Cell culture unit and cell culture plate comprising same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cell culture unit and a cell culture plate comprising the cell culture unit, which belong to the field of cell culture and comprise culture tubes and caps arranged on the culture tubes. The outer part of the open end of the culture tube is sleeved with a positioning ring clamped with the cap, and an observation hole is formed in the central area of the cap. According to the cell culture unit and the cell culture plate containing the cell culture unit, the cell culture unit adopts a modular design, so that each culture unit can be independently subjected to sampling inspection and replacement, the sampling inspection cost is reduced, and the design that the observation hole is matched with the micron-sized pore membrane allows a user to observe the cell growth condition without opening the cap, so that the cell culture efficiency is improved. The risk of pollution is reduced, due to the design of the cell culture plate, especially the arrangement of the shading cover and the ventilation holes, the optimal growth environment is provided for cell types sensitive to light, and meanwhile gas exchange and dust prevention are ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of cell culture, in particular to a cell culture unit and a cell culture plate containing the same. Background Art

[0002] Cell culture is a crucial branch of biology and medicine. It involves the growth, proliferation, and differentiation of cells in vitro under controlled conditions that mimic the in vivo environment. This field is crucial for basic scientific research, drug development, disease modeling, genetic engineering, and regenerative medicine.

[0003] Chinese utility model patent publication number CN215162563U discloses a cell culture unit and a cell culture plate containing the same. The cell culture unit performs cell culture through an integrated multi-chamber culture medium, thereby enabling batch operations and is therefore suitable for large-scale industrial-grade cell culture. However, due to the integrated multi-chamber design, it is impossible to individually detect the cell culture conditions in a single chamber during random inspections. During operation, the entire upper cover needs to be opened, exposing the remaining culture chambers to the air, which poses a risk of contamination, easily wastes time and manpower to re-perform cell culture operations, and increases random inspection costs.

[0004] Therefore, a cell culture unit and a cell culture plate containing the same are provided to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] (1) Technical problems solved

[0006] The utility model provides a cell culture unit and a cell culture plate containing the same, aiming to solve the problem in the background art that the existing cell culture unit and cell culture plate have hidden dangers in random inspections due to their integrated design, which leads to increased random inspection costs.

[0007] (2) Technical solution

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a cell culture unit, comprising a culture tube and a cap arranged on the culture tube.

[0009] In order to avoid the inconvenience of random inspection caused by the integrated structure, a positioning ring is sleeved on the outside of the open end of the culture tube and is engaged with the cap, and an observation hole is opened in the central area of the cap.

[0010] The outer edge of the opening of the culture tube has an overlapping flange, the inner side of the end of the positioning ring close to the overlapping flange has an inner overlapping surface for supporting the overlapping flange, the inner side of the cap has an inner convexity that presses against the open end of the culture tube, and a micron-sized stomata membrane is clamped between the cap and the positioning ring; the cell culture unit adopts a modular design, so that each culture unit can be independently inspected and replaced, thereby reducing the inspection cost, the micron-sized stomata membrane ensures the sterility of the culture environment, and allows gas exchange, which is beneficial to cell growth. The design of the observation hole allows the user to observe the cell growth without opening the cap, reducing the risk of contamination.

[0011] Preferably, in order to prevent the cap from being lost easily, the positioning ring is hinged to the cap.

[0012] Preferably, in order to make it easy to lock and unlock the positioning ring and the cap, the positioning ring has a convex ring at one end close to the overlapping flange, and the inner edge of the cap close to the culture tube has a snap ring for buckling with the convex ring; the snap ring and the positioning ring are more convenient to lock and unlock through the snap connection between the convex ring and the snap ring.

[0013] Preferably, in order to improve the sealing performance of the cap to the opening of the culture tube, a side of the inner convex portion close to the culture tube has a pressure pad.

[0014] Preferably, in order to facilitate the installation of the culture unit on the cell culture plate, the outer wall of the end of the positioning ring away from the overlapping flange has a groove for installation on the cell culture plate.

[0015] Preferably, in order to achieve automatic cutting when laminating the opening of the culture tube, a circular knife is provided on the side of the inner convexity close to the pressure pad, and a groove is provided on the overlapping flange at a position corresponding to the circular knife; after laminating the opening of the culture tube, the pore membrane is cut by squeezing the groove by the circular knife while covering the cap, which can simplify the laminating operation.

[0016] A cell culture plate comprises the above-mentioned cell culture unit.

[0017] Preferably, in order to conveniently provide a light-free environment and fix the cell culture unit, the cell culture plate includes a base, a plurality of placement grooves distributed in a rectangular array on the base, a limiting ring fixed on the base at a position corresponding to the placement groove and used to engage with the card slot to lock the positioning ring on the base, and a light-shielding cover connected to the base; the design of the light-shielding cover provides a stable, light-free environment for the cell culture unit, which is crucial for some cell types that are sensitive to light, and can ensure that cells grow and reproduce under optimal conditions. Through the card connection mechanism of the limiting ring and the card slot, the cell culture unit can be firmly locked on the base, and the locking mechanism of the limiting ring and the card slot makes it very simple and quick to replace or adjust the cell culture unit. The base can be produced using the commonly used well plate molds on the market. Only a set of positioning ring and cap molds need to be customized for mass production, and the production cost is low. In addition, the parts of the cell culture unit can be replaced individually during maintenance, which has lower maintenance costs.

[0018] Preferably, in order to facilitate ventilation of the cell culture plate and ensure the oxygen demand of cell culture, ventilation holes are opened on the side of the light-shielding cover.

[0019] Preferably, in order to improve the sealing performance of the cell culture plate, the base is provided with a card frame that matches the light-shielding cover.

[0020] (3) Beneficial effects

[0021] The cell culture unit and the cell culture plate containing the same adopt a modular design, so that each culture unit can be independently inspected and replaced, thereby reducing the inspection cost. The design of the observation hole combined with the micron-level pore membrane allows the user to observe the cell growth without opening the cap, reducing the risk of contamination. The design of the cell culture plate, especially the configuration of the light-shielding cover and the air holes, provides an optimal growth environment for light-sensitive cell types while ensuring gas exchange and dust prevention.

[0022] The cell culture unit and the cell culture plate containing the same can be produced using commonly used well plate molds on the market. Only a set of positioning ring and cap molds need to be customized for mass production, which has low production costs. In addition, the parts of the cell culture unit can be replaced individually during maintenance, which further reduces maintenance costs.

[0023] The cell culture unit and the cell culture plate containing the same have a ring knife and a cutting groove design that simplifies the film covering operation, and the pore film is automatically cut off during the capping process, thereby improving the convenience and efficiency of the operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of a cell culture unit and a cell culture plate containing the same;

[0025] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of a cell culture unit;

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of a cell culture unit;

[0027] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure of a cell culture plate;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure enlarged at point A

[0029] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of a cell culture unit cut off from the side

[0030] Figure 7 for Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure enlarged at point B.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] 1. Culture tube; 11. Overlap flange; 12. Groove;

[0033] 2. Positioning ring; 21. Raised ring; 22. Slot; 23. Inner surface;

[0034] 3. Cap; 31. Observation hole; 311. Ring cutter; 32. Snap ring; 33. Inner convex; 331. Pressure pad;

[0035] 4. Base; 41. Mounting groove; 42. Limiting ring; 43. Card frame; 5. Light shielding cover; 51. Ventilation hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] See also Figure 1-Figure 7 The utility model provides a technical solution: a cell culture unit, comprising a culture tube 1 and a cap 3 arranged on the culture tube 1.

[0039] A positioning ring 2 is sleeved on the outside of the open end of the culture tube 1 and is engaged with the cap 3 . An observation hole 31 is opened in the central area of the cap 3 .

[0040] The outer edge of the opening of the culture tube 1 has an overlapping flange 11, and the inner side of the end of the positioning ring 2 close to the overlapping flange 11 has an inner overlapping surface 23 for supporting the overlapping flange 11. The inner side of the cap 3 has an inner bulge 33 that presses against the open end of the culture tube 1, and a micron-level pore membrane is clamped between the cap 3 and the positioning ring 2.

[0041] During use, the user places the cell culture medium and cells into the culture tube 1, and then clamps the cap 3 onto the culture tube 1 through the positioning ring 2. The positioning ring 2 and the cap 3 are fixed by clamping to ensure that the cap 3 can tightly seal the culture tube 1. At this time, the inner convexity 33 of the cap 3 presses against the overlapping flange 11 of the culture tube 1, thereby clamping the micron-sized pore membrane to form a seal on the opening of the culture tube 1. An observation hole 31 is provided in the central area of the cap 3. The micron-sized pore membrane between the cap 3 and the positioning ring 2 allows gas exchange while preventing the entry of microorganisms and dust. The user can observe the cell growth through the observation hole 31 without opening the cap 3, reducing the risk of contamination.

[0042] Furthermore, the positioning ring 2 is hinged to the cap 3, thereby connecting the cap 3 to the positioning ring 2, which is not easy to lose and avoids cross contamination caused by serial use.

[0043] Specifically, the positioning ring 2 has a convex ring 21 at one end close to the overlapping flange 11, and the inner edge of the end of the cap 3 close to the culture tube 1 has a snap ring 32 for snapping with the convex ring 21; the user places the cap 3 on the culture tube 1 so that it is opposite to the positioning ring 2. As the cap 3 moves toward the culture tube 1, the snap ring 32 will gradually approach the convex ring 21. When the snap ring 32 contacts the convex ring 21, due to the elasticity of the snap ring 32, it will smoothly slide over the convex ring 21 and snap with it. At this time, the cap 3 is firmly locked on the positioning ring 2, thereby tightly closing the opening of the culture tube 1.

[0044] Furthermore, the inner convexity 33 has a pressure pad 331 on one side close to the culture tube 1; when the cap 3 is covered on the positioning ring 2, the pressure pad 331 provides a part of the reaction force to make the convex ring 21 and the clamping ring 32 stick together and not easy to loosen. At the same time, the pressure pad 331 also squeezes the pore membrane at the open end of the culture tube 1 more tightly, which helps to seal it.

[0045] A cell culture plate comprises a base 4, a plurality of placement grooves 41 arranged in a rectangular array on the base 4, a limiting ring 42 fixed at positions corresponding to the placement grooves 41 on the base 4 for locking a positioning ring 2 on the base 4, and a light shielding cover 5 covering the base 4, wherein a ventilation hole 51 is provided on the side of the light shielding cover 5; when the cell culture unit is installed on the cell culture plate, the positioning ring 2 together with the culture tube 1 is inserted into the placement groove 41 of the base 4, and the positioning ring 2 is locked by the limiting ring 42. When the cell culture units are installed one by one, the light shielding cover 5 is covered to prevent light exposure, which is crucial for some cell types that are sensitive to light and can ensure that the cells grow and reproduce under optimal conditions. At the same time, the ventilation holes 51 provided on the side of the light shielding cover 5 can ensure gas exchange in the light shielding cover 5, reduce dust falling from above, and ensure the oxygen demand of the cells in the culture tube 1.

[0046] Furthermore, the base 4 has a card frame 43 that matches the light shielding cover 5; when the light shielding cover 5 is covered, it fits with the card frame 43 to form a seal, which is beneficial to prevent dust from entering.

[0047] Among them, the outer wall of the end of the positioning ring 2 away from the overlapping flange 11 has a slot 22 for installation on the cell culture plate; through the clamping mechanism of the limiting ring 42 and the slot 22, the cell culture unit can be firmly locked on the base 4, and the locking mechanism of the limiting ring 42 and the slot 22 makes it very simple and quick to replace or adjust the cell culture unit. The base can be produced using the orifice plate mold commonly used in the market. Only a set of positioning ring and cap molds need to be customized for mass production, and the production cost is low. In addition, the parts of the cell culture unit can be replaced separately during maintenance, which reduces the maintenance cost.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] Different from Example 1, the side of the inner convexity 33 close to the pressure pad 331 is provided with a ring knife 311, and the position of the overlapping flange 11 corresponding to the ring knife 311 is provided with a groove 12; when the user is ready to close the culture tube 1, the micron-level stomata membrane will be laid at the opening of the culture tube 1 first to ensure that the stomata membrane covers the opening, and then it is used to tighten the cap 3. During the tightening process, the inner convexity 33 will gradually approach and press against the open end of the culture tube 1, and at the same time the pressure pad 331 will press the stomata membrane to ensure that the stomata membrane is tightly fitted to the open end of the culture tube 1. As the tightening continues, the ring knife 311 will begin to contact the stomata membrane. Due to the presence of the groove 12, the ring knife 311 can smoothly cut through the stomata membrane to achieve automatic cutting. The stomata membrane is cut by squeezing the groove 12 by the ring knife 311, which can simplify the film covering operation.

[0050] The above is only a preferred specific implementation method of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to this. Any technician familiar with the technical field within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention can make equivalent replacements or changes based on the technical solution and utility model concept of the present invention, which should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cell culture unit comprising a culture tube (1) and a cap (3) arranged on the culture tube (1), characterized in that: The open end of the culture tube (1) is provided with a positioning ring (2) that is engaged with the cap (3), and an observation hole (31) is provided in the central area of the cap (3); The outer edge of the opening of the culture tube (1) has an overlapping flange (11), the inner side of the end of the positioning ring (2) close to the overlapping flange (11) has an inner overlapping surface (23) for supporting the overlapping flange (11), the inner side of the cap (3) has an inner convexity (33) pressed against the open end of the culture tube (1), a micron-level pore membrane is clamped between the cap (3) and the positioning ring (2), and the outer wall of the end of the positioning ring (2) away from the overlapping flange (11) has a slot (22) for mounting on a cell culture plate.

2. A cell culture unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning ring (2) is hinged to the cap (3).

3. A cell culture unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The positioning ring (2) has a convex ring (21) at one end close to the overlapping flange (11), and the cap (3) has a snap ring (32) on the inner edge of one end close to the culture tube (1) for buckling with the convex ring (21).

4. A cell culture unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: A side of the inner convex portion (33) close to the culture tube (1) is provided with a pressure pad (331).

5. A cell culture unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: A ring cutter (311) is provided on one side of the inner convex portion (33) close to the pressure pad (331), and a cutting groove (12) is provided on the overlapping flange (11) at a position corresponding to the ring cutter (311).

6. A cell culture plate, characterized in that: The cell culture unit comprises the cell culture unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A cell culture plate according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cell culture plate comprises a base (4), a plurality of placement grooves (41) arranged on the base (4) and distributed in a rectangular array, a limiting ring (42) fixed on the base (4) at a position corresponding to the placement groove (41) and used for engaging with the clamping groove (22) to lock the positioning ring (2) on the base (4), and a light shielding cover (5) covering the base (4).

8. A cell culture plate according to claim 7, characterized in that: A ventilation hole (51) is provided on the side of the light shielding cover (5).

9. A cell culture plate according to claim 8, characterized in that: The base (4) is provided with a card frame (43) that matches the light shielding cover (5).

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