An auxiliary sorting filter device for tumor cell clusters for tumor therapy

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical fields of sorting filter device, especially to a tumor cell group auxiliary sorting filter device for tumor treatment, which comprises a sample pretreatment chamber, a multistage filter chamber and a collection chamber which are detachably and sealingly connected from top to bottom, the sample pretreatment chamber is internally divided into a liquid collecting bin at the upper part and a screening bin at the lower part, the liquid collecting bin and the screening bin at the lower part are connected through a communication pipe, a valve is arranged on the communication pipe, the multistage filter chamber comprises a plurality of filter units which can be mutually inserted from top to bottom, the pore size of the filter membranes of the plurality of filter units gradually decreases from top to bottom, a gas suction pipe which can be connected with an external negative pressure equipment is arranged on the sidewall of the collection chamber, the integrated filter sorting unit is designed, the target user only needs to simply process the original sample and inject it into the device, and then the enrichment of the cell group, the removal of impurity fragments and the buffer replacement can be simultaneously completed in a single step through gravity driving or gentle negative pressure driving.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sorting and filtering devices, and in particular to an auxiliary sorting and filtering device for tumor cell clusters used in tumor treatment. Background Technology

[0002] Current precision medicine for tumors, particularly gene testing and organoid drug sensitivity testing, heavily relies on efficiently and completely obtaining viable tumor cells from patient samples. These cells not only originate from surgically removed tissue but are also widely present in minimally invasive or non-invasive fluids or small specimens obtained through pleural effusion, ascites, cerebrospinal fluid, and fine-needle aspiration. In such samples, tumor cells often exist as tiny cell clusters or single cells mixed with large numbers of blood cells, normal epithelial cells, inflammatory cells, and cell debris, posing significant challenges to subsequent analysis.

[0003] Currently, conventional techniques for sorting and enriching cell clusters / tumor cells in liquid or semi-liquid samples have the following limitations: cumbersome procedures, significant sample loss, and difficulty in handling multiple sample types. Therefore, there is an urgent need in both clinical and basic research fields for a simple, rapid, mild, and versatile pretreatment device capable of efficiently enriching and completely preserving tumor cell clusters from diverse clinical samples, while removing interfering cells and debris, providing high-quality base cells for downstream high-throughput sequencing, single-cell analysis, and organoid culture. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an auxiliary sorting and filtering device for tumor cell clusters used in tumor treatment. Its integrated filtering and sorting unit allows users to simply process the original sample before injecting it into the device. Through gravity-driven or gentle negative pressure-driven operation, cell cluster enrichment, debris removal, and buffer replacement are completed simultaneously in a single step. This significantly simplifies the pretreatment process, reduces manual operation steps and time, and lowers the risk of sample cross-contamination or cell loss due to complex operations.

[0005] The technical problem solved by this invention is achieved by the following technical solution: This invention provides an auxiliary sorting and filtering device for tumor cell clusters used in tumor treatment, comprising a sample pretreatment chamber, a multi-stage filtration chamber, and a collection chamber that are detachably and sealed from top to bottom. The sample pretreatment chamber is divided into an upper collection chamber and a lower screening chamber, which are connected by a connecting pipe with a valve. The multi-stage filtration chamber includes multiple filter units that can be plugged into each other from top to bottom, and the pore size of the filter membranes of the multiple filter units gradually decreases from top to bottom. The side wall of the collection chamber is provided with an exhaust pipe that can be connected to an external negative pressure device.

[0006] Preferably, the sample pretreatment chamber includes an annular sidewall, a first partition and a second partition located on the annular sidewall. The first partition is a hollow and inverted cone, and the second partition is a hollow and upright cone. The connecting pipe connects the opposing tips of the first and second partitions, and a filter screen is provided at the bottom of the second partition.

[0007] Preferably, the top of the annular sidewall is detachably and sealingly connected to an end cap, which has an air hole.

[0008] Preferably, a valve ball is provided inside the connecting pipe, a valve stem is connected to one side of the valve ball, the valve stem extends through the annular sidewall to the outside, and a handwheel is provided at one end of the valve stem.

[0009] Preferably, an injection tube is provided on the side wall of the sample pretreatment chamber, and the injection tube is connected to the liquid collection chamber of the sample pretreatment chamber.

[0010] Preferably, the multiple filtration units of the multi-stage filtration chamber include a primary filtration unit and a secondary filtration unit. The primary filtration unit includes a primary ring, a primary guide cone fixedly connected to the inner wall of the primary ring, and a primary filter membrane placed at the bottom of the primary guide cone. The secondary filtration unit includes a secondary ring, a secondary guide cone fixedly connected to the inner wall of the secondary ring, and a secondary filter membrane placed at the bottom of the secondary guide cone.

[0011] Preferably, the outer walls of the sample pretreatment chamber, the multi-stage filtration chamber, and the collection chamber are all made of transparent material.

[0012] Preferably, the sample pretreatment chamber, the multi-stage filtration chamber, and the collection chamber are connected by threaded connections, plug-in connections, or snap-fit ​​connections.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are: The integrated filtering and sorting unit allows users to simply process the original sample before injecting it into the device. Through gravity or gentle negative pressure, cell enrichment, debris removal, and buffer replacement are completed simultaneously in a single step. This significantly simplifies the pretreatment process, reduces manual operation steps and time, and lowers the risk of sample cross-contamination or cell loss due to complex operations. Furthermore, the solution of this invention eliminates the need for large-scale equipment to complete the sorting and filtering of tumor cells, resulting in lower costs.

[0014] Gentle and efficient enrichment and protection of cell clusters: The core filtration module employs biocompatible materials and an optimized multi-layered progressive sieve structure. This design selectively traps tumor cell clusters of varying sizes (from tens to hundreds of micrometers) while allowing most blood cells, cell debris, and other impurities to pass through. The filtration process involves low shear forces, maximizing the integrity and viability of cell clusters, which is beneficial for the successful subsequent construction of organoids.

[0015] Exceptional sample compatibility and flexibility: The device features a modular design, allowing for rapid replacement of key filter components based on sample type (e.g., expected fluid viscosity, cell cluster size). Equipped with different pretreatment chambers or dilution / rinsing ports, it can effectively process a variety of samples, from clear cerebrospinal fluid to viscous pleural and peritoneal fluid, and even tissue homogenate suspensions, achieving "one device for multiple uses," improving laboratory efficiency and reducing consumable costs. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 3 For the present invention Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the sample pretreatment chamber of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-stage filtration chamber of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the collection chamber of the present invention.

[0018] In the diagram, 1. Sample pretreatment chamber; 101. End cap; 1011. Air vent; 102. Annular sidewall; 103. Filling tube; 104. First partition; 105. Connecting tube; 106. Ball valve; 107. Valve stem; 108. Handwheel; 109. Second partition; 110. Filter sieve; 2. Multi-stage filtration chamber; 201. Primary filtration unit; 2011. Primary ring; 2012. Primary guide cone; 2013. Primary filter membrane; 2021. Secondary ring; 2022. Secondary guide cone; 2023. Secondary filter membrane; 202. Secondary filtration unit; 3. Collection chamber; 4. Suction pipe; 5. Sealing rubber strip; 6. Groove. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described below with reference to specific illustrations.

[0020] refer to Figures 1-2This invention provides an auxiliary sorting and filtering device for tumor cell clusters used in tumor treatment. It includes a sample pretreatment chamber 1, a multi-stage filtration chamber 2, and a collection chamber 3. These three chambers are detachably connected from top to bottom, meaning the sample solution flows from the pretreatment chamber to the multi-stage filtration chamber 2 and then to the collection chamber 3. The main function of the sample pretreatment chamber 1 is to temporarily store and pre-treat the sample solution, as well as perform preliminary screening. The sample pretreatment chamber 1 includes an upper collection chamber and a lower screening chamber, connected by a connecting pipe 105. A valve inside the connecting pipe 105 controls the flow between the collection chamber and the screening chamber. In use, the valve first closes the connecting pipe 105, preventing the sample solution inside the collection chamber from entering the screening chamber. The sample solution is then poured into the collection chamber for pretreatment, which may include dilution and mixing. Alternatively, rinsing, etc., after pretreatment, the connecting pipe 105 is opened by operating the valve. At this time, the sample solution inside the collection chamber will enter the screening chamber through the connecting pipe 105. After passing through the screening chamber, larger fiber clots are removed. Then, the sample solution falls into the multi-stage filtration chamber 2 for multi-stage filtration. The multi-stage filtration chamber 2 includes multiple interlocking filter units from top to bottom. The pore size of the filter membrane of the multiple filter units gradually decreases from top to bottom, thus forming a step-by-step filtration from large particles to small particles. The filtered sample solution then falls into the collection chamber 3 for collection. An exhaust pipe 4 is also provided on the side wall of the collection chamber 3. The exhaust pipe 4 is used to connect to an external negative pressure device. The external negative pressure device (provides a weak negative pressure to improve the efficiency of screening by gravity alone) creates negative pressure inside the sample pretreatment chamber 1, multi-stage filtration chamber 2 and collection chamber 3 through the exhaust pipe 4, thereby accelerating the sorting efficiency of tumor cell clusters.

[0021] To enable those skilled in the art to understand the specific structure of the auxiliary sorting and filtering device for tumor cell clusters for tumor treatment provided by the present invention, the sample pretreatment chamber 1, the multi-stage filtration chamber 2, and the collection chamber 3 will be described in turn below. (Refer to...) Figure 2 and Figure 4The sample pretreatment chamber 1 includes an annular sidewall 102, a first partition 104 and a second partition 109 located on the annular sidewall 102. The first partition 104 is a hollow and inverted cone, and its internal space is the collection chamber. The second partition 109 is a hollow and upright cone, and its internal space is the screening chamber. A connecting pipe 105 connects the opposing tips of the first partition 104 and the second partition 109. The main function of the screening chamber is achieved through a filter screen 110 located at the bottom of the second partition 109. When the valve inside the connecting pipe 105 is open, the sample solution falling from the collection chamber falls directly into the center of the filter screen 110 and then diffuses towards the edge of the filter screen 110 while passing through it. Large fiber clumps remain on the filter screen 110, while small particles and liquid pass through the filter screen 110 and fall into the collection chamber 3, thus achieving a preliminary screening effect.

[0022] The sample pretreatment chamber 1 can be open or have an end cap 101 (to prevent dust) as provided in this invention. The end cap 101 is detachably connected to the top of the annular sidewall 102 of the sample pretreatment chamber 1. The end cap 101 has vent holes 1011 to allow external gas to enter the interior of the sample pretreatment chamber 1 when the suction pipe 4 is connected to an external negative pressure device. It should be further noted that when the sample pretreatment chamber 1 has an end cap 101, a filling pipe 103 should also be designed on the sidewall of the sample pretreatment chamber 1. The filling pipe 103 is connected to the liquid collection chamber of the sample pretreatment chamber 1, thereby achieving a certain degree of sealing of the sample pretreatment chamber 1. The main function of the filling pipe 103 is to facilitate the addition of rinsing solution or diluent by personnel.

[0023] Furthermore, the valve on the connecting pipe 105 is a ball valve, which includes a valve ball (a spherical structure with a through hole passing through the center of the ball, which will not be described in detail here) inside the connecting pipe 105. A valve stem 107 is connected to one side of the valve ball. The valve stem 107 extends to the outside through the annular sidewall 102. A handwheel 108 is fixedly connected to the end of the valve stem 107 that extends to the outside. By rotating the handwheel 108, the angle of the valve ball can be controlled, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the liquid collection chamber and the screening chamber. The above is a detailed description of the structure of the sample pretreatment chamber 1 of the present invention.

[0024] like Figure 5The multi-stage filtration chamber 2 of the present invention includes multiple filtration units. Each multi-stage filtration unit includes a primary filtration unit 201 and a secondary filtration unit 202. The primary filtration unit 201 and the secondary filtration unit 202 have essentially the same structure, the difference being that the pore sizes of their filter membranes are different. Specifically, the primary filtration unit 201 is located above the secondary filtration unit 202, and the two are detachably connected. The primary filtration unit 201 includes a primary ring 2011 (circular ring). The primary filter unit 201 comprises a primary guide cone 2012 fixedly connected to the inner wall of the primary ring 2011 (sidewall 102), and a primary filter membrane 2013 placed at the bottom of the primary guide cone 2012. The secondary filter unit 202 comprises a secondary ring 2021, a secondary guide cone 2022 fixedly connected to the inner wall of the secondary ring 2021, and a secondary filter membrane 2023 placed at the bottom of the secondary guide cone 2022. The primary filter unit 201 and the secondary filter unit 202 are detachably connected by interlocking the primary ring 2011 and the secondary ring 2021. Figure 3 As shown, the secondary ring 2021 has a rubber ring on its outer side near the upper end, and the primary ring 2011 has a groove 6 on its inner side near the lower end. After the primary ring 2011 and the secondary ring 2021 are inserted into each other, the rubber ring fits into the groove 6 to achieve a sealed connection. Specifically, when the sample solution in the sample pretreatment chamber 1 falls into the multi-stage filtration chamber 2, it first falls onto the primary filter membrane 2013 of the primary filtration unit 201 for primary filtration. This primary filtration mainly removes tissue fragments, non-target large aggregates, liquids, and small particles from the primary filter membrane 2013 before they fall into the secondary filtration unit. The internal filtration of 202 continues. This filtration mainly involves the secondary filter membrane 2023 to trap the target tumor cell clusters, while allowing smaller single cells (blood cells) to pass through. After passing through the secondary filter membrane 2023, the single cells and liquid fall into the interior of the collection chamber 3. After sorting, rinsing solution or culture medium is added through the injection port on the side wall of the sample pretreatment chamber 1 to clean the filter screen 110, the primary filter membrane 2013, and the secondary filter membrane 2023. After cleaning, the components are disassembled, and the target tumor cell clusters are found on the secondary filter membrane 2023 of the secondary filter unit 202.

[0025] like Figure 6 As shown, the collection chamber 3 is a hollow cylindrical body with an open top. The opening at the top can be detachably connected to the secondary ring 2021 of the secondary filtration unit to receive the sample solution falling from the secondary filtration unit. The suction pipe 4 connected to its side wall should be set as high as possible to facilitate a larger solution collection space in the collection chamber 3. Of course, it can also selectively have scale lines set on the side wall to facilitate personnel to observe the scale.

[0026] It should be further noted that the detachable connection method described in the above technical solution can be a connection between the primary ring 2011 and the secondary ring 2021 by mutual insertion, or a threaded connection. Furthermore, the outer walls of the sample pretreatment chamber 1, the multi-stage filtration chamber 2 and the collection chamber 3 are preferably made of transparent material to facilitate external observation during the sorting and filtration process.

[0027] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An auxiliary sorting and filtering device for tumor cell clusters used in tumor treatment, characterized in that, The sample pretreatment chamber (1), multi-stage filtration chamber (2), and collection chamber (3) are detachably and sealed from top to bottom. The sample pretreatment chamber (1) is divided into an upper collection chamber and a lower screening chamber. The collection chamber and the lower screening chamber are connected by a connecting pipe (105). A valve is provided on the connecting pipe (105). The multi-stage filtration chamber (2) includes multiple filter units that can be plugged into each other from top to bottom. The pore size of the filter membrane of the multiple filter units gradually decreases from top to bottom. An air extraction pipe (4) that can be connected to an external negative pressure device is provided on the side wall of the collection chamber (3).

2. The auxiliary sorting and filtering device for tumor cell clusters for tumor treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample pretreatment chamber (1) includes an annular sidewall (102), a first partition (104) and a second partition (109) located on the annular sidewall (102). The first partition (104) is a hollow and inverted cone, and the second partition (109) is a hollow and upright cone. The connecting pipe (105) connects the opposing tips of the first partition (104) and the second partition (109). A filter screen (110) is provided at the bottom of the second partition (109).

3. The auxiliary sorting and filtering device for tumor cell clusters for tumor treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the annular sidewall (102) is detachably sealed with an end cap (101), which has an air hole (1011).

4. The auxiliary sorting and filtering device for tumor cell clusters for tumor treatment according to claim 2, characterized in that, A valve ball is provided inside the connecting pipe (105), and a valve stem (107) is connected to one side of the valve ball. The valve stem (107) extends through the annular sidewall (102) to the outside, and a handwheel (108) is provided at one end of the valve stem (107).

5. The auxiliary sorting and filtering device for tumor cell clusters for tumor treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that, A filling tube (103) is provided on the side wall of the sample pretreatment chamber (1), and the filling tube (103) is connected to the liquid collection chamber of the sample pretreatment chamber (1).

6. The auxiliary sorting and filtering device for tumor cell clusters for tumor treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-stage filtration chamber (2) includes a primary filtration unit (201) and a secondary filtration unit (202). The primary filtration unit (201) includes a primary ring (2011), a primary guide cone (2012) fixedly connected to the inner wall of the primary ring (2011), and a primary filter membrane (2013) placed at the bottom of the primary guide cone (2012). The secondary filtration unit (202) includes a secondary ring (2021), a secondary guide cone (2022) fixedly connected to the inner wall of the secondary ring (2021), and a secondary filter membrane (2023) placed at the bottom of the secondary guide cone (2022).

7. The auxiliary sorting and filtering device for tumor cell clusters for tumor treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer walls of the sample pretreatment chamber (1), the multi-stage filtration chamber (2), and the collection chamber (3) are all made of transparent material.

8. The auxiliary sorting and filtering device for tumor cell clusters for tumor treatment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample pretreatment chamber (1), the multi-stage filtration chamber (2), and the collection chamber (3) are connected by threaded connections, plug-in connections, or snap-fit ​​connections.

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