Filter assembly and automatic ultrafiltration device

By designing automated filter components and devices, using electric pipettes to drive the plunger monomer to move in the filter monomer, the automated filtration of biological samples is achieved, and the problem of inefficient manual operation in MALDI-TOF/MS detection is solved, the detection efficiency and stability are improved, and the high-throughput detection needs are met.

CN223144483UActive Publication Date: 2025-07-25HUZHOU PUYUAN BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422296900.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-19
Publication Date
2025-07-25
Estimated Expiration
2034-09-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, the pre-processing of biological samples during MALDI-TOF/MS detection relies on manual operations, resulting in low efficiency, low repetition rate, high error rate and easy contamination of operators, making it difficult to meet the needs of high throughput and high stability detection.

Method used

A filter assembly is designed, including filter monomers and plunger monomers. The plunger monomers are driven to move in the filter monomers through an electric pipette to realize automated filtration operations. The filter membrane selectively penetrates or traps substances in biological samples, and combines the support plate and the bearing container to achieve high-throughput parallel processing.

Benefits of technology

It improves the efficiency and quality of biological sample filtration processing, reduces the exposure risk of operators, meets the high-throughput and high-stability detection needs of MALDI-TOF/MS, and ensures the purity and detection accuracy of the sample.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of biological experiment detection equipment, in particular to a filtering assembly and an automatic ultrafiltration device. The utility model provides a filtering assembly. The filtering assembly comprises a filter single body and a plunger single body, a filter pressing cavity and a flow guide channel are formed in the filter single body, the flow guide channel is communicated with the filter pressing cavity in the axial direction, and a filter membrane is arranged in the filter pressing cavity; one end of the plunger single body in the axial direction is used for connecting an electric pipettor, and the other end is used for being inserted into a filter pressing cavity; the plunger single body can move towards the filter membrane under the action of the electric pipettor and applies pressure to liquid in the filter pressing cavity in the moving process, so that at least part of substances in the filter pressing cavity selectively penetrate through the filter membrane to be eluted and discharged along the flow guide channel. According to the filtering assembly and the automatic ultrafiltration device provided by the utility model, the defects that the efficiency is low, the repetition rate is low, the error rate is high, operators are easy to pollute and the like during manual operation are effectively avoided, so that the high-throughput and high-stability detection requirements of MALDI-TOF / MS are met.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of biological experiment detection equipment, and particularly relates to a filtering component and an automatic ultrafiltration device. Background Art

[0002] The basic principle of using matrix-assisted laser desorption / ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF / MS) to detect and identify biological samples is to mix biological samples with a matrix solution or separately spot them on a sample target plate. Using laser as an energy source to irradiate the sample and the matrix, after volatilization, crystals are formed. The matrix undergoes charge transfer with the sample under the action of the laser, causing the sample molecules to ionize. Under the action of an accelerating electric field, the sample enters a time-of-flight mass spectrometer analyzer for mass analysis.

[0003] Currently, during the MALDI-TOF / MS detection process, the pretreatment of biological samples mainly relies on manual operation, including steps such as sample extraction and filtration. Among them, the ultrafiltration tubes or filters used for manual filtration of biological samples require a large sample volume and a high sample concentration, which greatly limits the application of MALDI-TOF / MS in the detection of trace and low-concentration biological samples. Moreover, in first-line application scenarios such as clinical inspections, when faced with a large number of patient samples, manual filtration has many drawbacks such as low efficiency, low repetition rate, high error rate, and easy contamination of operators, making it difficult to meet the high-throughput and high-stability detection requirements of MALDI-TOF / MS, resulting in the advantages of MALDI-TOF / MS in biological detection and identification not being fully utilized.

[0004] In view of this, the present utility model is specifically proposed. Content of the Utility Model

[0005] The present utility model provides a filtering component and an automatic ultrafiltration device to solve at least one of the above technical problems in the prior art.

[0006] One aspect of the present utility model provides a filtering component, including at least one filter monomer and at least one plunger monomer; the filter monomer is formed with a pressure filtration cavity and a diversion channel, the diversion channel is axially communicated with the pressure filtration cavity, and a filter membrane is arranged in the pressure filtration cavity; one end of the plunger monomer in the axial direction is used to connect an electric pipette, and the other end is used to insert into the pressure filtration cavity; the plunger monomer is arranged to be able to move towards the filter membrane under the action of the electric pipette and apply pressure to the liquid in the pressure filtration cavity during the movement, so that at least part of the substances in the pressure filtration cavity selectively pass through the filter membrane and are discharged along the diversion channel.

[0007] In some embodiments, it further includes a support plate and a receiving container; at least one installation through-hole is formed on the support plate for installing and fixing the filter monomer; the receiving container is provided with at least one receiving groove, and the receiving groove corresponds to the installation through-hole to receive the substances discharged by the filter monomer.

[0008] In some embodiments, the filter monomer includes a first main body portion, a diversion portion and a support portion; the diversion portion protrudes axially from the first main body portion and encloses a diversion channel; the first main body portion encloses a pressure filtration cavity, and a filter membrane is provided at one end of the pressure filtration cavity close to the diversion channel; the support portion protrudes radially from the end of the first main body portion away from the diversion portion along the diversion channel for axially abutting against the installation through-hole.

[0009] In some embodiments, the plunger monomer includes a second main body portion and a sealing ring; one end of the second main body portion is used for connecting an electric pipette, and an installation groove is annularly provided on the outer edge of the other end; the sealing ring is annularly arranged in the installation groove for the plunger monomer to be in interference fit with the inner wall of the pressure filtration cavity during the movement in the pressure filtration cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the receiving container is a porous plate, and a plurality of receiving grooves are provided on the porous plate, and the number of the installation through-holes, the filter monomers and the plunger monomers matches the number of the receiving grooves.

[0011] Another aspect of the present utility model provides an automatic ultrafiltration device, including the filtration assembly and the electric pipette as described above; the electric pipette includes a driving mechanism and a plurality of multi-functional connectors, and the plurality of multi-functional connectors are all connected to the driving mechanism; each multi-functional connector can be axially connected to the corresponding plunger monomer to drive the plunger monomer to move towards the filter membrane in the pressure filtration cavity under the action of the driving mechanism.

[0012] In some embodiments, the multi-functional connector axially includes a driving mechanism installation portion and a multi-functional end connected in sequence; one end of the driving mechanism installation portion away from the multi-functional end is connected to the driving mechanism; one end of the plunger monomer is provided with an installation hole and a buffer cavity, and the installation hole and the buffer cavity are axially communicated; the multi-functional end is configured to be able to axially extend into the installation hole and be in interference fit with the inner wall of the installation hole.

[0013] In some embodiments, the aperture of one end of the installation hole gradually decreases in the direction towards the buffer cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments, the multi-functional end includes a third main body portion, a first support portion and a second support portion; one end of the third main body portion is connected to the driving mechanism installation portion; the first support portion protrudes radially from the other end of the third main body portion, and the second support portion is arranged between the first support portion and the driving mechanism installation portion and protrudes radially from the third main body portion; a unloading groove is also annularly provided on the third main body portion, and the unloading groove is axially arranged between the second support portion and the driving mechanism installation portion for unloading the plunger monomer after the unloading pressing plate is installed.

[0015] In some embodiments, the multi-functional end is also used to load pipette tips.

[0016] In summary, compared with the prior art, the filtration assembly and the automated ultrafiltration device provided by the present utility model have at least the following

[0017] Advantages:

[0018] Through the structural design of the filtration assembly, the filtration assembly includes at least one filter monomer and at least one plunger monomer. The filter monomer is formed with a pressure filtration chamber and a diversion channel. The pressure filtration chamber is used to accommodate liquid, and the diversion channel is axially communicated with the pressure filtration chamber. A filter membrane is arranged inside the pressure filtration chamber; one end of the plunger monomer in the axial direction can be connected to an electric pipette. Driven by the electric pipette, the other end of the plunger monomer can extend into the pressure filtration chamber and move towards the filter membrane. During the movement, the plunger monomer applies pressure to the liquid in the pressure filtration chamber. When the liquid is a biological sample liquid, under the pressure of the plunger monomer, the target substance contained in the biological sample liquid is intercepted by the filter membrane, and the remaining waste liquid passes through the filter membrane and is discharged along the diversion channel. When the liquid is an extraction liquid such as an eluent or a lysis solution, the extraction liquid can elute the target substance intercepted on the filter membrane under the pressure of the plunger monomer, so that the target substance can pass through the filter membrane along the diversion channel with the extraction liquid, and the impurities are still retained on the filter membrane. By adjusting parameters such as the type and pore size of the filter membrane in the filter monomer, it can adapt to biological samples with different properties and concentrations; at the same time, the combined use of multiple filter monomers and plunger monomers can also meet the requirements of high-throughput and parallel processing, further improving the detection efficiency.

[0019] Thus, after the filtration assembly is configured in the automated ultrafiltration device, the filtration process of biological samples can be greatly simplified. Only need to connect the plunger monomer to the electric pipette and start the electric pipette to automatically complete the filtration process, effectively improving the filtration efficiency, avoiding the disadvantages of low efficiency, low repetition rate, high error rate and easy contamination of operators during manual operation, providing high-quality samples for MALDI-TOF / MS detection, meeting the high-throughput and high-stability detection requirements of MALDI-TOF / MS, and giving full play to the advantages of MALDI-TOF / MS in biological detection and identification.

[0020] Other features and advantages of the filtration assembly and the automated ultrafiltration device provided by the present utility model will be further elaborated in the subsequent specific embodiments. Description of the Drawings

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present utility model. For those skilled in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the filter assembly provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the plunger unit and the electric pipette in the assembled state provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the plunger unit inserted into the pressure filtration chamber under the action of the electric pipette provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the automatic ultrafiltration device provided by an embodiment of the utility model.

[0026] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0027] 1000, automatic ultrafiltration device;

[0028] 100, filter assembly;

[0029] 10, filter monomer; R1, pressure filtration chamber; R2, diversion channel; 11, filter membrane; 12, first main body part; 13, diversion part; 14, support part;

[0030] 20, plunger unit; 21, second main body part; 211, mounting hole; 212, buffer chamber; 22, sealing ring;

[0031] 30, support plate; 31, mounting through hole;

[0032] 40, receiving container; 41, receiving groove;

[0033] 200, electric pipette;

[0034] 50, driving mechanism;

[0035] 60, multi-functional connecting piece; 61, driving mechanism mounting part; 62, multi-functional end; 621, third main body part; 622, first support part; 623, second support part; 624, unloading groove. Specific embodiments

[0036] In the description of the present utility model, it should be understood that when descriptions of orientation or positional relationships such as the terms "center", "inner", "outer", "axial direction", "radial direction", "circumferential direction", etc. appear, without special instructions, they are understood to be based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the present utility model.

[0037] In addition, when features defined with "first", "second" are only for descriptive purposes, they should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Features defined with "first", "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the defined features. When descriptions such as "a plurality of" appear, the general meaning is at least including two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0038] In the present utility model, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, when terms such as "installation", "connection", "connection", "fixation", etc. appear, they should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0039] In the description of this specification, when terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples", etc. appear, it means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present utility model. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0040] As described above, in view of the many defects faced by the manual pre-treatment of biological samples in the MALDI-TOF / MS detection process in the prior art, in the embodiment of the present utility model, a filtering assembly 100 is designed. The filtering assembly 100 mainly includes a filter monomer 10 and a plunger monomer 20. The plunger monomer 20 can be adapted to an electric pipette 200 and is pressed into the filter monomer 10 under the drive of the electric pipette 200 to achieve an automated filtering operation. Furthermore, during the pre-treatment process of biological samples, the efficiency of the filtering process is effectively improved, while the quality of biological samples is improved and biological safety is reduced to meet the high-throughput and high-stability detection requirements of MALDI-TOF / MS, so that the advantages of MALDI-TOF / MS in biological detection and identification can be fully exerted.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 1 A sectional view of the filtering assembly 100 provided by the embodiment of the utility model; Figure 2 A sectional view of the plunger monomer 20 and the electric pipette 200 in the assembled state provided by the embodiment of the utility model; Figure 3 A sectional view of the plunger monomer 20 inserted into the pressure filtration chamber R1 under the action of the electric pipette provided by the embodiment of the utility model; Figure 4 An overall structural schematic diagram of the automated ultrafiltration device 1000 provided by the embodiment of the utility model.

[0042] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , a filtering assembly 100 provided by the present utility model includes at least one filter monomer 10 and at least one plunger monomer 20; the filter monomer 10 is formed with a pressure filtration chamber R1 and a diversion channel R2, the diversion channel R2 is axially communicated with the pressure filtration chamber R1, and a filter membrane 11 is arranged in the pressure filtration chamber R1; one end of the plunger monomer 20 in the axial direction is used to connect the electric pipette 200, and the other end is used to insert into the pressure filtration chamber R1; the plunger monomer 20 is arranged to be able to move towards the filter membrane 11 under the action of the electric pipette 200 and apply pressure to the liquid in the pressure filtration chamber R1 during the movement, so that at least part of the substances in the pressure filtration chamber R1 selectively pass through the filter membrane 11 and are eluted and discharged along the diversion channel R2.

[0043] In the embodiment of the present application, both the filter monomer 10 and the plunger monomer 20 are in a columnar structure, at least part of the inner wall of the pressure filtration chamber R1 and the outer wall of the plunger monomer 20 can be in interference fit, the pressure filtration chamber R1 can accommodate liquids such as biological sample liquid or extraction liquid, after one end of the plunger monomer 20 in the axial direction is connected to the electric pipette 200, the other end can insert into the pressure filtration chamber R1 and move towards the diversion channel R2, thereby pressing the liquid in the pressure filtration chamber R1.

[0044] Through the design of the pressure filtration chamber R1 and the filter membrane 11, when the liquid in the pressure filtration chamber R1 is a biological sample liquid, the filter membrane 11 can intercept the target substances in the biological sample liquid and discharge the waste liquid. When the liquid in the pressure filtration chamber R1 is an extraction liquid, the impurities attached to the filter membrane 11 can still be intercepted. At this time, the target substances on the filter membrane 11 can be eluted or lysed and discharged with the extraction liquid.

[0045] Specifically, when the liquid in the pressure filtration chamber R1 is a biological sample liquid, under the pressure generated by the plunger monomer 20, the target substances (such as microbial cells, cells or proteins, etc.) in the biological sample liquid are intercepted by the filter membrane 11, and the remaining waste liquid passes through the filter membrane 11 and is discharged along the diversion channel R2. When the liquid in the pressure filtration chamber R1 is an extraction liquid such as an eluent or a lysis solution, under the pressure generated by the plunger monomer 20, the extraction liquid can fully contact the target substances on the filter membrane. As the plunger monomer 20 is inserted, the target substances on the filter membrane 11 can pass through the filter membrane 11 with the extraction liquid and be eluted and discharged along the diversion channel R2. The impurities on the filter membrane 11, since they do not interact with the extraction liquid, can still be retained in the pressure filtration chamber R1, thus realizing the automated filtration operation in the biological sample pretreatment process.

[0046] It should be noted that the elution in the embodiments of the present application means that an extraction liquid such as an eluent or a lysis solution contacts and acts on the target substances intercepted on the filter membrane 11, so that the target substances can fall off the filter membrane and pass through the filter membrane and be smoothly discharged along the diversion channel R2. In the biological sample pretreatment process of MALDI-TOF / MS, it is necessary to perform a sample extraction operation on the biological sample liquid, that is, to pre-filter the biological sample liquid through the filter membrane 11, so that the target substances such as microbial cells, cells or proteins in the biological sample liquid are intercepted on the filter membrane 11. Subsequently, by adding an extraction liquid (i.e., an eluent or a lysis solution) into the pressure filtration chamber R1, under the action of the plunger monomer 20, the extraction liquid is pressurized and acts on the target substances such as microbial cells, cells or proteins intercepted on the filter membrane 11, so that the target substances can pass through the filter membrane 11 with the extraction liquid and be eluted and discharged, while the impurities are not eluted by the extraction liquid and are still intercepted on the filter membrane 11, thereby improving the sample purity and facilitating the improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio during the subsequent MALDI-TOF / MS mass spectrometry processing, and further ensuring the high-stability detection requirements of MALDI-TOF / MS.

[0047] Reference Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the filtration assembly 100 further includes a support plate 30 and a receiving container 40; at least one mounting through hole 31 is formed on the support plate 30 for mounting and fixing the filter monomer 10; the receiving container 40 is provided with at least one receiving groove 41, and the receiving groove 41 corresponds to the mounting through hole 31 to receive the target substances eluted and discharged from the filter monomer 10.

[0048] In the embodiments of the present application, the main function of the support plate 30 is to provide a stable support platform for installing and fixing the filter monomer 10. A plurality of installation through-holes 31 adapted to the filter monomer 10 are provided on the support plate 30. The filter monomer 10 can be installed in the installation through-holes 31 so that after the plunger monomer 20 is inserted into the pressure filtration cavity R, the filter monomer 10 will not shake and shift during the filtration process, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the filtration assembly 100. The receiving container 40 is designed with a receiving groove 41 to collect and hold the target substance discharged by the filter monomer 10 during the elution process. The target substance is received in the receiving groove 41 as a sample, which can be used for extraction and pipetting after the electric pipette 200 loads the pipette tip.

[0049] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the filter monomer 10 includes a first main body portion 12, a diversion portion 13 and a support portion 14; the diversion portion 13 axially protrudes from the first main body portion 12 and encloses a diversion channel R2; the first main body portion 12 encloses a pressure filtration cavity R1, and a filter membrane 11 is provided at one end of the pressure filtration cavity R1 close to the diversion channel R2; the support portion 14 axially protrudes from the first main body portion 12 away from the diversion portion 13 along the radial direction of the diversion channel R2 for axially abutting against the installation through-hole 31.

[0050] In this embodiment, both the first main body portion 12 and the diversion portion 13 are tubular. The first main body portion 12 encloses a pressure filtration cavity R1, and the diversion portion 13 axially protrudes from the first main body portion 12 and encloses a diversion channel R2. The diversion channel R2 is responsible for guiding the target substance filtered by the filter membrane 11 to a designated collection position, such as the receiving groove 41 of the receiving container 40; the filter membrane 11 is provided at one end of the pressure filtration cavity R1 close to the diversion channel R2 and shields the diversion channel R2 so that impurities will not be directly discharged along the diversion channel R2; the support portion 14 axially protrudes from the surface of the first main body portion 12 away from the diversion portion 13 along the radial direction of the diversion channel R2, and the outer diameter of the support portion 14 is larger than that of the installation through-hole 31, so that the filter monomer 10 can be firmly fixed on the support plate 30 after being installed in the installation through-hole 31, thereby improving the filtration efficiency and quality and ensuring the stability and reliability of the filter monomer 10 during use.

[0051] In order to further enhance the sealing performance and operation stability of the filtration assembly 100, in some embodiments, continue to refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the plunger monomer 20 includes a second main body portion 21 and a sealing ring 22; one end of the second main body portion 21 is used to connect the electric pipette 200, and an installation groove is provided on the outer edge of the other end; the sealing ring 22 is arranged in the installation groove for the plunger monomer 20 to be in interference fit with the inner wall of the pressure filtration cavity R1 during the movement in the pressure filtration cavity R1.

[0052] The second main body portion 21 is the main structure of the plunger unit 20, and its shape and size are determined according to the design of the pressure filtration chamber R1. One end of the second main body portion 21 in the axial direction is used to connect with the electric pipette 200 to achieve power transmission and motion control. The other end of the second main body portion 21 can be designed into shapes such as cylindrical or conical to facilitate insertion and sealing. An installation groove is provided on the outer edge ring at the other end of the second main body portion 21, and the sealing ring 22 is installed in the installation groove. During the process of the other end penetrating into the interior of the pressure filtration chamber R1, the sealing ring 22 adapts to the shape and size of the inner wall of the pressure filtration chamber R1 through appropriate compression and deformation to form a sealing fit, thereby preventing liquid from leaking and escaping towards the direction of the plunger unit 20.

[0053] In this embodiment, the sealing ring 22 can be selected from high molecular materials such as rubber, silica gel, or polytetrafluoroethylene with good elasticity and corrosion resistance to withstand a certain pressure while ensuring the sealing performance.

[0054] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 4 , the receiving container 40 is a multi-well plate, and a plurality of receiving grooves 41 are provided on the multi-well plate. The number of the installation through holes 31, the filter unit 10, and the plunger unit 20 matches the number of the receiving grooves 41.

[0055] As Figure 4 shown, the receiving container 40 is a 96-well plate, the 96-well plate is provided with 96 counterbores (i.e., receiving grooves 41), and the number of the installation through holes 31 on the support plate 30, as well as the number of the filter unit 10 and the plunger unit 20, can all be designed to be 96, and match the 96-well plate, so as to flexibly achieve the automated processing and preparation of 1 to 96 samples to meet the high-throughput detection requirements of MALDI-TOF / MS.

[0056] Referring to Figure 4 shown, another embodiment of the present utility model provides an automated ultrafiltration device 1000, including the filtration assembly 100 and the electric pipette 200 as described above; the electric pipette 200 includes a driving mechanism 50 and a plurality of multi-functional connectors 60, and the plurality of multi-functional connectors 60 are all connected to the driving mechanism 50; each multi-functional connector 60 can be axially connected with the corresponding plunger unit 20 to drive the plunger unit 20 to move towards the filter membrane 11 in the pressure filtration chamber R1 under the action of the driving mechanism 50.

[0057] It can be understood that the automated ultrafiltration device 1000 in this embodiment includes the filtration assembly 100 and the electric pipette 200 in the above embodiment. The electric pipette 200 is the power source and control center of the automated ultrafiltration device 1000. The electric pipette 200 generates power through the built-in driving mechanism 50 and transmits the power to the plunger unit 20 through a plurality of multi-functional connectors 60, thereby driving them to move in the pressure filtration chamber R1 to achieve the filtration operation.

[0058] It should be noted that the driving mechanism 50 in this embodiment may be a motor, a cylinder, or other devices capable of providing linear or rotational motion, which outputs corresponding power according to the control signal to drive the multi-functional connecting member 60 and the plunger unit 20 to move.

[0059] In addition, the number of the multi-functional connecting members 60 in this embodiment matches the number of the plunger units 20. A plurality of multi-functional connecting members 60 are all connected to the driving mechanism 50, and each multi-functional connecting member 60 can be axially connected to the corresponding plunger unit 20 to drive the plunger unit 20 to move towards the filter membrane 11 in the pressure filtration chamber R1 under the action of the driving mechanism 50.

[0060] Thus, compared with the traditional manual filtration operation, the automated ultrafiltration device 1000 provided in this embodiment can significantly accelerate the filtration speed through automated operation. The electric pipette 200 can accurately control the movement speed and position of the plunger unit 20, thereby improving the filtration accuracy and stability and avoiding the influence of human factors on the sample filtration effect; moreover, when the biological sample has pathogenic microorganisms with spores or capsules, the automated ultrafiltration device 1000 can reduce the exposure risk of the operator and improve the biological safety.

[0061] In some embodiments, the multi-functional connecting member 60 of the electric pipette 200 axially includes a driving mechanism mounting portion 61 and a multi-functional end 62 connected in sequence; one end of the driving mechanism mounting portion 61 away from the multi-functional end 62 is connected to the driving mechanism 50; one end of the plunger unit 20 is provided with a mounting hole 211 and a buffer cavity 212, and the mounting hole 211 and the buffer cavity 212 communicate axially; the multi-functional end 62 is arranged to be able to axially extend into the mounting hole 211 and is in interference fit with the inner wall of the mounting hole 211.

[0062] In the embodiment of the present application, the multi-functional connecting member 60 is columnar. The top of the multi-functional connecting member 60 is designed with a driving mechanism mounting portion 61 to connect the driving mechanism 50, and the bottom of the multi-functional connecting member 60 is a multi-functional end 62 for fixing the plunger unit 20 or the pipette tip; the plunger unit 20 is designed to be adapted to the multi-functional end 62 of the multi-functional connecting member 60. An axially communicating mounting hole 211 and a buffer cavity 212 are provided at the top end of the plunger unit 20. The mounting hole 211 is the part for the multi-functional end 62 to extend into and cooperate with it. The size and shape of the mounting hole 211 match those of the multi-functional end 62 to ensure that the two can be closely fitted and transmit power.

[0063] The buffer chamber 212 is located below the mounting hole 211 and is used to buffer the compressed gas generated after the multi-functional connector 60 is inserted into the mounting hole 211. After the multi-functional connector 60 is inserted into the mounting hole 211, it is in interference fit with the inner wall of the mounting hole 211, and the gas in the buffer chamber 212 is compressed. When the plunger unit 20 adopts an elastic member, the plunger unit 20 can release stress radially to improve the tight fit degree between the outer wall of the plunger unit 20 and the inner wall of the pressure filtration chamber R1. Moreover, when the multi-functional connector 60 is removed from the mounting hole 211, the compressed gas in the buffer chamber 212 can provide a unloading force for the multi-functional connector 60, making it easier to disassemble and separate the multi-functional connector 60 from the plunger unit 20.

[0064] In some embodiments, the inner wall of the mounting hole 211 is surface-treated, such as roughening or coating with a sealing material, to enhance the friction and sealing performance with the multi-functional end 62.

[0065] In some embodiments, the aperture of the mounting hole 211 gradually decreases at one end in the direction towards the buffer chamber 212, such as Figures 1 to 3 shown, the cross-section of the mounting hole 211 along the axial direction is trapezoidal. As the aperture gradually decreases, the contact area between the mounting hole 211 and the multi-functional end 62 of the multi-functional connector 60 gradually increases. When the multi-functional end 62 extends into the mounting hole 211, due to the tapered aperture design, the fit between the two will be tighter, thereby enhancing the sealing performance and connection stability.

[0066] In some embodiments, the multi-functional end 62 includes a third main body portion 621, a first support portion 622 and a second support portion 623; one end of the third main body portion 621 is connected to the drive mechanism mounting portion 61; the first support portion 622 protrudes radially from the other end of the third main body portion 621, and the second support portion 623 is disposed between the first support portion 622 and the drive mechanism mounting portion 61 and protrudes radially from the third main body portion 621; a unloading groove 624 is also provided annularly on the third main body portion 621, and the unloading groove 624 is axially disposed between the second support portion 623 and the drive mechanism mounting portion 61 for unloading the plunger unit 20 after the unloading pressing plate is installed.

[0067] The multifunctional terminal 62 in this embodiment has the function of loading the pipetting head and the plunger monomer 20 at the same time. The multifunctional terminal 62 includes a third main body portion 621, a first support portion 622 and a second support portion 623. The third main body portion 621 is the main part of the multifunctional terminal 62, and its top end is connected to the drive mechanism mounting portion 61, and is responsible for transmitting the power generated by the drive mechanism 50 to the multifunctional terminal 62. The first support portion 622 radially protrudes from the other end of the third main body portion 621, that is, the end in contact with the plunger monomer 20. The second support portion 623 is arranged between the first support portion 622 and the drive mechanism mounting portion 61, and radially protrudes from the third main body portion 621. The design of the first support portion 622 and the second support portion 623 can play a supporting and positioning role, ensuring that the multifunctional terminal 62 can accurately extend into the mounting hole 211 and form a stable fit with the inner wall of the mounting hole 211.

[0068] It should be noted that a unloading groove 624 is also provided in an annular manner on the third main body portion 621, and the unloading groove 624 is axially arranged between the second support portion 623 and the drive mechanism mounting portion 61. The main function of the unloading groove 624 is to unload the plunger monomer 20 after the unloading pressure plate is installed. When the plunger monomer 20 needs to be replaced, the unloading pressure plate can be axially pressed against the top of the plunger monomer 20. The unloading pressure plate can apply downward pressure to the plunger monomer 20, thereby making it easy to remove the plunger monomer 20 from the multi-functional terminal 62.

[0069] In some embodiments, the multifunctional end 62 is also used to load a pipette head. For example, the plunger monomer 20 is pressed into the filter pressure chamber R1 of the filter monomer 10 at a suitable speed under the action of the multifunctional end 62 to generate pressure to prompt the extract to elute the microorganisms, cells, and proteins trapped on the filter membrane 11 along the guide channel R2 at the bottom of the filter monomer 10 to the receiving container 40. At this time, the multifunctional end 62 unloads the plunger monomer 20 and loads the pipette head to draw a trace amount (0.5 to 2 microliters) of the sample to be tested from the receiving container 40 and drip it onto the mass spectrometry target plate, which can then be sent to MALDI-TOF / MS for identification. The entire process does not require human intervention.

[0070] In some embodiments, the multifunctional connector 60 may be designed as a hollow structure so that the electric pipette 200 can be adapted to fit the pipette head for aspiration and discharge of liquids.

[0071] In summary, after the filtration assembly 100 provided by the embodiment of the present utility model is configured behind the automated ultrafiltration device 1000, the filtration process of biological samples can be greatly simplified. Only after connecting the plunger monomer 20 to the electric pipette 200 and starting the electric pipette 200, the filtration process can be automatically completed, giving full play to the combined advantages of the automated technology and the ultrafiltration vessel, achieving stable, safe and high-speed sample pretreatment and preparation, and making up for the defects of MALDI-TOF / MS in the entire biological detection and identification experimental link.

[0072] Although the embodiments of the present utility model have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A filtering component (100), characterized in that, Comprising at least one filter monomer (10) and at least one plunger monomer (20); The filter monomer (10) is formed with a pressure filtration chamber (R1) and a diversion channel (R2), the diversion channel (R2) is axially communicated with the pressure filtration chamber (R1), and a filter membrane (11) is arranged in the pressure filtration chamber (R1); One end of the plunger monomer (20) in the axial direction is used to connect an electric pipette (200), and the other end is used to insert into the pressure filtration chamber (R1); The plunger monomer (20) is arranged to be able to move towards the filter membrane (11) under the action of the electric pipette (200), and apply pressure to the liquid in the pressure filtration chamber (R1) during the movement, so that at least part of the substances in the pressure filtration chamber (R1) selectively pass through the filter membrane (11) and are discharged along the diversion channel (R2).

2. The filter assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further comprises a support plate (30) and a receiving container (40); At least one mounting through hole (31) is formed on the support plate (30) for mounting and fixing the filter monomer (10); The receiving container (40) is provided with at least one receiving groove (41), and the receiving groove (41) corresponds to the mounting through hole (31) to receive the substances discharged from the filter monomer (10).

3. The filter assembly (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The filter monomer (10) comprises a first main body part (12), a diversion part (13) and a support part (14); The diversion part (13) axially protrudes from the first main body part (12) and encloses the diversion channel (R2); The first main body part (12) encloses the pressure filtration chamber (R1), and the filter membrane (11) is arranged at one end of the pressure filtration chamber (R1) close to the diversion channel (R2); The support part (14) radially protrudes from the end of the first main body part (12) far from the diversion part (13) along the radial direction of the diversion channel (R2) and is used for axially abutting against the mounting through hole (31).

4. The filtering component (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plunger monomer (20) comprises a second main body part (21) and a sealing ring (22); One end of the second main body part (21) is used to connect the electric pipette (200), and an installation groove is annularly arranged on the outer edge of the other end; The sealing ring (22) is annularly arranged in the installation groove for the plunger monomer (20) to be in interference fit with the inner wall of the pressure filtration chamber (R1) during the movement in the pressure filtration chamber (R1).

5. The filtering component (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The receiving container (40) is a porous plate, a plurality of receiving grooves (41) are arranged on the porous plate, and the number of the mounting through holes (31), the filter monomer (10) and the plunger monomer (20) matches the number of the receiving grooves (41).

6. An automated ultrafiltration device (1000), characterized in that, Comprising the filtering assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and an electric pipette (200); The electric pipette (200) comprises a driving mechanism (50) and a plurality of multi-functional connectors (60), and the plurality of multi-functional connectors (60) are all connected to the driving mechanism (50); Each of the multi-functional connectors (60) can be axially connected to the corresponding plunger unit (20) to drive the plunger unit (20) to move towards the filter membrane (11) in the pressure filtration chamber (R1) under the action of the driving mechanism (50).

7. The automated ultrafiltration device (1000) according to claim 6, wherein, The multi-functional connector (60) axially includes a driving mechanism mounting portion (61) and a multi-functional end head (62) connected in sequence; One end of the driving mechanism mounting portion (61) away from the multi-functional end head (62) is connected to the driving mechanism (50); One end of the plunger unit (20) is provided with a mounting hole (211) and a buffer chamber (212), and the mounting hole (211) is axially communicated with the buffer chamber (212); The multi-functional end head (62) is arranged to be able to axially extend into the mounting hole (211) and be in interference fit with the inner wall of the mounting hole (211).

8. The automated ultrafiltration device (1000) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The aperture of one end of the mounting hole (211) gradually decreases in the direction towards the buffer chamber (212).

9. The automated ultrafiltration device (1000) according to claim 7, wherein The multi-functional end head (62) includes a third main body portion (621), a first support portion (622) and a second support portion (623); One end of the third main body portion (621) is connected to the driving mechanism mounting portion (61); The first support portion (622) radially protrudes from the other end of the third main body portion (621), and the second support portion (623) is arranged between the first support portion (622) and the driving mechanism mounting portion (61) and radially protrudes from the third main body portion (621); An unloading groove (624) is also annularly provided on the third main body portion (621), and the unloading groove (624) is axially arranged between the second support portion (623) and the driving mechanism mounting portion (61) for unloading the plunger unit (20) after the unloading pressing plate is installed.

10. The automated ultrafiltration device (1000) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The multi-functional end head (62) is also used for loading a pipette tip.