High-throughput punching device for culture dishes

Abstract

The utility model relates to a culture dish high-flux punching device which comprises a main body and a punching part, and the main body is provided with at least two mounting grooves; the number of the punching pieces is at least two, each punching piece is in one-to-one correspondence with each mounting groove, each punching piece comprises a fixing part and a punching part which are connected with each other, each fixing part comprises a first end and a second end which are oppositely arranged, the first ends are contained in the mounting grooves, the second ends are connected with the punching parts, and the punching parts are used for forming holes in the culture dishes. By arranging a plurality of mounting grooves and mounting a plurality of punching pieces, a plurality of micropores can be prepared on the culture dish at the same time, the flux and efficiency of single-time micropore preparation are effectively improved, steps or procedures for repeatedly preparing the micropores can be reduced for an experiment for culturing a large number of embryos, a plurality of micropores can be obtained at a time, and the production cost is reduced. And time and labor are saved during micropore preparation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of embryo culture technology, and in particular to a high-throughput perforating device for a culture dish. Background Art

[0002] In the culture of animal embryos, the method of culturing embryos with micro-holes (hereinafter referred to as micro-holes) has become the choice of many scientific researchers. By placing a single embryo in a micro-hole for culture, the good development of a single embryo can be achieved, which can improve the blastocyst development rate and production efficiency of the embryo. In the related art, the production of micro-holes is achieved by punching holes at the bottom of a cell culture dish with a punching device. The function of the punching device is to form a small depression (micro-hole) with smooth sides and no gaps at the bottom of the tissue culture dish by pressing, so that the embryo and cells can gather in the micro-hole.

[0003] Based on different scientific research experiments, the number of embryos cultured varies. Some experiments culture a large number of embryos, while some experiments culture a small number of embryos. Correspondingly, it is necessary to select a culture dish with an appropriate number of microwells for culture. However, the existing technology can only prepare one microwell at a time. For experiments that culture a large number of embryos, the steps or processes of preparing microwells need to be repeated many times to obtain multiple microwells, and the preparation of microwells is time-consuming and laborious.

[0004] Therefore, how to quickly prepare a plurality of micropores is one of the issues that technicians in this field need to consider. Utility Model Content

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a high-throughput culture dish punching device to address the problem that the prior art can only prepare one micropore at a time, and experiments for culturing a large number of embryos require repeated steps or processes for preparing micropores to obtain multiple micropores, and the preparation of micropores is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0006] An embodiment of the present application provides a high-throughput perforating device for a culture dish, which includes a main body and a perforating member, wherein the main body is provided with at least two mounting grooves; at least two perforating members are provided, each perforating member corresponds to each mounting groove one by one, and each perforating member includes a fixing portion and a perforating portion that are connected to each other, the fixing portion includes a first end and a second end that are relatively arranged, the first end is accommodated in the mounting groove, and the second end is connected to the perforating portion, and the perforating portion is used to form a hole on the culture dish.

[0007] In one embodiment, the number of the mounting slots is 2-6, and the number of the punching members is 2-6.

[0008] In one embodiment, the punching member is detachably connected to the main body, and punching members of different sizes can be replaced relative to the main body.

[0009] In one embodiment, the perforated portion is spherical, and the diameter of the perforated portion is in the range of 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

[0010] In one embodiment, a first mark is provided on the outer circumference of the fixing portion, and the first mark is used to indicate the punching depth of the punching portion; and / or a second mark is provided on the outer circumference of the first end, and the second mark is used to indicate the diameter of the punching portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, the second end is provided with a receiving groove, and the receiving groove is used to install the punching part.

[0012] In one embodiment, the culture dish punching device further includes a protective member, which is detachably connected to the main body and is used to seal the punching member.

[0013] In one embodiment, the protective member includes an opening and a protective space that are interconnected, the opening is used for at least part of the main body and the punching member to enter and exit the protective space, and the inner wall of the protective member at the opening can fit with the outer wall of the main body.

[0014] In one of the embodiments, the culture dish punching device further comprises an operating member, which is disposed at an end of the main body away from the punching member, and the operating member can drive the main body to move under the action of an external force.

[0015] In one of the embodiments, a groove is provided on the outer periphery of the main body, the groove is used to abut against a finger, and the operating member is used to abut against a finger or a palm.

[0016] In the above-mentioned culture dish high-throughput punching device, by setting multiple mounting slots and installing multiple punching pieces, multiple microwells can be prepared on the culture dish at the same time, which effectively improves the throughput and efficiency of single microwell preparation. For experiments involving the cultivation of a large number of embryos, the steps or processes of repeated microwell preparation can be reduced, and multiple microwells can be obtained at one time, which saves time and effort in preparing microwells. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a high-throughput perforating device for a culture dish in one embodiment of the present application.

[0018] The reference numerals are: main body 1 , groove 11 , punching member 2 , fixing portion 21 , punching portion 22 , operating member 3 , anti-slip portion 31 , protective member 4 , protective space K. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In order to make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, many specific details are set forth to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the connotation of the present application, so the present application is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0020] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that if the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. appear, the orientation or position relationship indicated by these terms is based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0021] One embodiment of the present application provides a high-throughput perforating device for a culture dish, which can prepare multiple micro-holes at the same time. In actual use, the high-throughput perforating device for a culture dish acts on the bottom of the culture dish, and by pressing, multiple small depressions (micro-holes) with smooth sides and no gaps can be prepared at the same time on the bottom of the culture dish, so as to realize the culture of a large number of embryos.

[0022] As shown in FIG1 , the high-throughput perforating device for a culture dish includes a main body 1, a perforating member 2 and an operating member 3. The main body 1 is used to install the perforating member 2 and the operating member 3. The perforating member 2 is arranged at one end of the main body 1, and the perforating member 2 is used to form / prepare holes on the culture dish; the operating member 3 is arranged at one end of the main body 1 away from the perforating member 2, and the operating member 3 can drive the main body 1 to move under the action of an external force, thereby realizing the perforating operation.

[0023] The main body 1 is a plate / block / table / column-shaped object with a certain length, height and width, so as to provide an installation position for the punching member 2 and the operating member 3. Furthermore, the main body 1 is provided with a mounting groove, which is used to install the punching member 2. Furthermore, the main body 1 is provided with a mounting surface at one end away from the mounting groove, which is used to install the operating member 3.

[0024] The main body 1 can be made of a transparent or translucent material, which can reduce line of sight obstruction and facilitate positioning before the punching operation.

[0025] In the embodiment disclosed in the present application, at least two mounting grooves are provided, at least two punching members 2 are provided, and each punching member 2 is installed in the mounting groove one by one. By providing multiple mounting grooves and installing multiple punching members 2, multiple micropores can be prepared on the culture dish at the same time, which effectively improves the throughput and efficiency of preparing micropores in a single time. For experiments to culture a large number of embryos, the steps or processes of repeatedly preparing micropores can be reduced, and multiple micropores can be obtained at one time, which saves time and effort in preparing micropores.

[0026] Further, the number of mounting slots is 2-6, and the number of punching members 2 is 2-6. In the embodiment disclosed in the present application, the number of mounting slots and punching members 2 is 4, that is, the culture dish high-throughput punching device of the present application can prepare 4 microwells at a time. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of mounting slots and punching members 2 can be 2, 3, 5, 6 or more.

[0027] The punching member 2 can also be called a needle. After the end of the needle pierces the surface of the bottom of the culture dish, a small depression can be formed, thus preparing a micropore. In the embodiment disclosed in the present application, the end of the needle is U-shaped, so that the micropore formed by pressing is U-shaped. The U-shaped micropore is a non-completely curved surface, which is conducive to the culture of embryos.

[0028] Each punching member 2 includes a fixing portion 21 and a punching portion 22 connected to each other. The fixing portion 21 is used to connect with the main body 1 to achieve the installation of the punching member 2. The punching portion 22 of the punching member 2 contacts the surface of the bottom of the culture dish and can form a hole on the culture dish under the action of manual pressure. Specifically, the fixing portion 21 includes a first end and a second end that are arranged opposite to each other. The first end is accommodated in the installation groove, and the punching portion 22 is arranged at the second end of the fixing portion 21; it can be understood that the second end and the punching portion 22 are combined to form a U shape.

[0029] The punching piece 2 is provided with a variety of sizes, and the size of each punching piece 2 is different. The punching pieces 2 of different sizes can be replaced relative to the main body 1. By replacing the punching pieces 2 of different sizes on the main body 1, micropores of different sizes can be prepared on the culture dish. The problem of preparing micropores of different sizes for culturing embryos of different species in different scientific research experiments can be solved, that is, the high-throughput punching device of the culture dish can meet the needs of adapting to the cultivation of different species. For example, the diameter of the mouse embryo is about 80um, the diameter of the monkey embryo is about 120um, the diameter of the human, dog and pig embryo is about 130um, the diameter of the sheep embryo is about 150um, etc. The embryo culture of different species has different requirements for the preparation of micropores. For example, embryos with small diameters need small-sized micropores for cultivation, and embryos with large diameters need large-sized micropores for cultivation. By replacing the punching pieces 2 of different sizes, micropores of different sizes can be prepared, which can adapt to the cultivation of embryos of different species.

[0030] The punching member 2 is detachably connected to the main body 1. Specifically, the first end of the fixing portion 21 can be inserted into the mounting slot of the main body 1 and can also be removed from the mounting slot. It can be understood that the first end of the fixing portion 21 remains fixed relative to the main body 1 after being inserted into the mounting slot, and the fixing portion 21 will not rotate or move; the fixing and removal from the mounting slot can be achieved manually or with the assistance of additional tools.

[0031] By making the punching piece 2 and the main body 1 detachable, it is possible to replace / replace the punching piece 2 of different sizes relative to the main body 11. In actual use, the punching piece 2 can be replaced according to actual needs. For example, when the punching piece 2 needs to be replaced, the current punching piece 2 is taken out of the mounting slot, and another punching piece 2 of a suitable size is selected and inserted into the mounting slot, and the replacement of the punching piece 2 can be completed, thereby preparing micropores of different sizes. When preparing micropores of different sizes, the culture dish high-throughput punching device of the present application only needs to replace the punching piece 2, without having to replace the main body 1 and the punching piece 2 as a whole, which effectively reduces the production cost.

[0032] When replacing the punching piece 2, it is necessary to insert the first end of the punching portion 22 into the mounting groove. In the embodiment disclosed in the present application, the first end of the fixing portion 21 of each punching piece 2 of different sizes is the same and can match the mounting groove, that is, each punching piece 2 of different sizes can be inserted into the mounting groove.

[0033] It can be understood that in the embodiment disclosed in the present application, the sizes of the four punching members 2 installed on the main body 1 are the same. When replacing the punching members 2 of different sizes, it is necessary to replace the four punching members 2 on the main body 1 at the same time, that is, in actual operation, four punching members 2 of each different size need to be prepared.

[0034] For punching pieces 2 of different sizes, the difference lies in the size of the punching portion 22. Specifically, the punching portion 22 is constructed in a spherical shape, and the diameter range of the punching portion 22 is 0.3mm-1mm. Punching pieces 2 of different diameters between 0.3mm-1mm are set. The staff can select the appropriate punching piece 2 for punching according to actual needs, and then prepare microholes of different diameters, which can meet the needs of embryo culture of different species.

[0035] The outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion 21 is provided with a first mark. Specifically, the distance between the first mark and the punching portion 22 is 150 μm-300 μm. The first mark may be a scale ring. The first mark is used to indicate the punching depth of the punching portion 22 to the staff.

[0036] The outer circumference of the first end of the fixing portion 21 is provided with a second mark, and the second mark is used to indicate the diameter of the punching portion 22. Specifically, the first end can be made of a transparent material, so that it is convenient for the staff to see the diameter of the punching portion 22, which is conducive to distinguishing punching members 2 of different sizes. In some embodiments, except for the first end made of a transparent material, the other parts of the punching member 2 can be made of stainless steel.

[0037] The second end of the fixing portion 21 is provided with a receiving groove for installing the punching portion 22. Specifically, the receiving groove matches the punching portion 22, a part of the punching portion 22 is located in the receiving groove, and another part of the punching portion 22 is located outside the receiving groove.

[0038] In other embodiments, the accommodating groove may not be provided, and the fixing portion 21 and the punching portion 22 may be integrally formed.

[0039] The operating member 3 is operated manually or by an external machine. The operating member 3 can drive the main body 1 and the punching member 2 to move toward the bottom of the culture dish to achieve the punching operation.

[0040] Taking manual operation as an example, the operating member 3 can be used as a handle, that is, the operating member 3 is manually held / gripped. After the position of the microhole is determined, the main body 1 and the punching member 2 are manually moved to the bottom surface of the culture dish where the hole is to be punched and stopped through the operating member 3. Then, a pressing force is manually applied to the operating member 3 so that the punching member 2 can be recessed downward from the bottom surface of the culture dish, thereby forming a microhole.

[0041] Taking the operation of an external machine as an example, the external machine clamps the operating part 3, and after determining the position of the microhole, the external machine drives the main body 1 and the punching part 2 to move to the bottom surface of the culture dish where the hole is to be punched and stops through the operating part 3. Then the external machine applies pressing pressure to the operating part 3, so that the punching part 2 can be recessed downward from the bottom surface of the culture dish, thereby forming a microhole.

[0042] Preferably, the culture dish high-throughput perforating device of the present application is operated manually by hand.

[0043] Furthermore, two grooves 11 are provided on the periphery of the main body 1. Specifically, one of the grooves 11 is located on the left wall of the main body 1, and the other groove 11 is located on the right wall of the main body 1. The openings of the two grooves 11 are opposite to each other. The grooves 11 are used to abut against the fingers, and the operating member 3 is used to abut against the palm.

[0044] In the embodiments disclosed in the present application, the operating member 3 is spherical or ellipsoidal, which conforms to the human body's manual holding habit. The spherical or ellipsoidal operating member 3 can fit the palm of the hand to support the palm; the two grooves 11 are respectively against the thumb and the middle finger to support the thumb and the middle finger. After the thumb and the middle finger are placed in the two grooves 11, they can apply pressing pressure to the operating member 3 and the main body 1 in a stable state, thereby preparing micropores with smooth inner walls.

[0045] In other embodiments, the support member may not be used to support the palm, but may be used to support the fingers. For example, the thumb and the middle finger are placed in the two grooves 11, and the index finger is placed on the operating member 3. The three thumbs can apply pressure to the operating member 3 and the main body 1 to prepare micropores. In actual use, a suitable operation mode can be selected according to actual conditions.

[0046] An anti-slip portion 31 is provided on the support member. In the embodiment disclosed in the present application, the anti-slip portion 31 is a striped structure. The anti-slip portion 31 can increase the friction between the staff's hands and the operating member 3. When preparing micropores, the anti-slip portion 31 can prevent the staff's hands and the operating member 3 from slipping.

[0047] In other embodiments, the anti-slip portion 3134 may be a structure such as an anti-slip cover.

[0048] Regarding the operating member 33, in other embodiments, the culture dish high-throughput punching device may only include the main body 11 and the punching member 22 without the operating member 33. In this embodiment, the main body 11 not only serves to install the punching member 22, but also serves as a handle for manual hand-held use.

[0049] The culture dish high-throughput punching device also includes a protective member 4, which is detachably connected to the main body 1 and is used to seal the punching member 2. Specifically, the protective member 4 can be detached from the main body 1 to prepare micropores on the culture dish. After the micropores are prepared, the protective member 4 can be put back on the main body 1 to seal and store the punching member 2, thereby preventing external dust, debris, etc. from sticking to the punching member 2, thereby protecting the punching member 2.

[0050] The protective member 4 includes an opening and a protective space K which are interconnected. The end of the protective member 4 away from the opening is closed. The opening is used for at least part of the main body 1 and the punching member 2 to enter and exit the protective space K. The inner wall of the protective member 4 at the opening can fit with the outer wall of the main body 1. When the protective member 4 is not connected to the main body 1, the protective space K is connected to the external space through the opening. When the main body 1 and the punching member 2 enter the protective space K through the outlet, the protective space K is blocked, thereby sealing the punching member 2.

[0051] Furthermore, in the embodiment disclosed in the present application, the protective member 4 is provided with an internal thread on the inner wall circumference at the opening, and the outer wall circumference of the main body 1 is provided with an external thread, and the protective member 4 and the main body 1 are detachably connected through the internal thread and external thread structure.

[0052] In other embodiments, the protective member 4 and the main body 1 may be detachably connected by means of structures such as snaps and magnets.

[0053] Microwells were prepared in a cell culture dish by the culture dish high-throughput punching device of the present application, and then two groups of mouse embryo culture experiments were carried out. The experimental process was to place the two groups of embryos in the two groups of microwells prepared by the culture dish high-throughput punching device of the present application for embryo culture to form blastocysts. The specific experimental data are as follows:

[0054] Group 1:

[0055]

[0056] Group 2:

[0057]

[0058] After the KSOM culture test, the average blastocyst development rate of the experimental group in microwell culture was higher than that of the control group, and the abnormality rate was significantly lower than that of the control group, that is, the microwells prepared by the high-throughput perforating device for culture dishes of the present application are more conducive to embryo culture.

[0059] In addition, if the terms "first" or "second" appear, these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of this application, if the term "plurality" appears, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0060] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like appear, these terms should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0061] In the present application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, if there is a description that a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, etc., or similar descriptions appear, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above" and "above" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below" and "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0062] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be a central element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be a central element at the same time. If any, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation method.

[0063] The technical features of the above-described embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. To make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0064] The above-described embodiments only express several implementation methods of the present application, and the descriptions thereof are relatively specific and detailed, but they cannot be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be pointed out that, for a person of ordinary skill in the art, several variations and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present application, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent application shall be subject to the attached claims.

Claims

1. A high-throughput perforating device for a culture dish, characterized in that: include: A main body, provided with at least two mounting slots; and At least two punching members are provided, each of which corresponds to each of the mounting grooves one by one, and each of the punching members includes a fixing portion and a punching portion connected to each other, the fixing portion includes a first end and a second end arranged opposite to each other, the first end is accommodated in the mounting groove, the second end is connected to the punching portion, and the punching portion is used to form a hole on the culture dish.

2. The culture dish high-throughput perforating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the mounting slots is 2-6, and the number of the punching pieces is 2-6.

3. The culture dish high-throughput perforating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The punching piece is detachably connected to the main body, and punching pieces of different sizes can be replaced relative to the main body.

4. The culture dish high-throughput perforating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The punching portion is spherical in shape, and the diameter of the punching portion is in the range of 0.3 mm to 1 mm.

5. The culture dish high-throughput perforating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer circumferential surface of the fixing portion is provided with a first mark, and the first mark is used to indicate the punching depth of the punching portion; and / or the outer circumferential surface of the first end is provided with a second mark, and the second mark is used to indicate the diameter of the punching portion.

6. The culture dish high-throughput perforating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second end is provided with a receiving groove, and the receiving groove is used for installing the punching part.

7. The culture dish high-throughput perforating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The culture dish punching device also includes a protective member, which is detachably connected to the main body and is used to seal the punching member.

8. The culture dish high-throughput perforating device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The protective member comprises an opening and a protective space which are interconnected, wherein the opening is used for allowing at least a portion of the main body and the punching member to enter and exit the protective space, and an inner wall of the protective member at the opening can fit with an outer wall of the main body.

9. The culture dish high-throughput perforating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The culture dish punching device also includes an operating member, which is arranged at one end of the main body away from the punching member, and the operating member can drive the main body to move under the action of an external force.

10. The culture dish high-throughput perforating device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The outer periphery of the main body is provided with a groove, the groove is used to abut against a finger, and the operating member is used to abut against a finger or a palm.

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