Automatic cell sorting system

Abstract

The utility model discloses an automatic cell sorting system which comprises a filtering unit, a buffering unit, a first sorting unit and a collecting unit, the filtering unit is communicated with the first sorting unit, a second sorting unit is further arranged between the filtering unit and the first sorting unit, and the buffering unit is communicated with the first sorting unit and the collecting unit. The first sorting unit is communicated with the collecting unit, the buffer unit comprises a first buffer solution bag and a second buffer solution bag, a first pipeline is arranged between the first buffer solution bag and the first sorting unit, and a second pipeline is arranged between the second buffer solution bag and the collecting unit. According to the automatic cell sorting system disclosed by the utility model, after a sample is processed, the complexity and difficulty of cleaning after filtering can be reduced, and the waste of the sample is avoided; and the whole automatic sorting system is closed, so that the pollution of the samples caused by open operation is avoided, and meanwhile, the possible pollution of the samples to the external environment is also avoided, so that the final sorting result is optimized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of cell sorting, and particularly relates to an automatic cell sorting system. Background Art

[0002] In the field of cell therapy, when a certain specific cell is used, it needs to be selected from a large number of cells before use. In order to keep the cells in a better survival rate during the selection process, magnetic sorting is adopted. The existing sorting methods are mainly open manual sorting. The manual operation process is cumbersome, and there are risks of bacterial infection in the access of buffer solution / treatment sample and manual puncture of the blood filter. Moreover, when dealing with samples with a large throughput, the blood filter will be blocked and there will be too much residual blood sample, which is difficult to rinse, resulting in waste of precious samples and unsatisfactory final experimental results.

[0003] In addition, the activation of the magnetic field is controlled by a motor and related linear modules, and the magnetic cells are retained in the magnetic column, while the non-magnetic cells flow out, so as to obtain the target cells and remove the non-target cells. Although this operation reduces the cumbersome manual operation and improves the throughput of sample processing, usually the experimental samples are very poor. In order not to affect the experimental results, the blood filter device must be manually reassembled for filtration treatment again, which will cause the phenomenon of agglomeration of poor sample cells in the pipeline and affect the experimental results. Content of the Utility Model

[0004] In view of this, in order to solve the problems of the existing technology, the utility model provides an automatic cell sorting system, which can improve the sorting efficiency, simplify the operation process and make the operation more stable, avoid the risk of bacterial infection caused by operation, and improve the accuracy of test results.

[0005] In order to achieve the above purpose, the utility model adopts the following technical scheme:

[0006] An automatic cell sorting system includes a filtering unit. The automatic cell sorting system further includes a buffer unit, a first sorting unit and a collection unit. The filtering unit is communicated with the first sorting unit, and a second sorting unit is further arranged between the filtering unit and the first sorting unit. The buffer unit is communicated with both the first sorting unit and the collection unit, and the first sorting unit is communicated with the collection unit. The buffer unit includes a first buffer solution bag and a second buffer solution bag. A first pipeline is arranged between the first buffer solution bag and the first sorting unit, and a second pipeline is arranged between the second buffer solution bag and the collection unit. The first buffer solution bag, the first pipeline, the second buffer solution bag and the second pipeline are used to rinse the whole system together.

[0007] By setting up a filtering unit and a sorting unit, and through the mutual cooperation among the units, after processing the sample, the complexity and difficulty of cleaning after filtration can be reduced, automated rinsing can replace manual rinsing, and waste of the sample can be avoided. Moreover, the entire automatic sorting system is enclosed, which can prevent contamination of the sample caused by open operation and also avoid possible contamination of the external environment by the sample, thereby optimizing the final sorting result.

[0008] According to a preferred implementation aspect of the present invention, the first sorting unit includes a first sorting column and a peristaltic pump. A third pipeline is provided between the second sorting unit and the first sorting column. A fourth pipeline is provided between the first sorting column and the peristaltic pump. A fifth pipeline is provided between the peristaltic pump and the third pipeline.

[0009] According to a preferred implementation aspect of the present invention, the second sorting unit includes a second sorting column. The number of the first sorting columns is equal to the number of the second sorting columns. Joint assemblies are provided at both ends of each of the first sorting columns and the second sorting columns. In some embodiments of the present invention, first sorting columns and second sorting columns with different volumes can be selected according to actual needs. Or, one or more first sorting columns can be provided in the first sorting unit, and one or more second sorting columns can be provided in the second sorting unit, thereby adjusting the sample loading amount of the test sample. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first sorting column is a magnetic sorting column, and a magnetic field is formed around the magnetic sorting column by arranging magnets to achieve magnetic sorting of the sample flowing through the first sorting column. The joint assembly is a Luer joint, and a filter screen is provided inside it. The sample enters the first sorting column and / or the second sorting column through the joint assembly and then flows out from the joint assembly. Agglomerated cells and cells non-specifically bound to the magnetic bead reagent can be removed inside the joint assembly, thereby improving the sorting purity of the experimental result. The first sorting unit mainly plays a role in primary filtration and pre-sorting of the sample.

[0010] According to a preferred implementation aspect of the present invention, the collection unit includes a first collection bag, a second collection bag, and a third collection bag. The first collection bag is used to collect target cells. The second collection bag is used to collect waste liquid. The third collection bag is used to collect other cells except the target cells.

[0011] According to a preferred implementation aspect of the present invention, the first collection bag is connected to one end of the second pipeline far away from the second buffer bag. A sixth pipeline is provided between the fifth pipeline and the third collection bag. A seventh pipeline is provided between the second pipeline and the sixth pipeline. An eighth pipeline is provided between the seventh pipeline and the second collection bag.

[0012] According to a preferred implementation aspect of the present utility model, the first pipeline is communicated with the second pipeline. One end of the first pipeline away from the first buffer bag is connected to the fifth pipeline. One end of the fifth pipeline is connected to one end of the peristaltic pump, and the other end of the fifth pipeline is connected to the third pipeline.

[0013] According to a preferred implementation aspect of the present utility model, a first valve, a second valve, a third valve, and a fourth valve are sequentially arranged on the second pipeline. The first valve is close to the second buffer bag. A fifth valve is arranged on the first pipeline, a sixth valve is arranged on the third pipeline, a seventh valve is arranged on the fifth pipeline, an eighth valve and a ninth valve are sequentially arranged on the sixth pipeline, and a tenth valve is arranged on the eighth pipeline.

[0014] According to a preferred implementation aspect of the present utility model, the filtering unit includes a sample bag and a transfer bag. A first extension pipe is arranged between the bottom end of the transfer bag and the second sorting column, and the first extension pipe is communicated with the second pipeline. The first valve is located between the connection of the first extension pipe and the second pipeline and the second buffer bag. The second valve is located between the connection of the first extension pipe and the second pipeline and the connection of the first pipeline and the second pipeline. The third valve is located between the connection of the first pipeline and the second pipeline and the connection of the second pipeline and the seventh pipeline. The fourth valve is located between the connection of the second pipeline and the seventh pipeline and the first collection bag. The setting of the filtering unit can perform coarse filtration and fine filtration on the initial sample, reducing the agglomeration of the initial sample.

[0015] According to a preferred implementation aspect of the present utility model, the fifth valve is located between the connection of the first pipeline and the second pipeline and the connection of the first pipeline and the fifth pipeline. The sixth valve is located between the second sorting column and the connection of the third pipeline and the fifth pipeline. The seventh valve is located between the connection of the first pipeline and the fifth pipeline and the connection of the fifth pipeline and the sixth pipeline.

[0016] According to a preferred implementation aspect of the present utility model, the eighth valve is located between the connection of the fifth pipeline and the sixth pipeline and the connection of the sixth pipeline and the seventh pipeline. The ninth valve is located between the connection of the sixth pipeline and the seventh pipeline and the third collection bag. The tenth valve is located between the connection of the seventh pipeline and the eighth pipeline and the second collection bag.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present utility model are as follows: For a cell automatic sorting system of the present utility model, by setting a filtering unit and a sorting unit, and through the mutual cooperation among the units, after processing the sample, the complexity and difficulty of cleaning after filtration can be reduced, automated rinsing is used instead of manual rinsing to avoid waste of the sample; and the entire automatic sorting system is enclosed, which can avoid contamination of the sample caused by open operation and also avoid possible contamination of the external environment by the sample, thereby optimizing the final sorting result. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for description in the embodiments. Obviously, the following described drawings are only some embodiments of the present utility model. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the cell automatic sorting system in Embodiment 1 of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the cell automatic sorting system in Embodiment 2 of the present utility model;

[0021] Among them, the reference numerals are:

[0022] Filtering unit - 1, sample bag - 11, transfer bag - 12, first extension tube - 13, return pipe - 14, check valve - 15, stop valve - 16, buffer unit - 2, first buffer solution bag - 21, second buffer solution bag - 22, first pipeline - 23, second pipeline - 24, first sorting unit - 3, first sorting column - 31, peristaltic pump - 32, third pipeline - 33, fourth pipeline - 34, fifth pipeline - 35, second extension tube - 36, magnet - 37, second sorting unit - 4, second sorting column - 41, third extension tube - 42, collection unit - 5, first collection bag - 51, second collection bag - 52, third collection bag - 53, sixth pipeline - 54, seventh pipeline - 55, eighth pipeline - 56, joint assembly - 6, first valve - F1, second valve - F2, third valve - F3, fourth valve - F4, fifth valve - F5, sixth valve - F6, seventh valve - F7, eighth valve - F8, ninth valve - F9, tenth valve - F10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present utility model, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present utility model, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0024] Embodiment 1

[0025] Referring to Figure 1 , a cell automatic sorting system in this embodiment includes a filtering unit 1, a buffer unit 2, a first sorting unit 3, a second sorting unit 4, and a collection unit 5.

[0026] Specifically, the buffer unit 2 includes a first buffer bag 21 and a second buffer bag 22. A first pipe 23 is provided at the bottom end of the first buffer bag 21, and a second pipe 24 is provided at the bottom end of the second buffer bag 22. The first pipe 23 is connected and communicated with the second pipe 24. The first buffer bag 21 is used to store the buffer solution. The buffer solution in the first buffer bag 21 can flow to the second buffer bag 22 through the first pipe 23 and the second pipe 24. The second buffer bag 22 can rinse the pipelines that cannot be rinsed by the buffer solution in the first buffer bag 21, ensuring that the entire pipeline system can be rinsed by the buffer solution.

[0027] Furthermore, the first sorting unit 3 includes a first sorting column 31 and a peristaltic pump 32, and the second sorting unit 4 includes a second sorting column 41. In this embodiment, one first sorting column 31 and one second sorting column 41 are provided respectively. The second sorting column 41 is located above the first sorting column 31. Joint assemblies 6 are provided at both ends of the first sorting column 31 and both ends of the second sorting column 41. Among them, a third pipe 33 is provided between the first sorting column 31 and the second sorting column 41. One end of the third pipe 33 is connected to the joint assembly 6 at the top end of the first sorting column 31, and the other end of the third pipe 33 is connected to the joint assembly 6 at the bottom end of the second sorting column 41; a fourth pipe 34 is provided between the first sorting column 31 and the peristaltic pump 32. One end of the fourth pipe 34 is connected to the joint assembly 6 at the bottom end of the first sorting column 31, and the other end of the fourth pipe 34 is connected to one end of the peristaltic pump 32; a fifth pipe 35 is provided between the peristaltic pump 32 and the third pipe 33. One end of the fifth pipe 35 is connected to the other end of the peristaltic pump 32, and the other end of the fifth pipe 35 is connected to the third pipe 33.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first sorting column 31 is a magnetic sorting column. Two magnets 37 are arranged around the first sorting column 31 to form a magnetic field, so as to realize the magnetic sorting of the sample flowing through the first sorting column 31. In addition, each joint assembly 6 adopts a Luer joint, and a filter screen is arranged inside it. When the sample passes through the joint assembly 6, the sample can be preliminarily filtered to remove agglomerated cells and cells non-specifically bound to the magnetic bead reagent, thereby improving the sorting purity of the experimental results.

[0029] Furthermore, the filtering unit 1 includes a sample bag 11 and a transfer bag 12. The sample bag 11 is located above the transfer bag 12. The sample bag 11 and the transfer bag 12 are aseptically connected in an aseptic heat-sealing manner to ensure that they are connected and communicate with each other. The sample bag 11 is used to store the sample, and the transfer bag 12 is used to filter the sample. A first extension tube 13 is arranged between the bottom end of the transfer bag 12 and a second sorting column 41. The first extension tube 13 is communicated with the second pipeline 24. The end of the first extension tube 13 far from the transfer bag 12 is connected to the joint assembly 6 at the top of the second sorting column 41; A return pipe 14 is also arranged beside the transfer bag 12. One end of the return pipe 14 is connected to the top of the transfer bag 12, and the other end is connected to the first extension tube 13. A one-way valve 15 and a stop valve 16 are arranged on the first extension tube 13. The one-way valve 15 is close to the transfer bag 12. The one-way valve 15 can control the sample to flow in only one direction, that is, the flow direction is from the transfer bag 12 flowing downward. Due to the setting of the one-way valve 15, the buffered liquid flowing back cannot directly flow into the transfer bag 12 through the first extension tube 13 and the one-way valve 15. The return pipe 14 provides a passage for the buffered liquid flowing back to flow into the transfer bag 12.

[0030] A first filter screen and a second filter screen with different pore sizes are arranged in the transfer bag 12. The sides of the first filter screen and the second filter screen are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the transfer bag 12, and the first filter screen is located in the cavity formed by the second filter screen and the side of the transfer bag 12. The pore size of the first filter screen is 170 - 200 μm, and the pore size of the second filter screen is 40 - 60 μm. After the sample in the sample bag 11 enters the transfer bag 12, it first passes through the first filter screen to filter out larger impurities and lumps, and then passes through the second filter screen to filter out the impurities within the pore size of the first filter screen, so as to ensure the quality of the sample.

[0031] Further, the collection unit 5 includes a first collection bag 51, a second collection bag 52, and a third collection bag 53. The first collection bag 51 is connected to one end of the second pipe 24 away from the second buffer bag 22. A sixth pipe 54 is provided between the fifth pipe 35 and the third collection bag 53. A seventh pipe 55 is provided between the second pipe 24 and the sixth pipe 54. An eighth pipe 56 is provided between the seventh pipe 55 and the second collection bag 52. One end of the sixth pipe 54 is connected to one end of the third collection bag 53, and the other end of the sixth pipe 54 is connected to the fifth pipe 35. One end of the seventh pipe 55 is connected to the second pipe 24, and the other end of the seventh pipe 55 is connected to the sixth pipe 54. One end of the eighth pipe 56 is connected to one end of the second collection bag 52, and the other end of the eighth pipe 56 is connected to the seventh pipe 55. The first collection bag 51 is used to collect target cells, the second collection bag 52 is used to collect waste liquid, and the third collection bag 53 is used to collect other cells except target cells, that is, non-target cells.

[0032] Specifically, a first valve F1, a second valve F2, a third valve F3, and a fourth valve F4 are sequentially provided on the second pipe 24. The first valve F1 is close to the second buffer bag 22. The first valve F1 is located between the connection of the first extension pipe 13 and the second pipe 24 and the second buffer bag 22. The second valve F2 is located between the connection of the first extension pipe 13 and the second pipe 24 and the connection of the first pipe 23 and the second pipe 24. The third valve F3 is located between the connection of the first pipe 23 and the second pipe 24 and the connection of the second pipe 24 and the seventh pipe 55. The fourth valve F4 is located between the connection of the second pipe 24 and the seventh pipe 55 and the first collection bag 51.

[0033] A fifth valve F5 is provided on the first pipe 23. The fifth valve F5 is located between the connection of the first pipe 23 and the second pipe 24 and the connection of the first pipe 23 and the fifth pipe 35. A sixth valve F6 is provided on the third pipe 33. The sixth valve F6 is located between the second sorting column 41 and the connection of the third pipe 33 and the fifth pipe 35. A seventh valve F7 is provided on the fifth pipe 35. The seventh valve F7 is located between the connection of the first pipe 23 and the fifth pipe 35 and the connection of the fifth pipe 35 and the sixth pipe 54. An eighth valve F8 and a ninth valve F9 are sequentially provided on the sixth pipe 54. The eighth valve F8 is located between the connection of the fifth pipe 35 and the sixth pipe 54 and the connection of the sixth pipe 54 and the seventh pipe 55. The ninth valve F9 is located between the connection of the sixth pipe 54 and the seventh pipe 55 and the third collection bag 53. A tenth valve F10 is provided on the eighth pipe 56. The tenth valve F10 is located between the connection of the seventh pipe 55 and the eighth pipe 56 and the second collection bag 52.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first valve F1, the second valve F2, the third valve F3, the fourth valve F4, the fifth valve F5, the sixth valve F6, the seventh valve F7, the eighth valve F8, the ninth valve F9, and the tenth valve F10 are all solenoid valves. By controlling the opening and closing of different valves, the flushing of each pipeline of the entire automatic sorting system and the discharge of air bubbles in the pipeline, as well as the filtration and sorting of blood samples, can be achieved.

[0035] In addition, in some other embodiments, a larger first sorting column 31 and a second sorting column 41 can also be selected to increase the sample loading amount of test samples.

[0036] Embodiment 2

[0037] Refer to Figure 2 , the difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the settings of the first sorting unit 3 and the second sorting unit 4. Among them, the first sorting unit 3 is provided with a plurality of first sorting columns 31. A first sorting column 31 is connected between the third pipeline 33 and the fourth pipeline 34. Both ends of each of the remaining first sorting columns 31 are provided with second extension pipes 36. The other end of one second extension pipe 36 located at the top of the first sorting column 31 is connected to the third pipeline 33, and the other end of one second extension pipe 36 located at the bottom of the first sorting column 31 is connected to the fourth pipeline 34. The second sorting unit 4 is also provided with a plurality of second sorting columns 41, and the number of first sorting columns 31 is equal to the number of second sorting columns 41. Only one second sorting column 41 is still provided between the first extension pipe 13 and the third pipeline 33. Both ends of each of the remaining second sorting columns 41 are provided with third extension pipes 42. The other end of one third extension pipe 42 located at the top of the second sorting column 41 is connected to the first extension pipe 13, and the other end of one third extension pipe 42 located at the bottom of the second sorting column 41 is connected to the third pipeline 33. The settings of the plurality of first sorting columns 31 and the plurality of second sorting columns 41 can also play a role in increasing the sample loading amount of test samples. Valves are provided on each second extension pipe 36 and the third extension pipe 33 to control the flow direction and on-off of each pipeline.

[0038] Other settings in this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0039] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical concept and characteristics of the present invention, and their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. It cannot be used to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any equivalent changes or modifications made according to the spirit of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic cell sorting system, comprising a filtering unit, characterized in that: The automatic cell sorting system also includes a buffer unit, a first sorting unit and a collecting unit. The filtering unit is connected to the first sorting unit. A second sorting unit is also arranged between the filtering unit and the first sorting unit. The buffer unit is connected to both the first sorting unit and the collecting unit. The first sorting unit is connected to the collecting unit. The buffer unit includes a first buffer bag and a second buffer bag. A first pipeline is arranged between the first buffer bag and the first sorting unit, and a second pipeline is arranged between the second buffer bag and the collecting unit.

2. The automatic cell sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first sorting unit includes a first sorting column and a peristaltic pump, a third pipeline is arranged between the second sorting unit and the first sorting column, a fourth pipeline is arranged between the first sorting column and the peristaltic pump, and a fifth pipeline is arranged between the peristaltic pump and the third pipeline.

3. The automatic cell sorting system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second sorting unit includes second sorting columns, the number of the first sorting columns is equal to the number of the second sorting columns, and both ends of each of the first sorting columns and the second sorting columns are provided with joint components.

4. The automatic cell sorting system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The collecting unit comprises a first collecting bag, a second collecting bag and a third collecting bag, wherein the first collecting bag is used to collect target cells, the second collecting bag is used to collect waste liquid, and the third collecting bag is used to collect cells other than the target cells.

5. The automatic cell sorting system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first collecting bag is connected to one end of the second pipe away from the second buffer bag, a sixth pipe is arranged between the fifth pipe and the third collecting bag, a seventh pipe is arranged between the second pipe and the sixth pipe, and an eighth pipe is arranged between the seventh pipe and the second collecting bag.

6. The automatic cell sorting system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first pipeline is connected to the second pipeline, one end of the first pipeline away from the first buffer bag is connected to the fifth pipeline, one end of the fifth pipeline is connected to one end of the peristaltic pump, and the other end of the fifth pipeline is connected to the third pipeline.

7. The automatic cell sorting system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second pipeline is provided with a first valve, a second valve, a third valve and a fourth valve in sequence, the first valve is close to the second buffer bag, the first pipeline is provided with a fifth valve, the third pipeline is provided with a sixth valve, the fifth pipeline is provided with a seventh valve, the sixth pipeline is provided with an eighth valve and a ninth valve in sequence, and the eighth pipeline is provided with a tenth valve.

8. The automatic cell sorting system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The filtration unit includes a sample bag and a transfer bag, a first extension tube is arranged between the bottom end of the transfer bag and the second sorting column, and the first extension tube is connected to the second pipeline; the first valve is located between the connection between the first extension tube and the second pipeline and the second buffer bag, the second valve is located between the connection between the first extension tube and the second pipeline and the connection between the first pipeline and the second pipeline, the third valve is located between the connection between the first pipeline and the second pipeline and the connection between the second pipeline and the seventh pipeline, and the fourth valve is located between the connection between the second pipeline and the seventh pipeline and the first collecting bag.

9. The automatic cell sorting system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The fifth valve is located between the connection between the first pipeline and the second pipeline and the connection between the first pipeline and the fifth pipeline, the sixth valve is located between the second sorting column and the connection between the third pipeline and the fifth pipeline, and the seventh valve is located between the connection between the first pipeline and the fifth pipeline and the connection between the fifth pipeline and the sixth pipeline.

10. The automatic cell sorting system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The eighth valve is located between the connection between the fifth and sixth pipes and the connection between the sixth and seventh pipes, the ninth valve is located between the connection between the sixth and seventh pipes and the third collecting bag, and the tenth valve is located between the connection between the seventh and eighth pipes and the second collecting bag.

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