eDNA from soil using an air filter

Abstract

This invention discloses a device for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane, comprising a base and a connecting box. A second motor is mounted on the side of the connecting box, and the output end of the second motor is fixedly connected to an internal threaded rod. A movable frame is threadedly connected to the internal threaded rod, and an electric push block is fixedly connected to one side of the movable frame. A push plate is fixedly connected to the end of the electric push block away from the movable frame, and a negative pressure adsorption plate is fixedly connected to the output end of the electric push block. An auxiliary box is fixedly connected to the side of the connecting box. In this invention, the air filter membrane is automatically disassembled, assembled, and compressed. The entire process does not require manual contact with the filter membrane and the internal structure of the cavity, completely avoiding the risk of exogenous DNA contamination from hand contact, dust, and bacteria in the field environment. This significantly improves the purity of soil eDNA extraction and the accuracy of subsequent test results. At the same time, it eliminates the tedious steps of manually disassembling the cavity and laying the filter membrane, greatly shortening the replacement time of a single filter membrane and improving the processing efficiency of batch samples in the field.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of soil extraction technology, and more particularly to an apparatus for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane. Background Technology

[0002] The soil environment contains a rich biological community, and the deoxyribonucleic acid (eDNA) of these organisms is a core indicator reflecting soil ecological structure, biodiversity, and environmental changes. It has irreplaceable application value in fields such as soil pollution monitoring, agricultural disease early warning, and ecological restoration assessment. Soil eDNA extraction methods are mostly laboratory operations, requiring soil samples to be brought back to the laboratory and extracted through multiple processes. Currently, portable filter membrane extraction devices are available and widely used for their convenience and speed.

[0003] However, the air filter membranes of existing devices are mostly manually disassembled and assembled. In the field, operators need to disassemble the filter membrane chamber, manually lay out the new filter membrane and press it tightly to seal. Not only are the operation steps cumbersome and time-consuming, but they are also very easy to introduce exogenous DNA contamination due to hand contact, environmental dust and other factors, which reduces the purity of eDNA extraction. At the same time, it is difficult to accurately control the force of manually pressing the filter membrane, which can easily lead to air leakage due to poor sealing or filter membrane damage due to excessive pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of the aforementioned technical problems in the prior art by proposing a device for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An apparatus for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane includes a base and a connecting box. A second motor is mounted on the side of the connecting box, and an internal threaded rod is fixedly connected to the output end of the second motor. A movable frame is threadedly connected to the internal threaded rod, and an electric push block is fixedly connected to one side of the movable frame. A push plate is fixedly connected to the end of the electric push block away from the movable frame, and a negative pressure adsorption plate is fixedly connected to the output end of the electric push block. An auxiliary box is fixedly connected to the side of the connecting box, and a compression plate is slidably connected inside the auxiliary box. A squeezing rod is fixedly connected to one end of the compression plate, and a compression spring is fixedly connected to the end of the compression plate away from the squeezing rod. A connecting cylinder is piped to the auxiliary box, and an installation block is slidably connected inside the connecting cylinder. The installation block is fixedly connected to a fixed rod. A support frame is slidably connected to the connecting box, and a return spring is fixedly connected to the support frame. The end of the return spring away from the support frame is fixedly connected to the connecting box. The support frame is fixedly connected to a second baffle and a first baffle, both of which are slidably connected to the connecting box.

[0006] The above technical solution further includes: The connecting box has a first setting cavity inside, and a support bar is fixedly connected to the first setting cavity. The support bar is slidably connected to the moving frame. The extrusion rod is slidably connected to the connecting box. An inert gas is provided between the compression plate and the auxiliary box.

[0007] The connecting box is fixedly connected to a column, and a connecting cylinder is fixedly connected to the end of the column away from the connecting box. A first motor is fixedly connected to the top of the connecting box, and an external threaded rod is fixedly connected to the output end of the first motor. A connecting frame is threadedly connected to the external threaded rod, and the connecting frame is slidably connected to the connecting box. The connecting frame is fixedly connected to the pressure ring.

[0008] The connecting box is provided with a third storage cavity, which is used for storing the recycled air filter membrane.

[0009] The connecting box has a second setting cavity inside, and a ventilated plate is set inside the second setting cavity. The center of the ventilated plate is used to place the air filter membrane.

[0010] By precisely positioning and placing the air filter membrane through the internal ventilated plate of the connecting box, and in conjunction with the automated filter membrane replacement mechanism, including the first motor, the threaded rod on the outside of the box, and the pressure ring, the air filter membrane can be automatically picked up, placed, laid, and pressed. The entire process does not require manual disassembly of the connecting box cavity, manual contact with the filter membrane and ventilated plate, and eliminates the tedious steps of manually disassembling and assembling the sealing plate, aligning the filter membrane, and manually pressing. With the automated air delivery of the delivery pump, the filter membrane replacement time for a single sample is greatly shortened, which is suitable for the high-efficiency processing needs of batch soil samples in the field. At the same time, the three sets of sealing plates on the side of the connecting box not only ensure the sealing performance of the chamber, but also facilitate the observation of the filter membrane status. The operation progress can be monitored without disassembly, further improving the convenience of operation.

[0011] By leveraging the vent plate's central positioning of the air filter membrane, coupled with the standardized actions of the automated pressing mechanism, the pressure ring precisely fits the edge of the filter membrane and applies a uniform and constant pressing force. This replaces the manual, experience-based pressure control mode, effectively avoiding the sealing problem caused by insufficient manual pressing force. It also prevents air from leaking from the filter membrane edge under the power of the delivery pump, ensuring that all air is filtered through the filter membrane above the vent plate, guaranteeing eDNA retention efficiency. At the same time, it avoids excessive pressure that could cause filter membrane wrinkles, pore deformation, and damage, reducing filter membrane wear, stabilizing the filter membrane's eDNA retention effect, and improving the consistency of eDNA recovery rate.

[0012] A delivery pump is installed above the base. One end of the delivery pump is fixedly connected to a connecting pipe. The delivery pump and the connecting pipe are fixedly connected. An air inlet valve is fixedly connected to the end of the connecting pipe away from the delivery pump.

[0013] The delivery pump is connected to the connecting box pipeline.

[0014] An oscillating motor is installed above the base, and the output end of the oscillating motor is fixedly connected to a connecting box.

[0015] The oscillating motor above the base directly drives the entire connecting box to oscillate, allowing the air in the second setting chamber to fully penetrate the pores of the filter membrane and efficiently remove the eDNA adsorbed on the filter membrane.

[0016] The side of the connecting box is equipped with three sets of sealing plates for observing the interior.

[0017] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. In this invention, the air filter membrane is automatically disassembled and compressed without any manual contact with the filter membrane or the internal structure of the cavity. This completely avoids the risk of exogenous DNA contamination caused by hand contact, dust and bacteria in the field environment, and significantly improves the purity of soil eDNA extraction and the accuracy of subsequent test results. At the same time, it eliminates the tedious steps of manually disassembling the cavity and laying the filter membrane, greatly shortens the replacement time of a single filter membrane, and improves the processing efficiency of batch samples in the field.

[0018] 2. In this invention, the external threaded rod of the first motor drive box drives the pressure ring to achieve standardized lifting and pressing, replacing the manual and experience-based pressure control method. This ensures that the pressing force at the edge of the filter membrane is uniform and constant, avoiding air leakage caused by insufficient pressure and ensuring eDNA retention efficiency. It also prevents filter membrane wrinkles and damage caused by excessive pressure, extending the effective service life of the filter membrane and stabilizing the eDNA recovery rate. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the device for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane, as proposed in this invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure in this invention; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of point B in the middle; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the back structure in this invention; Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of point C in the middle; Figure 7 This is a top view of the structure in this invention.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Air inlet valve; 3. Connecting pipe; 4. Delivery pump; 5. Vibrating motor; 6. Connecting box; 7. First setting chamber; 8. Second setting chamber; 9. Ventilation plate; 10. Pressure ring; 11. Connecting frame; 12. External threaded rod; 13. First motor; 14. First baffle; 15. Second baffle; 16. Third setting chamber; 17. Second motor; 18. Internal threaded rod; 19. Support bar; 20. Moving frame; 21. Electric push block; 22. Negative pressure adsorption plate; 23. Push plate; 24. Extrusion rod; 25. Compression plate; 26. Compression spring; 27. Auxiliary box; 28. Column; 29. ​​Connecting cylinder; 30. Mounting block; 31. Fixing rod; 32. Bearing frame; 33. Return spring. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] Please see Figures 1-7 As shown, this invention is a device for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane, comprising a base 1 and a connecting box 6. A second motor 17 is disposed on the side of the connecting box 6, and an internal threaded rod 18 is fixedly connected to the output end of the second motor 17. A movable frame 20 is threadedly connected to the internal threaded rod 18, and an electric push block 21 is fixedly connected to one side of the movable frame 20. A push plate 23 is fixedly connected to the end of the electric push block 21 away from the movable frame 20, and a negative pressure adsorption plate 22 is fixedly connected to the output end of the electric push block 21. An auxiliary box 27 is fixedly connected to the side of the connecting box 6, and a compression plate 25 is slidably connected inside the auxiliary box 27. One end of the compression plate 25 is fixedly connected to a compression rod 24, and the end of the compression plate 25 away from the compression rod 24 is fixedly connected to a compression spring 26. The auxiliary box 27 is connected to a connecting cylinder 29. The connecting cylinder 29 is slidably connected to an installation block 30. The installation block 30 is fixedly connected to a fixing rod 31. The connecting box 6 is slidably connected to a support frame 32. The support frame 32 is fixedly connected to a return spring 33. The end of the return spring 33 away from the support frame 32 is fixedly connected to the connecting box 6. The support frame 32 is fixedly connected to the second baffle 15 and the first baffle 14 respectively. The second baffle 15 and the first baffle 14 are both slidably connected to the connecting box 6.

[0023] In one embodiment, for the connecting box 6, a first setting cavity 7 is provided inside the connecting box 6, a support bar 19 is fixedly connected to the first setting cavity 7, the support bar 19 is slidably connected to the movable frame 20, the compression rod 24 is slidably connected to the connecting box 6, and an inert gas is provided between the compression plate 25 and the auxiliary box 27.

[0024] In one embodiment, for the aforementioned connecting box 6, the connecting box 6 is fixedly connected to a column 28, and a connecting cylinder 29 is fixedly connected to the end of the column 28 away from the connecting box 6. A first motor 13 is fixedly connected to the top of the connecting box 6, and an external threaded rod 12 is fixedly connected to the output end of the first motor 13. A connecting frame 11 is threadedly connected to the external threaded rod 12. The connecting frame 11 is slidably connected to the connecting box 6, and the connecting frame 11 is fixedly connected to the pressure ring 10.

[0025] In one embodiment, the connecting box 6 described above has a third setting cavity 16 inside, which is used to store the air filter membrane of the recovered sample.

[0026] In one embodiment, for the connecting box 6, a second setting cavity 8 is provided inside the connecting box 6, and a vent plate 9 is provided inside the second setting cavity 8. The center position of the vent plate 9 is used for placing the air filter membrane.

[0027] In this embodiment, the air filter membrane is precisely positioned and placed by the internal ventilated plate 9 of the connecting box 6. With the help of the automated filter membrane replacement mechanism, the first motor 13, the external threaded rod 12, the pressure ring 10, etc., the air filter membrane can be automatically picked up, laid and pressed. The whole process does not require manual disassembly of the cavity of the connecting box 6, manual contact with the filter membrane and the ventilated plate 9, saving tedious steps such as manual disassembly and assembly of the sealing plate, alignment of the filter membrane and manual pressing.

[0028] Relying on the central positioning of the air filter membrane by the vent plate 9, and with the standardized action of the automated pressing mechanism, the pressure ring 10 can accurately fit the edge of the filter membrane and apply a uniform and constant pressing force. This replaces the manual pressure control mode based on experience, effectively avoiding the problem of poor sealing caused by insufficient manual pressing force. It also prevents air from leaking from the edge of the filter membrane under the power of the delivery pump 4, ensuring that all air is filtered through the filter membrane above the vent plate 9, thus guaranteeing the eDNA retention efficiency. At the same time, it avoids excessive pressure that could cause filter membrane wrinkles, pore deformation, and damage, reducing filter membrane wear, stabilizing the filter membrane's eDNA retention effect, and improving the consistency of eDNA recovery rate.

[0029] A delivery pump 4 is provided above the base 1. One end of the delivery pump 4 is fixedly connected to a connecting pipe 3. The delivery pump 4 and the connecting pipe 3 are fixedly connected. An air inlet valve 2 is fixedly connected to the end of the connecting pipe 3 away from the delivery pump 4.

[0030] The delivery pump 4 is connected to the connecting box 6 via pipeline. In one embodiment, for the aforementioned oscillating motor 5, an oscillating motor 5 is provided above the base 1, and the output end of the oscillating motor 5 is fixedly connected to a connecting box 6.

[0031] In this embodiment, the oscillating motor 5 above the base 1 directly drives the connecting box 6 to oscillate as a whole, so that the air in the second setting cavity 8 can fully penetrate the pores of the filter membrane and efficiently peel off the eDNA adsorbed on the filter membrane. Compared with the traditional oscillation method, the efficiency is greatly improved, and the eDNA extraction and recovery rate is further guaranteed.

[0032] In one embodiment, the connecting box 6 described above has three sets of sealing plates on its side for observing the interior.

[0033] The working principle of the device for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane is as follows: First, the air inlet valve 2 is opened, and then the delivery pump 4 is turned on. Air is delivered to the second setting chamber 8 inside the connecting box 6. Then, the air passes through the air filter membrane above the permeable plate 9 and enters the next step.

[0034] After repeated use, the air filter membrane above the vent plate 9 is first rotated by controlling the output end of the first motor 13. Then, the output end of the first motor 13 drives the external threaded rod 12 to rotate. The rotation of the external threaded rod 12 causes the connecting frame 11 to rise along the connecting box 6. The connecting frame 11 then drives the pressure ring 10 to move upward. At this time, the air filter membrane on the surface of the vent plate 9 is no longer fixed. Then, the output end of the second motor 17 is rotated. The rotation of the output end of the second motor 17 drives the internal threaded rod 18 to rotate. The internal threaded rod 18 drives the moving frame 20 away from the compression rod 24. At this time, the return spring 33 releases its elastic potential energy. Initially, it is in a compressed state. Then, the return spring 33 pushes the bearing frame 32. The upward movement of the support frame 32 will cause the first baffle 14 and the second baffle 15 to move upward. At this time, the three chambers of the first setting chamber 7, the second setting chamber 8, and the third setting chamber 16 are interconnected. Then, before the output end of the electric push block 21 rotates, it will push the negative pressure adsorption plate 22 to adsorb a layer of air filter membrane inside the first setting chamber 7. Then, when the output end of the second motor 17 rotates, it will use the rotation of the threaded rod 18 in the box to make the moving frame 20 slide along the support bar 19. At the same time, the push plate 23 on the side of the electric push block 21 first enters the interior of the second setting chamber 8, and then the push plate 23 pushes the air filter membrane on the surface of the vent plate 9 into the third setting chamber 16. At this time, the negative pressure adsorption plate 22 is exactly in the vent plate 9. Directly above, the output end of the electric push block 21 is controlled to push the negative pressure adsorption plate 22 to gradually approach the surface of the vent plate 9. Then, the negative pressure adsorption of the air filter membrane by the electric push block 21 is turned off, and the air filter membrane falls on the vent plate 9. At this time, the output end of the second motor 17 is controlled to rotate in the opposite direction. The second motor 17 will drive the threaded rod 18 inside the box to rotate in the opposite direction. Then, the moving frame 20 will drive the electric push block 21 and the push plate 23 to return along the support bar 19. When the moving frame 20 is fully reset, the moving frame 20 will push the extrusion rod 24 to extrude the inert gas in the interlayer of the compression plate 25 and the auxiliary box 27 into the connecting cylinder 29 along the pipe. Then, the inert gas pushes the mounting block 30 to drive the fixing rod 31 to push the bearing frame. The support frame 32 is squeezed, and then the support frame 32 moves downward, which squeezes the return spring 33, making the return spring 33 compressed. Then, as the support frame 32 moves downward, it drives the first baffle 14 and the second baffle 15 to isolate the first setting cavity 7, the second setting cavity 8, and the third setting cavity 16 inside the connecting box 6. Then, the output end of the first motor 13 is controlled to rotate in the opposite direction, thereby driving the threaded rod 12 outside the box to rotate. The rotation of the threaded rod 12 outside the box will cause the connecting frame 11 to move downward, driving the pressure ring 10 to fix the new air filter membrane. At this time, the air filter membrane replacement is completed. After a period of time, the side of the third setting cavity 16 is opened to recover the air filter membrane of the recovered sample and fill the first setting cavity 7 with a usable air filter membrane.

[0035] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane, characterized in that, Includes a base (1) and a connecting box (6). A second motor (17) is provided on the side of the connecting box (6). The output end of the second motor (17) is fixedly connected to an internal threaded rod (18). The internal threaded rod (18) is threadedly connected to a movable frame (20). An electric push block (21) is fixedly connected to one side of the movable frame (20). A push plate (23) is fixedly connected to the end of the electric push block (21) away from the movable frame (20). A negative pressure adsorption plate (22) is fixedly connected to the output end of the electric push block (21). An auxiliary box (27) is fixedly connected to the side of the connecting box (6). A compression plate (25) is slidably connected inside the auxiliary box (27). A squeezing rod is fixedly connected to one end of the compression plate (25). 24), the compression plate (25) is fixedly connected to a compression spring (26) at one end away from the extrusion rod (24), the auxiliary box (27) is connected to a connecting cylinder (29) through a pipe, the connecting cylinder (29) is slidably connected to an installation block (30), the installation block (30) is fixedly connected to a fixing rod (31), the connecting box (6) is slidably connected to a support frame (32), the support frame (32) is fixedly connected to a reset spring (33), the reset spring (33) at one end away from the support frame (32) is fixedly connected to the connecting box (6), the support frame (32) is fixedly connected to the second baffle (15) and the first baffle (14) respectively, and the second baffle (15) and the first baffle (14) are both slidably connected to the connecting box (6).

2. The apparatus for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting box (6) is provided with a first setting cavity (7), and a support bar (19) is fixedly connected to the first setting cavity (7). The support bar (19) is slidably connected to the moving frame (20). The extrusion rod (24) is slidably connected to the connecting box (6). An inert gas is provided between the compression plate (25) and the auxiliary box (27).

3. The apparatus for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting box (6) is fixedly connected to a column (28). A connecting cylinder (29) is fixedly connected to one end of the column (28) away from the connecting box (6). A first motor (13) is fixedly connected above the connecting box (6). An external threaded rod (12) is fixedly connected to the output end of the first motor (13). A connecting frame (11) is threadedly connected to the external threaded rod (12). The connecting frame (11) is slidably connected to the connecting box (6). The connecting frame (11) is fixedly connected to the pressure ring (10).

4. The apparatus for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting box (6) is provided with a third setting cavity (16), which is used to store the air filter membrane of the recovered sample.

5. The apparatus for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting box (6) is provided with a second setting cavity (8), and the second setting cavity (8) is provided with a breathable plate (9). The center of the breathable plate (9) is used to place the air filter membrane.

6. The apparatus for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that, A delivery pump (4) is provided above the base (1). A connecting pipe (3) is fixedly connected to one end of the delivery pump (4). The delivery pump (4) is fixedly connected to the connecting pipe (3). An air inlet valve (2) is fixedly connected to the end of the connecting pipe (3) away from the delivery pump (4).

7. The apparatus for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane according to claim 6, characterized in that, The delivery pump (4) is connected to the connecting box (6) via a pipeline.

8. The apparatus for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that, An oscillating motor (5) is provided above the base (1), and a connecting box (6) is fixedly connected to the output end of the oscillating motor (5).

9. The apparatus for extracting soil eDNA using an air filter membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the connecting box (6) is provided with three sets of sealing plates for observing the interior.

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